Vanished Fun At Florida Amusement Parks Forgotten By Time
Remember when Florida’s theme parks were more than just mega-resorts? Long before today’s towering coasters and high-tech attractions, the Sunshine State hosted dozens of quirky, homegrown amusement parks that families adored.
Many disappeared decades ago, leaving behind only faded photographs and cherished memories. I’m taking you on a nostalgic journey through thirteen forgotten Florida parks that once brought joy to millions but now exist only in our hearts.
1. Disney’s River Country, Lake Buena Vista
America’s first water park opened in 1976 and captured everyone’s imagination with its rustic, old-fashioned swimming hole vibe. Bay Cove featured a massive pool connected to Bay Lake through a filtration system. Kids loved zooming down the twin flume slides while parents relaxed on sandy beaches.
Disney closed this beloved spot in 2001, citing declining attendance and competition from newer water parks. Bay Lake’s natural water became a maintenance headache over time.
Today, the abandoned slides and pools sit eerily quiet, reclaimed by Florida’s persistent vegetation and wildlife.
2. Discovery Island, Bay Lake
Parrots squawked and exotic birds roamed freely on this eleven-acre zoological park that opened in 1974. Originally called Treasure Island, Disney transformed it into a tropical bird sanctuary with winding nature trails. Flamingos, macaws, and Galapagos tortoises called this lush paradise home.
Guests reached the island only by boat, making every visit feel like a genuine adventure. Disney shut it down in 1999 as Animal Kingdom became the company’s wildlife focus.
Now the island sits completely abandoned, with crumbling aviaries and overgrown pathways creating an eerie time capsule.
3. Circus World, Haines City
Big top dreams came alive when Circus World opened in 1974, celebrating America’s circus heritage with daily performances and thrilling acts. Mattel owned this ambitious park that featured actual circus performers, exotic animals, and vintage circus wagons.
Trapeze artists soared overhead while clowns entertained delighted children below. Financial troubles plagued the park despite its unique concept and talented performers.
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich purchased it in 1980, attempting various rebranding efforts. Nothing worked, and the park permanently closed in 1986, ending Haines City’s brief circus glory.
4. Boardwalk and Baseball, Haines City
Kansas City Royals brought spring training magic to central Florida when this baseball-themed park opened in 1987. Visitors watched major league players practice while enjoying carnival rides and arcade games nearby.
The park combined America’s favorite pastime with classic amusement park thrills in a unique way.
Anheuser-Busch owned the property but struggled to attract crowds year-round despite the baseball connection. Hurricane damage in 1989 dealt a serious blow to operations. Just three years after opening, the park closed permanently in 1990, proving baseball alone couldn’t sustain attendance.
5. Six Gun Territory, Ocala
Outlaws and sheriffs roamed the dusty streets of this Wild West town that opened in 1963. Staged gunfights erupted hourly while kids panned for fool’s gold in the mining area. Saloons served sarsaparilla and root beer floats while stagecoaches rumbled past wooden storefronts.
Families loved the authentic frontier atmosphere complete with can-can dancers and Native American villages. Silver Springs’ nearby attractions eventually overshadowed this cowboy paradise.
Six Gun Territory closed in 1984 after twenty-one years of Western adventure, and the ghost town became genuinely ghostly.
6. Miracle Strip Amusement Park, Panama City Beach
Salty ocean breezes mixed with cotton candy smells at this beachfront treasure that opened in 1963. The Starliner roller coaster became legendary among coaster enthusiasts for its smooth wooden track design.
Families spent entire days riding the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and the thrilling Abominable Snowman dark ride.
For forty-one years, this park defined Panama City Beach summers for countless vacationing families. Rising property values and development pressure forced its closure in 2004. Today, condominiums occupy the once-magical spot where generations created unforgettable beach vacation memories.
7. Pirates World, Dania Beach
Buccaneers sailed into South Florida when this swashbuckling park opened in 1967, years before pirates became trendy. Captain Kidd’s ship dominated the entrance while costumed pirates staged sword fights throughout the day.
Treasure hunts, parrot shows, and pirate-themed rides transported visitors to the golden age of piracy. Major rock concerts happened here in the early 1970s, featuring bands like The Allman Brothers and Pink Floyd.
Financial difficulties sank the pirate ship, and the park closed in 1975 after just eight years. Six Flags attempted a revival, but that venture also failed quickly.
8. Bongoland, Daytona Beach
Chimpanzees performed amazing tricks at this quirky roadside attraction that opened in 1949. Toto the chimp became a Florida celebrity, riding bicycles and playing musical instruments for delighted audiences.
The park featured alligator wrestling, snake shows, and other exotic animal displays typical of old Florida tourism.
Families stopped here while traveling along Highway 1, making it a popular pit stop. Animal welfare concerns grew as society’s attitudes changed toward captive wildlife entertainment.
Bongoland closed in the 1960s, ending its run as one of Florida’s most unusual animal attractions near the beach.
9. Wild Waters, Silver Springs
Crystal-clear spring water filled the pools at this natural water park that opened in 1978. Tube slides wound through Florida pine forests while the lazy river meandered past native vegetation. Families appreciated the park’s focus on natural beauty rather than over-the-top theming.
Silver Springs’ famous glass-bottom boats brought tourists to the area, and Wild Waters benefited from that traffic. Competition from larger corporate water parks eventually took its toll on attendance. The park closed in 2016 after nearly four decades of providing refreshing summer fun to central Florida families.
10. Tropical Wonderland, Titusville
Monkeys swung from trees while peacocks strutted freely at this jungle-themed park that opened in 1963. Located near Cape Canaveral, it offered a natural contrast to the space-age excitement happening nearby. Botanical gardens featured exotic plants from around the world, creating a lush tropical escape.
Petting zoos and animal shows kept children entertained for hours while parents enjoyed the peaceful garden settings. Space tourism eventually overshadowed this quiet attraction as Kennedy Space Center dominated the area.
Tropical Wonderland closed in the early 1970s, returning the land to its natural Florida state.
11. Splendid China, Kissimmee
Miniature replicas of Chinese landmarks filled seventy-six acres when this cultural park opened in 1993. The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Warriors stood recreated at reduced scale with incredible detail. Acrobats, dancers, and cultural performers showcased authentic Chinese traditions daily.
Controversy plagued the park from the start due to political concerns and cultural misunderstandings. Attendance never met projections despite the park’s impressive craftsmanship and educational value.
Splendid China closed in 2003 after just ten years, leaving behind crumbling miniature monuments reclaimed by Florida’s aggressive plant growth.
12. Holy Land Experience, Orlando
Jerusalem’s ancient streets came alive in Orlando when this biblical theme park opened in 2001. Actors in period costumes reenacted scripture scenes while visitors explored recreations of sacred sites.
The park featured a tabernacle model, Last Supper presentation, and Scriptorium museum displaying rare biblical artifacts. Trinity Broadcasting Network purchased the attraction in 2007, continuing its religious educational mission for years.
Declining attendance and high operational costs eventually forced difficult decisions about the park’s future. Holy Land Experience closed permanently in 2020, ending nearly two decades of bringing biblical history to central Florida.
