(Mar 27, 2023)
While it's known primarily as a wildlife preserve, Gatorland Florida also offers quite an array of rides and entertainment options to keep visitors engaged on their visit. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about this special wildlife preserve filled with fun and excitement, including things you can do while visiting Gatorland, Florida. Keep reading to learn more about this one-of-a-kind wildlife preserve.
Where is it Located?
Gatorland is a wildlife preserve located east of Orlando in the U.S. It's a great pit stop when driving through Central Florida. The park's main address is 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837, United States. It’s just a 15 to 20 minutes drive from Orlando airport to this wildlife preserve. The wildlife preserve is also just a few minutes from Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios.
What is There?
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and reptile preserve that’s been around since 1949. The park has been voted by USA Today as one of America's best zoos. If you have ever wanted to see gators up close and personal, then there's no better place to do so than here. The wildlife preserve has everything from swimming gators to petting areas for young kids and educational exhibits for those looking to acquire detailed information about iconic reptiles.
Gatorland is a wildlife preserve where visitors can interact with alligators, turtles, birds, and more than 50 other species of animals. The park also features airboat rides, an animal presentation theater, and numerous souvenir shops and eateries. You'll also find a petting zoo with pony rides for children, among other exemplary fun things like:
- Gator gauntlet zip lining
- Screamin’ gator zip lining
- Gator night shine
- The breeding marsh
- Birthday parties in the park
- Mascots and dancing
- The Aviary and parrot watching
- Gatorland express train
- Gully splash park
- Park tour with a trainer for the day
- Allie's barnyard petting and feeding the gators
- Shows like Gator Jumparoo show
- Adventure hour including stompin’ gator off-road adventure
- Photography sessions around the park and the famous gator mouth entrance
Food and Drink Options at Gatorland
If you're looking for a drink while you're wandering around Gatorland, there are plenty of options available. There's a wide range of tasty food and drink options on-site, ranging from simple snacks to full meals. Food items include hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, candy, and ice cream sandwiches, to name a few. There are also water fountains throughout where you can refill your bottles and cups, as well as locations where drinks and food may be purchased.
Kids will love an order of gator nuggets—fluffy breaded alligator bites served with dipping sauce. Pair them with fried pickles or chips, and you'll have a meal that is truly fit for a king (or queen). Other options include chicken nuggets, fish, tacos, Frito Pie, soft drinks, and snacks like peanut butter crackers.
If you’re looking for something more substantial to eat while visiting Gatorland, don’t fret, you’ll find something delicious and satisfying. The menu at Gatorland is full of family delicacies and favorites. There’s even plenty of vegetarian fare for all those meatless folks out there. Gatorland also has both indoor and outdoor seating available throughout its attractions. And the good news is that all the food and drinks are budget-friendly, so don’t expect overpriced food or soft drinks like most theme parks in the U.S.
Tickets and Prices
There are also a variety of different Gatorland ticket options to choose from that can satisfy all budgets. Tickets and Prices are categorized in Gatorland single-day passes, greater gator packages, and annual passes. Be sure to check out the Gatorland website for more information and available offers. However, let's take a quick look at each of these tickets and their prices.
Gatorland Single-Day Passes
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of one of Gatorland’s famous live gators, there is no better way than visiting on a Single-Day Pass. Showtimes for their great animal shows are done several times daily but can vary slightly by season. The prices for Gatorland single-day passes are as follows:
- Kids from 3 years to 12 years - $22.99 plus tax
- Adult from age 13 years and up - $32.99 plus tax
- Seniors 60 years and beyond - $31.99 plus tax (Must show your I.D.)
Greater Gator Packages
You can purchase Greater Gator Packages that include unlimited access to Gatorland's parks and attractions. If you plan on spending more than one day at Gatorland, Florida, buying a package will save you money. Below are the current prices:
- Child from 3 to 12 years - $31.99 plus tax
- Adult from 13 and up - $39.99 plus tax
Annual Passes
If you’re an animal lover and want to see as many animals up close as possible, a Gatorland annual pass is a great choice. The annual pass gives you access to all exhibits and shows. Below are the Gatorland annual pass prices plus taxes:
- Child (3 to 12 years) - $34.99
- Adult (13 years and beyond) - $49.99
- Senior (over 60 years/must present ID) - $44.99
When to Visit
The park is open 365 days a year, and hours vary depending on the season. Generally, it's 10 AM to 5 PM, but there are some special events that occur throughout the year where they may be open earlier or later hours and have extended days as well.
Bottom Line
The weather in Florida can be quite pleasant year-round, especially if you love the tropical climate and sandy beaches. Gatorland Florida has both, plus plenty of alligators to watch. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this gator farm will be the perfect place to visit with your loved ones in Florida. A trip to Florida wouldn't be complete without checking out one of the most popular attractions: Gatorland!
Interested in learning about becoming a resident in Florida or moving there? Read more.
(Mar 27, 2023)
