The rebirth of Cypress Gardens Adventure Park (863-324-2111, www.cypressgardens.com), just southwest of Orlando. The once-sleepy granddaddy of all Florida parks, and of modern theme parks in general, opened in 1936 but nearly met the bulldozer two years ago. A Georgia businessman came to the rescue, injected millions of dollars and rejuvenated it with a slate of new thrill rides; it now has 38 in all. So far, its operators report higher-than-projected attendance. This fall it will add a waterslide park.
