Eat Your Heart Out Marty McFly......AC's 1978-1989 Trip Back in Time (updates that go back to 1975 commenced on 3-12-15 )

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Here is what the Stars Hall of Fame looked like.

 

 

According to an article, after HBJ sold its theme parks to Busch, including Sea World and Places of Learning, the area including Places of Learning was redeveloped.  I don't know if that particular building is still standing.  But interestingly, there is a street just to the west of the Sea World property called Academic Drive.  I wonder if HBJ, and in particular Places of Learning, was on that street? 

[Grumpy and Grandma 739]

Aaron, simply amazing. Don't know how I missed seeing this from beginning. Makes me feel "young" again.

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

Aaron-

 

HBJ was a huge company in the mid-'80's.  They owned Sea World and Cypress Gardens.

 

This Places of Learning was a wax museum that they bought and changed into a huge children's book store in 1985.

 

I found an Orlando Sentinel article about it here: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1985-12-29/entertainment/0340910286_1_children-classics-bill-cosby-places-of-learning

 

Harcourt Attraction Proves Learning Can Be Fun

December 29, 1985|

By Janet Grant of The Sentinel Staff

 

Places of Learning, the new Harcourt Brace Jovanovich attraction in Orlando's tourist-row area, doesn't offer thrill rides that take you fast forward or back in time. Instead, Places of Learning gives you a sense of where you are right now -- geographically speaking.

The outdoor centerpiece at the attraction -- formerly the Stars Hall of Fame wax museum -- is a one-acre map of the United States, complete with water representing the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico and Niagara Falls. In addition to the map, there is the Circle of Flags -- the individual state banners as well as the American flag.

 

 

According to Roland J.B. Goddu, director of educational research and development for HBJ, more than 40 children's groups have toured the attraction since it opened in October.

''The student groups are using the map as a learning activity, finding the trails such as the Santa Fe and the Oregon, the state capitals and the rivers. We're learning as we go along . . . how they use it,'' Goddu said.

As for adult visitors, Goddu said that they don't seem to want formal tours of the attraction. ''What they want to do is explore it on their own.''

 

Other look-sees at Places of Learning are the oversized representations of 15 children's classics -- including Mother Goose, Pinocchio and The Story of Babar the Little Elephant -- and a giant chessboard with figures positioned in an opening move known as Queen's Gambit.

 

Inside, there is the Parent's Store with a selection of more than 5,000 children's classics as well as novels in hard-cover and soft-cover for all ages of children -- everything from plastic Care Bears' bath books for preschoolers to young adult classics like Antoine de Saint-Exupery's The Little Prince.

 

''We're an all-kinds-of-things store,'' said Travis Spaulding, manager and education consultant for the Parent's Store. ''I've tried to make it an educational resource for parents and teachers.''

Also inside, there is a Creative Play Area with a hands-on computer section and educational toys. The video area has cassettes by educators and entertainers -- such as Bill Cosby -- that were developed as educational tools.

A lot of local people visit the store, Spaulding said, but it is also becoming popular among tourists and educators.

 

''I'm always looking for special trips for the kids to take,'' said visitor Ernestine Stovall, reading specialist at the Vanguard School in Lake Wales. ''This place is set up for free access. I hope the kids get interested and bring their parents out.''

The reaction was positive from one of her students. ''It's neat -- the store and the chess set outside. I really like the books. I've got most of the same Stephen Cosgrove books at home,'' said David Stagg, 10. Another student -- Mitch Collier, 13 -- said that seeing ''how different states are in size is neat. I like the computers, too.''

 

Tourist Betty Higginbotham, of Washington, Pa., also liked the set-up: ''I'm a school psychologist in Pennsylvania and was interested in seeing what Harcourt has out. I think the store is great. I'd love to have one just like it.''

 

 

''I'm not only trying to be the world's largest children's bookstore,'' Spaulding said. ''I want to have those special things that make people come back.''

 

HBJ sold off its theme park division in 1989.

 

I'm not sure what happened to Places of Learning.

 

TCD

 

Thanks for the article and info.

 

It's too bad it's gone.  It was a cool place.

 

Did you ever go there?

 

The huge map is neat.  Poor E, hope the wipe out didn't hurt.

 

It was neat.

 

I need to ask my Dad about that and see if he remembered a wipe-out.

 

OK- your pig photo was bugging me, so when ff.net was down, I did some research.

 

This is your pig:

 

 

I am going to say that pig is a patagonian cavy:

 

 

They had them on Discovery Island.

 

They are related to capybaras, so I was on the right track.

 

TCD

 

Interesting.  I cannot see your photo though.  I will have to look it up.

 

I remember visiting Stars Hall of Fame in the 70's. The building is still there but don't think it's anything to do with amusement biz anymore. They had some cool people in there. Very lifelike. When I was a kid I thought Disney was so magic that it brought back all those dead presidents. I went to the HOP a couple weeks ago and thought about when I first went in the early 70's and the cool stuff they had. I miss some of that.

 

Cool info. 

 

I had never heard of that place before.

 

Here is what the Stars Hall of Fame looked like.

 

 

According to an article, after HBJ sold its theme parks to Busch, including Sea World and Places of Learning, the area including Places of Learning was redeveloped.  I don't know if that particular building is still standing.  But interestingly, there is a street just to the west of the Sea World property called Academic Drive.  I wonder if HBJ, and in particular Places of Learning, was on that street? 

 

More cool info.

 

I can't see your picture either.

 

I wonder if the problem is on my end.

 

Aaron, simply amazing. Don't know how I missed seeing this from beginning. Makes me feel "young" again.

 

Thanks!

 

I am glad it makes you feel young, but then you both still look young to me.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Here is what the Stars Hall of Fame looked like.

 

 

According to an article, after HBJ sold its theme parks to Busch, including Sea World and Places of Learning, the area including Places of Learning was redeveloped.  I don't know if that particular building is still standing.  But interestingly, there is a street just to the west of the Sea World property called Academic Drive.  I wonder if HBJ, and in particular Places of Learning, was on that street? 

 

 

Interesting find.  I saw the photo when you first posted it, but now I just see a red x.  Anyway, you made me take a look at some aerial maps of the area.  There is a building at the end of Academic Drive, near I-4 that could be this building.  It would make sense that it had frontage on I-4.

 

While I was looking around Sea World, it jogged my memory that there is a big glass office building that is easily seen from the Sea World parking lot that used to have the HBJ logo on it.

 

You can see it in this shot, to the north and west:

 

.

 

Here's a closer look:

 

 

And here's a shot from back in the day:

 

 

I don't see the HBJ logo on there now.  In fact, this is what I saw on the other side of the building:

 

 

TCD

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

Okay.

 

Just a few MK pics before we head back to the Fort......

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you notice Pluto still has the long tongue in 1986?

 

Here we are back at the Fort and I am fairly certain we are on the 900 loop.

 

My parents requested this loop for all but our first trip to the Fort.

 

They liked that it was directly across from the Meadows:

 

 

 

A couple pics of us swimming with the brain eating amoeba:

 

 

 

Younger bros at the Fort petting zoo:

 

 

 

On one of our earlier trips, one of the goats grabbed my little "blankey" from me and proceeded to eat it.  Most of it was gone and in early digestion by the time my parents knew what happened.  Apparently, I was inconsolable.

 

The person that picks up the goat droppings may or may not have had a good laugh a bit later.

 

Next we will visit the "new" Disney park including the "new" attraction that was just opened a couple months prior to our trip........

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Here is what the Stars Hall of Fame looked like.

 

 

According to an article, after HBJ sold its theme parks to Busch, including Sea World and Places of Learning, the area including Places of Learning was redeveloped.  I don't know if that particular building is still standing.  But interestingly, there is a street just to the west of the Sea World property called Academic Drive.  I wonder if HBJ, and in particular Places of Learning, was on that street? 

 

 

Interesting find.  I saw the photo when you first posted it, but now I just see a red x.  Anyway, you made me take a look at some aerial maps of the area.  There is a building at the end of Academic Drive, near I-4 that could be this building.  It would make sense that it had frontage on I-4.

 

While I was looking around Sea World, it jogged my memory that there is a big glass office building that is easily seen from the Sea World parking lot that used to have the HBJ logo on it.

 

You can see it in this shot, to the north and west:

 

.

 

Here's a closer look:

 

 

And here's a shot from back in the day:

 

 

I don't see the HBJ logo on there now.  In fact, this is what I saw on the other side of the building:

 

 

TCD

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

Oh yeah.

 

The van shown in the latest update is the one my older brother and I affectionately called, "The Family Truckster."

 

The van was purchased in 1982 and my dad owned it until at least 1996 or so.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Oh yeah.

 

The van shown in the latest update is the one my older brother and I affectionately called, "The Family Truckster."

 

The van was purchased in 1982 and my dad owned it until at least 1996 or so.

 

Smart man.  He knows the value of a van.  And I bet the ride from Michigan to the Fort was a lot more comfortable than in that Buick Wagon.

 

Exactly how many kids are in your family?  I see new ones popping up every trip. 

[LONE-STAR 370]

Oh yeah.

 

The van shown in the latest update is the one my older brother and I affectionately called, "The Family Truckster."

 

The van was purchased in 1982 and my dad owned it until at least 1996 or so.

My dad was the same way bought a 77 ford van kept it forever. In 92 bought a new ford van. Then in 2004 got a gmc van and still driving it. I remember being a kid at school seeing kids get picked up in trucks and thinking thats cool. Needles to say I don't own a van crew cab trucks for me. But sadly I do drive a van at work but it will be replaced with a truck soon.

[LONE-STAR 370]

I will say though my dad did put a tv in the 77 van for us so we could play Pong. Later Atari, then Nintendo and a VCR.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

You know, vans were cool in the late '70's early '80's.

 

I don't recall crew cab trucks. 

 

With all those kids in the ACinA2 gang, a truck wouldn't have worked.

 

TCD

[Grumpy and Grandma 739]

 

I don't recall crew cab trucks.

 

TCD

That's because your such a young-un. They were available, but not a big player in RVing since FW's were were not as dominant.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

That's because your such a young-un. They were available, but not a big player in RVing since FW's were were not as dominant.

 

Thanks.  I never thought about how many less fivers there were back in those days, but you're right.

 

I'm sure there were crew cabs, what I meant is that I don't remember seeing many around.  In fact, there were a lot less pick up trucks in general.

 

Don't forget how cheap gas was back then- driving around in a big van was no problem in those days.

 

TCD

[Grumpy and Grandma 739]

Thanks.  I never thought about how many less fivers there were back in those days, but you're right.

 

I'm sure there were crew cabs, what I meant is that I don't remember seeing many around.  In fact, there were a lot less pick up trucks in general.

 

Don't forget how cheap gas was back then- driving around in a big van was no problem in those days.

 

TCD

Crew cabs were actually around in the early 60's, but Dodge made the big break through in 1972 with the "Club Cab" (extended cab)

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

Interesting find.  I saw the photo when you first posted it, but now I just see a red x.  Anyway, you made me take a look at some aerial maps of the area.  There is a building at the end of Academic Drive, near I-4 that could be this building.  It would make sense that it had frontage on I-4.

 

While I was looking around Sea World, it jogged my memory that there is a big glass office building that is easily seen from the Sea World parking lot that used to have the HBJ logo on it.

 

You can see it in this shot, to the north and west:

 

.

 

Here's a closer look:

 

 

And here's a shot from back in the day:

 

 

I don't see the HBJ logo on there now.  In fact, this is what I saw on the other side of the building:

 

 

TCD

 

I am loving all the extra info.

 

I only wish the info included that the place was still open.

 

Not being that aware of the surrounding area, is it possible the causeway from the earlier update has anything to do with the trip to Cypress Gardens?  I was just thinking the pics may not be in chronological order in the reel?

 

Smart man.  He knows the value of a van.  And I bet the ride from Michigan to the Fort was a lot more comfortable than in that Buick Wagon.

 

Exactly how many kids are in your family?  I see new ones popping up every trip. 

 

4 kids all boys; including me.

 

My dad was the same way bought a 77 ford van kept it forever. In 92 bought a new ford van. Then in 2004 got a gmc van and still driving it. I remember being a kid at school seeing kids get picked up in trucks and thinking thats cool. Needles to say I don't own a van crew cab trucks for me. But sadly I do drive a van at work but it will be replaced with a truck soon.

 

My dad knew how to take care of vehicles and take care of them he did.

 

I will say though my dad did put a tv in the 77 van for us so we could play Pong. Later Atari, then Nintendo and a VCR.

 

No TV for us.  We did have boomboxes and headphones.

 

You know, vans were cool in the late '70's early '80's.

 

I don't recall crew cab trucks. 

 

With all those kids in the ACinA2 gang, a truck wouldn't have worked.

 

TCD

 

I am sure the van gave us more room for gear, luggage, and comfort.

 

That's because your such a young-un. They were available, but not a big player in RVing since FW's were were not as dominant.

 

I think I would prefer to be called a Young Gun.

 

Remember from my prior DB stories, "I'll make ya famous."

 

Thanks.  I never thought about how many less fivers there were back in those days, but you're right.

 

I'm sure there were crew cabs, what I meant is that I don't remember seeing many around.  In fact, there were a lot less pick up trucks in general.

 

Don't forget how cheap gas was back then- driving around in a big van was no problem in those days.

 

TCD

 

I love my truck.  I could never switch to a van.

 

No offense Dave.

 

You sort of need one; due to having twice as many kids as me.

 

Crew cabs were actually around in the early 60's, but Dodge made the big break through in 1972 with the "Club Cab" (extended cab)

 

Extended Cab or Crew Cab is the way to go!

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Not being that aware of the surrounding area, is it possible the causeway from the earlier update has anything to do with the trip to Cypress Gardens?  I was just thinking the pics may not be in chronological order in the reel?

 

No- Cypress Gardens was in Winter Haven- you wouldn't have gone over a causeway to get there.

 

I sure think this looks like a causeway, but it could be a regular road.  I just don't know of a road landscaped like that between Tampa and WDW:

 

 

But the Memorial Causeway- which goes to Clearwater Beach- looked exactly like that- those landcaped medians are unique.

 

TCD

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

1986 was the year I moved from GA to FL.  I remember all those Cypress Garden shows!!!!

[DaveInTN 3,247]

I love my truck.  I could never switch to a van.

 

No offense Dave.

 

You sort of need one; due to having twice as many kids as me.

 

No offense taken.  Do you think if I didn't need to pull a TT and have a family of 7 that I would drive a van?  The van is great as it is the only vehicle that will do what I need it to do...which includes moving furniture regularly for INC's business.  And I am a fan of Fords in general, and the v10 in particular, so towing with my van is awesome.  But trust me, when my 3 older girls are moved on and it's just me, INC, Stella and Anna, I will be back to driving a truck like in the olden days.  I ain't no cupcake. 

[Katman1356...Jason 1,140]

No- Cypress Gardens was in Winter Haven- you wouldn't have gone over a causeway to get there.

 

I sure think this looks like a causeway, but it could be a regular road.  I just don't know of a road landscaped like that between Tampa and WDW:

 

 

But the Memorial Causeway- which goes to Clearwater Beach- looked exactly like that- those landcaped medians are unique.

 

TCD

 

 It does remind me of the Memorial Causeway.  We end up over in taht area usually once a summer visiting Sil's family in Largo, Clearwater, and St. Pete.

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

I remember the first time I saw a 4-door pickup truck, if I recall it was back it 1984.  I thought that thing looks so strange!!!!  Nowadays, a regular 2-door pickup looks weird to me!

[BigTom 76]

We had a 1980 chevy 2500, 4 door with a 454 engine. That thing would pull anything you hooked to it if you could afford the gas. About 8 mpg was all it would get and took 40 acres to turn it around.

[Big Kahuna aka John 71]

My first 4 door pickup that I ever saw was a 1960's Dodge Power wagon owned by our State Parks System.   I thought it was the toughest looking truck ever.    And Dave, that Ford V 10 van is anything but a cupcake...  Through a chain around your house and you're off to Disney.  My biggest fear with that would be the miles per gallon...  I have the 5.4 liter and that hurts... 

 

And AC....   Your trip is destined to be truly epic..  watch out  KFK ....

[alexwyattmommy 181]

Hoping to get back to talk that doesn't hurt my girl brain.

[LONE-STAR 370]

There was a 84 ford f350 4x4 crew cab that ran around our town when I was a kid and it was love at first sight. Since I was a kid the only ride I wanted was a 1 ton crew cab 4x4. I hated it when they became the norm, I loved it when they were unique. And Dave if I didn't have a diesel the only motor I would have is the ford v10. I even looked for one when I bought my diesel but they are just to hard to find here in Texas.

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

No- Cypress Gardens was in Winter Haven- you wouldn't have gone over a causeway to get there.

 

I sure think this looks like a causeway, but it could be a regular road.  I just don't know of a road landscaped like that between Tampa and WDW:

 

 

But the Memorial Causeway- which goes to Clearwater Beach- looked exactly like that- those landcaped medians are unique.

 

TCD

 

I will try to figure it out.

 

 

1986 was the year I moved from GA to FL.  I remember all those Cypress Garden shows!!!!

 

You must have been so young then.  How did you remain a Bulldog fan and not get swept into the Seminole, Gator, or Hurricane nations?

 

No offense taken.  Do you think if I didn't need to pull a TT and have a family of 7 that I would drive a van?  The van is great as it is the only vehicle that will do what I need it to do...which includes moving furniture regularly for INC's business.  And I am a fan of Fords in general, and the v10 in particular, so towing with my van is awesome.  But trust me, when my 3 older girls are moved on and it's just me, INC, Stella and Anna, I will be back to driving a truck like in the olden days.  I ain't no cupcake. 

 

I only live with two girls. 

 

I am quite aware that you are no cupcake.

 

If you were, you would never survive.

 

 

 It does remind me of the Memorial Causeway.  We end up over in taht area usually once a summer visiting Sil's family in Largo, Clearwater, and St. Pete.

 

I will check into it when I talk to my Dad next.

 

I remember the first time I saw a 4-door pickup truck, if I recall it was back it 1984.  I thought that thing looks so strange!!!!  Nowadays, a regular 2-door pickup looks weird to me!

 

 

We had a 1980 chevy 2500, 4 door with a 454 engine. That thing would pull anything you hooked to it if you could afford the gas. About 8 mpg was all it would get and took 40 acres to turn it around.

 

 

My first 4 door pickup that I ever saw was a 1960's Dodge Power wagon owned by our State Parks System.   I thought it was the toughest looking truck ever.    And Dave, that Ford V 10 van is anything but a cupcake...  Through a chain around your house and you're off to Disney.  My biggest fear with that would be the miles per gallon...  I have the 5.4 liter and that hurts... 

 

There was a 84 ford f350 4x4 crew cab that ran around our town when I was a kid and it was love at first sight. Since I was a kid the only ride I wanted was a 1 ton crew cab 4x4. I hated it when they became the norm, I loved it when they were unique. And Dave if I didn't have a diesel the only motor I would have is the ford v10. I even looked for one when I bought my diesel but they are just to hard to find here in Texas.

 

I knew when I posted the first pic of the Suburban that an old vehicle discussion would break out too.

 

You guys did not disappoint!

 

And AC....   Your trip is destined to be truly epic..  watch out  KFK ....

 

Thanks BKJ!

 

Hoping to get back to talk that doesn't hurt my girl brain.

 

What did you have in mind?