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Cypress Gardens Another Victim Of End Times

November 26, 2008 at 4:30 PM | 2 Comments

One of the country’s oldest theme parks, Cypress Gardens, is closing yet again. Park owners say they want to refocus on the things that initially made the park popular, like water ski shows. As of now, it's scheduled to reopen in March.

The last time the park rebooted they added a zoo, roller coasters and other amusement rides. They’re now no more. The botanical gardens within the park will operate along side the water-skiers--the same entertainment that kept the park functional and successful for years.

Sitting between Orlando and Tampa the park was definitely hit hard by the economic slump, as well as high gas prices. More than 200 workers at the park will be let go until the reopening; no word if they’ll be guaranteed a new job when things get rolling again in 2009.

Related Stories:
· Cypress Gardens Closing Again [Orlando Sentinel]
· Cypress Gardens [Official Site]
· Theme Parks coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of better times: Jim Moore]

Where: Winter Haven, FL, United States

: / / /

Author Photo: kjb by kjb

2 Comments

Return to » Cypress Gardens Another Victim Of End Times

  1. NathanMidgley

    Jaunted Member
    November 28, 2008 at 11:58 AM




    Problem solved

    If there's one thing people won't cut back on during a recession, it's the life-affirming thrill of a water-ski show.

  1. Todd

    Jaunted Contributing Editor
    November 29, 2008 at 9:53 AM




    nothing is forever (except water-ski shows)

    A very long time ago (like, the 90's), I worked a summer job for HBJ and then Anheuser Busch at Sea World of Ohio. Cypress Gardens was part of the theme park division, and was always sort of the red headed stepchild, even then. The park featured manicured gardens, Antebellum era southern belles walking around with parasols and the requisite water-ski show. The only people I knew who would pay to see that stuff are all, well, deceased. Also, the park where I worked for six summers? It's gone now, too. They pulled the plug, drained the saltwater and shipped the whales, dolphins, seals and water-skiers to the other three Sea World parks.

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