GatorWorld Parks of Florida

By James | Last updated May 30, 2024

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A new drive-thru gator park attraction called “GatorWorld Parks of Florida” opened in October 2017 at Wildwood in Sumter County on Highway 44, just one mile from the I-75. It is about an hours drive northwest of Walt Disney World.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gatorworld temporarily closed its doors in 2020 and is yet to re-open

Spread over 15 acres, the park offers two types of experience:

  • a drive-thru alligator safari
  • access to all other areas including the petting zoo

When GatorWorld Parks of Florida first opened they offered three ticket options; just the drive-thru, an everything package and a special four visit ticket. Now they are just offering a standard single day admission which gives you access to everything.

GatorWorld Parks of Florida ticket options are:

GatorWorld Parks of Florida – Alligator Drive-Thru

The scenic safari-style drive-through along a gravelled roadway offers views of over 400 alligators in a natural habitat, all safely located behind a protective fence. One of the largest alligators at the park is 12 feet in length and is appropriately called “Big Al”.

GatorWorld Parks of Florida – Access All Areas

When the park first opened, if you bought a wristband, then as well as the drive-thru, you could then also take part in several other experiences as part of the “Everything Package”. Nowadays the standard single day admission ticket gives you access to everything.

After the alligator drive, guests can feed young alligators from a raised platform, using specially designed poles (much like a fishing rod and line).

There are also opportunities to hold and be photographed with an alligator and for the younger children there is a petting zoo where you can meet and feed small animals like calves, sheep, goats (including one called Elvis) and rabbits. You can also hold and cuddle one of the rabbits.

You can even have a photo taken with “Big Al”.

GatorWorld Parks of Florida 2020 ticket prices

These prices are the standard ticket prices you would expect to pay at the gate (unless stated otherwise). Prices do not include local taxes and tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

All prices are subject to change and you should check with GatorWorld Parks of Florida for the latest prices.

Children aged 3 and under are admitted for free as are active military personnel (with ID). There are discounts for senior citizens (aged 55+).

GatorWorld Parks of Florida single day admission ticketAdultChild
Standard single day admission to GatorWorld Parks of Florida.
Senior (55+) ticket is $19.00 with valid ID. Active Military personnel with valid ID can access for free.
$22.00
plus tax
$12.00
plus tax

GatorWorld Parks of Florida Opening Hours

The park is open from Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the winter and until 5:30 p.m. in the summer. The park is closed on a Sunday and some major holidays like Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.

At present there is no gift shop or restaurant. Coolers are not allowed inside the park.

GatorWorld Parks of Florida also acts as a rescue and rehabilitation facility for alligators and all the alligators on display have been either rescued or relocated, having been caught by trappers and would otherwise have been euthanised.