Experience Alligators Close Up at Gatorland Amy Smith, March 20, 2018September 17, 2023 Learn About and Even HOLD Alligators at Gatorland Have you been to Gatorland? If you are going to be in the Orlando area you should make sure you go! I know many times the “big” parks get a lot of the attention but nestled just south of Orlando is a treasure of an attraction you don’t want to miss. Now I have to be honest, when I first asked my husband about going to Gatorland, he was a little hesitant. He had never heard of it and didn’t know what to expect. Once we got our day started, we were both so thankful we went! When we arrived, we were greeted by the large alligator mouth out front. It is an icon of the park but it also helped to build excitement for our three kids, ages 15, 10, and 4. Once inside we were greeted by more alligators than I had ever seen! Now, admittingly, my boys are animal fanatics! They were absolutely in Heaven! As we toured the part of the 110 acres Gatorland owns that is open to the public, we were amazed by the many exhibits. From snakes to flamingos, tortoises to crocodiles and of course alligator, there were so many awesome animals to look at! Unlike your everyday zoo, there were shows along with so many ways to be active and interactive as well. Shows at Gatorland One of the trademarks of Gatorland is their Gator Jumparoo Show! Gather around as some of the largest gators and crocs I have ever seen lunge high out of the water showcasing their amazing power! The Up Close Encounters Show was also a favorite of my boys. They give audience members an opportunity to get up close with a variety of animals including snakes, spiders, and more! The show that my boys could NOT stop talking about was the Gator Wrestling show. It is an amazing display of what it takes to wrestle an alligator. In addition, Rookie Wrestling offers the opportunity for audience members to sit on a REAL alligator for a photo! When I asked my 15-year-old his number one thing on his bucket list when we went to Florida, his answer was “Wrestle an Alligator”. We made that happen, in a safe way! Check out this handsome animal lover boy of mine wrestling his alligator! Extra Experiences Available For those looking for even more adventure, there are several additional opportunities available! You can choose between zip lining, riding on a swamp buggy, the gator night shine, or all of the above! There is something for every adventure seeker at Gatorland. So, the next time you are in Central Florida, make sure you stop in Gatorland. You will find what families have enjoyed for nearly 70 years. Have a fantastic and exciting way to spend a day filled with fun and memories! Share on FacebookTweetFollow usSave Florida Travel Reviews Travel alligatorFloridagatorlandgatorsorlando