Get a big bite of family fun at Gatorland in Orlando

Gatorland is one of those places in the Orlando area that you always think you want to visit --- but never get around to it. The park's 50th anniversary makes this year a good time to pay a visit. Include it in your vacation plans. It's a lot of fun for the whole family.

Gatorland is the classic Florida theme park. Its glory days may have bypassed it, but the folksy charm and smaller crowds make it an ideal place to visit. The glamour and high-tech wizardry of Disney World and Universal Studios draw the big crowds nowadays, but there are several smaller Central Florida theme parks like Gatorland that can be just as rewarding.

Gatorland certainly lives up to its name. You will see alligators everywhere. You can see live gator shows throughout the day in an 800-seat stadium - including the world-famous alligator wrestling show. The gator breeding swamp has over 100 alligators in a natural habitat that you can view from a 3-story-high observation deck.

There is also a huge exhibit of crocodiles from around the world. Massive pythons and other snakes are also on exhibit. Lilly's Pad is a small water park area for the kids. There is a barnyard full of animals waiting to be petted and fed. A nature walk takes you through a native cypress swamp full of wild critters.

Gatorland is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. It is located on Hwy. 444 at the Orlando-Kissimmee city limit line in southern Orlando. Look for directional signs from all major highways.

For more information, call 1-800-393-JAWS or visit www.gatorland.com and check out the live gator cam!

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