These photos, from the State Archives of Florida, depict Orlando’s shift from downtown to tourist town, featuring shots of Circus World, Disney and SeaWorld, as well as images of politicians, both local and national, who paid a visit to the City Beautiful in the 1980s.
The Orlando skyline across Lake Eola Credit:State Archives of FloridaCinderella’s castle at Disney World Credit:State Archives of FloridaThe Corkscrew water slide at Wet ‘n Wild Credit:State Archives of FloridaKiller whale leaps out of the water at SeaWorld Credit:State Archives of FloridaAmusement rides on the midway at Circus World Credit:State Archives of FloridaAerial view of the Orlando International Airport Credit:State Archives of FloridaEPCOT Center water fountain Credit:State Archives of FloridaVice President George Bush speaks at Florida’s Republican party convention Credit:State Archives of FloridaPresident Carter and state Representative Dick Hodes aboard Air Force One during the 1980 re-election campaign in Orlando Credit:State Archives of FloridaUnidentified Jaws 3-D film crew member on location at SeaWorld Credit:State Archives of FloridaMan posing at the King Henry’s Feast attraction, where guests could celebrate King Henry VIII’s birthday twice-nightly in his castle on I-Drive, with chicken, ribs and unlimited beer and wine served by wenches. Credit:State Archives of FloridaGov. Bob Graham during one of his “workdays” with Orange County Sheriff’s Office. When he was governor, Graham spent 100 days experiencing the lives of Floridians by working with them at their jobs. Credit:State Archives of FloridaBird’s eye view of EPCOT Center at the Walt Disney World Resort Credit:State Archives of FloridaAerial view overlooking Wet ‘n Wild Credit:State Archives of FloridaMusicians practicing at the Pine Castle Center for the Arts, a folk art center located in unincorporated Orange County. Credit:State Archives of FloridaVisitors at the Circus World theme park Credit:State Archives of FloridaInterior view of the Orlando International Airport Credit:State Archives of FloridaVisitors at the Shakespeare’s Tavern and Playhouse, a downtown Orlando dinner theater that put William Shakespeare at the center of the action, which included jugglers, a battle between knights and singing wenches. Credit:State Archives of FloridaParachute ride on the midway at Circus World Credit:State Archives of FloridaA high-dive performance at SeaWorld Credit:State Archives of FloridaBird’s eye view of the Orlando International Airport Credit:State Archives of FloridaThe Martin Marietta building housed an aerospace, chemical and electronics company that eventually merged with Lockheed Martin. Credit:State Archives of FloridaCircus World theme park Credit:State Archives of FloridaSheraton Twin Towers Credit:State Archives of FloridaKissimmee Silver Spurs Rodeo Credit:State Archives of FloridaThe Land Pavilion in EPCOT Center Credit:State Archives of FloridaBig tent at the Circus World theme park Credit:State Archives of FloridaStar Trek exhibit at the Stars Hall of Fame, an I-Drive wax museum that closed in 1984 Credit:State Archives of FloridaPioneer Days, held in Pine Castle, Fla., offered an old-fashioned lifestyle experience Credit:State Archives of FloridaWalt Disney Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom Credit:State Archives of FloridaDancers perform at the Polynesian Resort Credit:State Archives of FloridaView of Main Street USA at night Credit:State Archives of FloridaGreat White Shark on display at SeaWorld Credit:State Archives of FloridaPine Castle Center for the Arts, a 4 1/2 acre folk art center located in unincorporated Orange County Credit:State Archives of FloridaVisitors leave the John Young Museum and Planetarium (now the Orlando Science Center), located in Loch Haven Park Credit:State Archives of Florida
