Get Up Close and Personal With Alligators at Gatorland

If looking at mean-looking reptiles is your thing, then go no further than Gatorland in Orlando. This 110-acre theme park and nature conservatory is known as the Alligator Capital of the World. What started back in 1949 as a roadside attraction turned out to be one of the most famous parks in Central Florida. Through the years, Gatorland has received millions of visitors from all over the world, which come in droves to experience affordable and educational family fun. Within the park lies a breeding marsh, an observation tower, petting zoo, aviary, reptilian shows, educational programs and of course, thousands of alligators and crocodiles.

Gatorland offers the following attractions, which combines Old Florida charm with new entertainment:

Kids and adults alike will definitely be delighted with the creative water sources inside the park, perfect for visitors who want to cool of during those hot and sweaty Florida afternoons. Enjoy the sight of water fountains shaped like alligators and crocodiles, as well as animal exhibits, shaded pavilions and a retail store.

Allie’s Barnyard houses cute and cuddly critters that have charmed lots of visitors in Gatorland. Here you will find goats, sheep, deer, ducks, chicken and macaws, to name a few. Have a great time feeding these animals from feeding cones, which you can avail for a small fee.

The Gatorland Express was originally known as the Gatorland Iron Horse, which carried passengers and provided them with views of the south end of the park. In 2000, the train was retired and the park built a new station, with the new train christened as the Gatorland Express. Inaugurated on July 1, 2001, the train carries passengers around the Bird Rookery/Breeding Marsh areas and the Jungle Crocs. The old train can still be seen, displayed outside the new station.

Verry Merry Aviary is a great place to get close to nature and enjoy the presence of friendly and colorful Lorikeets. These delightful, brightly colored parrots are natives of the East Indies and Western Pacific area and the ones here at the park adore having visitors around. Share an intimate experience with the Lorikeets by feeding them nectar from small cups, which can be bought at the aviary for minimal fee. In case of “accidents,” there are paper towels available to clean up the mess.

Gatorland also offers exciting shows that are both fun and educational. Here you will get to see how crocodiles and alligators move up close. You can see them jump high in the air to grab their food with their mouths or see them have a dangerous match with an experienced gator wrestler.

The park also offers several adventure tours for those who really want to get the best out of their Gatorland experience. One of the most popular is the Trainer for a Day Program, which lets you have close interaction with the alligators and crocodiles. After going through an introductory course on safety and animal behavior, you will be able to assist the park trainer in their daily activities, such as feeding and wrangling. Available for visitors age 12 and above, the program can be availed for just USD 125.00.