Never Smile at A Crocodile.... (Gatorland)

Member Name: scuzz

Product:	Gatorland
Date:	28/08/05 (211 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Up close and personal

Disadvantages: Nothing much other than gators!

I went to Gatorland when I was in Orlando with my ex and his family over Christmas. Admittedly it wasn't one of our first choices in places to go, and went towards the end of the holiday. We mainly went because when we went to a wildlife park, which is meant to be full of alligators, we only saw one, so we went somewhere where we were certain to see some snappers.

***the Park***

The park itself is is set in 110 acres and was founded back in 1949 and is only ten minutes outside Orlando.

When you arrive, the entrance is quite impressive as to get in, you have to go through a giant alligator mouth! We used some money off coupons worth around $2 each. These are widely available, especially if you're staying in International Drive, Orlando, as there are loads of coupon booklets being handed out all over the place. Our coupon also entitled us to a free train ride - we didn't take up this offer though

When you enter the park, you step out onto a wooden platform, and are literally surrounded by hundreds of alligators, basking in the sunshine. It's quite a daunting sight. Especially as you make your way around the board walk. We had loads of gators start swimming towards us looking at us with a kind of "lunch" look in their eyes! You're perfectly safe, as you're surrounded by fencing, but still quite a bizarre feeling.

There are different kinds of gators to see in the part, along with a few crocs too. There's also some "cuddly" creatures there too. One that particularly remember is a black bear, who'd been rescued from a circus or such like.

***What Else?****

At various times there are shows put on in the park, from up close and personal encounters to alligator wrestling. The up close ones, involve keepers showing you some of the residents, including poinsonous snakes and spiders. They're very strict on safety, and noone is allowed to move when the rattle snakes come out!

The wrestling wasn't quite what I had in mind. Maybe I've watched one too many movies, but I was expecting a Crocodile Dundee style match with a biggun! But instead, it was one of the little ones - they're ticklish did you know?!

There's also a swamp wak to go around. There's not much there apart from trees and a swamp!

The gift shop is good, and there's a pressed penny machine if you collect them

***Day Out?***

It doesn't take long to get round the park, and other than the gators, there's very little else to see, so children could get board quite easily. You could probably spend a couple of hours there, but not a full day. Older children probably will think it incredibly dull.

I think it is orth a look, particularly if you end up like we did and didn't see many gators in the wild but want a better look.

Summary: Good opportunity to see gators n a safe environment