Historic Starliner Roller Coaster To Reopen In 2007

Article written by:
Eric Gieszl, Editor

Winter Haven, FL -- The historic Starliner roller coaster will ride again in 2007 at Florida's Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. The park last Thursday announced its plans to rebuild the classic wooden coaster and add a new children's area called "Bugsville" for next season.

The John Allen designed "out and back" wooden coaster will return to operation at Cypress Gardens after being carefully dismantled and moved from its previous home at Miracle Strip Amusement Park in Panama City Beach. The Starliner is a part of Florida history since it was the first of its kind in state when it was built in 1963.

Cypress Gardens purchased the ride after Miracle Strip closed in 2004. The Starliner once rebuilt will be one of only eleven roller coasters designed by John Allen that remain in operation today.

According to Kent Buescher, President and CEO of Cypress Gardens, the Starliner is well known for its negative G-forces, the feeling of coming out of your seat while riding.

The 2,640 foot long "out and back" wooden coaster has a seven story lift hill, 65-foot first drop and a top speed of 55 mph. The Starliner will be Cypress Gardens 6th roller coaster.

Children visiting Cypress Gardens in 2007 will also have a place to call their own with the addition of Bugsville. The new children's area will feature rides, a special theatre and eventually a large, interactive play structure.

The first phase of Bugsville to be completed in 2007 will have 13 rides. The area will have a theme completed from a bug's point of view, thus making guests feel small.

A trio of new critters to entertain younger guests will begin making appearances next spring. Cypress Garden's new bug stars, Buzzby, Lady B and Whiff will appear in an all-new show called "A Bugsville Adventure".

The park also announced a pass exchange program welcoming season passholders from other theme parks to experience Cypress Gardens at no charge. Now through December 24, 2006, guests can present a valid 2006 season pass from any other theme park and receive free admission to Cypress Gardens.

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