Anyone been to Gatorland?

[mergatroid]

Hi my wife has been watching Billies Swamp Safari on tv recently and really wants to see some gators when we're in Florida in October. I've looked into taking her to Billie Swamp Safari but it's a bit of a drive from Haines City so I've suggested Gatorland in Orlando which she seems happy with. Has anyone been to Gatorland or Billies and if so which is better, or to put it more simply. Is it worth driving to Billies (I'm convinced it's better by researching) or is Gatorland a decent enough trip out :shrug:

 

[puntagordabob]

I think when I was a kid (and I am 44 now)...

 

[lostpro9het]

I think when I was a kid (and I am 44 now)...

+1, it was probably 1989 and all I remember from it was making one of those plastic alligators in the vending machine that melts and molds the figurine right in front of you. I can still smell that plastic :dazzle:

 

[WelshBatman]

Gatorland will fulfill your appetite of wanting to see gators... trust me. Plus crocodiles and local florida snakes and birds. The new zipline is expensive to ride and don't let them talk you into the train ride. I will say though, it's a half-day park at best. You can see the shows (Gator Wrestling, Jump-a-roo) in the morning and walk around the breeding marsh and look at all the rest of the exhibits and be done by 12-1pm (depending on when you get there).

If you do go, check out Chester...

 

[harryk]

Went many years ago and just loved it. Disney was still building EPCOT!

 

[docdebbi]

we go to gatorland every trip. it is our stop on the way from the airport to the hotel. we enjoy it very much, although i admit that we really go for the kids. the shows are indeed interesting. the jump-a-roo is always a hit and entertaining/funny.
they have expanded tremendously in the last several years. in addition to the shows there is now a water park, the zipline (as mentioned), lots of other animals, breeding area, marsh walk, opportunities for photos with gators (both big and little), snakes and other creatures, you can feed the lorikeets, but beware, they do like to try to eat YOU.
i can see you easily spending 1/2 day or more depending on your schedule. we only spend about 3-4 hours everytime and wish we had more time, but alas, always in a rush to get to WDW ! i have not been to billie's but if you're just looking for lots and lots of gators, and the opportunity to eat one or two- it's is plenty

 

[71jason]

Went this past Spring. Definitely worth an afternoon (or a morning, if it's Summer). Decidedly low-tech, with a "real Florida" feel missing from the big three. Hundreds of gators/crocs, most just a couple feet below you along the boardwalk. Shows are cheesy, but the real appeal is the animals anyway.