Name: Gatorland
Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837
Telephone: (407) 855-5496
Rating: 4.7

Animal park with species such as alligators, birds & wild cats, plus educational shows & a zip line.

SeaWorld Orlando

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ICON Park

The Orlando Eye

Fun Spot America

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Gatorland first opened its gates in 1949, making it one of Florida's original and longest-running theme parks, predating many of the larger Orlando attractions.

Historic Opening

Gatorland proudly holds the self-proclaimed title of 'Alligator Capital of the World,' housing thousands of alligators and crocodiles across its expansive park.

Capital of the World

The famous 'Gator Jumparoo Show' features large alligators leaping several feet out of the water to snatch food, a thrilling and unique spectacle for visitors.

Iconic Gator Show

The 'Screamin' Gator Zip Line' allows guests to soar 1,200 feet across the park, directly over the alligator breeding marsh, offering a unique aerial view of the reptiles.

Over-Gator Zip Line

Gatorland is home to several rare leucistic alligators, which have a genetic condition resulting in white skin but normal eye color, making them distinct from albinos.

Rare Leucistic Gators

The 'Stompin' Gator Off-Road Adventure' takes guests on a rugged journey through the park's swamps and backwoods in custom-built monster vehicles, encountering more gators along the way.

Off-Road Adventure

Gatorland has remained a family-owned and operated attraction since its inception, founded by Owen Godwin in 1949, maintaining its original charm and focus.

Founding Family

Gatorland

Gatorland, established in 1949, proudly holds the distinction of being the "Alligator Capital of the World," a title earned through its unparalleled dedication to these ancient reptiles. This iconic Orlando attraction predates many of the region's larger theme parks, offering a unique glimpse into Florida's natural heritage. Visitors encounter thousands of alligators and crocodiles, including rare leucistic "white" alligators, within a sprawling habitat designed for both conservation and education. The park's signature Gator Jumparoo show showcases the incredible leaping ability of these powerful creatures, while the Gator Wrestlin' show, performed in a classic Floridian style, provides an up-close demonstration of handler skill. Beyond the main gator exhibits, the Screamin' Gator Zip Line offers an aerial perspective over the alligator breeding marsh, providing an exhilarating and distinct vantage point. Gatorland maintains a commitment to wildlife preservation, serving as a sanctuary for rescued reptiles and fostering a deeper understanding of their ecological role. Its enduring charm lies in its authentic, unpretentious celebration of Florida's most famous resident.

Introduction

Gatorland, renowned as the "Alligator Capital of the World," provides extensive reptilian entertainment, showcasing over 2,000 American alligators. Visitors can observe these creatures in various settings, including the Alligator Breeding Marsh from an observation tower and a nursery dedicated to baby gators. The White Gator Swamp features rare albino and leucistic alligators, while the Jungle Crocs of the World exhibit displays diverse crocodile species such as American, Nile, Cuban, and saltwater varieties. A central attraction is the Gator Jumparoo show, where alligators leap up to four feet out of the water for food, a spectacle that historically involved them lunging for chickens. The Alligators: Legends of the Swamp show features gator wranglers interacting with 6- to 8-foot-long alligators on stage within the 800-seat Gator Stadium, offering both entertainment and educational insights. Following this show, guests have the option to pose on the back of an alligator for an additional charge. The "Snakes of Florida" exhibit presents various native snakes, including Rattlesnakes and Cottonmouth Moccasins. Historically, the park offered a unique photo opportunity to hold a gator while being wrapped by a pet boa constrictor. For an immersive evening experience, "Gator Nights" included gator-wrestling entertainment and a boardwalk tour allowing observation of hundreds of gator eyes in the surrounding waters. Additionally, Gator Spot, a collaboration with Fun Spot America, offers interactive experiences such as holding a gator, feeding a gator, and a daily alligator feeding show, alongside a special opportunity to meet a rare albino alligator on weekends.

Reptilian Entertainment

Gatorland established its Gatorland Global Conservation Program in 2017, dedicating its efforts to the protection, conservation, and education surrounding alligators and crocodiles worldwide. This initiative actively works to safeguard wild populations of American alligators, American crocodiles, Cuban crocodiles, and even Australian Saltwater and Freshwater crocodiles. A significant aspect of their work addresses the increasing contact between humans and large alligators in Florida. Rather than allowing nuisance trappers to euthanize these animals, Gatorland Global collaborates with local trappers in Central Florida, offering to pay them to capture alligators alive. These rescued giants are then relocated to Gatorland's expansive lakes, where they live out their lives, with over two dozen alligators already saved through this program.

Beyond local rescue efforts, Gatorland Global extends its conservation reach through critical research. The program partners with researchers in South Florida and Jamaica to study the movement patterns of the American Crocodile, a threatened species in its native habitats. A groundbreaking project currently in development involves sponsoring the attachment of GPS tracking devices to adult male and female crocodiles. This will enable researchers and the public to monitor their movements via a website app, providing invaluable data on these shy creatures whose range and movements are largely unknown. Furthermore, Gatorland contributes to species preservation through breeding programs for at-risk species like the Cuban crocodile and conducts extensive eco-education programs to raise public awareness about the ecological importance of these reptiles and how to coexist safely with them. These diverse efforts underscore Gatorland's commitment to wildlife conservation, ensuring the health of Florida's wetlands and the survival of these apex predators worldwide.

Diverse Wildlife Conservation

Gatorland offers a range of unique adventure attractions for those seeking thrilling and immersive experiences. Embark on the Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, a 15-minute journey aboard custom 12-foot-high monster vehicles, each named after iconic alligators like Bonecrusher. This rugged ride navigates through swampy terrain, featuring wacky characters, singing guides, and numerous alligators, providing an unparalleled theme park experience. For an aerial perspective, the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line offers a heart-pounding 1,200-foot flight from towers over seven stories tall. Participants soar above Cuban and Nile Crocodiles before gliding directly over the Alligator Breeding Marsh, where 130 giant alligators reside below. The Croc Rock Adventure challenges guests with a 32-foot climbing wall, meticulously designed to replicate natural sandstone with carved handholds. After ascending, adventurers traverse a 150-foot swinging cable bridge, culminating in a 350-foot zipline descent. For a more intimate animal encounter, the Capybara Encounter introduces visitors to Mochi, Boba, Chai, and Latte at Flamingo Island. Here, guests observe these friendly, social, and largest living rodents swimming and interacting with other wildlife. Finally, the Adventure Hour provides an exclusive, daring, behind-the-scenes tour into the Alligator Breeding Marsh, an area typically closed to the public. This experience allows participants to safely approach hundreds of giant, hungry alligators during a thrilling feeding frenzy, offering a unique photo opportunity with these formidable creatures.

Adventure Attractions

Gatorland in Orlando, Florida, is widely recognized as the "Alligator Capital of the World," a title it upholds through its extensive collection and dedicated conservation efforts. This 110-acre park, privately owned since 1949, is home to over 2,000 alligators, alongside crocodiles and other native Florida wildlife. A cornerstone of its reputation is the Alligator Breeding Marsh, a natural cypress swamp where a large population of these reptiles thrives and procreates. Visitors can experience close encounters with these "swamp dragons" from a scenic wooden boardwalk, an observation tower, or during the Adventure Hour tour which delves into the breeding marsh. Gatorland actively engages in conservation, implementing successful breeding programs for both Florida's alligators and endangered species like the Cuban Crocodile. The park offers unique alligator-centric entertainment, including alligator wrestling shows and the popular Jumparoo, where gators dramatically leap for food. For a different perspective, the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line provides an aerial view directly over alligator and crocodile habitats. The park's expertise is further extended through Gator Spot, a collaboration showcasing thousands of gators, including rare leucistic "white" alligators, solidifying Gatorland's standing as the ultimate destination for alligator immersion and preservation.

Alligator Capital

Gatorland, established in 1949 by Owen Godwin and remaining family-owned, distinctly embodies the essence of Old Florida charm. Predating the arrival of major theme parks like Disney, it offers a genuine glimpse into the state's classic roadside attractions. This 110-acre park, situated between Orlando and Kissimmee, has remarkably preserved its retro appeal amidst the region's extensive development. Recognized as one of Central Florida's enduring classic attractions, Gatorland presents a natural and authentic alternative to the contemporary, larger theme park experiences. Its historical roots trace back to its opening as the Florida Wildlife Institute, marking it as the first major attraction in Central Florida. The park's vintage character was further highlighted by its former Iron Horse Steam Engine, a miniature, open-air locomotive that once transported millions of guests, reflecting a bygone era of leisurely park tours. This unique combination of historical authenticity and a dedicated focus on natural wildlife, showcasing thousands of alligators and crocodiles, including extremely rare white leucistic gators, firmly establishes Gatorland as a quintessential "Old Florida" experience. Its approach, often described as humorous and no-nonsense regarding animal safety, also harks back to a more straightforward time. Internationally known as the "Alligator Capital of the World," this title underscores its long-standing commitment to these iconic Florida creatures and its place in the state's heritage.

Gatorland

Did You Know?

Historic Opening

Capital of the World

Iconic Gator Show

Over-Gator Zip Line

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