attractions
Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens predates Disney World by many years. Its quaint mix of botanical gardens, Southern belles in hoop skirts, and water ski shows once made the park a Florida must-see. But Disney and other next-generation parks rendered Cypress Gardens a bit too quaint, and by 2003, it closed after years of dwindling attendance.
The owners of Georgia's Wild Adventures came to the rescue, added the "Adventure Park" tagline, and introduced coasters and other amusement park staples into the mix.
If you're expecting Pirates of the Caribbean-caliber rides, you're out of luck mateys. (Although Cypress Gardens does feature a swinging pirate ship.) They're mostly off-the-shelf, carnival-style rides--some are even mounted on trailers as if they might be heading to the fair in the next town.
Even the tame roller coasters are plucked-from-the-catalogue numbers, with the exception of the Triple Hurricane wood coaster. That will change in 2007, however, when the park resurrects the classic Starliner wood coaster that once thrilled riders at Florida's now-shuttered Miracle Strip Amusement Park. Still, the Adventure Grove amusement area and the Splash Island water park are quite popular and have helped get the turnstiles clicking at Cypress Gardens once again.
The gardens themselves are truly stunning. Framed by the majestic cypress trees that line the banks of Lake Eloise, the sprawling and immaculate Botanical Gardens are bursting with color. Surprises loom at every bend in the path: A ring of beautiful, yet faintly ominous, banyan trees provides a canopy of shade; impossibly beautiful, flowing flowerbeds converge at a white gazebo and cascade down a hill.
The Topiary Trail features oversized whimsical creatures fashioned from hedges and plants. A butterfly conservatory, which sits at the entrance to the lovely, formal Plantation Gardens, offers a hushed sanctuary.
The food is mostly uninspired, typical park fare. Why not add some vegetable gardens to the grounds, and prepare meals using the freshly picked crops? With its old-Florida heritage, perhaps Cypress Gardens should incorporate citrus into some dishes or at least feature citrus drinks.
Had the wrecking ball leveled Cypress Gardens, it would have been a shame. Now that it's been saved, it merits a visit. By deftly mixing its wonderful gardens and authentic nostalgia with a splash of contemporary pizzazz, Cypress Gardens appeals to a broad age range and has a great vibe
Kennedy Space Center
Visiting the Kennedy Space Center: Location
The 200 square mile Kennedy Space Center& is part of Florida's "Space Coast", midway between Jacksonville and Miami, and 35 miles east of Orlando. Communities here include Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers many exhibits and experiences for the public; visitors& also take a bus tour through restricted areas used by NASA for space launches.& &
Kennedy Space Center: background
The Center is named for the President who committed the US to "race to the moon" in 1962:
"We to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win."
By 1969, the moon race was over, but space exploration& continues at the Kennedy Space Center
Family Visits to the Kennedy Space Center,
The Kennedy Space Center is entirely oriented to family visits, and intended to thrill and inspire kids with the history of the space program and the vision of space exploration.
A visit to the Kennedy Space Center has two aspects:
- a chance to see the real-life place where the Apollo moon missions were launched, and where space shuttles and other missions are launched today
- an excellent science-museum type of experience
Exhibits are designed to entertain as well as to educate: there are hands-on experiences, film presentations, two I-Max theaters, and several simulator "rides".
Of course, the optimal visit would include viewing an actual&
Shuttle Launch: various types of launches occur every few months
Silver Springs
Silver Springs is a 350 acre nature theme park.This natural attraction offers a wide variety of Wildlife Education, field trips, animal presentations, guided and self-guided tours, hands on presentations with native and exotic animal species.
Attractions:
Glass Bottom Boats:
A dramatic tour of seven major spring formations,including Mammoth Spring, the world's largest artesian spring.
Jungle Cruise:
An exotic voyage featuring a boat excursion down the Fort King Waterway. Animals from six continents line the banks of the river, including giraffes, zebra, emus and sable antelope.
Lost River Voyage:
This ride transports guest back in time to wild Florida as it was thousands of years ago. Cypress trees line the banks of the river where alligators, heron and osprey bask.
Jeep Safari:
Carries passengers deep into one of Florida's primeval forests aboard zebra-striped jeeps and trams. One of the ride's highlights include a trip through a pond containing live alligators.
World of Bears:
Largest exhibit of its kind in the U.S. Bears include Brown Bears, Asiatic Black Bears, Spectacled Bears and North American Black Bears.
Panther Prowl:
Offers park guest the unique oppurtunity to see, photograph, and learn about North America's largest wild cats:the rare and endangered Florida panther, and its close relative,the Western cougar.
Big Gator Lagoon:
More than three dozen of Florida's largest alligators are on exhibit in a one acre, natural swamp featuring fresh spring water and basking areas. Guest view the reptiles from an elevated boardwalk.
Alligator and Crocodile Encounter is the second largest collection of crocodilian species in the U.S. Thirteen of the world's 23 species of alligators, crocodiles, calmens and gavials are displayed in large, separate natuarlisitic enclousures on five acre Cypress Island.
Sobek:
Believed to be the largest American crocodile in the care of man, resides in his habitat on Cypress Point. The reptile measures 16 feet and weighs nearly 2,000 pounds(1,000Kilo's)!
Kids Ahoy! Playland features a replica of an 1800's riverboat permanently anchored in a shallow lagoon. On board activities include a ferris wheel, cargo climb with net bridge, slides, crawl tubes, fireman's poles, fishing games, hands-on activities and more.
Doolittle's Petting Zoo:
Featuring a variety of deer and goats that park guest can get close to and feed.
Bontanical Gardens:
Silver Spring's beautiful botanical gardens feature more than 138 varieties of native and exotic plants showcased in floral sculptures and flower beds next to the Silver river.
Reptiles of the World:
Features a collection of reptiles from four continents such as alligators, snakes, turtles and lizards. Includes an educational presentation by reptile handlers.
Creature Feature:
Showcases some of the scariest and creepiest animals of the night. Animal handlers point out interesting facts about bats, scorpions, arachnids, a five pound marine toad and giant Madagascar hissing cockroaches.
Florida Natives Exhibit(New):
Natural attraction featuring a series of "native"species of Florida snakes,turtles, arachnids and mammals in naturalistic enclosures. This attraction includes a display case showcasing archive photographs and information on the world famous naturalist Ross Allen.
Birds of Prey Show:
Presented at the outdoor Silver River Showcase theater near the Lost River Voyage attraction. The program displays each birds strengths, survival skills and beauty in a dramatic free-flight show.
Birds of the Rainforest:
Featuring a flock of colorful parrots, macaws, cockatoos and toucans. Each bird performs a series of zany tricks, comical routines and demonstrates their talent at mimicking sounds.
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is where you can immerse yourself in adventure everywhere you turn and forget about your cares for the day. All you need to focus on is discovery -- interacting with dolphins, birds, fish and rays in an all-inclusive setting. Attendance is limited to 1,000 guests per day at this reservations-only adventure, setting it apart from the other Orlando attractions.
Experience both power and playfulness during your personal swim with a bottlenose dolphin. It's the centerpiece of your visit, but that's just the beginning.
You deserve to be at Discovery Cove. Come explore. Make a day of it. For additional information please call 1-877-557-7404 to speak to a reservations specialist.
All-Inclusive detail description
- 30 minute Dolphin-swim session
- Snorkeling with thousands of tropical fish in the Coral Reef.
- Wading with the rays in the Ray Lagoon.
- Hand-feeding birds in the free flight Aviary.
Relaxing in the Resort Pool and swimming along the Tropical River.
Continental breakfast, sumptuous lunch, plus all snacks and beverages throughout the day.
Snorkel gear, swim vest or wet suit, towels, lockers, sunscreen, beach chairs.
All day self-parking.
Gatorland
Gatorland® is a one-of-a-kind, protected habitat for man and beast where adventures lurk around every corner! Internationally known as the Alligator Capital of the World, Gatorland's 110-acre theme park and nature conservatory is located in Central Florida at the head of the Florida Everglades.
Once you have experienced Gatorland, it will be hard to believe that it began in 1949 as a roadside attraction!
