Critter Fun at Gatorland, FL

Critter. I love that word. Definitely a Southern word and one I heard A LOT during our visit to Gatorland. Confession: wasn’t too excited about our visit. Not much into the whole reptile thing.

But the ladies in my group seemed thrilled. And the kids? Even more so. Me. Not so much. Our lovely, beautiful Denise of the Orlando CVB kept telling me it was awesome, but well…you know. And one of my newly-found travel sisters, Jamie from Travel Savvy Mom was REALLY excited. “I LOVE this stuff!” she exclaimed as we got off the van.

The kids ran towards a HUGE gator mouth for pics. I looked over and both Denise and Janice (and the kids) were smiling ear to ear.

Our Gatorland host, Tim, greeted us. I love Tim. Sweet, sweet man. Met him during his visit to New York last year for the Blogger’s Brunch. He tried to get me to hold a gator then too, I declined.

We started our tour, past a few snakes and baby gators, signs that warned of being eaten if you found yourself in the water with them. Met a huge gator, and his “not-so-much” human friend, and as he taunted the massive beast. The gator’s wide jaws opened, exposing massive teeth as he hissed. I was just thrilled to be behind a thick, thick glass wall.

We then made our way to our first show, “Gator Wrestling“. Let me tell you, that is one crazy dude, that gator wrestler. I found myself nervous and calling out, “Don’t do it!” as he did all these crazy tricks while sitting on the gator’s back. But if that wasnt insane enough, the group of writers I was with thought it was so fascinating that they not only lined themselves up for it, but their kids did too! I know…was I the only sane one on this trip?  Melinda from The Mommy Blog showed me a picture where she was kissing the dang thing, and there was Jamie again, happily posing with the gator!

However, at the “Close Encounter” show, our group wasn’t so willing to volunteer, though Melinda held a boa and Jamie came face to face with one of her biggest fears: the critters. Specifically, a tarantula. Yes. A tiny, little tarantula. This is what had made my darling, brave friend who only moments earlier had sat for a photo on the back of an annoyed gator, was now screaming off stage.  Of course, it didn’t help that she had her eyes closed. Or that I kept yelling, “OH MY GOD! WHAT IS THAT?!?” Ah, good times. Good times.

Truth be told, I am fascinated by these gators, amazing creatures that they are, and by Gatorland itself. Gatorland isn’t just a place to see gators and other wildlife, it’s a place to be educated about them and to expose children of all ages to these animals, and the Do’s and Dont’s when in their environment. As a matter of fact this 11-acre theme park is also a nature conservancy, known as “The Alligator Capital of the World” and a favorite spot for many bird watchers and photographers. Opened in 1949, it went through a major renovation after a fire destroyed a large section of the park. Now, bigger and better, it continues to be a favorite road side destination for locals and visiting families alike.

We walked through the Breeding Marsh and Bird Rookery which is absolutely stunning. Watching all those bird, co-habitating with gator’s, while caring for their eggs, was just beautiful. In early mornings Tim informed us that the path along the marsh is usually covered with photographers wanting to capture the many beautiful animals in their natural habitat. This was by far my favorite part and where I really could admit that I had no idea what I was missing by not visiting Gatorland sooner.

Check out their site for more information, including hours, admission prices, and tours. It is a must-see when visiting Orlando. Definitely a lot of fun. Critters, gators, and all.

Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary, all-expense paid visit to Orlando, FL by the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, including two complimentary access passes to selected theme parks. I received no other compensation and no requirements that I express a particular point of view.

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Tags: travel, Vacations
Posted in Museums/Science Centers/Tours, Vacations | 5 Comments »