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Gatorland

Gatorland is another one of Orlando’s attractions that top visitors to do lists. This 110-acre family owned Alligator Themed Park has been open for business since 1949 and there’s enough to see and do here to take up a good half day (more if you want).

Activities at Gatorland:

See big alligators
Take a Floridian wildlife train ride
Visit a bird aviary and sanctuary
Check out a “breeding marsh”
Enjoy a petting zoo with your little ones
Do a nature walk
Visit a Gator gift shop
And best of all - - 4 great shows

According to the Gatorland website, Gatorland started out as the dream of a man named Owen Godwin, Sr.

He built an alligator pit in the backyard of his home in the 1930’s and put a female alligator in it with her babies. He and the Mrs. would host visitors and sell homemade gator souvenirs while letting them see the gators.

Godwin apparently really enjoyed doing this. He planned for a bigger attraction that would show off more of Florida’s wildlife. In 1947, after the war, he bought 16 acres of property near Kissimmee. Since this was the dawn of 20th century American highway tourism, more and more families were visiting Florida.

With the help of a few investors his idea caught on. Now, thousands visit this park each year. As a matter of fact, Gatorland claims to be “central Florida’s first major attraction”. It now features all kinds of reptiles and Florida wildlife.

The 4 main shows at Gatorland include:

The “Gator Jumparoo Show” - featuring the alligators’ ability to jump out of the water in search of food.
The “Gator wrestlin’ Show” - with a 6-8 foot gator being subdued, put to sleep, then re-awakened.
“Jungle Crocs” - detailing 4 types of crocodiles and their environment.
The “Upclose Animal Encounters Show” – filled with differing animals from around the world - - including some dangerous snakes.

Gatorland is open everyday, rain or shine, from 9am to 5pm. It’s on Hwy 441 near Kissimmee. Tickets range from $19.95 for adults (ages 13 and over) and kids (ages 3-12) are currently $9.95.

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