gatorland

[4 mickey]

Hi
maybe off topic but did anybody went to gatorland / orlando ?
was it worth it ??
I'm looking for one or two other than disney activity for our 2 weeks stay in jan .
thanks

 

[KBF]

Hi
maybe off topic but did anybody went to gatorland / orlando ?
was it worth it ??
I'm looking for one or two other than disney activity for our 2 weeks stay in jan .
thanks

Gatorland is very cool. Ive been a few times. Its no where near what a Disney, Seaworld or Universal is. But its unique in its own way. Its got a long nature trail through a swamp. A ton of gators in a gator marsh. 3 Gator shows, a train ride for kids. Snakes, turtles, and much more.

Its kind of like going through the Florida Wilderness.

I think its worth a day.

I think you should consider Seaworld for another option if you haven't done so already.

 

[Capt_BJ]

other things to consider

Kennedy Space Center
Sanford Zoo
Brevard Zoo
Bush Gardens Tampa
Florida Aquarium Tampa
Weeki Wachee - see the mermaids
Forever Florida - zipline safari and horseback riding

google any for additional information

 

[j9000]

gatorland is great,
very lofi family run place,
the fact they sell gator nuggets at the park seems a little wrong though,
kinda like seaworld selling dolphin meat or something

 

[4 mickey]

thanks
Ithink it will be in our planning this february

 

[sanapp]

I went with DH quite a few years ago and he enjoyed that day more than any other day of our entire 10 day trip. He enjoyed that it was much more low key. Of course since then we have discovered that I am a Disney fanatic and he is the opposite. I go ever year and he has only been twice. Gotta love it though as he has no problem with me and DH going without him!!!!

 

[irishthemeparkfan]

We went to gatorland last year and had a great time. As mentioned before, there are 3 shows, plenty of viewing areas of gators, crocodiles, snakes, vultures, turtles etc.

There is also a trail through the nesting areas for a number of bird species. We found this interesting as baby birds were in their nests right beside us.

There is a play area for kids and a train as far as I remember.

 

[kathy884]

We love Gatorland. Note, though, it's more like an old time Florida attraction vs. a World Class theme park, and we enjoy that for a change of pace. It's not that expensive to go -- plan on about three hours. And since alligators are native to the area, I think it fits in really well for a trip to the area.

Other mini attractions we've enjoyed in the area besides of course the world class theme parks and the waterparks are: Sky Venture -- indoor sky diving in a wind tunnel and the Titanic attraction (Both of these are on I drive). Mentioning this just in case you are interested in a few other ideas.

Sanapp, I found your comments interesting // Sounds like us. Gatorland is my DH's favorite attraction in Orlando too (Note: He's really not into theme parks - unlike me and my son who really enjoy these). I usually do an Orlando mini trip with my son annually, and DH is happy to let us use family vacation budget money -- He' s just so happy he doesn't have to go. He's been down there quite a few times -- four different seminars for work at the Contemporary, and he likes that hotel for a conference, one spring break trip, and a few mini trips at Christmas to meet up with extended family. But I think he's "Orlandod out", so these days only goes down if he has a seminar he needs to attend.

 

[phamton]

I'm moving this to the Orlando attractions board. You will be able to get more replies there.

 

[safetymom]

http://www.disunplugged.com/2010/02/27/gatorland-the-alligator-capital-of-the-world/

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

We went to Gatorland in Feb., and it was a lot of fun. Don't go in expecting a theme park--more like a private reptile zoo, if that makes sense. you won't be there for more then 4 hours, if that, so figure it for a down day, or maybe go there, then go shopping after.

While it's nowhere near a theme park in scope, it's educational and different. The best I can say is, try it once, if it's not for you, at least you know.

P.S. They do mention that they're a gator farm, too, so it's kind of like visiting and farm, where the animals are there to provide sustenance and income.

 

[dreamscometrue47]

We went there once about 10-12 years ago. I don't like alligators (they really make me squirm!) and seeing all of them together just was not pleasant for me. However, my kids, who were probably 8 and 4 at the time, thought it was very cool. So it did turn out to be a nice off day as the kids' reactions to the gators, turtles, holding a baby alligator, was fun to watch. The only way I'll go back is when my grandchildren insist! But if you haven't gone, you should try it once.

 

[bankr63]

How many DH's do you have? Your DH doesn't mind you travelling with your DH without your "other" DH?!? Interesting family makeup...

To OP, I'll sound like a broken record here (I've posted this so many times), but we LOVED seeing the Manatee at Blue Spring State Park. Lots o' gators too, especially if you take the boat tour on the St John's R. The park was $6/car, and the boat tour another $15 c<12/$21 a (on-line rates).

Have Fun!

I went with DH quite a few years ago and he enjoyed that day more than any other day of our entire 10 day trip. He enjoyed that it was much more low key. Of course since then we have discovered that I am a Disney fanatic and he is the opposite. I go ever year and he has only been twice. Gotta love it though as he has no problem with me and DH going without him!!!!

 

[CarmenPeteron]

I did not expect much when I went to Gatorland. It was much better than I thought it would be. One of my favorite shows was when they fed the gators. Quite a spectacle! Another good place to go is the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine.

 

[DisDream09]

We enjoy Gatorland. It's a very relaxing day for us. My favorite picture of my daughter (about 5 at the time) is her wrestling an alligator!
They also have a small water "play area" so bring bathing suits for the kids.

 

[BLTLDZ]

Wait, so are you up close & personal with these gators?

 

[DisDream09]

You can be up close if you want to be...LOL. It's part of a show. It's a baby gator and his mouth is taped shut. That's the closest you will ever get though....no worries!