Florida news: Why Gatorland is a must-visit park
Gatorland, famously known as ‘The alligator capital of the world’, is the perfect place for day-trippers and families who want a day of fun.
Family-owned and operated since 1949, Gatorland offers a wide range of activities and experiences for all ages at very reasonable prices.
From live shows, petting zoos, safari-style adventures, and more, it’s no surprise that Gatorland is prone to the highest praise and reviews wherever you look.
Here, Florida News Blitz writer Joseph Hannen details what makes Gatorland so special and why you must plan a visit.
Overview
Gatorland is home to over 2,000 American Alligators, but the animal experiences don’t stop there.
American Crocodiles, a now-recovering species in Florida, live side-by-side with alligators. Just make sure you know how to differentiate before you visit!
For a small extra fee, visitors can check out the Capybara encounter, where they can meet the friendly and social rodents that live among flamingos, turtles, and waterfowl at Gatorland.
The Gatorland Mile of Monsters features snakes, lizards, scorpions, and more for visitors to encounter and possibly fear.
The child-friendly petting zoo offers interactions with goats, sheep, and other farm animals.
Rounding off the animal section is the wide variety of birds; the highly popular free-flight Very Merry Aviary allows visitors to see and interact with the birds on show.
Highlight experiences
Gatorland is classed as a theme park despite its noticeable differences from Disney and Universal, due to its thrilling attractions, live shows, and animal encounters.
The first experience, and one of the most enjoyable for many, is the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line.
Enjoy over 1,200 feet of high-flying adventure and stunning views from 65 feet in the air.
Riders will encounter five zip lines, soaring over alligators and crocodiles, and more of Gatorland’s best experiences.
If that's not your idea of fun, then make sure to catch a ride on the Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.
This 15-minute trip uncovers Florida’s natural beauty, hundreds of alligators, multiple ecosystems, and more.
These monster trucks guarantee a thrilling experience; however, reservations are required for riders.
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Liveshows you can’t miss
Eager to learn more about these creatures? Look no further than Gator Jumparoo and Alligators: Legends of the Swamp.
Gator Jumparoo is incredibly unique. Some of the largest gators in the world showcase their impressive jumping reach, jumping over four feet out of the water.
Legends of the Swamp is slightly more reserved, as Gator experts demonstrate some of the gator's best survival features and instincts.
Both are highly educational and must-see for visitors.
Gatorland also offers up-close encounters, allowing visitors to interact with a variety of creatures from around the world.
Plan your trip
To maximize your experience at Gatorland, plan and determine which experiences you want to prioritize.
As many of the favourite experiences require extra fees and reservations, make sure to pick the right experiences whilst staying within budget.
If you’re holidaying in the Sunshine State and want a change or a more relaxed day, Gatorland is the perfect destination.
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