Reviews of Gatorland?

[taaren]

We have 10 park days over 2 weeks scheduled, and have a few extra days. Don't want to do Universal, for various reasons, will probably do some resort hopping, water parks if its warm enough, and don't want to do anything we can do in Southern California since we can do that on our usual Disneyland trips (eg. SeaWorld, Legoland, etc).

So we're thinking one of the non-Disney things to do might be Gatorland. Any reviews of people who have gone? Its looks like a half day park. DS5 is thrilled by the idea of seeing gators, as well as the spiders and the boa constrictor in the video on YouTube. Do they actually let guests handle those animals or is that only in the video or an extra charge?

Also considering an airboat ride with Spirit of the Swamp if anybody wants to chime in on whether they loved it or not.

 

[aleksandr]

We don't do Gatorland every year, but try to stagger it to every other year or so. Last time we went my 7 year old LOVED it. The live shows are funny, the gators are neat, but the part that he loved the most was the 'splash area'. It had tons of water effects, water guns, etc. He met a few other kids and played for over an hour in that area. He probably would have stayed longer if we didn't say it was time to go! We had to buy a change of clothes and towel though, so go prepared!

 

[Ed J]

I'll second the PP comments, not an every year place for the whole crew, but I'd go every year. Don't expect theme park hupula, cause thats not what the place is about.

My best tip, they sell hot dogs to feed the gators, buy some but don't feed the gators that are in the immediate area, they are well feed. Walk way in the back, those gators will chase what you through to them. Also, the jumping gator show is worth waiting for .

 

[wolf29]

We did Gatorland last year after spending the morning on an Airboat tour...a total "Gator" day! We really enjoyed Gatorland, taking up about 4 hours of our afternoon. Passed this year, but probably a good chance we go next year.

 

[Jenny3]

We booked Spirit of the Swamp for our trip in November; can't wait for that! I researched a bunch and decided on them because of their smaller airboats, the headset communication with the captain, proximity to our hotel and very friendly service. Plus they got great reviews.

Not sure when you're dates are, but I'm sure I'll post a trip report if you want a review

 

[canopynut66]

loved Gatorland and since I been there they hae added a lot more things. It is a nice day but would not have to be all day to see it all.

 

[Trish.Glenn]

Gatorland is GREAT!!! Love love love it! Old time tourist fun

 

[taaren]

We booked Spirit of the Swamp for our trip in November; can't wait for that! I researched a bunch and decided on them because of their smaller airboats, the headset communication with the captain, proximity to our hotel and very friendly service. Plus they got great reviews.

Not sure when you're dates are, but I'm sure I'll post a trip report if you want a review

I'll be there a few weeks after you, the first couple of weeks of December! Definitely send me a link to your TR!

Thanks so much for the positive replies everybody. Sounds like a good half-day activity for DS6.

 

[kathy884]

It's a nice change after all the world class theme parks. Think old time Florida attraction. We usually spend about three hours and really enjoy it. Things DH gets are charge out of are gators jumping for frozen chickens and the parks still talking about some filming of an Indiana Jones movie from the 70s -- the most exciting thing that ever happened here. It also is appealing to DH that gators are native to the area, so this seems to be a park that fits right in.

As long as you aren't expecting a world class theme park, chances are you will really enjoy your 1/2 day here.

 

[shalom]

Check out page 5 of mikkiwikki's trip report, here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2848309&page=5

Gatorland starts with post #74, continues to page 6, and there are lots of pics.