Another day of the holiday saw us swap roller coasters and queues for something a little more natural, with a visit to Gatorland in Orlando.
Located between Kissimmee and Celebration, Gatorland made for a perfect half-day escape from the theme parks and another reminder that Florida has plenty to offer beyond Mickey Mouse.
What Is Gatorland?
Gatorland first opened back in 1949 and has since become one of Florida’s oldest and most iconic wildlife attractions.
Often referred to as “The Alligator Capital of the World”, the park is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, along with snakes, birds and other native wildlife. It covers around 110 acres of swampland, boardwalks and open trails, giving it a far more natural feel than a typical zoo or theme park.
Despite its slightly kitsch reputation, Gatorland has a strong focus on conservation, education and the preservation of Florida’s wetlands.
Trails, Swamps and Wildlife
There were plenty of alligators to see, birds to photograph and swampland to wander through.
Alongside the wildlife, Gatorland also offers attractions such as zip lines, shows and interactive experiences. We, however, were perfectly happy sticking to a slow afternoon in the Florida sunshine, walking the trails and taking it all in at our own pace.
It felt relaxed, unhurried and refreshingly low-key compared to the big parks.
Gators Old and New
Seeing alligators wasn’t entirely new to Deb and me after our 2017 Florida Keys road trip, which included a visit to the Everglades Alligator Farm.
That was also where Deb managed to tick something off her bucket list by holding a baby alligator — an experience she loved, though I’m fairly sure the poor alligator was absolutely terrified.
In Florida, you can also sometimes spot gators just wandering down the road, which is not something you’ll ever experience back home.
A First for the Rest of the Family
For the rest of the family, though, Gatorland offered a completely new experience.
There’s something both fascinating and slightly unnerving about being able to get as close as you dare to these prehistoric-looking beasts — creatures that feel entirely out of place to anyone used to UK wildlife.
It’s one thing seeing an alligator on TV; it’s another standing just a few feet away from one.
Final Thoughts
All in all, Gatorland was a really nice day out.
It wasn’t over-the-top, it didn’t try to be something it wasn’t, and it offered yet another welcome distraction from Mickey Mouse and the theme park conveyor belt.
Sometimes, Florida is at its best when you let nature do the talking.
Universal Studios Orlando: Springfield, Film Sets and My Favourite Theme Park
Relaxing in Florida: Crazy Golf, Storms and Slowing the Pace
