1969 Welcome to Sea World Brochure
DESCRIPTION
Novelty and whimsy abound in this folding map of Sea World's original San Diego park only 5 years off from opening its gates in 1964. The cheery (or at least expressionless) faces of the animals shown here forebode the rampant accusations of mistreatment that would surface nearly 50 years later.
Along the top of the map, Mission bay divides the larger-than-life, set-apart universe of Sea World from the real world of San Diego. Guests would cross this divide not via some drab roadway, but by two equally spectacular modes of transport: the Richfield Hydrofoil Boat Ride or the Sky Ride. Once back on dry land, they'd structure their day around sponsored events like the Star Kist Underwater Show, the Royal Crown Seal and Penguin Arena, or the Sparklett's Water Fantasy. Between these shows, guests would pop by continuous attractions like the Murata Pearl Japanese Village (which doubled as a functioning jewelry store) or Lockheed's Man and the Sea Exhibit all the while encountering conveniently placed gift shops, restaurants, snack bars at every turn. The attractions and amenities are communicated here through simple, vibrant cartoons that both simply navigation and cultivate a whimsical sense of non-reality that makes impulse-spending that much easier.
The piece's verso, more informative than its ornate recto, details pricing of the park's rides, outlines its lost-child policy, and directs guests towards amenities like drinking fountains, telephones, and "Avis Rent-a-Whale Strollers." Stamped beneath this copy is the day's unique itinerary of showtimes.
During these initial years, since the park was rapidly adding new attractions and sponsors were constantly rotating, Sea World reissued maps like these nearly every season. The towering presence of the PSA Sky Tower dates this edition to no earlier than Fall 1969 while Shamu's modest mid-park pool (to be given a dedicated "Whale Arena" in Summer 1971) caps the publication date at 1970.
CONDITION
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622