How good is Gatorland?

[Nostromo]

We wanted to start off our 3-week holiday in Orlando with a relaxed, lightweight visit to get us settled into a rhythm. I had originally scheduled Splendid China for this first day out, but gave up when a I heard that it had become seedy and run down. The other possible alternative, Cypress Gardens, seems to be closed indefinitely. Now I have picked on Gatorland, which a lot of reports say is good value for money. I have never been there and would like some expert advice please.

[Kissyme]

I don`t know if this is expert advice but we went about 6 years ago to Gatorland and while it was resonably priced we felt that it was only half a days visit but just nearby is the one of the flea markets (not sure which one as there are two I think)so if you combine the both quite a pleasant day I think we topped it of with a small boat trip to see Gators (none sited thank goodness)When are you off to Florida we go in october and can`t wait

[chrisj]

We plan to do the same, out first day will be a visit to Gatorland, but we will
go late morning as its not a full day park. That way our first full day will be
relaxed. From then on it will be the usual manic pace

[Nostromo]

quote:Originally posted by chrisj

We plan to do the same, out first day will be a visit to Gatorland, but we will
go late morning as its not a full day park. That way our first full day will be
relaxed. From then on it will be the usual manic pace

That is precisely the reason we are thinking of Gatorland on the first day. Sort of relaxing while you get over the jet-lag. We plan to start arond 11:30am and stay for about 5 hours.

[chrisj]

thats about the same plan we have, then some dinner on the way home, early night
if poss, then start the other parks at the crack of dawn.

Not sure when yout trip is, we go in 3 weeks time so I will be posting a thread about
our trip and the parks etc

Chris

[Carla]

I like Gatorland. It is often peaceful and if you go mid-morning before it gets too hot you can spend some time watching the alligators in the big lake before they get sleepy.

If you are going to be there this Summer (before middle August) then make sure you have your photo taken with the snake or alligator. A good friend of mine is working there this Summer doing these sessions (she is a grade teacher, but wanted to work during the long break and is having a ball at Gatorland!!). Ask Mary to show you how she has to get the animals to "pee" so that they don't do it over the kids!!!

[chris]

We went 2 years ago and loved it. We spent the whole day there as my 7 year old was fascinated and we just enjoyed sitting and relaxing. Spent a fortune on hotdogs to feed them with though (the alligators not the kids)! Dont forget the swimming costumes for the little ones as theres a nice fountain play area. The gator nuggets and ribs are quite tasty.

[Biggus]

Nostromo,
We went in MArch/April for a 1/2 day. Very good if you like reptiles - very interesting - there is a keeper(?) there called Nate(?) a South African who has a passion about the animals and is involved in ALL the little shows throughout the day, the Jumperoo is a great photo opportunity as are many of the other shows, excellent afternoon.
Don't forget to see 'Big Al' an old crocodile there are a few amongst the gators!! He is about 25 ft long if my memory serves me right and very very old!! Monster croc........
The observation station is excellent - save some of your hot dogs to feed the groups of gators that swarm around there. Am I right is stating that 'that' crocodile section of the James Bond film Live and Let Die was filmed there?

[blott]

Sorry Biggus but the alligator farm scene in Live and Let Die was filmed at Ross Kanaga's (recognise the name?) crocodile farm at Montego Bay, Jamaica according to http://www.famouslocations.com/index...ve+and+Let+Die and Ross Kanaga did the stunt scenes himself.

The Gatorland website has lots of info though at http://www.gatorland.com

[mikewj]

The James Bond scenes were definitely filmed in Jamaica. We visited the farm when we honeymooned there and they're very proud of it !

We've never been to Gatorland (just driven past it a lot), mainly because we expected it to be the same sort of thing. But after the positive feedback that this thread has seems to have generated we may well make the time to spend a relaxing day there on our next visit.

Only another 341 days to go (and counting) !