Winter Haven, Florida
November 2006

Cypress Gardens

My Hosts Are: Bob & Vicki D.

Next: Lost In Disney World!

Bob & Vicki took us to Cypress Gardens, Central Florida's Original Theme Park, for the day.

In addition to the original botanical gardens, there is also a small zoo, a water park (which is not open this time of year), an arcade, amusement park rides and several eating places.

There is a water ski show, ice skating show, nature show, various live entertainers - and concerts by famous music performers every weekend.

The sign behind Vicki says that Van Zant played here recently. Looks like we are gonna keep missing the good shows.

As we were entering the park we caught the attention of these young Southern Belles!

Not wanting to break any hearts and knowing that I wouldn't be staying in Florida long, I just waved hello and we went on our way.

I am starting to notice a pattern of discrimination against us little folk! 44 inches! That's insane - who is 44 inches tall anyway? Since I am 11 1/2 inches tall I couldn't ride the rides. First we couldn't get in to the Marines up in Carmel, Indiana and now this!

We begged and begged Bob & Vicki until they gave in and smuggled us on to all the rides. We didn't take any pictures while we rode to avoid any potential lawsuits.

We had spent the whole morning riding the fun rides and decided to tour the gardens and catch a few shows during the afternoon.

At one time the founder of Cypress Gardens lived in this mansion but it is now used only for special
events.

We were especially excited watching the water skiing show. It's impossible to tell from here but Tiki Jr is riding Bob's shoulder down there. Among Bob's many talents he is a great warterskier and was asked to ski with the pros here at Cypress Gardens.

We had been in Florida for several days and still hadn't seen a real live alligator. As we were strolling through the garden we found a statue of the Gnome diety, Gnomar (No relation to the other Gnomar). We asked for knowledge of the location of one of the great Florida gators. (Not the football team.)

Gnomar's statue came to life for just a moment and with a brief smile and a nod we found ourselves...

...visiting the great gator. This gator looked to me like it was 20 feet long and weighed a ton. TIki named him Fred the Gator for some reason.

When I asked him why he replied that Fred Flinstone was prehistoric and so is this gator. There ya go then...I guess.

Cypress Gardens was a really cool place and I hope we get to come back here again someday!

Bud & Tiki Jr.

(Photos: Vicki D./ Dialogue: Tony V. & Vicki D.)