One of the best things about Gatorland is that nothing will prepare you for how many alligators there are in the park, getting to feed them, and learning about them.
The next best thing is realizing that there’s a lot more to Gatorland than the alligators.
The classic Orlando attraction is not far from the airport, and a short drive from the theme parks, and downtown. Opened in 1949, the 110-acre park has thousands of gators, but it also is home to an aviary, petting zoo, capybara, zip lines, rock climbing, and a lot more.
Maybe you know that the attraction offers daily shows, where you can see the alligators leaping out of the water, but did you know you can feed them? Or that you can visit with the capybaras in their habitat? Or zipline over the ponds filled with gators?
Read on for all of the highlights from this unique attraction.
Chomping down with the alligators
Adventure Hour is probably the most jaw-dropping thing that you can do at Gatorland, and it’s so much fun, even if it’s also a little wild.
Alongside the helpful and protective care of the park’s amazing staff you’ll visit the alligator breeding marsh and feed the gators up-close and personal.
You’ll step into the enclosure, grab a piece of chicken, walk up inches from the water’s edge and a dozen or more alligators, and toss the food at their hungry jaws. If your aim is good, they will snatch it up, and it can be very dramatic. You can stop for a photo with them, and then show off one of the wildest experiences almost anywhere in Orlando.
The experience is just $12 extra, and lids love this experience, but I promise you that adults will be just as amazed. It’s the perfect family activity, and Gatorland has a few others you need to try.
Meet the fuzzy capybara
On the softer side of Gatorland you can see all kinds of creatures around the park, including birds, a bobcat, serval, and three very cute capybara.
These amazing rodents love to swim, and when I visited we had a chance to feed them, and meet them in their pen. They’re very friendly, they love lettuce and vegetables, and it’s just $10 extra to meet them. You really won’t believe how well they swim, either.
I have never seen an opportunity to meet capybara before, so it’s very rare, and it’s a fun way to add on to your day at the park.
Zip over hundreds of gators
The Screamin’ Gator Zip Line is one of the best ways to really see how big Gatorland is, get an extra adrenaline boost, and see a lot of alligators.
You’ll strap into a harness, and fly at up to 30 miles per hour, 65 feet above the alligator swamps and ponds for one of the best views in the park. It’s fast and fun, and it’s about 2 hours full of adventure like you’ve probably never seen before. Where else can you fly over hundreds of gators?
The experience is $69 per person, and you can also get your photo taken looking like a real adventurer.
Discover lots of other creatures
It may be called Gatorland, but there’s so much more to the attraction than just alligators. There are Cuban and Saltwater crocodiles; the wild cats and the capyabara; they have lizards, snakes, and amphibians, too; and there are three tortoises, including Dean the 600-pound Aldabra Giant Tortoise who is over 100 years old.
The big cats are so interesting, and you’ll also likely see some local, wild birds all over the place.
For a little less daring fun you can also feed the youngest residents. For Gator Chow, you’ll get a rod with some food and feed the smaller alligators from above. The gators are quite a few feet below you, in a safe pond, and it’s a lot of fun to see how high they will leap out of the water to get the food.
Honestly, the little gators are also pretty darn cute, too.
Plan your visit to Gatorland
Gatorland is amazingly open 365 days a year from 10am to 5pm, and parking is free.
As of late 2024, park rates are $34.99 for adults, $24.99 for children, and $31.98 for seniors, and you’ll save money if you book your tickets online, in advance.
It’s highly recommended that you book any special activities in advance through their website to make sure that you won’t be disappointed. The zip line, capybara, alligator, rock wall, and trainer for a day experiences all book up quickly, so you should try to reserve your tickets in advance.
You can also grab a bite to eat at Gatorland at Pearl’s Good East, the snackbar, coffee shop, and grab goodies or gifts from the store. If you’re feeling really adventurous, they even serve fried gator nuggets (not made with their resident gators, don’t worry), and they’re very popular. For the non-adventurous, hey also serve hot dogs, burgers, and chicken tenders.
Plan to visit for at least 4 hours to experience a show, add on a special experience or two, and grab a bite to eat. Families with small kids will probably enjoy the whole day at Gatorland. They even have a splash park, playground, and an observation tower.
Watch the my full tour with highlights from Gatorland and all the animals below, and check out the top things to do in Orlando beyond the theme parks.
