Retro Commercials

Top 10 Classic Amusement Park Commercials That Defined Theme Park Marketing

  1. Six Flags – “Mr. Six” (2004)
    An old gentleman in a tuxedo hops off a bus and launches into an energetic dance craze. With the Vengaboys’ “We Like
    to Party” blaring in the background, this viral campaign transformed into an instant pop-culture sensation.
Original Six Flags Mr. Six It's Playtime TV Commercial 2004

Amusement Park Info

2) Disney – “I’m Going to Disney World!” (1987)
Debuted after Super Bowl XXI, this campaign interviewed famous quarterbacks about their “next destination.” It gave
birth to one of TV’s most enduring catchphrases that still resonates strongly today.

"I'm Going to Disney World" - first ad, 1987

Amusement Park Info

3) Cedar Point – “The Whole Point is Fun” (1969)
The whole point is “fun”.

Cedar Point Commercial, 1969

Amusement Park Info

Marriott’s Great America – “Great Day Just Waiting for You” (1978)
An over-the-top Broadway-style musical production featuring full choirs singing across park grounds. It epitomized 70s
marketing by promoting vintage rides including the iconic Willard’s Whizzer.

Marriott's Great America - Great Day Just Waiting for You [1 min] (1978)

Amusement Park Info

Universal Studios Florida – “Ride the Movies” (Early 1990s)
High-octane, movie-theater style promos made it feel like you’d step straight onto the film screen. Complete with
explosions, mechanical King Kong, and Jaws snapping directly at your lens.

Universal Studios Florida 2001 Ride the Movies VHS promo - great quality.

Amusement Park Info

Kings Island – “The Vortex” (1987)
Sci-fi themed ads hyped up what was the tallest continuous-loop coaster at the time. The campaign pulled from late-80s
aesthetics—synth beats, neon lighting, and a commanding narration.

Vortex 1987 Commercial

Amusement Park Info

Alton Towers – “Oblivion” (1998)
Psychological buildup for Europe’s first vertical-drop coaster. A dark, thriller-like ad warned guests to “hold onto
your soul” before plummeting into an underground mist.

Alton Towers - Oblivion Advert

Amusement Park Info

Canada’s Wonderland – “Original Lineup” (1980s)
Nostalgic footage of Canada’s wonderland. Really Retro.

Canada's Wonderland Commercial 1987

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Palisades Amusement Park – (1960s commercial)
A beloved New Jersey regional park that relied on memorable radio and TV jingles. The park closed in 1971.

Palisades Amusement Park TV commercial

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Valleyfair – “Surprises for All Ages” (1981)
Minnesota theme park’s vintage marketing featured families on old coasters. A dated but cheerful musical jingle sang
“Valleyfair’s got surprises for all ages and sizes!”

1980 Valleyfair Commercial

Amusement Park Info