Minor Attractions Vol. 5 – Gatorland!
Posted by disneyholidaytownhome on July 11, 2009
Low Key Fun That Can Be Done In Less Than One Day
This year, we decided to forego annual passes to any of the 3 major Orlando area parks and try some of the lesser known attractions that the area has to offer. On our last visit to Disney Holiday Townhome (DHT), we decided to try an “oldie, but a goodie”.
Gatorland
I have to be honest, whenever I thought of Gatorland, I thought of Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s Vacation – he was always wanting to head off the beaten path and check out some bizzare attraction. Well, Gatorland was always my, “World’s Largest Ball of Twine”.
I live in Florida, so seeing alligators, while not commonplace, certainly wasn’t some “once in a lifetime” experience for me. Heck, we have a gator or two in the canal behind my house! We also had a 10+ footer in the pond at my place of business. So, why was I supposed to be excited to go to Gatorland?
No Longer a Roadside Show!
Yes, Gatorland started out decades ago (1949) as a roadside attraction. Probably a little cheesy, and definitely not as big as the Gatorland of today. However, what has developed out of that heritage is an attraction that does a very good job at educating visitors as well as entertain. All of the shows and exhibits do a very good job of providing information on the indigenous (and not-so-indigenous) species of Florida. Some shows even provide you with a bit of a history lesson on Florida and Gatorland itself.
Activities range from shows on gator handling and feeding to train rides and nature walks. There’s even the obligatory petting zoo with domestic animals such as goats, llamas, cows, etc. There is a beautiful natural viewing area, complete with an observation tower that provides you with a great vantage point for watching and feeding gators in their natural habitat.
If you are a bird lover, you’ll be impressed with the variety of Florida’s water fowl present. We happened to be at Gatorland just after many of the eggs had hatched. A boardwalk around the gator lagoon provided an excellent opportunity to view nests (complete with hatchlings!) up close.
My family and I particularly enjoyed the “Swamp Walk”. This area of the park features a boardwalk through an area representing Florida as it must have been prior to the settlers’ arrival. It’s amazing that anyone ever wanted to settle in Florida! Yes, you can still find areas like these, but they are becoming increasingly difficult to find, unfortunately.
Decent Prices
Park entry was very reasonable at $22.99 for adults and $14.99 for children under 12. Children under 3 are free. Those prices are for the basic entry. There are packages that allow you to unlimited train rides. There are also options for getting your picture taken with an alligator. Personally, I’d skip the unlimited train rides. We only took the train once around the park. It was nice, but I didn’t see a need to ride it again. For the photo opportunity, I’d recommend bringing your own camera. Similar to other parks, a Gatorland photographer is there to take your picture. However, unless you really like having these photos as mementos, I’d forgo the approximately $10 fee for the photo and take one yourself. Yes, having your picture taken is included in the package – the photo actually taken by the Gatorland employee is extra.
FYI, click here to go to Gatorland’s website for a discount coupon. You can also get discounted tickets/packages by purchasing them on Gatorland’s website – click here.
Lunch at Gatorland was also very reasonably priced, and the variety was such that everyone should be able to find something they like. You could even order some gator tail!
A Great Break From The “Big Boys”
After visiting Gatorland, I’d have to say that my attitude has changed completely. What a great day! Smaller crowds than the big attractions – although there were crowds. If you get there at the 9:00AM opening time, you should be able to see every show and every exhibit by 2:00PM or 3:00PM. This includes a break for lunch.
For a nice, relaxing off-day from the major attractions, hit Gatorland early, enjoy a wonderful day of Florida wildlife and history, and then come home to Disney Holiday Townhome and hit the pool during the heat of the day!
Up Next
Another minor attraction? Maybe a pub? Heck, I’m not even sure! But stay tuned – I’m sure I’ll think of something!
