Gatorland - The DIS Discussion Forums

K, P & J's Grandma · 11-02-2009, 11:39 PM

We need opinions on Gatorland. We have been going to WDW for about 30 years & have never gone to Gatorland. Someone told me that we should go there -- they really like it. It will be just Grandma & Grandpa on this trip - do we take the time to check it out or not???

jharrowell · 11-03-2009, 12:00 AM

Everyone will have their own opinions but I've been once and the only expression that came to mind while I was there was "Tacky".

daannzzz · 11-03-2009, 12:26 PM

I finally went last year after going to WDW 12 times since 1996. It was a spur of the moment thing and I really enjoyed it. It has the feel of the old highway tourist spot. (I wouldn't say trap because it was good). It is not a nice new facility and it has a dated feel. You need to be able to enjoy looking at alligators and amphibians as well as birds. The birds were nesting in huge amounts so this was a pretty busy scene. I only saw one of the shows and it was fun. Everything is on a small scale so you would not expect the giant amphiteaters like at WDW or Sea World. nI spent 3 hours and didn't see two of the shows. It had a feel where you can take your time and slow down. If you don't care to look at snakes, frogs, birds and a few other animals (friendly goat) this may not be for you. Here are a few photos.

K, P & J's Grandma · 11-04-2009, 12:34 AM

I think that we are going to give this a try --- we have been going to Florida - mainly WDW for the past 32 years & have never gone here. It is just Grandma & Grandpa going.

daannzz --- thanks for the pictures --- especially the last one of the dog!!

formill · 11-04-2009, 08:05 AM

We really liked Gatorland- the walk through all the swamp area was beautiful but I guess you have to like looking at alligators and the birds which I could just stand and watch them a long time. We saw all the shows which were typical-feeding the alligators etc. The water park area was just being built when we last went so we have not seen it. It was worth the money for us- not expensive and there are lots of coupons around in all the little books you can pick up at the hotels etc. We want to go back again this year.

KateKat23 · 11-04-2009, 06:29 PM

My husband and I went back in September and I was really on the fence about going but he really wanted to. I have to say it was a blast especially for my husband. They also have a military discount for active and retired. I think its 20 percent so it was really worth the money. My husband was in his glory feeding the alligators. The shows are fun. Also they have some of the nicest and very knowledgeble staff. If you go, go on the swamp walk...That is crazy and you see alot of interesting stuff.

I didn't make it to far before I ran out.

ntz4disney · 11-05-2009, 08:47 AM

We too were on the fence about doing something different with our kids on our trip last May(we go atleast 3 times per year to WDW with them), and let me tell you it was a great trip! Our kids still talk about it, they are 10 and 6. They keep asking when we can go back to see the shows again and take the train ride around the property. It really was a fun day, yes its much different then all the magic of WDW but its a nice place to go for something different and its not that far away from it all!

We bought our tickets through www.mapleleaftickets.com and saved a few bucks, we picked them up along the way at one of the hotels on 192 ...look into it to save yourself some cash!

Have a great time ...its certainly a neat place to visit

DisneyGerry · 11-05-2009, 08:57 AM

I liked it but probably did whole park in at best half day. It is Old Florida--kitschy

isla bonita · 11-05-2009, 10:25 AM

We have been 3 times. My DH and 3 children love it. Me not so much. It was clean and redone the last time we were there but I am just not a fan of the animals.

My DH and 3 DKidos love it. They wanted to touch everything! YUCK!!!!

It was educational and some what interesting but I just can not totally enjoy myself.

We will be returning of that I am sure! My guys really love it.

Indiana Rose Lee · 11-05-2009, 10:29 AM

We love Gatorland. It is interesting and has the feeling they were trying to get when the AK folks developed dinoland.

VAN · 11-05-2009, 10:43 AM

We took the kids about 20 years ago and it truly was one of the "old time Florida attractions."

We went again in March of this year and really, really loved it. It still has the same feel; however, a lot of money has been spent to upgrade the facility. They have new shows that were really fun, as well as walking trails, etc. There was even a water-fun section greared toward the kids. If you have children with you, be sure to bring their suits.

Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend it. Don't forget that you can get a AAA discount on your admission.

candfandm · 11-05-2009, 11:35 AM

We haven't gone yet but there are 2 for 1 coupons in the Orlando Entertainment Book. I got mine from ebay for about $5.00 for two of them. Totally worth saving $40.00 on 4 people. There are a number of people still selling them.

JB2K · 11-05-2009, 12:09 PM

Having lived in Florida as a child, I can say this...

...Gatorland is most definitely "old school" Florida (thinking back to the days when reptile parks and small, local amusement parks were all the rage) -- a rare find in a state now filled with multi-million dollar theme parks/resorts.

That said, I think any frequent visitor to the Sunshine State should experience Gatorland at least once -- kids love it!

DisneyGerry · 11-05-2009, 03:31 PM

and they used to sell alligators--both rubber and live

cjb71870 · 11-06-2009, 03:34 AM

Quote:

I think that we are going to give this a try --- we have been going to Florida - mainly WDW for the past 32 years & have never gone here. It is just Grandma & Grandpa going.

daannzz --- thanks for the pictures --- especially the last one of the dog!!

Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11-02-2009, 11:39 PM	#1
K, P & J's Grandma Now there are 4 grandchildren - K, P, J & A!!! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Minnesota Posts: 418	Gatorland We need opinions on Gatorland. We have been going to WDW for about 30 years & have never gone to Gatorland. Someone told me that we should go there -- they really like it. It will be just Grandma & Grandpa on this trip - do we take the time to check it out or not???

11-03-2009, 12:00 AM	#2
jharrowell Disney Phreak Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wales, UK Posts: 267	Everyone will have their own opinions but I've been once and the only expression that came to mind while I was there was "Tacky". __________________ Two last minute flights to Orlando, £676.00. Two tickets to the NASA causeway, $400.00. Watching a shuttle launch live? Priceless. Follow my twitters for pre-trip and live trip reports at http://twitter.com/disneyfanjen

11-03-2009, 12:26 PM	#3
daannzzz OMG...Theres my favorite scrambled egg salad Enjoys the magic of Disneyland in December : I am becoming a bit more adventurous in my dining habits Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Silicon Valley California Posts: 4,618	I finally went last year after going to WDW 12 times since 1996. It was a spur of the moment thing and I really enjoyed it. It has the feel of the old highway tourist spot. (I wouldn't say trap because it was good). It is not a nice new facility and it has a dated feel. You need to be able to enjoy looking at alligators and amphibians as well as birds. The birds were nesting in huge amounts so this was a pretty busy scene. I only saw one of the shows and it was fun. Everything is on a small scale so you would not expect the giant amphiteaters like at WDW or Sea World. nI spent 3 hours and didn't see two of the shows. It had a feel where you can take your time and slow down. If you don't care to look at snakes, frogs, birds and a few other animals (friendly goat) this may not be for you. Here are a few photos. __________________

11-04-2009, 12:34 AM	#4
K, P & J's Grandma Now there are 4 grandchildren - K, P, J & A!!! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Minnesota Posts: 418	Going I think that we are going to give this a try --- we have been going to Florida - mainly WDW for the past 32 years & have never gone here. It is just Grandma & Grandpa going. daannzz --- thanks for the pictures --- especially the last one of the dog!!

11-04-2009, 06:29 PM	#6
KateKat23 Earning My Ears Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 17	Gatorland is Fun My husband and I went back in September and I was really on the fence about going but he really wanted to. I have to say it was a blast especially for my husband. They also have a military discount for active and retired. I think its 20 percent so it was really worth the money. My husband was in his glory feeding the alligators. The shows are fun. Also they have some of the nicest and very knowledgeble staff. If you go, go on the swamp walk...That is crazy and you see alot of interesting stuff. I didn't make it to far before I ran out. __________________

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11-04-2009, 08:05 AM	#5
formill Earning My Ears Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 39	We really liked Gatorland- the walk through all the swamp area was beautiful but I guess you have to like looking at alligators and the birds which I could just stand and watch them a long time. We saw all the shows which were typical-feeding the alligators etc. The water park area was just being built when we last went so we have not seen it. It was worth the money for us- not expensive and there are lots of coupons around in all the little books you can pick up at the hotels etc. We want to go back again this year.

11-05-2009, 08:47 AM	#7
ntz4disney Mouseketeer Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Delaware County, PA Posts: 296	We too were on the fence about doing something different with our kids on our trip last May(we go atleast 3 times per year to WDW with them), and let me tell you it was a great trip! Our kids still talk about it, they are 10 and 6. They keep asking when we can go back to see the shows again and take the train ride around the property. It really was a fun day, yes its much different then all the magic of WDW but its a nice place to go for something different and its not that far away from it all! We bought our tickets through www.mapleleaftickets.com and saved a few bucks, we picked them up along the way at one of the hotels on 192 ...look into it to save yourself some cash! Have a great time ...its certainly a neat place to visit __________________ me DHDD (10yo)DS (6 1/2yo)

11-05-2009, 08:57 AM	#8
DisneyGerry Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 473	I liked it but probably did whole park in at best half day. It is Old Florida--kitschy __________________ On endless holiday! BTDT: CSR, POFQ, Y&BC, WL, POR, SSR, CBR, GF, BWV, OKW, HH, and DCL. Also, AP, DVC, D23, & Tables in Wonderland.

11-05-2009, 10:25 AM	#9
isla bonita DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: The Ocean State, Smallest State Posts: 2,529	We have been 3 times. My DH and 3 children love it. Me not so much. It was clean and redone the last time we were there but I am just not a fan of the animals. My DH and 3 DKidos love it. They wanted to touch everything! YUCK!!!! It was educational and some what interesting but I just can not totally enjoy myself. We will be returning of that I am sure! My guys really love it. __________________ Me DH DS19 DS13 DD8 Clover Sister Emma "I'm just your average ordinary everyday super hero" "If sense were commom more people would have it"

11-05-2009, 10:29 AM	#10
Indiana Rose Lee DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 745	We love Gatorland. It is interesting and has the feeling they were trying to get when the AK folks developed dinoland. __________________

11-05-2009, 10:43 AM	#11
VAN DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,592	We took the kids about 20 years ago and it truly was one of the "old time Florida attractions." We went again in March of this year and really, really loved it. It still has the same feel; however, a lot of money has been spent to upgrade the facility. They have new shows that were really fun, as well as walking trails, etc. There was even a water-fun section greared toward the kids. If you have children with you, be sure to bring their suits. Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend it. Don't forget that you can get a AAA discount on your admission.

11-05-2009, 11:35 AM	#12
candfandm Earning My Ears Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 31	We haven't gone yet but there are 2 for 1 coupons in the Orlando Entertainment Book. I got mine from ebay for about $5.00 for two of them. Totally worth saving $40.00 on 4 people. There are a number of people still selling them.

11-05-2009, 12:09 PM	#13
JB2K DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: A thousand miles from WDW Posts: 899	Having lived in Florida as a child, I can say this... ...Gatorland is most definitely "old school" Florida (thinking back to the days when reptile parks and small, local amusement parks were all the rage) -- a rare find in a state now filled with multi-million dollar theme parks/resorts. That said, I think any frequent visitor to the Sunshine State should experience Gatorland at least once -- kids love it! __________________ JB2K In Memoriam: K4NQV and "Link"

11-05-2009, 03:31 PM	#14
DisneyGerry Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 473	and they used to sell alligators--both rubber and live __________________ On endless holiday! BTDT: CSR, POFQ, Y&BC, WL, POR, SSR, CBR, GF, BWV, OKW, HH, and DCL. Also, AP, DVC, D23, & Tables in Wonderland.

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