View Full Version : Gator Land??
Thinking of going here next time in Orlando...whats it like??
Jo
LiesaAnna
01-11-2004, 01:21
have a nose in miscellanous attractions lots about Gator land there, we want to go and see when we're off to florida:)
We went on our last day when we were waiting to go to the airport. I would not go again :(
I felt it was a little bit of a waste of money. Yeah sure there are a lot of gators and snakes etc but nothing that exciting that you don't see elsewhere. They charge you extra to take a train ride which is a little clapped out thing which circles the park and is rubbish in the extreme. Just goes through bush - not a lot to see!
Also they have lots of play areas for the kids which looked greatuntill you realised that it was scorching and they were not in the shade. Being made of metal did not help - they were scalding hot. Needless to say none of the kids could play on them [msnsad][msnsad]
Some people like it but for us it is not worth the money.[msnscared]
LiesaAnna
01-11-2004, 01:35
oh dear, bit of a put off, still it wont be that hot when we go in December so maybe we'll still give it ago, but with an open mind and dont expect to much.......
Nostromo
01-11-2004, 01:35
Quite good and well worth a visit. If you have a late evening return flight to the UK, keep Gatorland for the last day. You can then check out of your villa, go to Gatorland and spend a few hours there and then carry on to the airport, which will then be quite close by.
Ann-Marie
01-11-2004, 02:01
We went for the first time in July and loved it! Our 11 year old loved the gator jumperoo! You could spend the whole day there but I think a half day would be ample. Well worth a visit.
I think from what I have read on here previously, most, if not all, visitors seem to love it. But I have to say that we went in July, and both my daughter and myself really did not like it at all. My husband and son thought it was passable though. I felt it just somehow had a run-down air about it, and I felt that the wrestling was a bit worrying from the gators point of view, he can't have enjoyed it much!! Chloe
We've visited Gatorland a couple of times and enjoyed it. My daughters loved going in and feeding the Lorikeets - that was something different for us. My son loved the snake show and the gator shows as well. I guess everyone has their own opinion. I felt it was a great thing to do on an off day from the parks - manageable in a half day and a bit slower-paced!
orlandobabe
02-11-2004, 04:43
Chloe said-I felt it just somehow had a run-down air about it,
I had to laugh-you should have seen it 15 years ago-that was a huge disappointment-when they barely concealed the fact that it was an alligator farm.
I wouldn't fancy it in July-too hot-not enough shade-but in the cooler months it's worth a look about every 2-3 years.
heathercobbett
02-11-2004, 12:59
We went in August and thought it a good half day with lots of shade.However,some of our guests went on an unusually chilly January day and the gators were doing nothing
I would not go on your first visit to Orlando as you have so much else to fit in,but on you 2nd or third visit could be a good less busy day.
If you also want to do the Boggy Creek airboat ride you could combine the two as theay are in roughly the same area
LiesaAnna
02-11-2004, 13:09
thats good to know Heather, planning on doing both!!!!!! Ta![8D]
heathercobbett
02-11-2004, 20:37
Liesa,dont be taken aback when you are offered gator burgers at the Gatorland cafe.
LiesaAnna
02-11-2004, 21:10
oh thanks very much!!!!!!![V]
heathercobbett
03-11-2004, 00:39
So you will be having one Liesa?
When our guests mentioned it,I assumed it was a joke,but have been reassured that it is true.
LiesaAnna
03-11-2004, 01:37
will be declining the offer,!!!!!!!!!!yuk!!!!!![msneek]
Nostromo
03-11-2004, 01:49
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by LiesaAnna
will be declining the offer,!!!!!!!!!!yuk!!!!!![msneek]
[/quote]
You can eat gator in the UK. In Brinkworth, Wiltshire, there is a well known pub/restaurant called "Three Crowns" that serves up Gator dishes and other exotic meals as and when available.[msneek]
LiesaAnna
03-11-2004, 01:57
just doesnt sound right! [msnscared]
Nostromo
03-11-2004, 02:00
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by LiesaAnna
just doesnt sound right! [msnscared]
[/quote]
Don't worry, Gators are not particularly noisy. They just bite, that's all....unless you bite them first!
You can also order Gator Nuggets! We had to do it - we got one order and we all took a taste. My son thought they were the same as eating chicken nuggets. That just goes to show you, you can take just about anything and batter it, fry it up and people will eat it. One taste was enough for me, though!
LiesaAnna
03-11-2004, 03:07
i think its just what you know! if i tried it without being told what it was i might like it, but then i know i would really really want to know what i was eating, if its like chicken nuggets i might be up for a taste but would never knowingly buy it[8D]
phil moloney
03-11-2004, 05:14
I visit gatorland on nearly every trip in fact I think I have done it twice on one visit. Its not got the hype and excitement of disney but it is a gator farm. Like everything else in life it depends on what you are into. If my memory serves me correctly I think there was water sprays in the play area. The information on gators and crocs is good esp for kids. The talks given vary. On one occasion the guy gave a wonderful explaination on snake and snake bites and treatment was both accurate and knowledgable. It is a serious little park and that could indeed be noticed in some of the talks as only those really interested waited to the end. The only time to visit is as soon as it opens in the am, at that time the birds and animals are at their best. Popping in on your way to the airport your heart wouldn't really be in it would it? Especially if it was a very hot afternoon. At that stage the animals would be sleepy. Just love those gators!Enjoy ! Be amazed!
heathercobbett
03-11-2004, 12:47
Isnt it funny how the most exotic animals(even humans)is always described as just like chicken?Considering that they are usually much more expensive,what is the point?
The exception must be jugged hare which I ordered in a hotel.I nearly threw up!Then I looked up the recipe and realised why.