After a couple of days queuing at the big parks, Gatorland is a genuinely refreshing change of pace, and it’s real Florida, not a recreation of it. Boardwalks wind over lagoons packed with alligators and crocodiles, there’s a zipline that runs directly over the gator pit for anyone with nerve, and the Gator Gully splash park is a welcome relief on a hot afternoon.
The Gator Wrestlin’ Show is the one guests talk about most, genuinely funny, a little tense, and over quickly enough that it holds younger kids’ attention. Budget two to three hours to see it properly, more if the splash park or train ride pulls the kids in for longer.
It’s less crowded and considerably less expensive than the major theme parks, which makes it a nice lower-key day if your group needs a breather. It’s about a 20-minute drive from most of our Kissimmee and Davenport homes, bring sunscreen and swimwear if you’re planning on the splash park, since Florida sun doesn’t mess around even outside of summer.
