Cypress Gardens opened up on January 2nd, 1936 as a botanical garden planted by Dick and Julie Pope. Over the years, Cypress Gardens became the biggest attraction in Florida, known for its water ski shows and Southern Belles. The park's popularity eventually died down, especially when nearby Walt Disney World opened up in 1971. In the early 1980's, Dick and Julie Pope retired and handed the park down to their son, Dick Pope Jr. It closed in April 2003 and Cypress Gardens reopened in November 2004 as a combination amusement park and botanical gardens. The park experienced a rise in attendance from tourists and locals, as well as the targeted customers of young people and young families.

With the success of the park, in Summer 2005, the park opened up its Splash Island water park and added another coaster, the Galaxy Spin. Also announced in summer 2005 was the purchase of Starliner, a classic wooden roller coaster from the defunct Miracle Strip Amusement Park in Panama City, Florida. Starliner is set to open in 2007

More info can be found on the Perfect Florida Villas forums or The Perfect Florida Guide