Melonballer Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 Some of you probably remember the pictures I posted recently of Disneyland in 1979. I promised to get some more pics from that time and post them. After we went to Disneyland we went to the Bay Area and visited my relatives that live there. While there we visited Marine World Africa USA. I have to admit that I do not remember much from Marine World, so I am glad I have the pictures. So here are some of the best. I also have some pics from Great America from 1979 too and I'll get them posted soon. Allright! 1970's TnA. Giggety-Giggety, Giggety-Go. Fast boats. Boy my comments stink so far. There was a water ski show. Apparantly there was a boat ride that took you past all these animals who lived in a Dust Bowl. The Sea Lion part of the show. The Killer Whale show, with pirates.
Melonballer Posted February 20, 2008 Author Posted February 20, 2008 Here are some more pictures from Marine World Africa USA. I'll have Great America up soon. One of the few memories I have from the park is of this slide. Lions. Why did it have to be Lions? Lions and Tigers. If there was a bear, I'd have to make a Wizard of Oz reference.
Team Thriller Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 Can you believe that Six Flags Discovery Kingdom was that at one time! It's so amazing how much they change over time. I was only there at the Marine World status. --James
montezooma Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 ^Actually this is not Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. MarineWorld Africa USA was first located in Redwood City, CA. The original park was closed down and in 1986 it was relocated to Valejo, CA where it eventually changed to SFDK Great pictures, I can't wait to see Marriott's!!!!
Angry_Gumball Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 I'm guessing that these are the Redwood City photos of the park as the whale stadium looks different and I don't remember a boat ride being there. Cool to see it though. We've got some old pictures laying around as well, I believe from Redwood City.
sfmmrules! Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 I remember that playground at SFDK. I always made sure to go there. I loved those jumping areas, & the big whale where there was a slide to slide into balls, & especially that big slide. Those were the days! By the way it was once called Marine World Africa USA. Then Six Flags Marine World.
laqueefa Posted February 20, 2008 Posted February 20, 2008 I LOVE this thread! It brings back so many memories. Cant wait for the Great America pics!
Melonballer Posted February 21, 2008 Author Posted February 21, 2008 I promised to post pics from Great America and here they are. The last three of these pics came from a visit in 1982. There weren't enough for their own thread, so I'll post them here. From 1982. Bugs Bunny and pals in a stage show. Wonder who the other rabbit is. Willard's Whizzer. It was my first roller coaster when I returned in 1982. I rode it with my Grandfather. You can also see Turn of the Century, before it became Demon. The Sky Whirl is in the background. Once again, nice and clean looking. And there is a pic of the lost, but not forgotten Tidal Wave. R.I.P. Looking down. Notice how nice and clean it is. Notice how it has a nice New Orleans theme. Is that a train track? Kind of boring, yet, how often do you see a pic of the area before it was built up. I'm guessing that these next pics were taken from the sky tower. Once again, the Carousel. Porky Pig. Now if Bugs is the pimp does that mean... Ya know what, let's not finish that thought. And yes that is 3 year old Melonballer at Porky's side. Hey look, it's Bugs Bunny! Now that is one patriotic pimp suit. The carousel. Is any Great America report complete without at least one pic of it. Notice Willard's Whizzer in the background.
Melonballer Posted February 21, 2008 Author Posted February 21, 2008 The last 2 pics form 1982. I hope you all enjoy these pics. It's been fun sharing them with you. More Tidal Wave goodness. Sky Whirl and the Demon can be seen in the background. I remember all the pinkish red water at the Demon. Shame they got rid of that detail. Anyone else remember the bees?
sfmmrules! Posted February 21, 2008 Posted February 21, 2008 Totatally awsome pictures. Seeing those pictures of the Tidal Wave makes me so sad. It looks great. If only it were still there..... Do you have any vintage pictures of the Santa Clara Great America? Anymore pictures please post them!!!
laqueefa Posted February 21, 2008 Posted February 21, 2008 Do you have any vintage pictures of the Santa Clara Great America? Anymore pictures please post them!!! I think that is Great America in Santa Clara
Craneman Posted February 21, 2008 Posted February 21, 2008 Great photos!! I remember the good old days at both of the parks always fought with the parents over which one to go to. MW will never be the same it's sad to what became of Marine World and Great America both wonderful parks with a ton of memories! If you come across anymore feel free to post them!
Angry_Gumball Posted February 21, 2008 Posted February 21, 2008 Yes, that was the train track that used to run around the perimeter of the park. Notice, not dozens of trash cans per square foot. Looks so weird without Vortex or Top Gun being there.
Melonballer Posted February 21, 2008 Author Posted February 21, 2008 Thanks for all the comments. Yes, that is the Santa Clara Great America. I have never been to the one in Illinois. I don't think I have any more pictures except for family shots, which don't show much theme park. I will double check in the next few days.
aliston Posted February 21, 2008 Posted February 21, 2008 These are really incredible. I wasn't even born when these were taken, so I have never known the park when it looked like this -- it's interesting to see both how the park has changed and also how the surrounding land has changed. Do you think anyone could have envisioned that that vacant land around the park would become Yahoo, Sun etc. It almost looks like it could be out in the central valley...
ScottBrown Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 it would be very interesting to get some pictures from skytower from the same angles and have a now and then set of images
Angry_Gumball Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 If it's not a problem with the original poster, I'll post some of my pictures alongside with his as I have some at similar angles. Top Gun area/Orleans Area Carousel Plaza
ebl Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 Thank you, Melonballer! This was great stuff! I never did go to Marine World when it was in Redwood City, but I did go to Great America for the first time in November 1978. It's too bad that the train and Willard's Whizzer are both gone (I think SFGAm in Illinois still has both). That flat ride, Triple Play, was fun. Guess it's gone now. My last visit was in October 1999, and I don't know when I'll get back. Maybe for the opening of the new woodie in 2009. Eric
montezooma Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 What a Day! What a Place! Marriott's Great America Tidal Wave
Melonballer Posted February 22, 2008 Author Posted February 22, 2008 If it's not a problem with the original poster, I'll post some of my pictures alongside with his as I have some at similar angles. Not a problem at all. I know I really appreciate seeing how it has really changed. I've only been once since 1982, in 2001, so I do not know how it all fits together. So it's great to see what is still there and what is not.
ScottBrown Posted February 22, 2008 Posted February 22, 2008 Dude seriously you rock, are those from last season?
Angry_Gumball Posted February 23, 2008 Posted February 23, 2008 Yea...I'll be visiting a lot this season as well, hoping to see if I can spot early construction on the new woodie for '09. Won't expect to see anything until late this coming season though.
laqueefa Posted February 23, 2008 Posted February 23, 2008 ^ I smell a TPR meet up's at CGA this year!
KGA29 Posted February 23, 2008 Posted February 23, 2008 ^ I smell a TPR meet up's at CGA this year! I'm in. I go at least 6-7 times a year.
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