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Gatorland (9)
For a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the major parks, why not take an afternoon trip to Gatorland. Situated on the Orange Blossom Trail (OBT) Gatorland is a theme park dedicated to the most famous of wildlife that comes out of Florida. Alligators.
On arriving you will be greeted by very friendly staff who will explain about the park and the various activities and shows which are run daily.
Although Gatorland is dedicated to the preservation of Alligators there is lots of other wildlife on show. Bears, Parrots, Snakes etc all reside in this small but interesting park. Make sure you get to see all of the park as you won’t want to miss a thing. To help there is the Gatorland Express Train, which if you decide to pay an extra $2.00 each you will receive unlimited use throughout your stay.
There are three shows for your entertainment, each show is performed approximately 4 -5 times throughout the day.
Gator Jumparoo, probably the most popular show as this is also feeding time. Gators are enticed to leap high out of the water by their trainer’s to catch their food. Watch a Gators compete in this water area to the amazement of the cheering crowds.
Up Close Encounters, as the title suggests, a chance to get up close and personal with all types of poisonous and dangerous wildlife. At random you may be chosen to open a box or hold anything from Scorpions, Snakes or even Alligators (Baby one’s of course) This is by far the most interesting as this show is very educational, telling you about the wildlife that can be found in and around Florida.
The final show is Alligator wrestling, a show full of very dangerous stunts with a Gator chosen at random by somebody from the audience. Dragged by the tail from the water, the trainer will wrestle with a 6-8 foot Gator in front of your eyes. By the end of the show the Gator will have its mouth taped up in preparation for Rookie Wrestling the part of the show where you the audience can get up close and have your photograph taken.
Gatorland isn’t a busy park, certainly not on the levels of Disney / Universal / Seaworld etc, but it has its own character and charm.
A full day a Gatorland would be a long time with possibly not enough activity to occupy your day, however 3 - 4 hours in the company of Gators it a fabulous experience, you will have the opportunity to get up close, and learn about Florida’s most popular inhabitant the Alligator.
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