Grant's Hols Sept/Oct 2014 - Day 2 - Gatorland

[grant_w]

<--- Day 1 - Travel Day

So after the obligatory early wake up on the first proper day at about 5:00 we dragged it out until about 8:00 before going out to the supermarket. There was a Walmart about 1/2 a mile in one direction of the US27 and a Publix in 2 miles in the other direction. We went for the Walmart and as we pulled up and parked we were approached by someone coming out and she told us that their tills had packed up and she had given up. So we drove up to the Publix, only to find out that it didn't open til 9. So we drove back down to Walmart and they had sorted their problems by the time we had fannied about for 15 minutes. Stocked up with lemonade, Sierra Mist, cereal, Reece's Pieces, Reece's Chips Ahoy, all the healthy things you need on holiday

We then went back to the house for breakfast then left for Gatorland, via the Contempo office to leave our deposit for the house, plus to pick up our early entry vouchers for Universal.

We arrived at Gatorland to the familiar sight of the giant jaws and stopped for the traditional photo.

Gatorland entrance

We usually go here on the first day as it is a nice easy day, not rushing around when you aren't used to the heat and it isn't a full day so when you start flagging in the afternoon you are usually done in the park and you can just go back to the house and relax. There was also a high chance of thunderstorms forecast for that day so we made sure we did all of the outdoor attractions first.

Gators

We were waiting around for the Jumparoo show to start when it started raining, and my god did it rain, but they just carried on with the show as if nothing was happening


Not the best place to stand...


Rain during Jumparoo show

Next we went in to feed the budgies, Nina loves to feed anything and if there are animals to feed, she will feed them! It is only $1 for a stick of seed and they are all over you, and for some reason they swarm all over your feet too.

Budgie leg warmers

We also managed to feed the goats and gators, that's a big game of 'see if you can get the food to the gators without the birds getting it'. Saying that though, I do like the birds there, you don't get to see so many vultures, storks, egrets so close up at many other places.

After chucking it down a couple more times we had done just about everything at the park and as we left the weather was perfect blue sky (typical)

If anyone wants any more photos or info, just shout, I have literally hundreds of photos from all parks

Day 3 - Discovery Cove --->

[COL41]

Enjoyed reading this-Gatorland is on our list of places to visit next year. Was going to buy tickets in advance but don't like the idea of being tied down to a particular day

[grant_w]

No need for advanced tickets really, there are plenty of coupons for discounted entry all over the place, some on this site actually from Mrs_O, or any coupon book you pick up in supermarkets

[COL41]

Thanks for that tip. Kids fancy doing the zip wire as well!

[beck_loz]

Wow great day x

[Shifu]

What a funny photo of the budgie 'leg warmers' lol.
Those alligators look pretty scary to me.

[VickieMH]

Never done gatorland... must try it