The Closed History Of Cypress Gardens - Florida's First Theme Park | Expedition Extinct

Join the Expedition as we take a stop on Expedition Extinct at Florida's First Theme Park Cypress Gardens, now known as Legoland Florida.
Explore the rich history of the park and its founder Richard Pope Sr, who has had influences all over the Florida tourism scene including the 1964/65 worlds fair with Walt Disney.
Walt Disney World had a huge impact on the park over its lifetime and it could be said that it runs the other way around also.
Special thank you to Paul Gerrish for uploading the scans of most of the videos used. Check out more videos on Cypress Gardens on his channel at / @paulgerrish362
Be sure to join us next time on Expedition Extinct and if you enjoyed this video please do like and subscribe.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

CORRECTION: Cypress Gardens is located in Winter Haven, not Winter Gardens. Too many Gardens on the mind and i even say Haven later. Sorry!

[@vr6swp]

Easy mistake. Lot of towns in FL have similar names. Lot of them look alike, too.

[@buccXA]

Expedition Theme Park that's ok. I knew what you meant

[@modestheliolisk]

vr6swp Lots of Palms, Beaches, and Gardens.

[@Catthew_R]

As someone who lives in winter garden, i was confused for a second

[@MrGrombie]

I'm just happy I am not crazy. Lol

[@GregsVlog]

As a Winter Haven resident, one of my passions is to make sure no one forgets the importance of Cypress Gardens. I was so upset when it was purchased from Kent Beuscher and a new owner commented "I didn't buy Cypress Gardens, I bought the LAND under it." Meaning, they were going to turn the property into condos. Thankfully a group called the Friends of Cypress Gardens lobbied the state to purchase the historical parts of the park. That means that any owner of the property MUST maintain the Gardens and cannot alter it (which is why it's still there along with the Ski Show Stadiums and Snivley Mansion.) Legoland is doing a good job taking care of the Gardens and keeping it open (although I wish they'd take better care of the Florida Pool.) Next time you're in Florida, make the trip. Even though it has a Lego makeover, the heart of the park is still there.

[@MichaelRei99]

I always made time to go to Cypress Gardens whenever I went to Disney! It was such a great place I always looked forward to going! Next time down I’m going to have to go to LEGOLand but I’m only interested in the gardens!

[@tigerlilly522ify]

Legoland makes so much money. You think that they would be able to keep the canals and pool better maintained. Sounds like the citizens of Winter garden may need to complain and start a petition or something!

[@RuminatingWizard]

@@tigerlilly522ify How much money do they make? Is it profit or sales? Important distinctions.

[@RuminatingWizard]

I'm 58 years old. Cypress Gardens was my first trip to an actual park. My grandparents brought us. I must have been maybe 8? I still have those old pics. Brings back memories even now.

[@Viking_Luchador]

Never went, but my Dad told me all about it

[@StephanyS1982]

Great memories! I was a Southern Belle at Cypress Gardens. :)

[@monkeyboy4746]

Sitting on the AC.

[@faithrada]

Loved those 'Southern Belles' ... even with air conditioned hoop skirts though... dont know HOW you gals managed that intense sun. Fond memories of those beautiful gardens.

[@shirleymcbride6280]

Do you remember Bobbie Pearson she too was a bella there.

[@Dr.Pepper001]

I went to Cypress Gardens often when I lived in Florida. I thought I had seen beautiful women, but the most beautiful I have seen to this day were the Southern Belles I saw at the Gardens.

[@elderlypoodle9181]

Stephany Schmitt Oh!!!! We took a trip there in the 60s! For Christmas that year I got the View Master slide . I was so mesmerized by the dresses and their pastel colors 🥰

[@denisebrown6937]

I got married at the gazebo two weeks before it closed in 2003. . It was so beautiful!

[@FireLeyNyx]

I went to Cypress Gardens as a kid. I always loved the southern bells. I even worked there when it was still Cypress Gardens and I work there now that Its Legoland. I'm very thankful that Merlin entertainment purchased the park because they have preserved Florida's oldest theme park for future generations.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Agreed, If it wasnt for them it would of been lost i believe so its great some of the aspects can still be appreciated!

[@itubeutubewealltube1]

thankful??.. LOL.. its a corporation only in this for profit! ..lol.. Once they are not satisfying the stock holders and billionaires it will be gone like Thanos's snap... POOF! no more....

[@kyoyameganebereznoff]

Ed So Merlin is actually a pretty good company to work for. It’s also cool to know that almost every single one of their Sea Life aquariums in the US is AZA accredited.

[@itubeutubewealltube1]

@@kyoyameganebereznoff Sears was a great company to work for to.... right?... heard it all before buddy... a million times over. Get your head out of your ^ss

[@play4keepz1]

Ed Merlin is the second biggest theme park industry it’s going to be fine

[@carolfrazer8067]

I have been to Cypress Gardens. We lived in Winter Haven when I was in 4th grade. 1965-1966. Another feature of the park that wasn't talked about was the Glass-Bottom boats. That was really neat.

[@mielvanvelzen5967]

I love how legoland honors the history. Its not something you’d quickly see a big corporation do.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yeah it is lucky even a part of this exists still

[@djmaster1995]

@Jeff Webb LEGOLAND is not owned by LEGO. It is owned by Merlin Entertainments Plc from the UK. I guess your idiotic idea that America hates history more the the Dutch might still apply as you'll just say America hates history more than UK (their former overlords).

[@MrJelsings]

Yep, I was there, 1977 photo with a "belle"

[@philmcdonald7956]

Visited Cypress Gardens 4 times, twice in the nineties, once in the noughties and once in it's Legoland format 4 years ago. It was beautiful and charming in it's earlier format. My Mother who went with us was particularly captivated. I particularly enjoyed the eye in the sky, galloper caroussel, small museum of TV and Radio as well as the water displays, boat rides and of course the superb gardens and Southern Belles. On one occasion there was even a Russian Circus which was fun. I was most upset to see what has become of the park in it's Legoland format, it is now tawdry and second rate, apart from the gardens of course, which retain their charm. I'm glad my mother didn't get to see what has become of the park.

[@savvycrafter8518]

I remember cypress gaerdens as a child... was absolutely awesome.... peaceful and pleasant experience in the 60’s

[@Anita4RDH]

I was born in 1942, and after the War, my parents visited Florida often! Cypress Gardens was always on the itinerary!! Fond memories!

[@cincycowboypete]

My family took me and my sister to Miami Beach in the mid 50's every year. We stopped there many times and always enjoyed it. I glad they kept parts of it alive

[@BrandtRedd]

We went to Legoland / Cypress Gardens in March of 2017. Glad we got to ride the Island in the Sky before it closed. As the video says, the gardens have been preserved at the back of the park. They are lovely and well-kept. The huge Banyan tree there is amazing! Merlin Entertainment is doing a great job of drawing people down from the Orlando area and the whole part is prospering again.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yeah, it is one of the better fates for such a historic place. I may have some issues with Merlin in the UK but they are doing a great job out in Florida!

[@richardschmitt5042]

Wow, great video. My wife and I honeymooned in the area in 1970 and we visited Cypress Gardens. There was a huge mirror that may have been 20ft high by 20 ft wide that you would stand in front of that reflected the beautiful gardens and water behind us. There was a small tray mounted on a 4 ft high post to rest our camera on, as we faced towards the mirror, taking some of the worlds first head to foot selfies. Great memories.

[@fearsomebeard4290]

My grandmother took me to Cypress Gardens in 1973. The water ski shows were amazing.

[@markbrowder7742]

My wife was one of the Skiers at Cypress Garden in the 60s and 70s and was in many of the tv shows filmed there.

[@elderlypoodle9181]

Mark Browder That’s amazing !!!!

[@dorothymiddaugh6234]

That's awesome!

[@rbeck3200tb40]

damn how old are you ? 90 ?

[@dorothymiddaugh6234]

@@rbeck3200tb40 Geez, he or his wife could have been in their twenties at the time. They might be late 70's or 80's. I think that's wonderful. Don't knock the age .

[@rbeck3200tb40]

@@dorothymiddaugh6234 ?????IM not knocking anything

[@jimbom2827]

Every year from 1970 to 1981 we took our family vacation to silver springs, six gun territory and cypress gardens. It brings back memories of my grandparents arguing over the paper maps with our routes mapped out. What great memories you have stirred. Thank you

[@pendraggin6626]

1973....my first trip out of my hometown in Michigan. It was a trip full of wonder and adventure I had never seen, (our TV was still black and white). The sheer beauty and peace that existed there instilled in me a passion for the magnificence of the world. We included Cypress Gardens in our itinerary every vacation for 12 years. Too many memories to pinpoint one!

[@Jill_T]

It was absolutely beautiful when I went there as a kid. Meticulous and lush gardens with southern belles scattered throughout the park.

[@AbsolutelyFabulears]

I grew up in Winter Haven and my family worked closely with the Pope family for decades. My grandmother had some beautiful photos of her skiing in the park advertising our families products when she was a teenager/young adult. It was a beautiful place with amazing shows and I believe most little girls in the area dreamed of growing up to be one of the famous southern belles. Thank you for making this video as it brought back a lot of really fun memories of my childhood!

[@mr99boxer30]

I remember driving to Florida with my parents from Chicago in 1958. We were going to see Cypress Gardens and then on to Miami. The water ski show was outstanding for kids to view ! I also remember the cars at the time had no air-conditioning, so when you stopped at a turnpike restaurant and sat down there was always a ceramic water pitcher on the table filled with ice water. You did not even have to ask for water. The restaurant knew your throats would be parched dry from the open car windows and the heat. What a life saver ! The restaurants were air-conditioned but the pitcher of ice water had a cloth napkin underneath to catch the humidity surrounding the ceramic pitcher. What a cool/hot memory of Florida before car air conditioning ! Cheers !

[@chnalvr]

I went to Cypress Gardens as a kid with my family around 1975 which included a trip to a very new Disneyworld. Two very magical places. I remember being stunned by the water ski show.

[@valsblackcatsrule8740]

This makes my heart heavy. One trip to Florida with my mom and dad, we went to Cypress Gardens. I think it was 2002. We wandered the gardens and, rode the Castle in the Sky! It was marvelous! To think that this only exists in my memories now has me tearing. Thank you for sharing a piece of history gone forever.

[@conniecrawford5231]

My daughter got married in October of 1994 at the gazebo and held her wedding reception there at Cypress Gardens. She graduated from Eckerd College in 1992 so The gardens were a beautiful venue for a wedding!

[@NB-ky5ol]

Connie Crawford Eckerd College? I’m a couple miles from there.

[@offadollar9223]

I was 12 when we visited the park back in 1965. I fell in love with a southern belle named Diane. I'm 64 now and have always wondered how her life turned out. Thanks for bringing that memory to light once again.

[@drbanewell]

I lived in Winter Haven in the 70s. I was one of the Winter Haven High School yearbook/newspaper photographers. I had many photo shoots at Cypress Gardens. I fondly remember viewing the water show on many occasions from our boat while on Lake Elouise.

[@maggieanderson3778]

I can remember taking my family of four to Cypress Gardens several times in the 1960's and possibly the 70's. Of course I bought little things to hang on my kitchen walls. In fact I found a little plate just the other day from Cypress Gardens. My youngest son, who is now 50 yrs old, remarked how he can remember seeing the plate in each and every kitchen where we had lived through out the years. Thank you for bring back very sweet memories.

[@karens8633]

My family visited Cypress Gardens in 1975, on our trip to Disney World. My Grandmother and Mother loved it, they took a lot of pictures! The only thing I remember from that trip was the Motorhome and Fort Wilderness! I was four years old.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Bet you have some amazing pictures from that trip!

[@jamesjozwiak1755]

I am 60 now but still remember my Dad and Mom taking us to Florida for the first time about 45 to 50 years ago. We traveled from Maryland and when we got to Cypress Gardens it turned out to well worth the trip. There were great water shows and the gardens even as a kid were beautiful.

[@cowboyfrankspersonalvideos8869]

I visited the park about 1956 when I was 4 years old. I remember the beauty of the flowers and canals but nothing else. Too long ago. I think I still have some 8mm movies my dad shot on that trip.

[@cookielady7662]

Wonderful childhood memories of Cypress Gardens. We visited there several times in the 50s and 60s on our annual vacation to Florida.

[@KAMB_n_Jinx]

As a child I looked through grandmas photo album of Cyprus gardens from the earliest days when my great grandma visits and later when my grandma visited. They were both photobugs. In 1981 I took my first trip from Baltimore to see in person and sat loving the ski show and riding the canals. Went again on my honeymoon in 85 then brought my kids in early 90s but it wasn’t the same. The park when it was as it original essence was so beautiful.

[@fredcox4980]

Thanks for this. I always wanted to know what happened to it. The last time I was there was around 08 or 09, half the buildings were just empty, some of the rides were cool as they were able to have kids on a lot of them. Most of the non Disney doesn't do a lot for younger kids. So my oldest son rode his first coaster there. The gardens were still beautiful although some of the fountains and ponds had been emptied. It was on it's last legs and you could tell. But man did that place have charm. Haven't been to Legoland yet but was happy to known the gardens were preserved. I'm glad some of that southern magic is still there.

[@lisarobitaille5987]

Cypress Gardens was SO special to me! I had an annual pass there at one point and would visit for meditation in the gardens. There used to be a volunteer, a sweet older man, who would give tours through the garden and give information about the different plants as well as little stories of the park. I loved it! Thank you for bringing back wonderful memories for me!

[@debbrad477]

Every time a relative would come down to Florida my family and I would take our relative's to Cypress Gardens all throughout 1960s and 70s. Wonderful memories and I always will remember their water ski show, the southern bealls and their beautiful gardens. Thanks for the Memories. 🌴💝🌴 😘 🌴💝🌴

[@lhamil6]

Omg! I thought that I made this up lol. My family took a trip to Florida when I was 5 in 1977. I remembered a place with flowers and water skiers. I couldn't remember the name until I wanted this video.

[@kllrjess]

I never got to go to Cypress Gardens, but as a little girl I was fascinated by the beautiful "Southern Belles" in their antebellum gowns. I was actually very sad to learn the park closed, because I never got to visit. Wonderful retrospective, and I am so glad to know that a part of CG lives on at Legoland. May go ahead and take the kids, so that I can finally say i went. :)

[@mowerdan8133]

Went there in 1972 at 11 years old. Good memories. I have pics of me with the southern belles. They had an "citrus queen" kinda throne set up for photo ops. It was a nice side trip after spending a day in Magic Kingdom. Back then, Disney was not a multi-day visit for most, unless you stayed at the original two resorts or Fort Wilderness.

[@GrocerGames]

I remember a nice subdued field trip back in the early nineties. One of my parents chaperoned and loved the gardens so much that we returned. Now I have children of my own and I have Legoland tickets. It is amazing how they preserved part of the old park and always ends our visits, which is perfect. We enjoy the various rides and then end with a calming walk looking at the gardens and lake.

[@alexg1668]

I loved Cypress Gardens the small ice show with a ceiling with stars was so cool. The in side train layout was awesome. Everything was beautiful and the boat ride on the canal was full of serenity. I miss it.

[@Rjkskywalker18]

I live about 2 miles from Legoland and I moved to Florida with my family in 2003. I'm glad I was able to go to Cypress Gardens a few times while it was still around and I am actually friends with Bill Reynolds IRL. Very cool vid.

[@PJCole98]

I remember going there in the early '60's when visiting my Grandparents in Winter Haven. A couple of decades later, my parents owned a lakeside home on the opposite shore from Cypress Gardens and we would take their boat and watch the show from the waterside by the 'breakwater'. I also remember a very large model train exhibit they had housed in it's own building.

[@darrellhosey6453]

The model train exhibit was there in 1987 when my family visited.

[@Phillandben]

I remember visiting Cypress Gardens back in around 1989 with four friends. It was my first visit to Florida and only my second visit to America. I unfortunately lost many of my photos in a fire but have a few remaining showing just how meticulously cared for the gardens were. Being a "country boy" I loved the gardens and remember we had a restful day in the beautifully Florida sunshine, a world away from Disney & Universal. I seem to remember the ranch but cannot be sure but I definitely remember the viewing platform. All in all very fond memories. I have been to Florida more times than I care to mention since but never returned. I was unaware that it was now Legoland but I will surely visit next time I am in Florida just to go and see the historic gardens and rekindle some memories

[@Maniac536]

I remember going to Cyprus Gardens around 1999 or 2000. My folks brought me and my sister to the park, and I figured it was because they wanted to see it due to its history. The three things I remember were the chapel arch, the water show and the belles. It was nice to see that arch again, so iconic.

[@sandyburns6229]

my friend and i have been to Cypress Gardens a few times in the late 1980's-early 1990's. I remember we were on a small boat ride and this was in the early morning when an alligator popped up and stared at us and they said that was quite unusual for them to be awake in the morning. Being New England girls, we found that thrilling to see an alligator so close but we were not alarmed as the boat driver made us feel safe. Cypress Gardens was really beautiful and I am glad the park is still in use.

[@arktisticallycreative4932]

It was the most BEAUTIFUL, breath-taking place I'd ever been.

[@MatthewDuguay1134]

We used to visit Cypress Gardens in the 90's when in Florida. It was a beautiful park! Wandering around the grounds, looking at the sculpted bushes and flower gardens, it was a great way to have a little 'down time' after the other Orlando parks. I hadn't been there in years and I had no idea how much the park had changed! Roller-coasters? Legos? At least it's good to see that some of it has been preserved. Great video!

[@DrakeShaw04]

When I was around 9 or 10 I remember going to Florida and my mom gave me and my brother’s the choice between Disney, Busch Gardens, and Legoland, I was around 9 or 10 so like any kid that age would I chose a park full of Lego, and my mom was happy with my choice because she really wanted see cypress gardens and that’s all I really remember, I’m 13 now so it wasn’t that long ago, but I remember having a lot of fun

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Great choice! What would you choose if given the choice now?

[@DrakeShaw04]

Expedition Theme Park I would probably choose Busch Gardens if I was given the choice today

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Good choice! I love Busch Gardens

[@jenabernardo7738]

I loved Cypress Gardens ! I went there several times when I was a Kid ♥️ It Was Very Beautiful !

[@samhouston5217]

you could not be old enough. to have gone there!

[@samhouston5217]

you could not be old enough to have gone there!

[@jenabernardo7738]

william Arnold Thank you 🙏 Lol

[@samhouston5217]

You're welcome girl and God bless. ;)

[@sukibeth81]

I grew up in Central Florida and took many school field trips to Cypress Gardens during the early to mid 90s. We went because we were learning about plants, or Florida history, or one time they had a special butterfly pavillion. For the average elementary/middle schooler... it was pretty lame compared to what was up the road (I think at the point when I visited there was only a carousel). I moved away years ago and had no idea it turned into Legoland. I wish that I would have appreciated what we had way back then- it was really a unique and beautiful place. Even my grandparents have photos of the park from the 60s and 70s... what a thing to lose to time. Thank you for the memories!

[@bonniehowell4259]

You nailed it. It's was considered "lame" when we were kids, but we wish we appreciated it based on history. Beautiful grounds, but extremely boring.

[@jamismith8511]

I went to easbrook elementary in winter park and interesting elementary and took field trips there and you're spot on

[@DanielDavis1973]

As an elementary school kid in Daytona during the early 80s, I don't remember if we ever went to cypress gardens. I do distinctly remember having at least 1 school field trip to Magic Kingdom during that period though.

[@AbsolutelyFabulears]

I had forgotten all about the butterfly pavilion until this comment! That was beautiful!

[@angelachouinard4581]

I was an adult when our family went as a group. I remember that butterfly pavilion so clearly. Probably about two dozen landed on me and I was just enchanted. No one else seems to remember it, I was beginning to think I dreamed it.

[@mattymilazzo2741]

My family loved going to Legoland for all of 2017. Great memories made. So glad that they took it over, and kept the park alive. Thank you for the amazing back story.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Glad you liked it!

[@g-bgcg]

I have a special place in my heart for Cypress Gardens. Great memories. Sad that it’s gone.

[@melinnwflorida1762]

Cypress Gardens was the centerpiece event on a vacation to Florida when I was young. It was beautiful, the employees were gracious and the shows were exciting in that time before so much electronic wizardry. This video brought back some great memories. Thank you. it also made me smile, my younger brother spent years asking if we could go back to the place with the "flower" girls on the yard.

[@carolynking9536]

I grew up on FL. Born in Miami. I loved the beautiful girls in their hoop dresses. I remember Weeki Wachee Springs and Tommy Bartlet's Deer Ranch in the late 1950's with deer we fed and small replicas of stories from the Bible. Those were the days. Our children will never know that thrill. The glass-bottom boats, too at Rainbow Springs. Oh, my. Thanks for posting.

[@edvaira6891]

It’s nice that the gardens can still be wandered through if you visit LEGOLAND, including, occasional waterski shows (if LEGO themed!)

[@mostlyjoe]

Cypress gardens was a frequent place to be taken to by numerous schools in the area. That was the reason why I went most the time in the early eighties. I went only once at the very end of the '90s and you could see how much it declined. there was a lot of love in that Park and the local residents absolutely adore it which is why they fought to keep it, at least the gardens portion open.

[@phantomstarproductions4587]

I’m a former Legoland employee and this was very informative

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you, hope you enjoyed it!

[@Thehouseoffail]

Cypress gardens was a really popular field trip destination for schools and summer camps due to its cheap price and historic presence. I sad when it closed.

[@JM-po9zh]

I went as a toddler in the late 70s and remember the boat ride and seeing the ladies in the pretty gowns and I they had the ski show complete with clowns on skis. I also went back as an adult and rode the mountain in the sky I didn’t realize that LEGO land was built on the property... thanks for the video -Lisa

[@Skittleninja1313]

My childhood will always have been an amazing time because of cypress gardens oh how I miss it 😭

[@mrbutch308]

I grew up in South Florida and my family really enjoyed our trips to Cypress Gardens in the 1960s and early '70's during that pre-Disney era. It was wonderful. The gardens were so lovely and manicured and perfect in design it was like taking a trip to heaven! The ski show was interesting and fun, not at all tacky or cheesy. Now I am going to be the first one to say this and I hope it doesn't sound creepy - but watching the water show and seeing the waterski acrobats who were all pretty girls and handsome guys in their tight bathing suits and speedo briefs was a real treat to us budding adolescents and I'm sure the grown ups as well. They knew what they were doing! Some of my fondest childhood memories are of visits to that wonderful attraction.

[@carmelopappalardo8477]

When I was working there they opened up a small zoo. It had an Emu who would bite the back of my head every chance it could get. We also had a gentleman who would show wild animals in a amphitheater. He would bring out a young Alligator in every show. He would always talk about safety and not get your hands or feet near their mouths. He always carried a gun just in case something would happen. He did not carry the gun one day. The alligator almost took off his hand. He had to chop his head off with a knife until it released his hand.

[@ingriddubbel8468]

That must have been an exciting show.

[@nancyhoward7005]

I went to Cypress Gardens. As a child. Wonderful place

[@cadencechrome4783]

I visited often while living in Florida in 1969-70 and it was lush, beautiful, the Southern Belles, gazebo and waterskiing outstanding. Nice memories. Very well done and in-depth documentary. Thank you!

[@FootballRhodes]

Remember this and “Wiki-Wachi” from the 60’s when we would visit my aunt in Tampa.

[@GabrielTheMagolorMain]

RhodesFootball Recruiting Is Wiki Wachi not there anymore? Or is it just spelled differently? I love the history of this stuff, I looked it up and found something spelled similarly.

[@mattluvet]

@@GabrielTheMagolorMain it's Weeki Wachee and because of the historic significance it's a state owned park.

[@greg33770]

i went there in the 70's and then back in the 90's...thought it was a great place !

[@belagracie]

I was born in 1963, and my parents loved Cypress Gardens. Our first trip was around 1973, and we visited off and on until our last visit in November of 1980, when my dad’s company had a managers’ meeting there for an entire week. My mom is an avid gardener so we spend a lot of time in the gardens, in fact, I believe we went to all the show gardens in the state of Florida at one time or another - Jungle Gardens in Sarasota, Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg, Tiki Gardens near Sarasota, Coral Springs, Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs in Ocala, Weeki Watchee Springs (yes, they had gardens as well as mermaids), Bok Tower Gardens and Masterpiece Gardens. There are probably several more I can’t recall off the top of my head. Oh, Parrot Jungle and Monkey Jungle between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami - let’s not forget those. Most are defunct now or converted to other uses. I love Disney in every way, shape and form, and was even a Destination Specialist for them while I was a travel agent, but they did old Florida tourist attractions no favors. If you get off the interstate, and travel the old highways you can still find a few sad remnants of a time gone by.... The Citrus Tower in Clermont, that used to overlook miles and miles of lush green citrus trees now has nothing to view but miles upon miles of manufactured housing, and so has been left to stand in all its glory of peeling paint and padlocked gates. It’s kind of a symbol of what Florida’s tourism industry has become, once you leave Disney and Universal and Legoland.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yeah the contrast is pretty drastic between the Tourist side and old.

[@pattimorris1782]

Lots of attractions that I had forgotten about! We started going to FL in the early 1950’s way before the advent of the Interstate Highways taking 2 solid days of hard driving just going around the mountains in TN & GA, it’s amazing that someone didn’t die, not from traffic but parents wondering why they had chosen to have children! I haven’t been back since the catastrophic storms of 2004-2005 but I have pictures from those years long ago. Thanks for your narrative of forgotten places.

[@Checheyigen1]

Totally went here as a kid. So crazy.

[@sjacquelin5610]

I loved Cypress Gardens...it was beautiful...we travelled from DE to Florida from the time I was a kid and it was so enjoyable...

[@MartinCHorowitz]

I remember the park as hot and humid and very Beautiful.

[@jaredcutlip]

This one is so happy at the end. I’m so glad it still lives on in some capacity!

[@dougthomas7852]

Many wonderful memories going to Cypress Gardens in the 60's and 70's with my parents. So glad some of the park is still around.

[@philbeetravels5939]

I visited in 1991 and I remember eating strawberries and ice cream with a squirrel sitting on my head! Lovely memories 😍

[@meghanmcburger]

Coming from North Carolina to visit my grandparents and them taking me to Cypress Gardens as a kid (it might have been in 2000 or so?) was incredible. Getting to dress up as a southern belle at age 6 or 7 is one of my fondest childhood memories. Those southern belles were so beautiful. It was such a gorgeous park. I remember watching the ski shows, going on a boat tour, seeing peacocks and other birds, and looking at the butterfly collections so vividly. I now live in Florida and crave going to the old park. Maybe I'll visit Legoland to see if I can try to dig up some of the nostalgia. Thanks for the video!

[@JustMe-nf1mf]

Love going to Cypress Gardens once a year as a kid when we visited Winter Haven. The water ski show was iconic & it was a beautiful place. Thanks for the video & the memories :o)

[@vanvorst1999]

This was truly a special place in the late 60s with many fond memories for our family and visiting friends while residing in central Florida.

[@MellyMae44]

When I was a senior in high school, I performed one show with my show choir at Cypress Gardens. It was in 1988. Good memories.

[@buccXA]

I grew up in Orlando. I was so sad when I heard Cypress Gardens was closing. We used to take our kids there when they were babies in 2008-2009. We had a yearly pass. I think it cost like 60 bucks! They had little rides that had been there since the 50s. Was so awesome. Have some great photos and I still have my sons little bucket hat that's embroidered with Cypress Gardens. Thank you for the vid. I subbed...

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Aw that is so cool! You will have to keep them forever. Thank you for subbing! Glad to have you here.

[@arethiasmith3186]

I remember going to Cypress Gardens as a child when my family (a whole caravan of aunts, uncles and cousins) visited Orlando on 3 different trips. I loved the ski shows. The one big memory that sticks out was that we thought the water in FL tasted and smelled vile! This was pre bottled water days and my parents would by us lemonade there and it was gross! Unfortunately the beauty of the gardens was mostly wasted on the minds of us kids who only wanted to get back to Disney and get on the rides! I wish I had appreciated this gem when I was a child!

[@heinuchung8680]

You are correct it does taste vile many say it is slimy and has an egg smell largely because of the limestone . It gives it that distinct Je ne sais quoi

[@arethiasmith3186]

@@heinuchung8680 lol! We always said it tasted and smelled like cabbage water! I was very surprised on my last trip to The Disney parks and the water was fine. I had to leave a lot of bottled water with the hotel because I couldn’t take it on the plane.

[@SpringyTales]

I visited Cypress Gardens back in 1999 and remember it being a very beautiful park. My little sister did the "dress up as a southern belle" thing while we were there - there's a photo but she'd kill me if it ever ended up online, haha! We may make a visit to its new guise as Legoland Florida on a future holiday. Thanks for another really interesting video.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you! I really enjoyed making this one. Such a interesting historic place. Im sure that photo needs to end up online somehow!

[@robertfritz9871]

When I was younger I visited Cypress Gardens with my parents it was one of the most memorable moments of my life I really enjoyed it I want to thank you all for keeping part of it open there's many memories of my mom and dad there so thank you

[@amymcj]

I remember visiting in the late 60’s as a little girl. Makes me so happy that it still exists. And thanks for making me aware that I MAY have walked where Elvis walked!!

[@BryanKalentek]

My mom took me to Cypress Gardens when I was around 9 years old. We were so fascinated by what either they, or we called 'The Amazing Folding Plant,' Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica), she bought seeds and we grew some at home. I grew up in South Daytona.

[@TheWPack911]

I went here both when I was a kid (seeing the original Cypress Gardens), and when it was Cypress Gardens Adventure park. I remember the Southern Bell's and the garden when I was a kid, but I really remember loving Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. It had awesome rides, along with still having the Gardens and Southern Bell's. It's really a shame it did not survive, but while I have yet to go since it has opened I am very happy to hear that some of both the original Cypress Gardens and the Adventure Park version still exsists within LegoLand Florida. Great video!

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Thank you so much! Such a historic place.

[@TheWPack911]

Expedition Theme Park You are very welcome and Indeed. I might even have to take a drive a go to it as Lego Land Florida now since I know it still has at least a bit of the Cypress Gardens flavor still.

[@coastalfarmhouse1820]

I remember as a young child seeing the gazebo at CG in person and being amazed because I had seen the gazebo on tv on The Day of Discovery Christian musical show. I felt so famous standing in that gazebo -lol.

[@bonniehowell4259]

I'm happy to learn that Legoland preserved parts of Cypress Gardens. I always just assumed they removed or built over everything.

[@SaturnCanuck]

I went there with my Mum in 1983 and it is nice to see it still preserved. It was beautiful.

[@ExpeditionThemePark]

Yeah had a lot of charm!

[@polaris0386]

its nice that Merlin preserved some of the history. great video!

[@hollygrosshans3529]

We there in 1986 and enjoyed the beautiful vegetation and gardens the most out of everything. It was stunning.

[@kristinfonte]

I visited multiple times and loved it. It was before Disney World had princess meet and greets, so the southern belles felt special, like a princess when I was little. So interesting that their skirts were to hide the vines. I have fond memories of the ski show. I’m so glad to learn Legoland has preserved the garden and has the tributes. Very cool. Thanks for all of the great videos!

[@AndyB30]

I grew up in Winter Haven. I have so many wonderful memories there. My mother used to work as a gardener there!!!!

[@shannonl7419]

I vaguely remember my parents taking me here as a kid and being very bored. I don’t think I even remember the water skiing. However, I do remember the southern belles as I wanted to be one as a little girl since their dresses were so beautiful, and I remember the Island in the sky. I wish I could go as an adult and appreciate it for all it was. I never realized it had such cultural cache before Disney opened.

[@functionalgirl1]

I went in the late 70's to an Easter Sunrise service. It was beautiful and so was the park.

[@garyvandecar2580]

My working home from 1981 to 1987, I will always cherish my time working at Cypress Gardens. Became good long time friends with many of the ski show skiers.

[@guymorris6420]

I'm 55 years old and still remember a family trip to Florida from Texas. The main attractions we visited were Bellingrath Gardens, USS Alabama, Disney World and Cypress Gardens. We took this trip in the mid to late 1970s. It was very impressive and I'll always remember going there.

[@Walkwithmejo]

Beautiful garden's 🌹 I love them hoop dresses x

[@HeatherLandon227]

This park was in my grandparent's home videos. Guess I'll have to visit Legoland at some point.

[@teresaweaver1012]

My family visited in 1963. They were having unusually cold weather and the orange groves had frozen. The water show was the best part of the trip.

[@grichac3482]

My grandparents and parents took me to Cypress Gardens as a little kid in the 70’s. Decades later I took my children to Legoland Florida. Loved this place!

[@Daystar311]

I used to live in Miami and went to Cypress Gardens a couple of times. I was 21 at the time and am now 63 so it was a long time ago. I remember how beautiful it was at that time. I've moved far away since then and it's sad to think that the park has fallen into disrepair.

[@robertswickard3700]

If it's true that almost all the southern Belle's where from Winterhaven FL, than you could say without a doubt that they have some of the most beautiful woman in a small area I ever saw . All of them looked as if they where from Miss America contest . My wife and I went in 1992 for our second year wedding anniversary , and we couldn't believe how stunning these girls where ...

[@eyedonschott]

Robert Swickard : must be in the water.

[@magiccheeseball]

Yeah the ones I knew were really sweet too I dated one of them in the 1980s

[@pittsburghpirate58]

Big butt southern women

[@6StrngWzrd]

@@magiccheeseball So did I. In the 80's as well.

[@magiccheeseball]

@@6StrngWzrd oh wow maybe it was the same girl she was cheating on me! haha her name was dawn and my friend went out with her friend pam who had dark hair and pretty bright green eyes, i have pics of pam in her dress.did u live in winterhaven?