A family-owned alligator park that has been open since 1949, about 10 miles from Lake Nona and one of the closest attractions to home.
Gatorland is a 110-acre wildlife park on South Orange Blossom Trail, about 10 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center. It opened in 1949 and is still owned by the family of its founder, Owen Godwin. It is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, including rare white leucistic alligators. Its attractions include alligator shows, a breeding marsh with a boardwalk and bird rookery, a narrow-gauge railroad, a zip line and off-road swamp tours. It calls itself the Alligator Capital of the World.
Before Walt Disney World, there was Gatorland. The park opened on the Orange Blossom Trail in 1949 and still has the feel of old roadside Florida, with a big alligator-mouth entrance, live shows and a boardwalk over a marsh full of gators and wading birds. For Lake Nona residents, it is also one of the closest attractions to home.
This guide is written for people weighing a move to Lake Nona. It covers how far Gatorland is, what is there and how to plan a visit.
How far is Gatorland from Lake Nona?
Gatorland is about 10 driving miles southwest of Lake Nona Town Center, on South Orange Blossom Trail.
That makes it one of the shortest trips to any major attraction from Lake Nona, easy for a morning or afternoon without a full-day commitment. The park has its own parking lot.
| Distance from Lake Nona Town Center | About 10 miles |
|---|---|
| Location | South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando |
| Opened | 1949 |
| Size | About 110 acres |
| Plan for | Half a day |
What is there to see at Gatorland?
Thousands of alligators and crocodiles, rare white leucistic alligators, a breeding marsh with a boardwalk and observation tower, and a small zoo of other Florida animals.
The breeding marsh is the highlight for many visitors: a wooden boardwalk over a marsh with alligators below and a large bird rookery overhead, especially busy with nesting wading birds in spring. The park also has a petting zoo, an aviary and the Gatorland Express, a narrow-gauge train that has circled the park for decades.
What shows and experiences does Gatorland offer?
Gatorland is known for its live alligator shows, and it adds more adventurous extras such as a zip line over the alligator ponds and off-road swamp vehicle tours.
The shows include alligator feedings and the park's long-running gator wrestling demonstrations. The zip line and off-road tours are ticketed separately and have age and size requirements. Check the park's daily show schedule when you arrive and plan the visit around the shows you want to see.
Is Gatorland good for young children?
Yes. Gatorland's size, shows, train and petting zoo make it one of the most manageable attractions in Orlando for families with young children.
Because it is only about 10 miles from Lake Nona, it works well as a half-day outing that doesn't wear out small children. Much of the park is outdoors, so mornings and the cooler months are the most comfortable times to go.
Is a Gatorland annual pass worth it?
For families who live as close as Lake Nona, an annual pass can pay for itself in a few visits, especially with young children who enjoy repeat trips.
Passes typically cover general admission for a year, with discounts on extras. Check Gatorland's website for current pass options, prices and any Florida-resident offers.
How does Gatorland fit alongside Lake Nona's other nearby attractions?
Gatorland is the closest of the classic Orlando attractions to Lake Nona, and a smaller, older-Florida contrast to the big theme parks.
For the major parks, see our guides to Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando. For outdoor Florida wildlife closer to home, see our Lake Nona parks hub, and for more of Orlando, the Explore Orlando hub.
Pros, Cons and Our Take
Pros
- About 10 miles from Lake Nona, one of the closest attractions.
- A manageable half-day visit that suits young children.
- Old-Florida character that the big theme parks don't offer.
- A boardwalk and bird rookery that appeal to nature lovers too.
Cons
- Mostly outdoors, which is hot in summer.
- The zip line and off-road tours cost extra.
- A smaller park than the major theme parks.
- Shows run on a schedule, so timing matters.
Our Take
Gatorland is the easiest classic Orlando attraction to reach from Lake Nona. Go on a cool morning, catch a show or two, walk the breeding marsh boardwalk and you are home by lunch. For families with young children, an annual pass is easy to justify.
What the Neighbors Know
Lake Nona families often use Gatorland as a short outing with visiting grandparents or young children, because it is close and doesn't take a whole day. For more outdoor time nearby, see our Lake Nona parks guide, and compare Lake Nona neighborhoods if quick access to the Orlando attractions matters to you.
Official Sources
Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Gatorland from Lake Nona?
About 10 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center, on South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando.
How old is Gatorland?
Gatorland opened in 1949 and is still owned by the family of its founder, Owen Godwin.
Does Gatorland have white alligators?
Yes. Gatorland is home to rare white leucistic alligators, along with thousands of other alligators and crocodiles.
How long does a visit to Gatorland take?
Most visitors spend about half a day at Gatorland, including a show or two and the breeding marsh boardwalk.
