Fodor's Expert Review Gatorland
This campy, 110-acre attraction near the Orlando–Kissimmee border on U.S. 441 has endured since 1949, despite competition from the major parks. Indeed, over the years, Gatorland has managed to retain much of its original gator-rasslin’ spirit, providing an entertaining glimpse into Florida's swamp life.
From the free-flight aviary and the petting zoo, to watching the gators feed, there's something for everyone. A train ride is a high point, taking you through an alligator breeding marsh and a natural swamp setting where you can spot gators, birds, and turtles. A three-story observation tower overlooks the marsh, swamped with gator grunts, especially come sundown during mating season. The Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure takes you straight into a gator swamp in a vehicle that is a cross between a pontoon boat and an off-road monster truck. This is a genuine experience, and you leave knowing the difference between a gator and a croc.
To see eager gators leap from the... READ MORE
This campy, 110-acre attraction near the Orlando–Kissimmee border on U.S. 441 has endured since 1949, despite competition from the major parks. Indeed, over the years, Gatorland has managed to retain much of its original gator-rasslin’ spirit, providing an entertaining glimpse into Florida's swamp life.
From the free-flight aviary and the petting zoo, to watching the gators feed, there's something for everyone. A train ride is a high point, taking you through an alligator breeding marsh and a natural swamp setting where you can spot gators, birds, and turtles. A three-story observation tower overlooks the marsh, swamped with gator grunts, especially come sundown during mating season. The Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure takes you straight into a gator swamp in a vehicle that is a cross between a pontoon boat and an off-road monster truck. This is a genuine experience, and you leave knowing the difference between a gator and a croc.
To see eager gators leap from the water to catch their food, come on cool days (summer heat just puts them to sleep) for the Gator Jumparoo Show, which is the most thrilling first thing in the morning, when these creatures are at their hungriest. There's also the Gator Wrestlin' Show, and although there's no doubt who's going to win the wrestling match, it's still fun to see the handlers take on those tough guys with the beady eyes. The park is also home to the largest community of rare albino alligators in the United States. In the educational Upclose Encounters show, the host handles a variety of snakes. If you are looking for even more excitement, the park offers Screamin' Gator and Gator Gauntlet zip lines (additional cost). Discount coupons are available online.
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