Gatorland Kicks Off Summer with Grand Reopening

Gatorland’s iconic gator mouth statue was flashing a freshly painted set of pearly whites this Memorial Day Weekend as part of Gatorland’s grand reopening. Although the park never officially closed after a fire in 2006 destroyed the gift shop and other structures in the main entrance, the new gift shop and entryway were a cause for celebration. An Orlando tourist attraction since 1949, Gatorland had a packed parking lot as tourists from around the state and around the globe came to watch gator wrestling, gator feeding—and for a small fee—pose for a picture while sitting astride a live alligator.

In addition to dozens of alligators, there are plenty of snakes, turtles, waterfowl, and exotic birds at Gatorland to delight visitors of all ages. Children especially enjoy the Allie’s Barnyard petting zoo, and the Gator Gully Splash Park is very popular in the mid-afternoon when the Florida sun is at its peak. In classic “Old Florida” fashion,Gator Gully Splash Park includes a row of giant egrets spilling water from their beaks; dueling water guns mounted on the backs of two giant gators, and a large water bucket guaranteed to soak anyone who stands under it.

For more information about this timeless Orlando attraction.