Walt Disney World Discover Guide, Spring Summer 1987

Obviously we'll be looking at several brochures from Walt Disney World during our month-long look at Orlando-area attractions brochures. This is our first from WDW.

The year this guide was produced, also happened to be the 15th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Look carefully at the cover, and you'll see one of my favorite, and largely forgotten Disney logos: The castle superimposed over Epcot (Center's) Spaceship Earth. Yes, long before Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios) there were only two fine Disney parks in Central Florida. The guide lists several attractions that have since disappeared: River Country, Discovery Island, and the Disney Inn to name a few.

In a time before the internet, that contact info on the back was key. I was always bothered by the fact that Disney didn't have an 800/toll free phone number. I think they've gotten by just fine without it.

Sea World, Cleaveland Ohio, 1987

Sea World Cleveland is long gone. After changing hands a few times, all traces of this Sea World are gone. Luckily, we've got this 1986 brochure to bring back the memories. Sorry, but the $2 coupon as long since expired... In 2001, Sea World Cleveland was sold to Six Flags. Later the property was sold to Cedar Fair (owners of Knott's Berry Farm)

Idlewild Park, Ligonier, PA

Idlewild Park. Sadly I was just a little too old to appreciate you when I found your brochure in the late 80's. My seven year-old niece though, is a big fan today.

This brochure doesn't necessarily show just how geared this park is toward kids under ten. Today, it's made more obvious.



While attractions have been added through the years, including Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, most of the attractions pictured here still remain. The H2OHHH Zone is now the Soak Zone. Otherwise, why change a good thing? After all, Idlewild is consistently recognized as one of the best parks in the world (yes, world) for kids.

Share your thoughts on visiting or working at Idlewild below!

Peony Park, Omaha Nebraska The Place to Party!

I have no idea how this brochure got into the collection. I've never been to Peony Park, nor even Omaha for that matter. There was a time in which I would send away to different attractions, hoping to get a brochure in return, so that could explain it.

This 1987 brochure has two covers. Open the brochure in one direction, and you learn about Peony Park, which apparently had some sort of bee/wasp as a mascot. Or is that a character borrowed from The Jetsons? It looks like there were several smaller rides at the park. It's interesting to note the cover calls this the "new" Peony Park. Little did they know that in 1994, there would be a new park, as the old location (8100 Cass St.) was boarded up in 1993, and the park re-opened in 1994 at a new location, according to rcdb.com



In 1987, admission was $1.50 per person, with all-day ride passes of $8.95. You could also get the $11.95 party pass and gain access to the swimming pool and water slides. During regular season, the park was open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free parking! You can find out more about the history of the park, including it's footnote in segregation history, here.


If you open the brochure from the other direction, you learn about "The Royal Terrace Ballroom at the NEW Peony Park." It's strange, but somehow photos of food tend to date brochures more than anything, except clothing styles. Theres nothing wrong with the steak and potato featured on this cover, and yet something just doesn't feel contemporary about it.


Inside we learn the ballroom can seat up to 1800, and you can choose from "a simple menu to a gourmet delight." Ah! It all comes together! It looks like the focus of this brochure was to promote Peony Park as a party destination, combining the Party Pass option with the Royal Terrace Ballroom.

So who visited Peony Park? Were the meals at the Royal Terrace as tasty as promised? Leave a comment below!