By Hitty Gale, a Gale Lyons Hitty
Just in case you think I have discovered a new way of travel or have learned to teleport myself, let me explain that you can see all this and much more at Legoland, the oldest and the newest theme park in Florida. Logoland Florida is the former Cypress Gardens and is located on Lake Eloise in Winter Haven, Florida.
Welcome to Legoland Florida
Cypress Gardens opened in 1936 and was Florida’s first theme park. The botanical gardens and water shows made it world famous. Esther Williams, actor and competitive swimmer, starred in movies and TV specials filmed at Cypress Gardens. So many groundbreaking stunts and world records were broken there that Cypress Gardens was billed as the “Water Ski Capitol” of the world.
Water Show Postcard Cypress Gardens Florda
Competition for attendance became critical when Disney World opened in 1971. Founders Dick and Julie Pope retired in 1980 and ownership passed to their son. Cypress Gardens closed in 2009 and the park re-opened as Legoland Florida in 2011. Legoland features the original botanical gardens, water shows, a water park, rides, shopping and Miniland USA.
Let's go to Legoland!
Miniature scenes created from Legos are a featured attraction of Legoland. Very amazing! Some of my favorites:
Florida State Capitol at Legoland.
The state capitol of Florida is located in Tallahassee
Pirates of Tampa Bay Logoland
Local legend says that Tampa Florida was at one time a haven for pirates. The Gasparilla Parade Of Pirates takes place every January. http://gasparillapiratefest.com/
Castillo de San Marcos
Castillo de San Marcos is a National Monument built in St Augustine Florida 315 years ago to protect and defend Spain's claims in the New World. It is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Read about my visit to the fort Click Here.
Henry Flagler Museum Legoland
Henry Flagler was an American industrialist and a founder of Standard Oil. He was a key figure in the development of the Atlantic coast of Florida and founder of what became the Florida East Coast Railway. He is known as the father of Miami and Palm Beach. He built this 55-room mansion located in Palm Beach Florida in 1902. It a designated historical monument open to the public.
Annie Pfeiffer Chapel Legoland. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
Kennedy Space Center Legoland
Key West Legoland Read about my Key West Adventure Click Here
Daytona International Speedway Legoland
Golden Gate Bridge Legoland
Hollywood Bowl Legoland
Las Vegas Legoland
Eiffel Tower Legoland
Statue of Liberty Legoland
Times Square Legoland
Star Wars Battle Legoland