Since 1949, millions of visitors to Gatorland know immediately that it's no ordinary theme park. To enter the 110-acre park, visitors must pass through the massive, 12-foot jaws of an imitation alligator. Inside the theme park, gator-lovers will find a park like no other in the world. Called the "Alligator Capital of the World," Gatorland's multiple attractions include the refreshing Gator Gully Splash water park where summer visitors cool off in the Orlando heat, Allie's Barnyard petting zoo allows young children to feed farm animals, the Very Merry Aviary that features wild Lorikeet parakeets, and Flamingo Lagoon's colony of brilliant pink flamingos, which can grow more than five feet tall. Visitors can access all these features through a ride on the Express Railroad that circles the park. But what attracts the most attention in this Orlando theme park are the alligator shows.
Florida Alligator Shows and Wild Adventures
Local Orlando visitors have long known about the amazing wildlife shows at Gatorland, and debates about which one is best are an Orlando pastime. But no one disputes the excitement of watching an alligator jump impossibly high into the air at Gator Jumparoo feeding time, or the excitement of helping an expert wrestler pick the alligator for the Gator Wrestlin' Show. The theme park proves the amazing abilities of Florida alligators in shows that are unlike any other in the world. Another unique element of Gatorland is the opportunity for personal experiences with these Florida reptiles. The Trainer for a Day experience can teach visitors how to handle dangerous reptiles, the delightfully creepy Gator Night Shine tour goes into the Breeding Marsh at night with flashlights that reveal Florida alligators and their shining red eyes during nocturnal habits and activity. And for an extra $10, visitors can have a private tour behind the scenes, or get photographed as they practice a bit of Rookie Wrestling themselves within the Gator Wrestlin' Arena.
Alligator Theme Park Habitats and Preserves
This unique and natural Orlando theme park is older than Disney or Universal, but wins out for its unique combination of education and fun. The park is an important preserve for thousands of reptiles that allows adults and children to learn about them in their natural Florida habitat, and experience them up close. The Jungle Crocs habitat features wild crocodiles, and the Snakes of Florida exhibit has Up Close Encounters events and other educational programs that teach the importance of reptiles to the Orlando, Florida ecosystem. A casual stroll along the Swamp Walk allows visitors to experience Florida's native Cypress swamp, and see the 10-acre Alligator Breeding Marsh and Bird Rookery, where 130 alligators swim in their natural environment just a few feet below the raised wooden boardwalk. The Orlando, Florida Gatorland experience is not complete without a stop at the entrance/exit gift store where hundreds of souvenirs include unusual taxidermy items (gator claws, small heads), the usual t-shirts, informative reptile books and videos, and plush reptile toys for children.
Orlando's alligator theme park is historic, educational, natural, and fun. It is also less expensive than Disney, Universal, or MGM Studios. Adult single-day admission to this historic Orlando alligator theme park is about $20, and children's admission is about $13 (with the online coupons). Gatorland's discounts through advance tickets and online coupons make an affordable day of family adventure.
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