When you think of Gatorland, you may this it’s strictly a zoo full of…gators of course! And you get to walk around looking at the different kinds, see the exhibits, maybe catch a gator show, and you’re out.I actually thought something along those lines as well…that is until I learned that Gatorland offers so much more!
Did you know you can actually feed the gators, “wrestle” a gator, zipline over gators, and even help train the gators?! Gatorland offers some awesome experiences that can make your entire trip!
For Everyone
Gator Exhibits
Let’s start with the basics… Gatorland has tons of really cool exhibits for the whole family to enjoy. From their baby alligators, to the huge daddy gators in the “lakes”, to the salt water crocodiles, to their rare white alligators…they have all types of exhibits to see the different species. It’s really cool to see them up close and in their habitats.
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Feed the Gators
What’s even more cool? Feeding these gators! At Gatorland, you can feed the gators in 2 ways. The first way, is at the front of the park, where you can “fish” for gators. You can buy a “fishing pole”, that includes 3 fish. Then you get to feed the younger gators, who will jump for the fish on your pole when you hang it over the sides. Don’t worry, there aren’t any hooks holding the fish…they just slide off when the gators grab the string. What was even more fun for me was grabbing the hot dogs and heading to the giants around the marsh and feeding them. You’ll see giant heads popping up out of nowhere in the lake…gators you think are sleeping moving quick as lightening when you drop a piece of the hot dog by their heads. It’s amazing to watch them. and so fun to feed them!
Gator Wrestling
The famous Gatorland Gator Wrestling show is one not to miss. You will get to watch a real gator wrestler, wrestle a gator, and if you’re lucky, you will get to see the iconic gator wrestling move from Gatorland, when the wrestler holds the alligators mouth with his chin! It is quite a show, and free for everyone in the park.
After the show, you get to “wrestle” a gator yourself! For a small price, you can have a chance to sit on the back of the gator and hold his mouth, like you are wrestling it. They’ll take your picture for you to purchase afterwards too.
For the Adventurers
Ziplining over Gators
Sure, zip lining is always a fun experience, but what about zip lining over these giant alligators and crocodiles?! Gatorland offers an awesome zip line course that was voted Top 10 Zip Lines in the US! You’re climbing up towers, jumping off platforms, and zip lining with tons of gators just below you. It’s a thrill for sure.
Trainer for the day
I’ve saved my favorite for last, and it is definitely bucket list material. This program is something I can not recommend enough. I’m sure every Trainer for the Day is a little different depending on how all the animals are cooperating and how everything is going, but we had a small taste of it, and loved every second! First off, we got to hold tiny baby alligators…which, to be honest, were actually still a bit scary holding on to one of these creatures.
Then we got to step into a couple of the enclosures with our trainers. We went in to check on a beautiful white alligator, which was the first one I had ever seen. The trainer showed us where to squat down so we could get a picture with him. Sitting there, staring this gator straight in the eyes, up that close, is a feeling I can’t even describe. These massive creatures are so incredible!
We even got to head into the huge enclosure that has tons and tons of gators. Just being in there was crazy enough, but getting up that close to them (and actually turning our backs to them) is something I can say was a highlight of my entire trip in Orlando. Such a thrill, and so amazing to be in there with them.
Gatorland is not just a zoo full of gators, they offer awesome entertainment, and thrills of a lifetime. Something we will be talking about for years to come.