Saturday, January 10, 2009

Sea World at San Diego Calif

Written on the reverse of the photographs is Sea World at San Diego Calif. I have a soft spot in my heart as this was the theme park which I grew up with. I went there many times with my Grandparents and mom, as well as with school groups. I have seen it change from a very small park focusing on sea life and education to a park that now boasts thrill rides and themed environments with a tenuous link to the Sea. However, there are still parts of the park that remind me of the early years. When I looked the images it brought back some memories. The first image is of the sea stadium with the fun dolphin and porpoise show. I vividly remember the volcano that would erupt on cue. In the background is the Hawaiian Punch Village restaurant.

The second image shows the patio with a prominent tiki and nice rattan furniture at the Hawaiian Punch village. This was the place to grab a snack and a cup full of Hawaiian punch.

The next two images are from the Japanese Pearl Diver area of Sea World. Here one could see the Pearl Divers dive down to a great depth and pull up clams. The clams would then be opened and a pearl would be revealed. It is now home to a Manta Ray exhibit.

The next image is of a sculptural fountain outside the Sparkletts Water Fantasy Show. I love the design of the spouting fish fountain. This fountain is now gone.

The last image is of the Seal and Walrus show at the Royal Crown Cola Theater. I believe the park still has shows in this theater, although it is no longer sponsored by RC Cola.

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5 comments:

  1. Thufer6:46 AM

    wow, what a memory flood. thanks

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  2. Major Pepperidge9:45 AM

    One of the things that always amazes me about the "Sea Stadium" is that... even with a front row seat, you were pretty far from the action. I understand that the critters needed space to wiggle around, but the further away you are, the more it loses its impact.

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  3. Daveland10:43 AM

    Great vintage pics! However, in referring to the current San Diego Sea World, I think the term "thrill ride" is definitely an overstatement!

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  4. outsidetheberm11:37 AM

    The view in the second image is really rare. Thanks for the look!

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  5. Chris Merritt4:03 AM

    Very uncommon to see that outdoor patio of the Hawaiian Punch Village... Thanks for sharing - I hadn't ever seen that fountain either! Ahhh Sea World of the 1970s... what happened to you?

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