Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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10am-5pm daily, often later, weather permitting (it's one of the few water parks open year-round). You
can rent tubes ($4), towels ($2), and lockers ($8); each requires a $2 deposit, or rent them all ($10, plus $4
deposit). Parking is $10 for cars, light trucks, and vans. From I-4, take exit 75A/Hwy. 435 S., and follow
the signs.
ELSEWHERE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
The listings that follow are out of the mainstream tourist areas, meaning you won't have
to battle heavy crowds. The Central Florida Zoo, Orlando Museum of Art, and Orlando
Science Center are close enough to incorporate a visit to Winter Park if you choose to
make a day of it.
Central Florida Zoo
Finds
This community zoo has come a long way since it was
born in 1923 when a circus came to town, leaving a monkey and a goat behind. The
monkey rode the goat in the earliest show. Today, the animal collection includes beautiful
clouded leopards, cheetahs, and black-footed cats, all of which are endangered. You'll also
meet a ham of a hippo named Geraldine as well as black howler monkeys, siamangs,
American crocodiles, a banded Egyptian cobra, a Gila monster, barred owls, bald eagles,
and dozens of other species. Recent additions include the alligator and crocodile viewing
deck, an insect zoo, and a hyacinth macaw exhibit. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Note:
ZOOm Air
Adventures was just opening a new zip-line style attraction at the time this topic went to
print. Park-goers adventurous enough to tackle the tree-top challenge (there are two dif-
ferent courses) will find a series of rope bridges, guide wires, ziplines, and various other
tree-top challenges. Pricing is separate from the zoo and runs $20 to $35, but combina-
tion tickets are available.
Tip:
One-year memberships that include additional perks and
free admission to this and 100 other participating zoos and aquariums across the country
are available. A family membership is $70, which, depending on your family's size, may
be more economical than purchasing individual tickets, especially if there's a member zoo
in your area.
3755 NW U.S. 17/92, Sanford.
&
407/323-4450.
www.centralfloridazoo.org. Admission $11 adults, $8.95
seniors, $6.95 children 3-12. Daily 9am-5pm. Free parking. Take I-4 exit 104 right onto Orange Ave., turn
left at the traffic light on Lake Monroe Rd., and then right on U.S. 17/92. The zoo is on the right.
7
Cypress Gardens
Value
Touted as one of Florida's original attractions, Cypress
Gardens continues to dazzle visitors with its famed water-ski show, its lush botanical
gardens, and its natural beauty. Though its future has at times been questionable (the
park had closed down completely due to financial difficulties, then reopened several
months later with a montage of theme park-style rides in an effort to increase its
appeal—only to close down again just a few years later), it reopened under new manage-
ment this past year. A popular tourist stop long before the Mouse moved in, the gardens
have generally reverted back to their original state, offering a welcome departure from the
hustle and bustle of the theme parks. Though its 41 rides and roller coasters, as well as
its animal exhibits, are no longer operational—the famed water-ski show; lush botanical
gardens (including a topiary trail, the plantation gardens, and a butterfly conservatory);
and Southern belles that started it all remain to welcome those who wish to enjoy a relax-
ing afternoon amongst the lakes, waterways, and gardens. Boat tours (there are two—the
first an electric boat tour through the gardens at a cost of $5 for guests ages 3 and up, the
second a 45-min. cruise along the lake at a cost of $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and
children ages 3-9) offer views of the gardens, the tremendous Banyan tree—a centerpiece
of the park, and the numerous cypress trees from a unique vantage point as they wind
