Proof there were tourists before there were theme parks

Dewayne Bevil | Theme Park Ranger

July 18, 2008

If you can't visualize Central Florida before water parks, roller coasters or a certain castle, you should see the latest permanent exhibit at the Orange County Regional History Center.

"Destination Florida: Tourism Before Disney" displays memorabilia from that simpler, less traffic-choked time, an era that began in the late 19th century when northerners came down for natural beauty and the heat -- not Beauty and the Beast.

The kitsch factor of the new installment is high, but that makes it even more intriguing. Some advertisements' stylings could inspire a new series of the retro T-shirts at Old Navy.

Dominating the room is a tepee that represents Wigwam Village, a motel with iconic individual units that operated from 1935 to 1973. Among the items inside are fun Florida road maps, including one touting the 25th anniversary of Orange Blossom Trail ("The Scenic Route through Central Florida"). Also inside: historic photos, a cap that belonged to harness racing patriarch Ben White and pennants for Silver Springs, the "Singing Tower" of Lake Wales and Sanford's Big Tree Park.

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Intriguing were materials related to Midget City, located "on 17-92 between Orlando and Sanford." This was a miniature-scale city with 10-story buildings shrunk to 22.5 inches. (A precursor to the defunct Florida Splendid China?) "Visitors are allowed to take all the pictures they wish," proclaims the paraphernalia.

An enlarged map from a 1963 edition of the Orlando Sentinel indicates "attractions" such as Bibleland, Spook Hill, Florida Wonderland, McCoy Air Force Base and the "World's Safest Beach." A kiosk presents a touch-screen quiz about these locations. A display in the back centers on the Dixie Highway, a series of roads connecting Miami with the Midwest.

Near the entrance of the exhibit are display cases with civic-minded dishware, including a series of spoons, with one having "Orlando" engraved into its bowl and an alligator image as its handle. An array of bowls and trays salute landmarks such as downtown's Angebilt Hotel, Lake Lucerne and Memorial Junior High School, which once stood across from Lake Eola.

Larger decorative plates illustrate attractions from across Florida -- not a set of mouse ears to be found anywhere.

But the history center's display can't entirely escape Uncle Walt's shadow. On the way out, look up and to the right in the overhead montage of postcards.

Frightfully early

It may be too early to plan your Halloween costume (Amy Winehouse, anyone? Madonna plus A-Rod?), but it's not too early to examine the ticket options for Halloween Horror Nights. The 18th edition of the after-hours event at Universal Studios runs 23 select dates between Sept. 26 and Nov. 1, but some of the more popular evenings -- weekends, generally -- have sold out in advance before.

The basic price for one night of horror is $69.99, about five bucks more than last year. But there are many options that let you beat that.

For example:

*The Frequent Fear Pass allows entry to HHN on 13 specific dates -- including opening weekend -- for the one-night price of $69.99.

*Discounts for Florida residents are available through a soft-drink promotion that's worth $10 off on Saturdays, $25 on Fridays and $33 on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

*Annual passholders have a choice of deals, notably a one-night ticket, good during the first three weekends for $29.99.

*The Halloween Horror Nights Express Plus, priced separately from admission, puts you in the fast lane for all haunted houses. It costs $39.99 and $69.99, depending on the night.

It pays to check options online at halloweenhorror nights.com. You can also print out purchases there and avoid lines at the gate.

Dewayne Bevil can be reached at 407-420-5477.
dbevil@orlandosentinel.com