Sunday at 7 PM when the doors close at Cypress Gardens, it will be for the last time. It was hit hard by 9-11, now traffic is already down by 40,000 more this year over last. Too bad--don't know how popular it is now, but many of us have fond memories of it in better times. It was one of *the* places to go when I was growing up, a "must see" on that winter trip to Florida.

i never went there...but remember my viewmaster shot of the lovely azaleas and hoopskirted young beauties by the lagoons.
is there a dwindling appreciation of gardens in our young people? Will all the famous gardens go under?
i know here in philadelphia the flower show is a big event appreciated by folks from all walks of life and cultivates a love of gardens. We need more of that.

I remember I went when I was little. They had a full length mirror with a little camera stand so that the person taking the picture could be in the picture. I thought that was so clever.

I also remember the women on waterskis doing acrobats.

So sorry to hear this. I remember seeing the place in the early 70's when we went to Disneyworld. It truly was a "must see." What a shame.

Well, I haven't been there in many many years. I wonder how Chalet Suzanne will do when it closes. I still have my credit card number on file with Chalet Suzanne in case of a hurricane in SW Florida. If we could actually drive there for all the thousands of cars on the road....I made arrangements there because you can bring your pets!

Adieu Cypress Gardens. LMF

I was very sad to hear this news. I wonder what will become of all the wonderful celebrity photographs and the Florida shaped swimming pool? I hate the thought of condos springing up on those beautiful grounds.

I remember going there as a kid. I sure hate to see places like this close, they are part of the old Florida which IMO is getting harder and harder to find and being replaced by strip malls and condos.

Plans are already afoot for a planned community. I am all for this if it will utilize the infrastructure and somehow maintain the gardens. I might even look at a place there. At $35 admission, it was too high compared to Disney, Universal, etc. They were getting seniors with annual passes and no one makes money on that. It is a big loss but probably could have been anticipated even without 9/11.

The gardens at Bok Tower nearby are lovely although not as elaborate. I just wish I had gone recently. Website is already kaputz. LMF

Don't tell my mother!

We've had several lovely days there in recent years, strolling through the flowers, watching the waterskiers, listening to big band concerts, and waiting for the light displays in the evening. We usually visited in January or February and it never had a crowd.

I remember my first visit as a child, the ladies in the hoop skirts, the flowers, the boats, the skiers--one of my images of Florida. I guess there are still a few of the old destinations around? The mermaids? Silver Springs? I guess they can't compete with Disney, Universal, etc.
Too bad.

Sorry, Kay, but I think Weechee Wachie (I know that's not spelled correctly)closed a few years ago.

I went as a kid and then about four years ago with my kids - it really was old Florida. Slightly tacky, but beautiful grounds.

Wow, OliveOyl, that brings back memories.
Haven't thought of CG in ages (and apparently that holds for lots of other people as well, hence their slide in attendance).
I remember going there as a kid, before Disney World even existed.
How time flies1

Boy, I'm going to sound dumb here, but I had never heard of Cypress Gardens until this.

I know of some Cypress gardens/swamp place near Charleston, SC. I haven't been there either.

I was there last year while visiting my parents who live in central Florida. Someone had given us free tickets and I wanted to see the lorikeets. The place was pretty empty and had a forgotten air about it. The southern belles definitely looked out of place; you could tell their gowns were cheap polyester and you couldn't help thinking what a boring, sweaty job it would be to just sit there for hours. We took one of the boat tours and were the only ones on the boat. The teen-age guide did not bother to hide his disdain for the job and told some stupid, corny jokes. The parts about the plants and animals were very interesting though. And we did like that whirling thing (whose name escapes me) that rises up to give you a high view.
The water ski show was pleasant enough. For gardens, Bok Tower is much better and for theme parks, CG is at the bottom of the list.
What's going to become of the property? Will it be sold to developers?

I don't think they ever tried to be a theme park. It was a garden first and foremost, but they tried to add some other attractions, like the little zoo. It was a half-hearted attempt though and pretty sorry. Now the state is murmuring about trying to save it, and if not the whole thing, then at least a portion of it. It will certainly impact the area financially. Right now, 500 people are out of jobs. I wondered too what might happen to Chalet Suzanne? Never have eaten there but heard it was wonderful!

Chalet Suzanne will probably go as well although it is a dining destination and weekend getaway in Central Florida. Very funky hotel with bizarre little cottages (that could take my cat and dog). Some of the food definitely has that 60's feel to it. Broiled grapefruit appetizer...yecch.

Since there was no advance publicity my cynical little mind thinks that a developer deal has already been made. Cypress Garden Estates or some such. If they could preserve the gardens and water features as part of a community center or something that might be quite nice.

I always felt they needed to give the place a more educational and ecological slant. It might have given them a few more years. My guess is that the deal is done and the Florida Forever possible purchase is just window dressing.

We are going to fl. for the first time and I was really looking forward to seeing all the things GWTW. Does any body know for sure this park has closed,or is it just a maybe,(hope so)? Does anyone know what happened to the GWTW items ? Did they put the at another location? I reall am dissapointed. Thanks

Here's a ray of hope for you:

http://www.forbes.com/business/newsw...tr1065661.html

The GWTW Memories emporium was operated by a company that originated in Plant City and still oerates there:

http://www.gwtwmemories.com/frame.htm

Buttercup, Wickee Watchee is still open, at least for now. They were just featured on GMA last week because they are trying to raise funds to rebuilt their tank.

Cypress Gardens closed in April. They announced it's closing one day then 2 or 3 days later, that was it. Finis

It might be resurrected by the state one day, and at least for now has been saved from development by state intervention as in the referenced Forbes article, but it is no longer open.

Weeki Wachee is on the brink...the buildings are deteriorating, the tank is in serious need of work. Unless there is a miracle, my guess is that one will be gone as well in the not too distant future.