Kent Buescher, former Cypress Gardens owner, tours Legoland Florida for the first time

You know, he really got a raw deal over this. While not the draw of Legoland, it sure seems like he was serving a good niche and had a sustainable business before the hurricanes.

I agree. He seemed to be doing a good job with both of his parks. Sad that the major issue ended up being what it was with the insurance.

I've been to Cypress Gardens. That wasn't a bad park.

While I agree that Kent had the worst luck, I think it may have been the best thing to happen to the property. He may have been able to limp along for a while but I doubt the future would have been very bright. I think the strength of the Lego brand is what is really pulling people 45 minutes away Kissimmee and without it I think the park's future was bleak. Even with it I think Legoland isn't a sure bet. They will need to continue to reinvest (as they've done so far) and market the heck out of it.

I think you alone can support the park with the frequency of your visits!

I agree with you, wahoo skipper. I went to that last version of Cypress Gardens, and I had a good time, but it didn't seem quite right. The rides area had more of a temporary carnival atmosphere than anything, and the gardens were a sad reminder of better days. I was also one of about 100 customers there on a beautiful day, and they were practically giving admission away.

Lego has come along as a saving grace, and I think they will endure there.

RCMAC said:
I agree with you, wahoo skipper. I went to that last version of Cypress Gardens, and I had a good time, but it didn't seem quite right. The rides area had more of a temporary carnival atmosphere than anything, and the gardens were a sad reminder of better days. I was also one of about 100 customers there on a beautiful day, and they were practically giving admission away.

Lego has come along as a saving grace, and I think they will endure there.

If my (1) experience with Legoland is any indication, the park should thrive. Went there off season on a weekday, and while not packed, the parking lot was probably 1/3 full. I just hope that capacity can keep up, as in my mind, a lot of the waits were longer than they should have been for how busy the park was.

Well, they are building a new themed section called Legends of Chima so hopefully that continues to improve capacity.

I agree that Cypress Gardens may not have survived even without the huricanes.I had wild adventures AP (that were good at cypress)and was in orlando and I did not go.

The new Legends of Chima section is really just one new ride. It not going to be vary large at all. I don't think it will help with overall park capacity because it will attract more people, at first anyways.

Well, it's better than nothing. They also added the Star Wars miniland. It is a new park so these additions this quick are a positive.