[BDavis932]

I read on CNN.com and in our local newspaper this weekend that today was the end of Cypress Gardens. They just couldn't draw the crowds anymore.

I always wanted to go there. I remember when I was young, my best friend coming back from Florida and going on and on about Cypress Gardens. She loved the water skiers and Southern Belles.

I drove past the exit several times, and now I regret I never went. It was apparantly a surprise to all the theme parks in Central Florida.

[BDavis932]

I wonder what will happen to the property? There is just too much invested there to let it get run down, don't you think?

[Cinderellafifi]

How sad. On a selfish note, I feel like another part of my childhood is now gone. :cry:

I went there once when I was very young. I always wanted to be one of the "belles". Of course, given the choice, I always picked Disney over Cypress Gardens.

[wdwspider]

I read that a very small percentage of the actual "owned" land was even developed, so this could be a Gold Mine for the right hands to take over. However, I hear that it could be turned into Golf Courses and Retirement Communities also.

I would hope for the first, only thing is, what would be a good company of replacement to come in and turn this place around? I don't think Six Flags should venture into Orlando, Busch use to own the park, maybe they could reconsider???

This is sad news. :cry:

[goofygal1975]

I heard on our local news last night, that people are hoping the state will step in and buy it and make it a State Park. I havn't been there in 6 years (took my son when he just turned one) and before that went alot w/my grandma and grandpa. Sure am sad to see it go!! I know there is a web sit to go to to try to help them out. I don't know what good that would do, but people sure are trying!!

[alexa1466]

I read it our paper also this past Friday that the they were closing and was a disspointment to read that. I was only there once (and had planned on going back there again) and it was nothing that I had expected, far more! As we were driving to Orlando on our WDW, we had a couple of hours to kill before check in time and decided to stop there thinking it was a small park and it wouldn't take long at all to get through the whole place. Boy were we surprised!!!! Its sad to see the good things go. For that park to be there as long as it has been, I think something should be done to somehow keep it open.

[jeannej]

Governor Bush is looking into purchasing the land under a program that buys land deem historic or a "FLorida jewel" I hope he is successful.

jeannej

[redkop]

yep lets hope he is as it would be a shame to see a florida attraction have to close down

chris