Then & Now: 10 Ways Cypress Gardens’ History Lives On at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

Long before LEGOLAND® Florida Resort became one of the most popular family attractions in Florida, the property was home to a legendary destination that helped put Central Florida tourism on the map. Opened in 1936, Cypress Gardens was Florida's first commercial theme park and became world-famous for its lush botanical gardens, Southern Belles, thrilling water ski shows, and beautiful views of Lake Eloise.

When LEGOLAND Florida Resort opened in 2011, it could have started from scratch. Instead, the resort made a conscious effort to preserve many of the historic elements that made Cypress Gardens special. Today, visitors can still walk through living pieces of Florida history while enjoying rides, attractions, and LEGO® adventures designed for modern families.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort offers something few attractions can match: a chance to experience nearly 90 years of Florida tourism history in one destination.

Here are 10 places where Cypress Gardens still lives inside LEGOLAND Florida Resort today.

1. The Historic Botanical Gardens Remain the Heart of the Resort

The most significant piece of Cypress Gardens preserved at LEGOLAND Florida Resort is undoubtedly the Historic Botanical Gardens. While rides, attractions, and themed lands have evolved over the decades, these gardens are preserved to enhance guest experience.

Spanning more than 30 acres, the gardens provide a peaceful escape from the excitement of the theme park. Guests can stroll winding pathways shaded by mature trees while discovering vibrant flowers, tropical plants, and scenic overlooks that have welcomed visitors since the 1930s.

Highlights include:

• Original pathways dating back to the Cypress Gardens era.

• Native and exotic plant species.

• Seasonal blooms throughout the year.

• Lakefront views overlooking Lake Eloise.

• Historic landscaping features preserved for future generations.

For many visitors, the gardens are one of the most surprising and beautiful parts of LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

2. The Giant Banyan Tree Still Towers Over Visitors

One of the most photographed landmarks at both Cypress Gardens and LEGOLAND Florida Resort is the iconic Giant Banyan Tree.

The story behind the tree is almost as impressive as the tree itself. In 1939, Dick Pope's wife, Julie Pope, planted a small banyan seedling that arrived in a simple five-gallon bucket. Over the decades, that tiny plant grew into one of the largest and most recognizable banyan trees in Florida.

Today, the tree's sprawling canopy creates a dramatic natural centerpiece within the gardens. Massive aerial roots descend toward the ground, creating an awe-inspiring display that continues to captivate visitors of all ages.

Why guests love the Banyan Tree:

• Incredible photo opportunities.

• Natural shade during Florida's warm weather.

• One of the oldest living attractions at the resort.

• A direct connection to the original Cypress Gardens experience.

Few attractions in Florida can claim a living landmark with such a rich history.

3. The Historic Wedding Gazebo Still Overlooks the Gardens

Nestled within the botanical gardens sits another treasured piece of Cypress Gardens history: the Wedding Gazebo.

For generations, the gazebo served as a popular backdrop for weddings, special events, and family photographs. It became one of the most recognizable locations in promotional images that helped make Cypress Gardens famous around the world.

Today, visitors can still visit this historic structure while exploring the gardens. Its elevated location provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and offers a glimpse into the romantic charm that defined Cypress Gardens for decades.

Visitors often stop here to:

• Take family photos.

• Enjoy scenic garden views.

• Learn about the property's history.

• Experience one of the park's most iconic landmarks.

The gazebo serves as a reminder that some of the most memorable attractions don't require thrill rides or special effects.

4. Thousands of Historic Plants Continue to Thrive

The botanical collection preserved from Cypress Gardens remains one of the largest and most diverse horticultural attractions in Florida.

Many of the mature plants and trees visible today were planted decades before LEGOLAND Florida Resort opened. This creates an experience unlike most modern theme parks, where landscaping is often relatively new.

Visitors can discover:

• Azaleas.

• Camellias.

• Palm trees.

• Bamboo groves.

• Tropical flowering plants.

• Native Florida vegetation.

The gardens provide year-round beauty and serve as an important conservation effort that preserves both horticultural history and Florida's natural heritage.

Families often find that the gardens create the perfect balance between educational experiences and outdoor exploration.

5. The Florida-Shaped Pool from Hollywood History Still Exists

One of the most fascinating hidden landmarks inside LEGOLAND Florida Resort is the historic Florida Pool.

Constructed in 1953 for the MGM film Easy to Love, starring Esther Williams, the pool was built in the exact shape of the state of Florida. During its heyday, the pool hosted elaborate aquatic performances and became one of the park's most famous attractions.

While the pool is no longer used for swimming, the structure has been carefully preserved as a piece of Florida tourism history.

Interesting facts about the Florida Pool:

• Built specifically for a major Hollywood movie.

• Shaped exactly like the state of Florida.

• Hosted synchronized swimming performances.

• One of the most unique pools ever constructed in a theme park.

• Recognized as an important historical landmark on the property.

For history enthusiasts, it's one of the most unique surviving features from the Cypress Gardens era.

6. The Lake Eloise Waterfront Still Tells the Story of the Water Ski Capital of the World

While LEGOLAND Florida Resort no longer presents regular water ski shows, visitors can still experience the historic waterfront that made Cypress Gardens famous around the globe.

For decades, Lake Eloise served as the stage for world-renowned water ski performances that helped establish Cypress Gardens as the "Water Ski Capital of the World." The shoreline, stadium area, and lake views remain an important part of the property's history, allowing guests to stand where countless legendary skiers once performed.

Today, families can still enjoy scenic views of Lake Eloise throughout the park while learning about one of Florida's most influential tourism attractions. Historical displays and interpretive elements help preserve the legacy of the athletes and performers who made Cypress Gardens an international destination.

Highlights include:

• Original Lake Eloise waterfront views.

• Historic performance areas connected to the former ski shows.

• One of the most photographed areas of the original park.

• A direct connection to Florida tourism history.

• Preservation of a tradition that helped define Cypress Gardens for generations.

Although the shows themselves are part of the past, the waterfront remains one of the most authentic links to the property's storied history.

7. Coastersaurus: From Triple Hurricane to a LEGOLAND Favorite

Before it became Coastersaurus, this family coaster operated as Triple Hurricane during the Cypress Gardens Adventure Park era. The ride was named in honor of the three hurricanes that impacted Florida in 2004 and quickly became a guest favorite.

Rather than removing the attraction when LEGOLAND Florida Resort opened, the park reimagined it with a prehistoric LEGO® storyline. Today, guests race through a landscape filled with LEGO® dinosaurs while experiencing one of the most unique roller coasters in Florida.

What makes Coastersaurus special:

• Florida's only fully wooden roller coaster.

• Original ride structure preserved from the Cypress Gardens era.

• Family-friendly thrills for younger riders.

• Dinosaur-themed LEGO® scenery throughout the course.

• A successful example of preservation through retheming.

For many guests, Coastersaurus represents the perfect blend of Cypress Gardens history and modern LEGOLAND storytelling.

8. The Dragon Preserves a Piece of Okeechobee Rampage

One of LEGOLAND Florida Resort's most iconic attractions also contains a hidden piece of Cypress Gardens history.

The Dragon combines an indoor dark ride experience with an outdoor roller coaster adventure. While many guests focus on the LEGO® castle, animated scenes, and mythical creatures encountered inside, portions of the outdoor coaster utilize elements inherited from the former Okeechobee Rampage attraction.

The transformation allowed LEGOLAND Florida Resort to preserve existing ride infrastructure while creating one of the park's signature experiences.

Reasons families love The Dragon:

• Combination dark ride and roller coaster experience.

• Immersive LEGO® castle storyline.

• Outdoor coaster elements connected to the site's history.

• Family-friendly thrills.

• One of the most recognizable rides in the resort.

The Dragon showcases how preservation and innovation can work together to create something entirely new.

9. Historic Canals Live On Through Pirate River Quest

Long before LEGO® pirates sailed these waters, Cypress Gardens guests explored the property through scenic boat tours that showcased the beauty of the botanical gardens and surrounding landscape.

Many of the original canals and waterways created during the Cypress Gardens era remain in use today. LEGOLAND Florida Resort incorporated these historic routes into Pirate River Quest, giving modern families an opportunity to travel through the same waterways that entertained visitors for generations.

Along the journey, guests experience:

• Historic canal systems dating back decades.

• Scenic views of preserved natural areas.

• Unique perspectives of the property.

• Family-friendly storytelling.

• A direct connection to the original Cypress Gardens boat excursions.

Today, families can hop aboard Pirate River Quest and see how these historic waterways connect the resort to its Cypress Gardens roots.

10. LEGO® Southern Belles Honor One of Cypress Gardens' Most Famous Traditions

Perhaps no image became more closely associated with Cypress Gardens than the Southern Belles.

Dressed in elegant hoop skirts, these ambassadors greeted guests, posed for photographs, and became icons of Florida tourism throughout much of the twentieth century. Their images appeared in magazines, postcards, travel advertisements, and television programs around the world.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort found a creative way to honor this tradition without simply recreating it.

Throughout the botanical gardens, guests can discover life-sized LEGO® Southern Belle models built entirely from LEGO® bricks. These colorful sculptures pay tribute to the women who helped make Cypress Gardens famous while incorporating the playful creativity that defines the LEGOLAND experience.

Visitors love these displays because they:

• Connect past and present.

• Create unique photo opportunities.

• Celebrate Florida tourism history.

• Showcase impressive LEGO® building artistry.

• Encourage guests to explore the gardens.

It's a perfect example of how LEGOLAND Florida Resort respectfully honors the past while embracing its own identity.

Why Cypress Gardens Still Matters Today

Many theme parks completely erase what came before them. LEGOLAND Florida Resort took a different approach by preserving some of the most meaningful elements of Cypress Gardens and integrating them into the guest experience.

This commitment to preservation creates a destination unlike any other theme park in Florida. Guests can enjoy world-class family attractions, interactive LEGO® experiences, thrilling rides, seasonal events, and water park adventures while simultaneously exploring nearly a century of Florida history.

Whether you're discovering the giant banyan tree, walking through the botanical gardens, spotting the Florida-shaped pool, or riding historic waterways, you're experiencing pieces of a legacy that began in 1936.

For families planning a Florida vacation, LEGOLAND Florida Resort offers more than rides and attractions. It offers a rare opportunity to experience where Florida's tourism story began and see how that history continues to thrive for future generations.