Introducing... Gatorland in Orlando!

Orlando is obviously known for its major theme parks, but how about we show some love for the real OG local attractions? It's about time we say YES to the hidden gems and affordable things to do in "The City Beautiful". And it all starts with Gatorland in Orlando, offering a different and exceptional experience compared to regular theme parks. Often called the "Alligator Capital of the World," this special place puts you at the forefront of alligators, crocodiles, capybaras, a free-flight aviary, petting zoo, one-of-a-kind animal shows, and plenty of other wildlife. If you're visiting Florida and searching for Orlando vacation ideas for families, you should at the minimum understand the area's roots. Rain or shine, Gatorland provides just that.

It's also important to note that Gatorland is an insanely affordable attraction in the Orlando area. Nowadays, a family of four can enter Gatorland for the total price of one major theme park ticket. It's family affordable with low ticket rates as the owners of Gatorland have made sure to keep it that way throughout the years. How awesome!

Highlights

Encounter thousands of crocodiles and American alligators, including a few rare leucistic gators.

Experience thrilling shows featuring alligators and crocodiles and animal feeding exhibits.

Explore the unique nature preserve spanning over 110 acres.

Enjoy interactive experiences for the kids like the petting zoo and aviary.

Get your adrenaline pumping on the Screamin' Gator Zip Line and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.

---

---

Exploring the Wonders of Gatorland

Opened in December of 1949, Gatorland is the epitome of Old Florida Charm offering captivating experiences, exhibits, and entertainment for the entire family. It all started as a small roadside attraction, and is now an 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve in Central Florida. Also, 2018 was the inception of Gatorland Global, a conservation program with efforts to protect endangered wildlife, conserve, and educate others on the importance of alligators and crocodiles to our ecosystems.

Gatorland attracts many visitors, and for good reason. It's a great place for families and nature lovers, you can choose to get close to large reptiles, enjoy walks through natural areas, and experience educational shows about animals. Seriously, there really is something fun for everyone at Gatorland - guaranteed.

Location

Gatorland is located on South Orange Blossom Trail, a famous road that used to take travelers through Florida's citrus farms. As a by-product of this, Gatorland became well-known quickly. Gatorland is approximately 10 miles from the entrance of Disney World, 14 miles from Universal Orlando, and 15 miles from the popular Westgate Town Center Resort and the resort's Shipwreck Island Water Park. With location comes parking, and Gatorland offers free parking to all visitors!

What Makes Gatorland Unique Among Orlando Attractions?

Orlando has famous theme parks like SeaWorld Orlando with other close experiences like Kennedy Space Center near Cocoa Beach. These are all quite unique, but Gatorland is unlike any other.

Wildlife Focus: Gatorland is different from the typical amusement parks in Orlando, Florida. It focuses on wildlife and preservation of habitats. Visitors will have close encounters and learn about reptiles, wild cats, tortoises, and critters.
Natural Environment: Gatorland keeps a natural swamp setting. This lets visitors observe alligators and crocodiles in a real, diverse environment. So please, treat their home like it was your own!
Family-Owned and Operated: The park is still owned and run by the original family, creating a personal touch that you won't find in big, corporate-owned theme parks. Support local!
Family-Friendly: Aside from the wildlife, families with kids can enjoy the Children's Playground, Gator Gully Splash Park and Changing Rooms, and Gatorland Express Train. Stroller rentals are also available.

Must-See Exhibits and Shows

To fully experience Gatorland is to attend the various shows and exhibits that occur on a daily basis. See exciting four foot jumps at the Gator Jumparoo Show and trainers work with 6-8 foot alligators during the Alligators - Legends of the Swamp show. Befriend creatures from around the globe, including snakes at Up Close Encounters!

You can also enjoy a leisure stroll at the Alligator Breeding Marsh and watch as gators will flock over to you out of curiosity. Purchase a bag of Gator Chow and feed alligators of all sizes, from babies to 14-foot monsters. You can also explore the pretty sights on the Swamp Walk which makes you feel like you're at Everglades National Park.

The Thrilling Gator Jumparoo Show

The Gator Jumparoo Show is a must-see at Gatorland! Watch massive alligators jump out of the water to grab food from right near the trainers' hands. This show shows off the strength and quickness of these amazing reptiles. Here’s why you shouldn't miss Gator Jumparoo:

Exciting Action: Alligators jumping from its waters is quite an unforgettable spectacle.
Learn New Things: Get to know how these amazing gators eat and behave, thanks to Gatorland's skilled trainers.
Fun for Everyone: Gator Jumparoo keeps all ages entertained, making it a great experience for the entire family.

---

---

Up-Close Encounters at the Alligator Breeding Marsh

Visit the Alligator Breeding Marsh for a special chance to see alligators in their natural home. This large area recreates the perfect place for alligator breeding and nesting, letting you learn about their interesting life cycle. Here's some reasons why this exhibit is special:

Real Observation: See alligators in a natural place. Watch them act and interact as they do in the wild. You might find yourself mesmerized for a lengthy amount of time.
Wildlife Variety: The marsh has more than just alligators. You can also see different bird species, turtles, and other local wildlife, showing you the diverse wonders of Florida's ecosystem.
Calm Environment: Walk along the boardwalk. Enjoy the peace of this natural space and use this time to chat with family and get some steps in.

Additional Experiences

Gatorland tickets start with entry to the park with a wide range of things to do. What's cool is there's also "a la cart" activities and experiences which require additional purchase at a low cost, but are well worth it and highly recommended. These include:

Capybara Encounter: Meet and feed resident capybaras for only $10 per person! Native to South America, these giant rodents are known for their friendly and social nature. They're also fun to take pictures with! Reservations are required or walk-ups depending on availability. Sign up at the Petting Zoo for this daily attraction with the exceptions of Wednesdays (they need their rest, too)!
Screamin’ Gator Zip Line: Voted Best Zip Line in the USA! Here you'll soar from heights of up to 65 feet and fly over The Breeding Marsh at speeds nearing 30 miles per hour. Reservations are required. This 1 to 2-hour experience is priced at $69.99 and includes all-day admission to Gatorland.
Adventure Hour: This behind-the-scenes experience puts you at an extremely close distance to gators. These hungry gators are asking to be fed, and you'll be the one serving up lunch! Priced at $12 per person.
Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure: If you're asking for an experience that reminds you of a rollercoaster ride, this is it. Board a 12-foot-high custom-made, off-road monster vehicle and explore the land with hilarious and spontaneous tour guides. Reservations can be made at Gator Joe’s Outpost upon arrival.
Gator Night Shine: With a flashlight and gator food in hand, brave families head to Gatorland’s Alligator Breeding Marsh in darkness. Once light is shed, eyes within the waters light up! This is a popular after-hours experience priced at $24.99.

Good to Know Before You Go

There are a few extra things worth knowing before you make your way to Gatorland and we're here to help plan your visit.

Park hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM rain or shine!

Outside food is not permitted. If you're hungry, need a snack, or a caffeine break, head over to the Coffee Shop, Snack Bar, or Pearl's Good Eats for delicious lunch options ranging from chicken fingers and hamburgers to fresh salads and gator bites (no, they don't use their own gators).

Water bottles are permitted with entry - stay hydrated!

Gatorland is quite easy to navigate though a physical map is great to have, especially if you have timed reservations and need to quickly find your way.

There are a LOT of animals to see. Make sure you give yourself ample time to explore!

Mystic is the rarest baby alligator in the world and should be visited at the White Alligator Swamp! She and the other leucistic alligators have a rare genetic variation and have white skin due to a partial loss of pigmentation. Fun fact: they are NOT albino!

There are shaded play areas such as the Parrot Playground for kids to enjoy fun out of the sun.

As for fun in the sun, you can stop by the General Store and pick up necessities from clothing and sunscreen to snacks and miscellaneous items.

In a Nutshell...

Even with providing all the information above, we've really only scratched the surface regarding the many things to do at Gatorland. Our Gatorland Orlando reviews are in, and truthfully, you must experience this epic attraction for yourself! Gatorland in Orlando is a special place for wildlife lovers. This place has a lot of history and fun exhibits and is a must-see when you're in Orlando. Whether you're feeding gators and watching emus or ziplining and rock climbing, Gatorland offers great bucket list worthy adventures. Make plans during your Orlando vacation to visit and add Gatorland to your list of things to do in Orlando!

If you're looking for resorts and hotels near Gatorland Orlando, stop right there and check out Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa and Westgate Vacation Villas Resort. Both offer various amenities including water parks, mini golf, restaurants, and kids activities alongside beautiful room accommodations. If you've gotten to this point of the read... I've done my job. But what are you waiting for? Book your Westgate Resorts vacation with Gatorland Orlando tickets today!

---

Gatorland Map

---

Looking for related Orlando Vacation Packages? Check out Legoland Florida: An Orlando Resort Adventure and Westgate Lakes & Treasure Cove Water Park Vacation.

---

You May Also Like:

Share our Gatorland in Orlando post with your friends and family!