Gatorland

For over 60 years, Gatorland has been creating fond Florida holiday memories for millions of tourists who have entered through its gaping gator mouth entrance on their way to a journey through this natural, low-tech adventure. Located between Orlando and Kissimmee on the South Orange Blossom Trail, Gatorland is Florida’s oldest attraction theme park, and provides a unique and natural alternative to the larger theme parks of today.

Founded by the late Owen Godwin in 1949, and still privately owned by his family today, Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife reserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment shows. Known internationally as the “Alligator Capital of the World”, today Gatorland provides affordably priced family-fun with thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a breeding marsh with boardwalk and observation tower, one-of-a-kind reptilian shows, petting zoo, swamp walk, aviary, educational programs and much, much more.

Gatorland Attractions

As with most Florida attractions and theme parks, Gatorland is divided up into unique zones, each with its own theme and exhibits. The main flagship area of Gatorland is called Alligator Island situated to the north of Gatorland’s vast “Gator Lake”, and is home to the largest of the reptiles in the park. Many hundreds of alligators and crocodiles inhabit “Gator Lake” and Alligator Island is the best place to see these huge creatures up close and personal.

To the south of “Gator Lake” is the Breeding Marsh, a natural 10-acre breeding area containing over 150 adult alligators. This completely natural environment mimics the alligators natural habitat and so feels as if you are really seeing these majestic creatures in the wild. In the Breeding Marsh there is also a large 3-story Observation Tower and sprawling raised walkways allowing visitors totally unrestricted views on not just the alligators, but also the many different species of native and rare Florida birds that share the marsh.

Adjacent to the Breeding Marsh is Gatorland’s Swamp Walk, a self-guided tour through a native Cypress Swamp habitat. Raided wooden walkways guide visitors through the Cypress trees offering rare glimpses back into what Florida would have looked like before people began draining the wetlands.

In addition to the hundreds of alligators in Gatorland, Jungle Crocs is also home to many of the planets largest and most dangerous saltwater crocodiles. These crocodiles are from all over the world and Jungle Crocs is home to numerous species, some nearly extinct.

Gatorland’s jewels in the crown are its astonishing Reptile Shows. Watch as the parks trainers teach you about how alligators and crocodiles feed, breed and act in the wild. Then as a finale, witness how the trainers wrestle with the alligators and even put his head in its jaws!

As well as ferocious alligators and crocodiles, Gatorland is also home to some tamer animals. Flamingo Lagoon is home to a colony of pink American Flamingos, while Snakes of Florida lets visitors meet some of the most dangerous snakes in the world and if you’re brave enough, you can even handle some of the tamer ones!

For more cuddly and cute creatures, the petting zoo at Allie’s Barnyard lets kids meet and feed llamas, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks and much more. Across over at the Very Merry Aviary find friends of the feathered kind with hundreds of spectacular birds. There are even parrots that fly free and often perch on the shoulders of visitors seeing if there is any food on offer!

The History of Gatorland

Opened in 1949, Gatorland is Florida’s oldest tourist attraction providing wild entertainment to millions of visitors for over 60 years. The iconic park entrance of huge gaping alligator jaws was a landmark for decades. Sadly in the winter of 2006, this spectacular entrance way and gift shop complex burned down in a huge fire. However in the summer of 2008, a new $4 million Gatorland visitor complex and gift shop was opened to the public.

Contact: Magic Kingdom Address and Phone Number

Gatorland
14501 South Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32837
USA
1-800-393-5297

Gatorland Park Map