Forgotten OC, Alligator Farm, Deer Park, Buena Park, OC

KOCE's Maria Hall-Brown and local historian Chris Epting look at forgotten Orange County landmarks, in this episode The Alligator Farm and the Japanese Deer Park in Buena Park Orange County.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• KOCE-TV
• Maria
• Hall-Brown
• Chris
• Epting
• Forgotten
• Alligator
• Farm
• Deer
• Park

[hestonq]

I remember going to the Deer Park several times as a kid, but don't remember too much about the park itself. I vague recollections of feeding deer. I have one solid memory of it as The Enchanted Village. There was this boat ride that went into a cave and some guy in a monster costume would basically sit in the water there and scare people as they came in.

The Alligator Farm was a trip. The gators were much bigger than I was and were scary.

I wish OC still had oddities like these places!

[TheTone714]

That sucks!!!!!!!!!! My house is in the middle of those two places

[morrigan909]

Buena park had strange theme parks, now it's just overun with tweekers and burn outs.

[soysomeone]

I have many fond memories of Japanese Deer Park & Enchanted Village!! My father was an animal trainer at both parks. He was the one to take credit for the bear who was able to swing 360 degrees w/o falling off the swing. He was especially fond of the bears, but worked with any of the animals. I miss the good ole days!!!!

[Network23549]

@noNWO4me I remember Cars Of The Stars, I wish someone could find the commercial for it (which is what I was searching for) with Billy Barty.

[racegrooves]

I was very young when my parents took me to the Japanese Deer Park. I really only remember it by name. I don't remember any Alligator park.

[croninlaw]

I remember my mom taking me here in like 1968 or 9.

[PHAEDRIDER]

yep ..

used to go to aligator farm ..AND i could see the enchanted villiage sign from my bedroom until they built the apartments on western and artesia . and the street is still called " village drive"

[RetiredInKalifornia]

Our family went to both parks early 1960s; Alligator park was smelly & creepy, one "attendents" got in mud with 3 of them, walked up up to one almost got tail whipped - man!!!

[noNWO4me]

Stupid me--I lived down the street for 20 years and never did make it there!  I DID however make it to Cars of the Stars/Panes of Fame--remember that one?