Gatorland: the best half day of old Florida in Orlando

What Gatorland is

Gatorland has been on the road south of Orlando since 1949, long before the big parks arrived. It's a park built around alligators and crocodiles, with live shows, a petting zoo, a train and a long boardwalk over a marsh full of gators and wading birds. It's small and a little worn in places, which is part of its charm.

It's also one of the few places near Orlando where you can see so many alligators up close and safely. Kids love it, and adults are usually surprised by how much fun it is.

Don't expect thrill rides or big themed lands. Gatorland is more like a well-run animal park with a sense of humor. The pace is slow, the crowds are small and the staff are happy to answer questions. That makes it a welcome change after a few long days at Disney or Universal, when everyone needs something easier.

Getting there

Gatorland sits on South Orange Blossom Trail, between Orlando and Kissimmee. It's about 20 to 30 minutes by car from International Drive or the Disney area. Parking is free and right by the entrance. Ride-shares work fine too. See our Kissimmee guide for nearby places to eat and stay.

When to go

The park usually opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. Mornings are cooler and the animals are more active. Summer afternoons are hot and stormy, so plan to arrive early in those months.

Spring is a great time for the bird rookery, when herons, egrets and other wading birds nest over the gator marsh. It's a real sight and a good reason to bring binoculars. The gators below keep other predators away, which is why the birds choose this spot.

Weekdays outside school holidays are the quietest. Even on busy days, the crowds are small compared with the big parks, so you rarely need to plan far ahead. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water; the paths are mostly outdoors with patchy shade.

A plan for a half day

1. Arrive near opening and check the show times at the gate.
2. See the gator-jumping show or the wrestling show first; seating is in the shade.
3. Walk the boardwalk through the breeding marsh and the bird rookery.
4. Visit the white alligators, the snakes and the petting zoo.
5. Ride the small train or try the zip line if you want more.

What not to miss

• The shows. They're short, funny and educational. Staff explain alligator behavior and safety with a lot of humor.
• The breeding marsh boardwalk. It's long and quiet, with dozens of big gators below and birds above.
• Feeding the gators. You can buy small bags of food. It's messy and loud, and kids love it.
• The rare white alligators. A few live here and are a highlight for most visitors.
• The zip line. It runs over the gator pools for an extra fee. Book ahead in busy months.

How it fits your trip

Gatorland works well as a half day off the big parks. Pair it with lunch in Kissimmee or an afternoon at the pool. If you want to see gators in the wild too, try an airboat ride near Orlando, many of which leave from the Kissimmee area.

It's also a good choice for a rainy or slow morning, since most of the park is open air but the shows have covered seating. Check the official site for current hours, show times and extras.

Food inside is simple: fried gator bites, burgers, hot dogs and snacks. Trying gator once is part of the fun, and it tastes milder than most people expect. For a better meal, drive a few minutes to the restaurants along the main roads in Kissimmee or back toward Orlando. Gift shops sell gator-themed souvenirs that kids love, and most are cheaper than what you'd find in the big parks.

If you're building a day away from the theme parks, our day off the parks plan has more ideas.