Gatorland

Don't miss the real Florida on your next family trip to Orlando. You’ll find numerous full and half-day attractions where you can get closer to nature by coming face to face with an alligator or going on a nature adventure. Here are 5 incredible ways to experience the real Florida in Orlando.

Gatorland
With over 1,000 gators on property, Gatorland is the alligator capital of the world! Gatorland has been introducing the real Florida to visitors since it opened in 1949. One of the park's main attractions is the Gator Jumparoo Show where you get to see some of the biggest gators in the world jump five feet out of the water to chomp down on a bite to eat. Another staple is the Gator Wrestlin' Show where gator wranglers catch an 8-foot gator by hand and climb onto their back. Guests that are brave enough can even get their photo taken sitting atop the gator after the show! With Up Close Encounters you can meet some of the most dangerous snakes from Florida and around the world. Gatorland is an adventurous and educational experience where you get to see some of the deadliest and most unique animals native to Florida.

 

Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours

Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours
What better way to experience the real Florida than by zooming across the state's swamps and marshes in an Airboat? On your voyage aboard Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours you can see animals like turtles, alligators, bald eagles and more, all in their natural environments. Your experienced guide will share their knowledge of all the interesting sights on the grand Lake Tohopekaliga while you ride in your six-passenger airboat with stadium seating. The best part is there aren't any rails or walls to block your view of Florida's natural beauty. Choose from a One Hour Eco Tour available daily or the One Hour Sunset Tour on select nights. After your tour you'll get to hold and take photos with the resident gators as a special bonus.

Forever Florida Horseback Riding 
Forever Florida Horseback Riding & Wild Coach Tours
Enjoy a wildlife trek through the 4,700 acre wildlife conservation area of Forever Florida. Saddle up for a 90-minute horseback adventure through nine distinct Florida ecosystems. This is your chance to see what Florida was like many years ago in its natural state. Your knowledgeable guide will share stats while you ride through this nature wonderland. Forever Florida's Wild Coach Adventure is where you get to ride in an elevated safari vehicle with spectacular views of animals and their natural habitats. On your trip you may encounter alligators, turtles, the colorful wild turkey, white-tailed deer and possibly the endangered Florida Panther.

Orlando Balloon Rides

Orlando Balloon Rides
Glide across the sky overlooking the swamps, forests and other sights of Florida in a magical hot air balloon ride. Imagine being able to smell the citrus aroma as you pass over orange groves. Witness the shimmering beauty of the lakes and streams from high above. And marvel in seeing the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World like never before. Orlando Balloon Rides features the largest hot air balloon in the United States and a 100% pristine safety record. All you have to do is show up – and let go. Relax and let the air current blow your worries away as you enjoy this peaceful journey through the sky. Top it off with a traditional champagne toast.

Tree Trek Adventure Park

Tree Trek Adventure Park
Get your adrenaline pumping at this 15-acre pine tree forest filled with tree top adventure courses, zip lines and more. The park has 4 progressively more challenging aerial obstacle courses and it's up to you to see how far you can go. Thrill seekers can challenge themselves to cross wobbly suspension bridges, navigate swinging logs, climb ladders up to 50-feet high, swing on Tarzan ropes, balance on beams and soar through the trees on giant zip lines. Little climbers between the ages of 7 and 11 have their own Kids Courses as well and there are games and activities for kids of all ages. Plus, walking trails below the courses allow you to follow and photograph your family members as they traverse the course.

(Photos: Gatorland, Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours, Forever Florida, Orlando Balloon Rides and Tree Trek Adventure Park)