As one of the oldest and longest-running tourist attractions in the State of Florida, Gatorland is a step back into “Old Florida” – a time before rampant development, multinational corporate theme parks, hotels and hustle and bustle. Now open for 75 years, Gatorland has survived as both a remnant of times gone by and as a modern, well-run facility that focuses on creating a great experience for all its guests.
Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN
Quick History
Photo: Kissimmeemainstreet.org
Founded by Owen Godwin in 1949, Gatorland sits on its original location off of South Orange Blossom Trail between Orlando and Kissimmee on former pasture-lands. Over the years, development has encircled the facility as both Orlando and Kissimmee have grown around it. Today, what was once a part of a ranch, or “cattle land” is now an oasis with neighborhoods, restaurants, offices and highways all nearby.
Godwin’s attraction was named the “Florida Wildlife Institute” when it opened. Seminole tribe members lived on the property and provided part of the attraction’s entertainment, usually wrestling alligators. Later, the Florida Wildlife Institute morphed into “Snake Village and Alligator Farm” in 1952 and finally in 1956, “Gatorland.”
Today
Today, Gatorland is pretty much what it has always been: a 110-acre theme park and wildlife refuge. The park offers shows, tours, train rides, encounters with exotic animals such as capybara, the largest living rodent, and native to South America. Don’t think “giant rat” because they aren’t. A capybara is a gentle animal, humorous and safe to be nearby. Tortoises, birds (a lot of exotic hookbills, etc.) turtles, snakes, trails, train rides, ziplines, and various kinds of entertainment is everywhere.
Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN
The wildlife institute is still present, and is now Gatorland Global. Their mission is to “[provide] dedicated resources to support conservation research of critically endangered crocodiles across the globe. designed to protect alligators and crocodiles in Florida, while providing dedicated resources to support conservation research of critically endangered crocodiles across the globe. The final leg of our mission is to educate people on the importance of alligators and crocodiles to our ecosystems, to respect their power and beauty, and how to safely live with them in Florida and in communities around the world.”
Gatorland Is “Old Florida”
Stepping through the gates of Gatorland is stepping back into “Old Florida.” It’s noticeably quieter, with habitat stretching out from into the distance. There are enclosures where alligators of a similar size are kept together: younglings, adolescents, mature giant bulls, and so on. Crocodiles, also native to Florida, are well represented here too. Visitors are everywhere gawping at the rather bite-y wild animals almost within touching distance.
Gatorland is all but spotless, just like the major Attractions to the north (Disney, Universal, Seaworld) and the crowds were half-tourists and half locals (from nearby in Florida.) Staff was clearly visible, and it was obvious that the safety of younger children was well-considered and well-monitored.
Information:
Admission
As of late 2024, prices to gain admission are quite reasonable:
- $35 for adults
- $25 for kids 12 and under.
- $32 for seniors
- Free Parking
That makes Gatorland one of the most affordable attractions in the state, and their prices are especially notable considering the park’s relatively close proximity to Disney World, Universal and Seaworld. There are add-on experiences and enhanced ticketing options. Consult Gatorland’s website for more information.
Hours
- 10:00 – 5:00 PM ET Daily
Address
- 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837
- Google Maps link
Photo: Ed Cordero / FMN
