They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and I've found that to be incredibly true at Gatorland in Kissimmee, Florida. I had the pleasure of a complimentary visit to Gatorland and having a private tour by "the Dean" while on my Rock Your Vacation press trip with Experience Kissimmee last week, and I have some amazing photos to share with you!
Gatorland opened as a roadside attraction in Kissimmee in 1949. For over 50 years, Gatorland has operated as a wildlife preserve as well as a 110-acre theme park, famous for their combination of “Old Florida” charm and awesome exhibits and experiences. While this was my second trip to Gatorland, every visit is different, as you never know what those critters will do when you're in the park!
Gatorland is located right between Orlando and Kissimmee, making it one of Central Florida's most famous attractions. While we were there last week, the Dean said something that resonated with me; he said that a visitor told him she always comes to Gatorland when she is in the area because as much as she loves the Disney and Universal theme parks, Gatorland has something different to offer.
Gatorland is the theme park with a heartbeat.
It's so true! While I love the other theme parks, there's something magical about immersing yourself in a wildlife preserve, seeing reptiles that you wouldn't ordinarily be able to see and learning about nature.
I mean, you can't really meet a 60 year old turtle and pet him at Disney World, can you?
Gatorland was founded in 1949 by Owen Godwin, and his family still privately owns the park.
What does Gatorland have to offer?
Well, Gatorland is know as the "Alligator Capital of the World," for a reason! There are gators (and crocodiles too!) everywhere you look! Aside from walking around the park looking at the different alligators, crocodiles, birds and other assorted animals (birds, snakes and panthers, to name a few!), Gatorland has wildlife shows, up close encounters, a free flight aviary, a petting zoo, a breeding marsh and even a Screamin' Gator Zip Line, where you can zipline over a pool of alligators!
While we were at Gatorland, we were led into the gator-wrestling arena to have an up close encounter with an alligator. Now, I did this last year at Gatorland, so I knew what to expect.
However, when I was there last year, there weren't other gators on the platform with us! I was more nervous about those gators than I was about the one I was about to sit on! Fortunately, they kept to themselves and didn't even seem to notice that I was there.
I posed with my gator and then asked if it was okay if I improvised...
I wanted to give our gator a kiss, but I was afraid to bend his neck back too far, and afraid to lean too far over and lose my balance, so that was as close as I came to kissing him!
After posing with the gator, we headed over to the breeding marsh and got to meet Holly, the Dean's favorite bird at the park.
She was super friendly!
Apparently, she has a thing for curly hair...
Gatorland's breeding marsh might be my favorite spot, the scenery is just breathtaking, and there are so many gators and birds!
There are so many species of birds in the Gatorland marshes that photographers and bird watches come from all over the country to see them. Due to the climate and unique habitat, Gatorland has grown into one of the largest and most easily accessible rookeries in Florida. Gatorland provides a protected nesting, foraging, and roosting area to over 20 different species of birds, many of which are listed as Endangered or Species of Special Concern.
Gatorland's boardwalks provide birders and photographers with close access to these incredible birds, allowing people to safely observe them and capture stunning photographs. You can even buy a special photographer's and birding pass, which ranges in price from $10 to $99, depending on the type of pass you want.
From January 30th through June 15th, photographers and birding enthusiasts can enter the park at 7:30 am Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and stay until dusk on every Saturday.
Special Experiences Available at Gatorland
Adventure Hour - Tour offered daily. Reservations required. Adult or Child: $10.00
Venture into the Alligator Breeding Marsh for this behind-the-scenes tour you'll never forget. Home to hundreds of alligators, you'll have the opportunity to safely venture within a few feet of hungry, giant alligators and create a thrilling feeding frenzy.
Rookie Wrestling - Fee: $10.00 for the experience
Step onto the sand at the world famous Gator Wrestlin' Arena and feel the power of one of the most feared creatures in the world. This is where I had my photo taken with the gator, just remember to give someone your camera to take your photo, as it's not included!
Trainer for the Day - Reservations required, 12+, Fee: $125.00
Have you ever held a baby alligator? Well here's your chance. How about a back stage tour that gets you up close and personal with some of the largest alligators and crocodiles? You'll get to do that too! Next is a hands-on meeting with reptiles and creepy crawlers from the Upclose Encounters Show. Think you're done? You're not, because the grand finale is working with a Gatorland trainer in the Gator Wrestling Arena and those animals are wild! Don't worry your trainer will keep you safe but you'll get to learn about and experience these big boys and have some fun doing it.
Screamin' Gator Zip Line - $69.99 (includes all-day admission to Gatorland)
Launch from heights of up to 65 feet and soar across five intense zip lines ranging in length from 230 feet to more than 500 feet, and carefully cross a swinging bridge over the park's main walkway. Fly at speeds near 30 miles per hour over alligators and crocodiles. Equipment (helmet, gloves and harness) provided.
Night Shine - Fee: $19.99, 1 - 1.5 Hour, Minimum 5 people, Maximum 25
Armed with only a flashlight and a few hot dogs, you'll be led along the winding wooden walkways of Gatorland's Alligator Breeding Marsh to see the gators in action at night!
Night Ziplining - Call Gatorland for pricing.
Tour consists of two zips, a swinging bridge, tour of Gatorland including the Alligator Breeding Marsh and up-close interaction with a variety of critters.
Gatorland Park Hours and Admission Information
Gatorland is open every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Free parking. Stroller and wheelchair rentals available.
Showtimes for the animal shows are repeated several times daily and may vary slightly season by season. You can find the current information on show schedule here.
Day Passes are $18.00 for children age 3-12, and $26.99 for 13+. Annual passes are $41.99 for children 3-12 and $45.99 for 13+. Children under the age of 3 are free.
You can find more information on Gatorland here.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
That looks so cool. Not only would I love it, but my boys would go nuts there. I will have to make sure to add this to my list of things to do the next time I am in the area.
Jenn
It really is SO much fun! I really recommend doing the adventure tour when you go, you get a really fun experience going behind the scenes and get close to the gators!
Shell
I went there a long time ago with my brothers. My boys would love to get to see all the gators!
Mandy (The Household Hero)
We have lived in Central Florida for 1.5 years now and still haven't been because I am waiting for my son to get a little older. I think we will take him this Summer after he is 3. Great overview of it!
Theresa
My best friend went there last time she was in FL and had such a blast. I didn't see her photos, so it's awesome you shared yours. Now I can picture what the whole experience was really like for her!
brett
this is top on my must-see things to do next time we're in the kissimmee area. we love seeing animals. LOVE it. and they look happy where they are!
Terry
I wish I would have known about this a couple of years ago. Now I want to go back just to visit here. My Hubs and I are talking about where we will be going next year for the winter.
Bekki
Wow!! Love the pics and everything looks so fun. I'm definitely not going to sit on an alligator thought!! LOL too chicken that's me!
Debra
Looks like a fun place, I'm sure my son would love to go there to see all the wildlife, but not me! I'm too chicken to get into a pit with alligators like you did!
Janel
I don't think I'd be brave enough to sit on a croc, even with his mouth banded!! That looks like such a fun park!
Kecia
I've never heard of Gatorland, but it sounds like a fascinating place to visit. When we vacation in Central Florida again, I plan to make a stop there!
Tracey
What a cool place! I must say you are pretty brave for posing with all those animals!
Debbie Lamb
NO way could I kiss a gator! Oh my goodness! When we visit Florida I for sure will be checking this place out! I am positive my hubby would also enjoy this!
Krystyn
I can't believe you "kissed" a gator! My girls would totally love Gatorland.
Melissa
Oh, wow! What an amazing experience! That's definitely a bucket list item.
Jenni E.
Oh gosh...I love all those photos! That turle is humogoid and weren't you scared to kiss that gator, let alone straddle it?? I would have peed my pants! It does look like tons of fun. If we ever head down south, I'd love to visit Gatorland!
Jennifer Bullock {MommyBKnowsBest}
I loved your instagram feed during this event, and love even more these pictures. I can't believe how much wildlife you were inches (or less) from!!! How cool!
Liz
My kids and I remember that place pretty fondly. It was cool, however there ain't no way I'd sit on that gator's back.
Lolo
Oh my gosh, that turtle?! How cute!! It is giant. My son would love this place!
Rosey
Tipping my hat to you!! No way on Earth I'd sit on that gator, nuh uh...nope. 🙂
It's cool looking though, and the place sounds great!
Chrishelle
My son went there on a field trip when we lived in Clermont. He loved it. Came home raving about how he touched an alligator and they were rough and bumpy with big teeth. Looks like a lot of fun and also educational. It is always fun to learn about wild animals.
Pauline Cabrera
WOW! I envy you for having that wonderful experience and opportunity to be as close as possible with reptiles! Now I'm inspired to try Gator Land! 🙂
Sue
I have been to Gatorland several times, since I live here in Orlando. It really is a cool place to visit. Something different from the traditional theme parks. Thanks for sharing!
Courtney Pies
Wow, that looks like such a fun park! You have guts for trying to "kiss" the gator! I would have been terrified of it! 🙂
Autumn
Oh, I love your pictures! I would love to visit Gatorland one day. It looks like you had a great visit!
Paige
I think I've been there! Or somewhere very similar! It's so cool that you can get so close.
Kenda Smith
I've been several times to the Gator Farm in St. Augustine, but I've never been to Gatorland. What kind of Florida girl am I? Shameful. We might have to drive down next time we go visit family.
Krystal
You are SO brave! I've been to Gatorland before but got nowhere NEAR the gators!
Piera
I have been to Orlando several times and have not been to Gatorland. Next time we are there, we will go...though I will not be kissing any gators!
Ashley M
OH my gosh, I haven't been to Gatorland in over a decade. I would love to go back and see the changes they have made.
Eliz Frank
My God, you must be joking! I'm scared of gators... The turtle I'll go up close for... awesome photos
angela(ajackeduppeach)
this makes me hate winter even more. i am so jealous. i have to put this place on my list of places to visit.
Amy Desrosiers
Wow! You are so brave! I would have freaked out touching a gator! I think my kids would be a little..ok a lot freaked to visit this park set their age lol.
Elizabeth Norton
We love gatorland!!! I have the same picture of me kissing a gator. So fun people look at it and think I am crazy~!
Chrysa
That looks like such an amazingly fun place to visit. I can't believe you're a gator wrangler now! Way to go! 🙂
April
How fun! We have always wanted to go down there when visiting WDW but never have. We will have to go the next time were down there!
Amanda Love
I'm not sure if I would have been able to get that close to a gator. You're one brave person! You got some amazing photos and I would so love to go there but still not that close. 🙂
Lisa Joy Thompson
I'm heading to Florida in March and I bet my kids would love Gatorland. And I really want a picture of me kissing a gator! It looks like you had an amazing time!
Cassie
I wouldn't have been able to get that close to a gator, you're for sure braver than I would have been! However, I would have spent all day with that turtle and Cockatoo 😀
Heather
This would be perfect for my boys! We are making a trip to Florida later this year and I think I'll have to add this to the itinerary!