Long before Walt Disney World opened in 1971, making Florida the epicenter of Mousemania, Florida had a thriving tourist culture. Cities and towns across the state were attracting the adventurous, the curious and the tourist-minded before the Magic Kingdom was even conceived. And enterprising Floridians have capitalized on the tourist economy from the get-go.
Here are photos of some roadside attractions, amusement parks and curiosities that predate Disney World. There's deep sea adventures, pirates, mermaids and reptiles of all shapes and sizes to enjoy (or shudder away from).
All photos, unless otherwise noted, are from the State of Florida Archives, www.floridamemory.com