If you happened into Sea World in the 1970s/1980s and wandered past the Walrus pool on your way to the skyride and happened to take a left instead of a right, you would find yourself in the magical Hawaiian Punch Village. There Punchy reigned and not only served up delicious Hawaiian Punch, but he had and animatronic band to entertain and sooth your frazzled nerves. I was turned onto the band from this photo post by the Waffle Whiffer that shows the attraction along with the mascot Punchy that wandered the park.
For all pics, click on them to see the original (which are often much larger)
I quickly went around trying to find video footage of the band in action, but found nothing, but I did find some more amazing photos and scans. Like these ones by Michael Poulin that show the band in color and also a 1970s ad for the Village.
And I was floored by these posts by Dan Goodsell who has some shots of the Village, but also of the menu of “exotic” drinks and snacks.
I would really love to hear and see this in action. Does anyone have any memories of this one in San Diego or the one in Orlando? Or more importantly does anyone have any footage they are willing to share? I went to Sea World in Florida in the 1980s and I have looked through my photos from the time and found nothing related to this magical place. Perhaps it had closed by then?
The Retroist
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6 thoughts on “Punchy’s Hawaiian Animatronic Punch Band at Sea World”
That was one awesome bit of nostalgia. Thanks for posting it.
As a fan of all things tiki, and of Hawaiian punch in particular, I think its safe to say I would have taken up residence in that village if possible.
Wow, this is one of the most awesome things I’ve seen in some time. Surely someone out there has some footage they can share with us?
I remember going here when it first opened with my family. Wish it still existed! I kept the drinks menu for many years and now wish I hadn’t tossed it.
Thanks for the post and pictures. Brings back good memories. I worked in the Hawaiian Punch Village back in the early 80’s during spring break. Spent two days filling up little plastic pineapples with the red punch. Dyed my hands red! Finally, they moved me to something else in food service.
My mom worked in the Orlando Hawaiian Punch Village for a brief time. This was way back before my day but she still talks about it.