If you’re looking for a truly authentic Florida experience, then you’ve got to visit Gatorland! It’s no wonder this place has dubbed itself the Alligator Capital of the World – it has all of the alligators you could ever imagine, from babies to the truly monstrous and everything in between. Florida is full of wild alligators, but you are GUARANTEED to see one here!
Whether it’s your first trip to Gatorland or one of many, this 110-acre adventure park has something for everyone. Outside of gators, there is plenty of other Floridian wildlife to see, like snakes, spiders, birds and even a 113-year-old tortoise. Read on for all you need to plan your trip!
Hours & Admission
Gatorland is open 10am-5pm rain or shine, 365 days a year. There is ample free parking, and stroller and wheelchair rentals.
Florida residents always enjoy half off special for single day admissions. Just bring your ID (one for every adult in your party) and purchase tickets at the admissions counter. Florida residents can also get a Gatorland annual pass, which includes perks like 30% off general admission for up to six guests, 10% off food at beverages at Pearl’s Smokehouse and Snack Bar, BOGO on animal food at the petting zoo, and more! Truly, a great value if you think you’ll visit more than once.
For non-Florida residents, consider buying your ticket online in advance to save $3.00 each. Children 2 and under are free.
Experiences
Whether you like to leisurely wander and see the gators from afar or prefer to get in the action with one of their many immersive experiences, there is lots to see and do at Gatorland. While many of the experiences are included in the cost of your admission, there are a few fun, affordable options that are worth adding on.
Feed the gators
When you first walk in, you’ll find yourself on a boardwalk of sorts with gators in every direction. Here, you can buy fish to feed them using one of their poles and threads (3 fish for $5, or 20 for $20). It’s all very safe and fun, albeit a little stinky!
Ride the Gatorland Express Train
Riding the train ($3 each) is a great way to see a lot of the park while hearing the history of how Gatorland came to be. The train leaves about every 20 minutes from a station behind the splashpad. An engineer will point out different sights, and you might even spot Felix the donkey.
Parrot Pandemonium
You’ll be happy to know that many of the animals at Gatorland are rescued, including parrots and macaws like Harley, Woodstock, Holly and Tonga, who were donated to the park. While you’re there, pop around the corner to the aviary where you can feed the parakeets – they might even land on you!
White Gator Swamp
Make a point to stop by the white gator swamp where the rare leucistic alligators hang. There are only seven of these guys in the world!
Petting Zoo
The newly renovated petting zoo is a great place to get up close to feed goats, bunnies and other small friends. For $10 each, you can try the wildly popular Meet a Capybara experience at 2:15pm daily, except Wednesdays.
Cool off in the Splashpad
The Gator Gully Splash Park features lots of sprayers and new features, including a water dragon and gator sculpture the kids can climb on. It also has shaded area with Adirondack chairs so parents can rest while keeping an eye on the kids. There’s a small playground right next door, along with changing rooms.
There’s more…
If you want to take it up a notch, be sure to check out Gatorland’s Zipline, rock climbing and the many shows the park hosts daily.
Special Events
Keep an eye out for special seasonal events. This October, Gatorland is hosting Gators, Ghosts and Goblins on weekends from Oct. 14-29th, from 10am-5pm. Visitors are invited to visit interactive Halloween displays, and there will special activities for kids, including free candy from 11am-2pm, and a kids costume parade at 1pm.
It’s no surprise Gatorland consistently ranks among the top places for affordable family fun in Orlando. Tell us in the comments, have you been?
