The Last Day of the Old

April 14th, 2003

Cypress Gardens closed after 67 years with a send off one could only dream of. We decided to take a last look and upon our arrival at 1pm you could not get within a ½ mile of the gates. Tens of thousands of people like us needed to take one last look.

Souvenirs were coming off the shelves at record rates and it was standing room only for the water ski show. We decided to try the boat ride and there alone was a one-hour wait. A wedding party occupied the gazebo while many other couples exchanged vows through the park. The ice cream shops running out of everything but vanilla flavored cones. The main sit down restaurant was only able to serve hot dogs but no fries. Ironically the gardens were at their very best.

At 5pm it was over. As we exited the park the famous Mediterranean waterfalls turned off and the fanciful fountain at the front gates went silent.

Here are a some pictures of that day:

Everyday there were belles and junior belles ready
to greet you at the Mediterranean Waterfall

-The entrance building

Botanical Boat Ride and Gardens:

-Lake Eloise

-The guides always had ready prepared gags
mixed in with loads of history about the park

-Many wealthy families owned estates next to Cypress Gardens

-Entrance to the Canals

-Japanese Garden gazebo

-150 year old Banyan Tree

-The bamboo climbed right down to the water

-Bougainvillea larger then I have ever seen

-The famous Belle's bench and wedding gazebo

The Gardens:

Cypress Garden actually did exist. They opened 1-2-1936 and from then to the late 1960's attracted millions of people from around the world. Elvis, Esther Williams and even Johnny Carson all made Cypress their home at one time. Hollywood loved the gardens for all they could film there. It was not till the 1970's that expansion beyond the gardens was considered and during the 80's and 90's it became a what it was this day.

-Marching band topiary in the Victorian Garden

-Electric boats

-Giant Banyan tree that was actually planted
as a full grown tree in the 1930's

-Pegasus

-Junior belle for the last time

-Lorraine and I in the reflecting mirror

-The last wedding at Cypress Gardens

The Butterfly Conservatory:

-What an experience with millions of butterflies

Plantation Gardens:

-Gone with the Wind Mansion

This very odd dome served a double purpose. It was a display area but was also a botanical greenhouse where the most spectacular floral displays could be built under the protection of this translucent dome. Most guests were confused about this dome but there were displays that could only be shown here as they were so fragile.

-You never knew what to expect

Island in the Sky:

-A carousel sky ride

-What views you'd have at 160ft.

World Famous Water-Ski Show:

What started out when the children of the original owners were just funning around on the lake has become one of Cypress Gardens keynote features. On its last day the theme was Rockin Around the Dock, a 50's style tribute to the happy days of malt shops and cruising.

-Precision water skiing and lots of local talent
-The last show was packed out

-The last crowds leave and the gates close
on this legacy of Florida history