Coaster and children's area slated to open next year
Winter Haven, FL- Children of all ages will discover new adventures next year at Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. Kent Buescher, President/CEO, announced plans today for new capital investment in 2007, including the rebuilding and opening of the historic Starliner roller coaster, as well as the addition of an all-new children's area, "Bugsville." Season pass options also have a new look for 2007, as free parking is now included in the Passport 2007.
Buescher also announced a pass exchange program, in which passholders from other parks can experience Cypress Gardens at no charge. Between now and December 24th, 2006, guests can present any other theme park's valid 2006 pass and receive free admission to Cypress Gardens. And just like the season pass; guests can take advantage of the opportunity as many times as they want. They will also receive a $10 discount off any of the 2007 Passport options.
Coaster enthusiasts will be able to take their first ride on an old favorite next summer, as the historic Starliner will change the skyline of Cypress Gardens as it is carefully rebuilt. The classic wooden coaster was the first of its kind in Florida when it was built in 1963 at Panama City Beach's Miracle Strip Amusement Park. Cypress Gardens acquired the ride when the park closed late in 2004. Once built and reopened, it will be one of 11 remaining John Allen coasters in operation. Allen has been long-considered the grandfather of coaster design and created the now-classic "out and back" coaster. This particular design is renowned for its negative g-forces and "lift," that feeling of coming out of your seat while riding along its 2,640 feet of hills, bunny hops and turns. Starliner will be the park's 6th roller coaster.
Young guests will soon have place to call their own with the addition of "Bugsville," a children's area comprised of rides, a special theater and eventually, a large interactive play structure. The first phase will be completed in 2007 and will include 13 rides. Theming will be done from a bug's point of view, thus making everyone feel small and "bug-like" as they travel through. Of course, "Bugsville" wouldn't be complete without some critters and the park will introduce Buzzby, Lady B and Whiff to the guests. The park's bugs are stars, as well, and a new show "A Bugsville Adventure" will take the stage in the spring as part of the new area.
Another stage will be lighting up throughout the year as the Star Haven Amphitheater welcomes another diverse line-up of artists. Already scheduled to appear: Bobby Goldsboro, Charlie Pride, Bobby Vinton, Trace Adkins, Tommy James & the Shondells, Engelbert Humperdinck, Neil Sedaka, Sara Evans, MercyMe, Audio Adrenaline, the Steve Miller Band, Third Day and more.
Guests will also enjoy even more activities associated with the park's special events, starting with this December's holiday festival, "An Old-Fashioned Christmas." Invited to escape the hustle and bustle of the season, patrons will experience the simple pleasures of Christmas; the traditions that hearken back to a simpler time. More than 500 lighted displays will blanket the park with holiday cheer, creating a glorious backdrop for a host of seasonal activities.
The natural beauty of the park will be showcased during "Blooms & Blossoms," as well as do-it-yourself clinics for lawns and gardens. "Kidzpalooza" shifts to the spring, bringing with it a park-full of pintsized activities. Red, white and blue is the order of the day during "Celebrate America," where every day is the Fourth of July. "Phobia" descends in October, full of new thrills and chills and the year will wrap up with yet another "Old-Fashioned Christmas."
Aside from the addition of "A Bugsville Adventure," the daily show line-up will enjoy entirely revamped shows. The new ice skating show, "Frosty Follies," opens November 17th as part of "An Old-Fashioned Christmas" and then an all new ice show debuts in January. Discover entertaining and informative animal shows in Nature's Way and other surprises during the year. The park celebrates 65 years of water ski history with the debut of a new show in January. Explore the evolution of the sport and its relationship with Cypress Gardens since the first show debuted at the spur of the moment one sunny afternoon. Many records have been set and firsts have been attempted at the park through the years and some of these will be revisited through the show.
Cypress Gardens will also see a multitude of improvements throughout the park in a variety of areas, from the midways and rides to the gardens and Nature's Way. Additional food and shopping is planned for the year, including some menu changes. The first of these changes is already in place aboard the Cypress Belle. Patrons can now choose from Prime Rib, Chicken Cordon Bleu and Orange Roughy for the dinner cruise.
All the rides, Splash Island Water Park, gardens, shows, animals, concerts and special events are included in park admission. Daily admission will remain the same for 2007, with Regular admission priced at $39.95, plus tax, for ages 10-54. Junior/Senior Admission is $34.95, plus tax, for ages 3-9 and 55 and over.
The all-new Passport 2007, on sale now, includes unlimited admission to Cypress Gardens Adventure Park and Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Georgia, including both Splash Island Water Parks, through 12/31/07. Free parking is now included in the Passport 2007 for both parks, as well as more than 100 concerts and special events for both parks, special Passholder "Sneak Previews," a coupon book valued at $1500 in savings ( while supplies last) and members-only mailers. The Passport 2007 is $69.95, plus tax, for ages 3 and up.
The Gold Passport is the premium pass and includes all the benefits of the Passport 2007, plus great freebies such as daytime cruises on the Cypress Belle and free turns on the soon-to-come Rock Wall and Bungee Bounce. The Gold Passport can also be used at Wild Adventures for free go-kart rides, Adventure Golf and Geronimo Skycoaster rides. 10% discounts on food, merchandise, season reserve concert seats and daily admission to bring a friend can be found at both parks. If purchased before January 1, 2007 the Gold Passport expires 12/31/07. After that date, it is valid one year from date of first use. The Gold Passport is $99.95, plus tax, per person ages 3 and up. All the activities for 2007 are part of the park's mission to create priceless memories with one adventure after another in a safe and affordable family atmosphere.