Gatorland in Orlando: Everything You Need to Know in 2026

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve in Orlando, Florida. Home to over 3,000 alligators, it is the “Alligator Capital of the World.” Guests can view the large beasts swimming in lagoons or on land.

Alligators

Gatorland is home to over 3,000 American Alligators. They range in size from babies (known as grunts,) to 14-foot giants that live in the Breeding Marsh. They can be seen all over the park.

As incredible as it sounds, alligators have been on Earth for an amazing 80 million years! There are only 2 alligator species – American and Chinese. And they can only live in fresh water. (In contrast, crocodiles can live in both fresh or salt water).

Feed the Alligators

A highlight of visiting Gatorland is feeding the alligators! There are gator snacks available for purchase at the Bait Shack. (Located on the main walkway between the Very Merry Aviary and Gator Jake’s Fudge Kitchen).

Then walk out on one of the overwater pathways and throw food down to the alligators below. Check out this video of me feeding my new friends!

Juvenile Alligator Pools

The first thing you see when you enter Gatorland is hundreds of juvenile alligators lying on top of floating docks. (And each other!) There are two different sections – the 2-3 year old and the 3-5 year olds.

You can purchase Gator Chow at the Junior Jumparoo and watch the juvenile alligators leap in the air as you feed them.

Baby Gator Marsh

Baby Gator Marsh houses over 60 adorable baby alligators; which are called hatchlings. (There are even some eggs!) They are kept in an indoor enclosure for their safety.

Once they reach 18 months old, they will be moved to one of the Juvenile Alligator Pools near the entrance.

What happened to Chester the Alligator?

Chester was Gatorland’s first ever rescue alligator. Unfortunately, the 13 ½ foot, 1,000 pound beast had a penchant for attacking pet dogs. He was deemed a “nuisance” alligator by Florida Fish & Game and was going to be euthanized when Gatorland stepped in.

Chester did not get along with the other alligators at Gatorland, so he had his own pool. Sadly, Chester died of intestinal blockage on December 7, 2022

White Alligators

White Alligators were born with a lack of pigment. As a result, if they stay in the sun for too long their skin will burn. And they are not able to hide from predators. Therefore, White Alligators are not able to survive in the wild and can only be seen in captivity.

Gatorland has the largest number of rare White Alligators in the U.S. This includes 3 Albino and 2 Leucistic. 

Albino Alligators

Gatorland is home to 3 Albino alligators – Cottontail, Moonshine, and Pearl. Check out this video of YouTube sensation Pearl – who turned out to be a boy)!

Due to a genetic defect, Albino Alligators do not produce melanin; a pigment found in both humans and animals. As a result, their skin is white and their eyes are red. (Caused by the blood vessels behind their eyes showing through).

Leucistic Alligators

Unlike Albino alligators, Leucistic alligators have some pigment. So they are white with patches of color, and have blue eyes. (As opposed to regular alligators who have dark eyes).

There are only 12 Leucistic alligators in the world, and 2 of them live at Gatorland – brothers Feros Zonbi and Trezo Je. Their brother Jeyankwok lives at nearby Gator Spot by FunSpot America.

Want to learn more about alligators? Check out my Top 15 Alligator Amazing Facts blog!

Crocodiles

American Crocodiles can be spotted all over Gatorland. They are large, grey, and have a V-shaped snout. A recovering species in Florida, American Crocodiles are reclusive and hide in coastal lagoons and mangrove swamps.

The most famous American Crocodile at Gatorland is Bonescrusher. He is the son of the original Bonecrusher who ruled Gatorland in the 1950s and 1960s.

Want to learn more about crocodiles? Check out my Top 22 Amazing Crocodile Facts blog!

Jungle Crocs of The World – Home to Cuban, Nile, and Saltwater Crocodiles

Cuban Crocodiles – Small, aggressive, broad snout, green & olive black color. Prefer freshwater swamps. Live in Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and south Florida.

Nile Crocodiles – Large, aggressive, broad snout, bronze color. Prefers fresh or brackish water. Live in sub-Saharan Africa, the Nile Basin, and Madagascar.

Saltwater Crocodiles – Large, aggressive, big head, broad snout, excellent swimmers. Pale yellow with black stripes when young. Dark green as adults. The largest living reptile and most aggressive crocodile. They live in eastern India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia.

Animal Shows

Gatorland is world renown for its amazing animal shows! Check out the Gatorland Show Schedule before you go so you dont miss your favorite show.

Alligators: Legends of the Swamp Show

The Legends of the Swamp Show is the most popular show at Gatorland. Watch a brave daredevil square off against an 8-foot alligator to demonstrate its amazing survival features.

Alligators snap their mouths closed with enough force to break the bones of large animals. However, they have almost no muscle power when opening their jaws. Therefore, their jaws can “easily” be held closed. (Don’t try that at home!)

Gator Jumparoo Show

The Gator Jumparoo Show is the show that made Gatorland world famous. It is offered Monday-Friday at 10:45am.

Fans cheer on their favorite as dozens of alligators compete for lunch. Learn about alligators and crocodiles as you watch them jump over 4 feet out of the water for food.

Up Close Encounters

You never know what kind of animal you might meet at the Up-Close Encounters Arena! Befriend snakes, insects, and other exotic animals up close in this comical interactive experience.

Other Animals

Gatorland features more than Alligators and Crocodiles. Guests can watch Giant Tortoises eat, talk to parrots in the Parrot Playground, and marvel at endangered Florida Panthers.

Panther Springs

Florida Panthers are an endangered species that live primarily in southern Florida. Members of the cougar family, there are only 120-230 adult panthers exist, p

Neiko and Lucy arrived at Gatorland in 2013. Born at a Florida rescue in 2006, they are a cross between the endangered Florida Panther and a Texas Cougar.

Giant Tortoises

Two Giant Tortoises call Gatorland home – Dean the Aldabra and Lucy the Galapagos. Tortoises are the only turtle species that live on land only. They live on every continent except for Australia and Antarctica. And they have the distinction of being the longest living animal on earth!

Check out the Mama Kims Tortoise blog to learn more!

Dean the Aldabra Tortoise

Dean is a 106-year old Aldabra Tortoise. He is 500 pounds and one of the largest tortoises in the world!

Aldabra Tortoises are the second largest species of tortoise in the world. They are
easily recognizable because of their large dome-shaped shells.

Lucy the Galapagos Tortoise

Lucy is a Galapagos Tortoise. She was born in 1989 and weighs 350 pounds.

Galapagos Tortoises are the largest species of tortoises in the world. They can live to be 920 pounds and over 100 years old. They are herbivores that eat grass, fruit, and vegetables.

Parrot Playground

Stop by Parrot Playground to view beautiful Amazon Parrots, Blue and Gold Macaws, and Cockatoos! The birds are sitting outdoors on top of perches. (Not in cages). Visitors get unobstructed views.

Flamingo Island

Walk to the end of the overwater pathway (located across from the Bait Shack) and you will come across a flamingo colony. Flamingos are pink because they eat algae and shrimp that contain carotenoid pigment. Don’t worry – there is fencing to protect them from the alligators!

Very Merry Aviary

Gatorland’s Very Merry Aviary is a free flight aviary that houses hundreds of budgerigars. You can feed them with a birdseed stick or as they perch on your shoulder.

Barnyard Petting Zoo

Visit the Pet and feed barnyard animals including cows, goats, and capybaras, which are the largest living rodents in the world. They are native to South America but have become an invasive species in Florida.

Snakes & Critters

View snakes, scorpions, toads, and lizards at the Gatorland Mile of Monsters.

The Pygmy Rattlesnake is the most venomous snake in Florida and is responsible for most human snake bites. It has a tiny rattle on its tail that it shakes when threatened.

At 4-8 feet, the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America. They are natural exterminators who feed on mice, rats, other small mammals, and birds.

Other Gatorland Attractions

Gatorland has more to offer than just animals and animal shows. Guests can cool off in the splash park. Zip line over an alligator swamp, or drive right through it in a monster vehicle. Take a hike through a swamp. Eat in one of the many restaurants or shop in the gift shop.

Gator Gully Splash Park

As with most attractions in hot and humid Florida, Gatorland features a splash park. Of course, the water sources are alligator shaped.

Screamin’ Gator Zip Line

Clip in and “zip” off on 1,200 feet of high flying adventure. Soar through the air up to 7 stories high over some of the park’s star attractions, including Cuban and Nile Crocodiles.

Then hold on extra tight as you zip over the 10-acre Alligator Breeding Marsh, which is home to 130 giant alligators.

The Screamin’ Gator Zip Line was voted “Best Zip Line in the USA” by AOL Travel. The 2-hour experience costs $69.99 and includes all day admission to Gatorland,

Gator Gauntlet Accessible Zip Line

Amazingly, Gatorland offers a zip line experience for guests that are mobility challenged and/or in a wheelchair.

Guests are strapped into the Gator Gauntlet Accessible Zip Line harness horizontally, and then soar 350 feet through the air over the alligator infested breeding marsh on.

Check out this video for more information:

Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure

Climb aboard a 12-foot-high custom-made, off-road monster vehicle for a 15-minute adventure. The trip includes driving through a massive alligator pond!

The Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure takes guests into a section of the park never before seen. This includes the swamps that feed the headwaters of the Everglades.

The Off Road Adventure is not included with admission. Reservations have to be made upon arrival.

Swamp Walk

Gatlorland’s 110-acres is located between 2 swamps. There is a 1-mile swamp walk at the east end of the park. You walk on a wood board ramp over the water. Beware of snakes and other wild critters!

Gatorland Global

Gatorland Global is a conservation program designed to protect alligators and crocodiles in Florida. They also provide dedicated resources to support conservation research of critically endangered crocodiles across the globe.

Gatorland Global supports the Holland Bay American Crocodile Sanctuary in Jamaica, the Criadero de Cocodrilos breeding facility Cuba, and the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust in India.

Please subscribe to the Gatorland YouTube Channel. All proceeds benefits Gatorland Global conservation efforts.

Where to Eat

There are 3 restaurants at Gatorland. The Snack Shop serves tacos, hot dogs, corn dogs, chicken sandwiches, hot pretzels, nachos, and more. Located near the entrance, guests can view alligators wile they eat.

The Coffee Shop serves coffee, espresso, smoothies, and more. It is located on the main walkway.

The award winning Pearl’s Good Eats serves hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, ice cream and much more. Named after the founder’s wife, Pearl Godwin, the eatery is located near the World Gator Wrestlin’ Arena and is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Gift Shop

As expected, the Gatorland Gift Shop contains all things alligator! This includes T-shirts, hats, boxers, face masks, plush gators and crocs, action figures, coffee mugs, night lights, potato chip bag clips, and more.

I love my Alligator in a Santa Claus suit Christmas ornament! (Below)

Where to Stay Near Gatorland in Orlando

Planning a visit to Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World”? Staying nearby means more time for animal adventures and less time on the road. Here are three excellent accommodations, fitting every budget style.

Budget Accommodation – Park Royal Orlando

Just under 6 km from Gatorland, Park Royal Orlando delivers strong value with spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and free parking in a convenient Kissimmee location. Guests consistently praise its friendly service and comfort.

Mid-Range Accommodation – Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando

Only about 10–12 minutes from Gatorland, this mid-range hotel consistently gets praise for its friendly staff, cleanliness, and comfy beds. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a free airport shuttle. It’s a reliable and relaxing option for families or couples.

Luxury Accommodation – JW Marriott Orlando

Located 20 minutes from Gatorland, this upscale resort offers a luxury experience with a lazy river, golf course, fine dining, and a spa. Rooms are spacious with elegant décor and resort views. Ideal if you’re combining your Gatorland visit with a relaxing, high-end Orlando stay.

Follow Gatorland on Social Media

Newsletter: https://us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0d47ce8cce1e7b3b821d94e71&id=a78ac611a0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gatorland

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatorland_orlando/

X: https://x.com/gatorland

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gatorlandvlogs

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a 1.5 million acre subtropical wetland. It consists of coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and pine flatwoods. And it is home to alligators, crocodiles, manatees, Florida panthers, and much more!

Located on the southern tip of Florida, Everglades National Park has 3 main sections. The Shark Valley entrance is in Miami, the Gulf Coast entrance is in Everglades City, and the Main Entrance is in Homestead.

Check out the Kims Everglades National Park blog to learn more!

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