Gatorland

Tips and hacks

• Buy tickets online to save

  Booking single day admission online saves about 3 dollars off each adult and child ticket compared with buying at the gate. Tickets and add on experiences can both be purchased in advance on the official site.

• Consider the Greater Gator Package

  The Gatorland Greater Gator Package bundles park admission with three of the most popular add on experiences for around 41.99 dollars adult and 33.99 dollars child, a good value if you want the zip line and other adventures.

• Arrive early for the breeding marsh

  Mornings are cooler and the alligators and birds in the breeding marsh and rookery are most active, so head to the boardwalk and observation tower first for the best wildlife viewing and photos.

• Check the daily show schedule on arrival

  Gator Jumparoo, Gator Wrestlin', Legends of the Swamp, and Up Close Encounters run several times a day and the times shift seasonally. Grab a schedule at the entrance and plan your day around them.

• Wear closed shoes and sun protection

  The park is outdoors with lots of walking on boardwalks and dirt paths. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, and wear comfortable closed toe shoes, especially if you plan to zip line or climb.

• Spring is the best time to visit

  From April to June the breeding marsh is at its liveliest with alligator bellowing and nesting birds. Florida summers are hot and stormy, so go early and use the afternoon for shaded shows and the train.

• Book add on experiences ahead

  Premium experiences like Trainer for a Day, Adventure Hour, and Gator Night Shine have limited capacity and specific times. Reserve in advance to avoid missing out.

• Bring the kids to Gator Gully

  The Gator Gully Splash Park is free with admission and a perfect way to cool off younger children. Pack swimsuits and a towel if visiting in warm weather.

• No outside food allowed

  Gatorland does not permit outside food, animal feed, coolers, or picnic baskets in the park, so plan to eat at Pearl's Good Eats or the snack outlets.

• Half a day is usually enough

  Most families can comfortably see the shows, walk the marsh, ride the train, and meet the animals in three to five hours, making Gatorland an easy add on to a larger Orlando itinerary.

• Try the gator nuggets

  Pearl's Good Eats serves Gatorland's famous fried gator nuggets and gator ribs. Even if it sounds adventurous, they are a fun and tasty Florida tradition worth sampling.

• Look for the white gators

  Gatorland is home to extremely rare leucistic white alligators. Find their dedicated habitat and don't miss the chance to see these one in a million reptiles.

Know before you go