What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Orlando, Florida?
For a lot of people, it's probably Disney World. Maybe it's oranges. For me, the first thing that pops into my mind is...
...alligators!
Last month I visited Florida for the first time when I traveled to Orlando for the annual Mom 2.0 conference. Like always, I added a few extra days onto my trip so I could explore the area a little while I was there. I was pretty flexible with my plans for those days, but there was one thing I wanted to make sure I saw, and that was alligators. And, boy, did I see a LOT of alligators!
Ok, before you get worried, I didn't see any of these alligators just out and about on the streets of Orlando - although I'm sure they're there if you know where to look! No, these alligators were all in the one place. One fabulous place named Gatorland!
My first experience with Gatorland was an Instagram post that featured the larger than life walk through alligator at the entrance to the park. I'm a total sucker for kitsch roadside attractions, so combined with my desire to see alligators, I just knew that I had to add a visit to Gatorland to my trip to Orlando.
Let's take a look at my visit to Gatorland - or Gatorlando as Lola says it should be called...
So, you can probably guess that the main attraction at Gatorland is alligators. Lots of alligators. From the moment you enter the park, you'll see ponds full of chompy reptiles basking in the sun and swimming through the muddy waters. I'd spent the past few days in Orlando asking my friends "Do you think there's an alligator in there?" every time we passed any body of water, so I was super excited to see alligators the moment I walked in.
When you enter Gatorland you'll find covered boardwalks that surround ponds that the various types of
alligators call home. Walking along these boardwalks and spotting the alligators below can feel a little daunting at first, but everything is safely fenced, and as long as you stick to the boardwalks there's no chance of coming face to face with an alligator - unless, of course, you take part in the Meet-a-Gator experience, which you'll see a little further on.
The boardwalks lead to a paved areas where you'll find enclosures with white alligators, albino alligators, tortoises, pumas, snakes, and birds. Speaking of birds, you'll spot plenty of wild birdlife hanging around the park, just as you would in a swamp environment. It definitely had me wondering just how often the herons, cranes and pigeons become gator snacks.
Among the thousands of alligators that call Gatorland home, there’s one special alligator who steals visitors’ hearts. This is Jawlene. Jawlene was rescued after what appears to have been an accident with off board motor. Her top jaw is missing, leaving her tongue exposed. Despite such a major injury, Jawlene has been thriving at Gatorland where she shares an enclosure with an albino turtle.
There are several opportunities to get up close and interact with the animals that call Gatorland home. For the younger visitors, there is a Barnyard Petting Zoo with all the fluffy and cuddly farm friends you'd find at any petting zoo. For those wanting to feed alligators, bags of Gator Chow can be purchased. These dry treats are similar to a dog biscuit and kind of look like a poop! In fact, the first time I threw one to an alligator a little kid nearby started pointing out that someone had pooped in the water! Despite their appearance, the alligators love them. Gator Chow can be fed to any of the alligators found throughout the park.
If you want to get a little more hands on with the alligators there are two opportunities available. The Meet-a-Gator experience gives visitors the chance to sit on an alligator for photo opportunities. Another photo opportunities gives visitors the chance to hold a baby alligator or python. Or in my case, both! Don't worry, the alligators have their mouths securely taped closed.
Another great option for taking a rest from the heat is the Gator Gully Splash Park. This small splash park is perfect for younger visitors to cool off. As I was traveling on my own I didn’t check this area out, but as I passed by I could see that it was very popular with younger kids. I did, however, make sure to stop at the Gator Gully General Store for an icy treat to cool down.
Ok, you've seen me sitting on an alligator, but do you want to see how the professionals wrangle a gator? The "Legends of the Swamp" show is an exciting show that features gator wranglers, well, wrangling alligators! This show is quite informative with a ton of facts about alligators, their environment, how the local Native Americans lived alongside alligators, and how European settlers learned these skills too.
After all the excitement of the alligator show and getting to meet a few up close, I headed to the Swamp Walk for a relaxing stroll along the 1.4 mile long boardwalk loop. This trail takes visitors through a real swamp. As such, there are no fences of extra safety precautions to keep humans and wildlife apart, so it's extra important to stick to the boardwalk and avoid approaching any wildlife that may cross the path. But don't let that scare you. This area is such a relaxing place for a short walk, with lush plant life along the entire trail. Just keep your eyes peeled for alligators and snakes. I didn't come across either of these, but I did spot a few snapping turtles, lots of birds, and even a raccoon.
The Breeding Marsh is one of the larger areas of Gatorland with a lake filled with full of alligators. How many? I have no idea, but every direction I looked I saw alligators. A boardwalk takes visitors along the marsh and to the Observation Tower for raised views over the whole area. While walking along the boardwalk I spotted so many alligators out in the deep water, but especially so along the edges of the boardwalk (they love hanging out underneath it) and among the trees and plants growing along the edges of the marsh. This is a great spot to feed the alligators. Despite the Gator Chow being relatively small, every time I threw a piece into the water several more alligators would appear to try and snatch it away from the intended recipient!
Florida gets pretty hot, so taking a rest from walking around the park was definitely important for me. Luckily, the Gatorland Express Train gives visitors the opportunity to explore the park while also taking a little rest! The train tracks run around the Breeding Marsh, through the Jungle Crocs of the World exhibits, and past farmyard areas. The train ride takes about 20 minutes and is great for all ages.
Another great option for taking a rest from the heat is the Gator Gully Splash Park. This small splash park is perfect for younger visitors to cool off. As I was traveling on my own I didn’t check this area out, but as I passed by I could see that it was very popular with younger kids. I did, however, make sure to stop at the Gator Gully General Store for an icy treat to cool down.
Throughout the day, there are several shows to entertain guests. Along with the Legends of the Swamp show that I featured above, there are also Upclose Encounters shows featuring snakes, insects and exotic animals from around the world. The most popular show, and the finale for my visit to Gatorland, is the Gator Jumparoo Show. This show features budding gator handlers Bubba and Cooter in a competition to see who can feed their chicken carcasses to the alligators (and one giant Nile crocodile) first. It’s an entertaining and exciting show with lots of impressive alligator jumps.
Speaking of excitement, there’s one very popular activity at Gatorland that I’ve missed here. That’s the Screamin’ Gator Zipline. With lines seventy feet in the air, this zipline takes dare devil visitors between seven towers throughout the park, including above the large Breeding Marsh, with alligators below. I had fully intended to ride the zipline during my visit, however, they don’t allow dresses and skirts, and I didn’t pack anything other than dresses for my trip. So just imagine me zipping through the air above snapping alligators - probably pulling a face like below!
Ok, now for everything you need to know to visit Gatorland…
Gatorland is located at 14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando.
Gatorland is open 10am to 5pm daily, including holidays.
Tickets can be purchased online (click here) or at the door.
Entry to Gatorland is $34.99 or adults (ages 13+), $24.99 for children (ages 3 - 12), and $31.98 for seniors (60+). Children ages 2 and under are admitted free of charge. Save $3 per ticket by purchasing online in advance.
The Greator Gator Package is a great deal at $41.99 for adults ($13+) and $33.99 for children (ages 3 - 12). This package includes single day entry to Gatorland, the Meet-a-Gator experience (where I sat on the alligator), unlimited rides on the Gatorland Express train, and a bag of Gator Chow. Printed photos from the Meet-a-Gator experience are not included but can be purchased separately.
Most of the trails at Gatorland ar wheelchair and stroller friendly. Strollers are available to rent on site.
I pretty much spent the whole day at Gatorland, so plan on it being a full day activity.
Make sure you keep hydrated as even in April it was pretty hot and humid, and I felt myself overheating a little.
Want to see where else I've explored on my trips to Mom 2.0? You can check them out at the links below...
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