Gatorland and snakes!!

We will be visiting Florida for the first time next week and I wanted to say that I have found this forum invaluable over the past few weeks so thanks everybody! Could somebody please answer a silly question for me? We are planning to visit Gatorland and as I have a phobia of snakes was wondering whether staff actually walk around the park with snakes(YUK) or whether they are just involved in so called 'shows' - the thought of literally bumping into one fills me with dread!! If so, I'll be giving it a miss but my husband and son will love it.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by carolb
We will be visiting Florida for the first time next week and I wanted to say that I have found this forum invaluable over the past few weeks so thanks everybody! Could somebody please answer a silly question for me? We are planning to visit Gatorland and as I have a phobia of snakes was wondering whether staff actually walk around the park with snakes(YUK) or whether they are just involved in so called 'shows' - the thought of literally bumping into one fills me with dread!! If so, I'll be giving it a miss but my husband and son will love it.
[/quote]

We went to gatorland last month and did not see anyone carrying snakes around just the offer of having a photo taken with one, but thats it, oh a few in tanks too![msneek]

They do a show that has a snake in it, but we didnt see people walking around with them, The
place is really good, our kids loved the day there

I've only ever seen snakes there in glass cases. :)

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
I've only ever seen snakes there in glass cases. :)
[/quote]

Are these glass cases in a specific 'snakes area' and can you avoid them?

They did have a snake called Star and you could have her round your neck for a photo. A friend of mine used to be Star's handler and minder!! Star has now retired and I don't think that she has been or is going to be replaced.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Carla
They did have a snake called Star and you could have her round your neck for a photo. A friend of mine used to be Star's handler and minder!! Star has now retired and I don't think that she has been or is going to be replaced.
[/quote]


That's a relief!!

Thanks everyone for your replies - I appreciate it.

In fact, there is a Reptile Show in SILVER SPRINGS where brave souls (not me!) are invited to fondle non-poisonous (so they claim) snakes after the event. My 9-year old niece was the only one brave enough.[msnembarrased][msnembarrased]

Nostromo the Silver Springs would be right up my 7 year old's alley - whereabouts is it in relation to US27? I think we have at least 5 hours where we haven't planned to do something! We're off in 7 days!

You can also get to handle snakes at the Reptile World & Serpentarium, which is just East of St Cloud along the 192... They have venom collecting demonstrations every day.[:p]

There are lizards, turtles and aligators to see as well as loads of snakes.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by feathersonline
You can also get to handle snakes at the Reptile World & Serpentarium, which is just East of St Cloud along the 192... They have venom collecting demonstrations every day.[:p]

There are lizards, turtles and aligators to see as well as loads of snakes.
[/quote]

I think I'LL give that one a miss then!!!!!!!

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by deniseb90
Nostromo the Silver Springs would be right up my 7 year old's alley - whereabouts is it in relation to US27? I think we have at least 5 hours where we haven't planned to do something! We're off in 7 days!
[/quote]

Silver Springs is an easy place to go and a very nice day out. I suggest you start out by 8:30am and once you get on to US27 keep going north on it to Ocala. At Ocala, turn right into SR40 and continue for about 8 miles and Silver Springs arrives on your right. As easy as that. :):)

Thanks for that - I shall note it down! As I said my little boy is snake and creepy crawlie mad!

I think they also has a snake in a show where there are lots of wooden crates and a snake is in one of them, and yes there is the one at the photo opportunity and a few in glass cases. But its a great place to go, even if just to taste gator nuggets!

I once had a snake put inside my shirt at a show in a hotel. I was then laid down and my trouser zip opened. The snake was then drawn out to the amusement of the audiance (it was about three foot long) [msnembarrased] My children thought it very funny. Snakes are lovely creatures, not slimey but warm and smooth. Try not to be afraid and just enjoy your visit.

Jeff

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Harmony
I once had a snake put inside my shirt at a show in a hotel. I was then laid down and my trouser zip opened. The snake was then drawn out to the amusement of the audiance (it was about three foot long) [msnembarrased] My children thought it very funny. Snakes are lovely creatures, not slimey but warm and smooth. Try not to be afraid and just enjoy your visit.

Jeff
[/quote]

Thanks Jeff - that sounds like my worst nightmare! It's not that I think they are slimey - it's the way they move that I just can't bear (strange woman)!

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Harmony
I once had a snake put inside my shirt at a show in a hotel. I was then laid down and my trouser zip opened. The snake was then drawn out to the amusement of the audiance (it was about three foot long) [msnembarrased] My children thought it very funny. Snakes are lovely creatures, not slimey but warm and smooth. Try not to be afraid and just enjoy your visit.

Jeff
[/quote]

Harmony, with all due respect, you must be crazy. Nothing on the surface of this earth would embolden me to pull a stunt like that [msnscared][msnscared][msnscared]. But warm? I thought the critters were cold-blooded?