- 1956 in Florida
In 1956, a charming oasis in Winter Haven, Florida, made a remarkable transition that would reshape the landscape of entertainment in the Sunshine State. This idyllic gem, called Cypress Gardens, had already captivated the public with its stunning vistas of cypress trees and lush landscapes for nearly twenty years. Founded in 1936 by the entrepreneurial couple, Dick Pope Sr. and Julie Pope, the Gardens morphed into an exciting, adrenaline-filled tourist destination.
It was in the 1940s that water ski shows first made an appearance, dazzling and delighting crowds. With high-speed jumps, splashes, and daring acrobatics, the captivating, daring performances drew more visitors to this enchanting Florida theme park than ever before. Seeing the potential, the Popes seized this opportunity and ushered Cypress Gardens into the next phase of its history.
1956 brought an explosion of thrilling, heart-stopping, roller coaster-style rides for all to revel in. As a pioneer in the amusement industry, the Gardens gained widespread admiration. Attractions such as Island in the Sky, which allowed patrons a picturesque 153-foot panorama of their surroundings, became synonymous with a day at Cypress Gardens, along with the Starliner Roller Coaster - a thrilling, lightning-quick adventure that held the coveted title of Florida's first roller coaster. The expansion of the Gardens furthered the appeal of Winter Haven, proving it an irresistible drawcard for the thousands of families searching for memorable vacation destinations.
Already popularized in Florida through its beginnings as a botanical garden and the addition of heart-thumping water ski shows, Cypress Gardens saw itself solidify a place atop Florida's must-visit entertainment hubs in the '50s and beyond. In an era when Floridian tourism truly took flight, Cypress Gardens became the standard-bearer of unforgettable entertainment.
To appreciate fully the enormous impact that Cypress Gardens made in its golden age is to acknowledge how it inspired future entertainment industry giants. The Gardens laid the groundwork and built the foundation on which such monumental family resorts as Disney World, opening in 1971, and Universal Studios Florida, emerging onto the scene in 1990, would soon follow suit and revolutionize tourism throughout Florida for generations to come.
After a successful run lasting 74 years, the park ultimately bid a fond farewell to visitors in 2009. Not wishing to let this nostalgia-steeped landmark completely fade away, Merlin Entertainments, known for its ownership of other exciting theme parks across the world, purchased the former site of Cypress Gardens, reinventing and opening it once again under the name "Legoland Florida."
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