Alligators to ziplines: see, soar & more at Orlando's top attractions

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Photo courtesy of Visit Kissimmee, Florida

Gatorland

Item: Gatorland
Author: Michelle Spitzer

Type: Attractions, Zoos

10Best Says

It bills itself as "Orlando's best half-day attraction" and we tend to agree. In a city that often puts people at odds with their budget (time and/or money) with so many amazing parks to visit, Gatorland does the day's schedule for you: half spent exploring a park devoted to Florida's most famous native inhabitants, half spent by the resort pool with a cold beverage. Of course, if you want more gator â" have at it. Catch Gatorland's animals and handler shows in the afternoon, hit the splash pad with the kids, then try its newest attraction: the Screamin' Gator Zipline, where adventurers soar at speeds approaching 30 m.p.h. over live alligators and crocodiles. There's a nighttime run, as well. Other fun add-ons include the Gator Night Shine and various into-the-swamp jaunts for up-close alligator action. Even with supplemental activities, Gatorland still ranks as a comparative theme-park bargain.

Address:

14501 S Orange Blossom Trl
Orlando, FL 32837-6699

Phone:

407-855-5496

Website:

gatorland.com

Hours:

Daily 10am-5pm

Admissions:

Day Pass Adult $29.99; Child (3-12) $19.99; Child (0-2) Free

EXPERT TIPS BY: Michelle Spitzer
Orlando Local Expert

Best Theme Parks: "From February through July, bird-watchers and wildlife photographers can enter the park at 7:30 am (Friday- Sunday) by way of a Birder's Pass and enjoy one of the largest, most accessible wading bird rookeries in Florida."

Recommended as Best Theme Parks Because: Gatorland is fun, fascinating and friendly to both families and since theme parks can be EXPENSIVE, budgets. Win-win-win.

EXPERT TIPS BY: A.D. Thompson
Orlando Local Expert

Best Attractions & Activities: "Don't bring outside food; the park rules are strict to prevent the animals from eating things they shouldn't."

Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: Gatorland is an affordable, fun option where there's lots to do and learn about the most famous native Floridians of the animal kingdom.

EXPERT TIPS BY: Sarah Sekula
Orlando Local Expert

Best Things to Do: "Check out the Screamin' Gator Zip Line for five intense zip lines at 1,200 feet of high flying thrills going at speeds near 25 miles per hour."