Forgotten Florida: Marineland Oceanarium and Aquarium

Even Elvis and Benji made movies here, Live a Little, Love a Little, and Benji Takes a Dive at Marineland, respectively.

During this time, Marine Studios changed its name to Marineland. Wildly popular with tourists and Hollywood alike, it averaged 500,000 visitors a year.

Not even knowing if they were capable of being trained, a German elephant trainer who couldn't even swim came to train the dolphins at Marineland.

Within a year, they were doing tricks and drawing even more people to the park. Dolphins quickly became the main attraction. And while they still showed other sea life, they were not as popular and eventually were phased out.

Marineland also became a place to learn. The University of Florida even opened a marine laboratory there.

Scientists from all over the world came to study dolphins. Most of what we now know about dolphins, such as their behaviors and even sonar, were learned there in those early years.

After Walt Disney World opened in 1971, the writing was on the wall for most of Florida's roadside attractions.

One by one they closed, until only a handful remained in the 80's and 90's.

Eclipsed in popularity by the likes of Seaworld, Marineland managed to hold on until the late 1990's. Two hurricanes and lack of visitors finally closed the park.

Luckily, the owners of the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta took an interest and bought Marineland to save it and give it new life.

In 2006, it reopened as Marineland Dolphin Adventure. Instead of shows, Marineland is now focused on dolphin education. Visitors can now swim with dolphins, feed them, and even be a dolphin trainer for a day.

There are daily tours of the park, which include Marineland's history, aquariums of oceanic creatures, and, of course, dolphins.

Marineland has survived Mickey Mouse, financial hardships, and a lack of visitors, but it is now a thriving attraction that should be on everyone's list to see when visiting Florida.

I had visited Marineland on a field trip when I was a child, but back then it was only a show park. I remember watching dolphins jump through hoops, do tricks, and even a surfing dog.

Marineland is completely different now. I did not even recognize it when I pulled into the parking lot.

Instead of shows, they now offer various tours, such as:

• Swim with dolphins
• Feed the dolphins
• Create artwork with dolphins
• Become a dolphin trainer
• General overview tour

I hadn't came prepared to get wet, so I chose the general tour. I was not disappointed though, I learned a lot about dolphins and the history of Marineland.

I've been to Seaworld. It's very crowded and very commercial. Marineland lets you get up close and personal with the dolphins.

At Seaworld, I would not be able to get within 10 feet of the dolphins, let alone touch them.

Marineland is located on A1A about 15 minutes south of St. Augustine and 48 minutes north of Daytona Beach.

For those who want to visit while on their way to or from Walt Disney World, Marineland is located 110 miles north of Orlando.

Marineland is open 365 days a year, but with varying hours. Advanced tickets and online reservations for dolphin encounters can be purchased on their website.

Tips from a local:

Plan your trip to Florida during the months of September through March. Temperatures during that time of year vary anywhere from 35 F to 85 F, but, more importantly, there are no crowds.