A chapter has come to a close for good at Legoland Florida Resort – Island in the Sky, the longtime observation-wheel attraction has been permanently grounded, the Winter Haven theme park has confirmed.
“Island in the Sky has ended its 34-year run of entertaining millions of guests from around the world, first at Cypress Gardens, beginning in 1983, and since 2011 as part of Legoland Florida Resort,” according to a statement from the attraction. “While the iconic attraction will always occupy a special place in our history, we look forward to developing new and exciting attractions that will entertain Legoland guests for generations to come.” BUY LEGOLAND TICKETS
The brightly colored disc was lifted about 150 feet into the sky. Visitors sat near the edge of the rotating platform to see a panoramic view of the theme park and nearby areas including Lake Eloise.
The attraction was installed in the 1980s, during the Cypress Gardens era. It was retained after Legoland Florida owner Merlin Entertainments Group took over and reopened in 2011. The wheel had stretches of down time in the years since. The Island in the Sky entrance has been removed from Legoland’s Fun Town area near the park gate.
Other elements of Cypress Gardens remain in use, although some have been rethemed. Visitors can experience three roller coasters, water-park attractions and historical botanical gardens from the old days.