The familiar roar of ski boats returns to Central Florida with Thursday's reopening of Cypress Gardens, the landmark theme park in Winter Haven that closed in April 2003 after more than six decades and 50 million visitors.

The gravity-defying shows that earned the park the distinction of being the "water ski capital of the world" will be back. And smiling Southern belles in flouncy antebellum dresses will again greet guests.

Cypress Gardens (ENLARGE)
Among the 38 rides at Cypress Gardens Adventures Park, reopening Thursday after more than $45 million in improvements, are four roller coasters and what's billed as 'the world's tallest spinning rapids ride.'
David Spencer/The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post (ENLARGE)
Water-ski shows, like this one from 2003, will still be part of the Cypress Gardens experience.
EMAIL THIS PRINT THIS MOST POPULAR
IF YOU GO Getting there • By car: The theme park is in Winter Haven, about midway between Tampa and Orlando. Take I-75 to Florida's Turnpike at Exit 328 toward Orlando, then take U.S. 27 south at Exit 289; turn right off U.S. 27 (south of I-4) at Fla. 540/Cypress Gardens Boulevard. The park is four miles on the left. • By air: Major airlines, including AirTran and Delta, fly nonstop to Tampa and Orlando from about $150 round trip. • Admission: A grand-opening promotion price of $29.95 plus tax for all ages (including rides, shows and concerts as well as a second day free) is offered through February. Thereafter, tickets are $34.95; $29.95 for ages 55 and older and ages 3-9; free for age 2 and under. All ticket-holders are admitted free for a second day within six days of the first visit. A Passport 2005 is $64.95, and includes unlimited admission to Cypress Gardens and Wild Adventures as well as Splash Island Water Parks at both. • Information: 863-324-2111, Web site.

But this is not your grandmother's Cypress Gardens.

Now called Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, the attraction has been reimagined for the 21st-century family with thrill rides and an ongoing concert series. Among the 38 rides are four roller coasters and what's billed as "the world's tallest spinning rapids ride." Holiday concerts include the "Glen Campbell Christmas Show" on Saturday and "Jingle Jam" with teen pop stars Aaron Carter and Fan 3 on Dec. 18.

Cypress Gardens opened in January 1936 as Florida's first theme park, and eventually became a showplace for 8,000 varieties of flowers from more than 90 countries. The first water-ski show was staged in 1943.

After the park closed, an organization called Friends of Cypress Gardens led a grass-roots effort to save it. The park was purchased this year by Valdosta businessman Kent Buescher. The founder and owner of Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Buescher has spent more than $45 million revitalizing the landmark attraction.

While Hurricane Charley barely rattled the four roller coasters that were still under construction in August, the park sustained $3.5 million to $5 million in structural damage. High winds and tornadoes that touched down destroyed numerous trees and changed the lush tropical backdrop of the gardens. However, a banyan tree, a fixture of the gardens planted by park founders Dick and Julie Pope in 1939, escaped with minor damage.

Within the gardens is Topiary Trail, which features colorful topiaries — including a variety of animals such as a rabbit, swan and serpent — and a waterfall accented by brilliant blossoms. The Plantation Gardens, which highlight the manicured landscape of Snively Mansion, include the aromatic herb garden, a rose garden and the adjoining Wings of Wonder butterfly arboretum.

The new rides are in Adventure Grove and Paradise Pier, a boardwalk reminiscent of old-style amusement parks. There's Hurricane, the park's signature roller coaster; Swamp Thing, a suspension coaster with more than 1,000 feet of spiraling track; Okeechobee Rampage, a family coaster; Thunderbolt, a 120-foot-drop tower; Storm Surge, a six-person raft that plunges six stories down a twisting, turning river; and traditional favorites such as the Boardwalk Carousel, Paradise Sky Wheel and Tilt-a-Whirl.

Guests can wander through Jubilee Junction, a village of shops, restaurants and working artists, with architecture inspired by turn-of-the-century Florida. Food outlets include the Jubilee Marketplace food court, Aunt Julie's Country Kitchen, the upscale dining experience of Snively Mansion, Backwater Bill's Southern Barbecue and Mango Bay Cafe with wraps and smoothies.

In addition to the daily water-ski shows at Mango Bay, the park will present the comic "Pirates of Cypress Cove," a parody of life on the high seas, in the Cypress Cove Theater.

The Royal Palm Theater will feature ice-skating shows, the first of which will have a Christmas theme. In keeping with the spirit of the season, the Citrus Line Railroad will become Wonderland Express, a caroling train ride through a landscape of twinkling lights and animated displays. The Cove Ferry Line will provide a view of the lights and decorations from Lake Eloise. "Night Magic," a 3-D laser and fireworks show set to music, will light up the sky over the lake. And there's more to come. By next summer, guests can cool off at Splash Island Water Park, a twin to the one at Wild Adventures.