Cypress Gardens closing this weekend

[sandar]

Just saw a note about this on radp and thought I'd post here to let folks know.

When I was a youngster, we lived near Fort Lauderdale for a couple of years. Disney World wasn't yet open, so it was the golden age for places like Cypress Gardens, Gator Land, and Lion Country Safari. That era is long over, of course, but it's still sad to me to see this news:

http://www.cypressgardens.com/pressrelease/displaynews.asp?newsid=1028

Sandi :(

[Esmerelda]

Oh my, this is so sad! I have fond memories of my one visit here and was just waiting for Elayna to get a little older to go.

OK, Sandi! You have to now post something uplifting to get me out of my depression.

[MargaretJ]

Isn't Cyprus Gardens the place where young ladies used to walk the gardens in Southern Belle dresses? I have never been but always thought it would be a wonderful place to visit.

[sandar]

Yes, Margaret, that's the one. The grounds were beautiful! Even as a kid I really liked all the flowers. They were also famous for their waterski shows.

In case anyone wants to read more about this, here's a link to the article on cnn.com:

http://www.cnn.com/2003/TRAVEL/04/11/cypress.gardens.ap/index.html

Sandi

[FLSharon]

I just returned from Cypress Gardens tonight. Had to run up for one last visit. I've never seen so many people there.. Stood in line over an hour to buy merchandise.. 50-75% off. One restaurant ran out of food. Would not want to be there tomorrow (sunday). The park was operating pretty much as usual as far as the little boat rides and the shows (Debbie Boone was there today). I heard from some employees that some folks have lost retirements.. It was a fun day but I left there with a heavy heart. I so hate to think of homes sitting on that gorgeous property.