July
15
I have always wanted to go to Florida’s first theme park, Gatorland. When I was 10 I had the chance to finally go but on the way we stopped for a quick minute to look at models for new condos being built. 8 hours later, my Uncle and Aunt bought a condo and I still hadn’t seen a gator…
It has been almost 20 years since then and I am still waiting for someone to take me to Gatorland. I decided it was time to take myself! Gatorland was bigger than I expected. The park takes about 4 to 5 hours to see everyting and there was enough to fill an afternoon.
Justin and I were able to feed hot dogs to gators as they swam by. It was a lot of fun until they started really catching the food. It was like out of a movie and you could see how powerful they really are. We saw a show where they feed chickens (not live ones) to the alligators to show you how high they can jump. Another scary sight especially when you live in Florida.
We were able to take a small train ride around the park and learn its history. We also got a great view of other gators and crocs along the back of the park. As you get off and on the train, they have a nice sign to remind you not to bump your head.
Lastly, we saw the gator wrestling show and I was lucky enough to jump in the ring and catch one myself…
…OK maybe I just got to pose on one but it is a real live alligator. I was a little nervous but it was the highlight of the how experience.
This may have been a small item on my life list but one that I have wanted for many years. It was a great feeling to be able to cross it off.
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Bishop on 
pat on 
Larry on 
Michael on 
Cortez. on 
Cr8zDrgn
on 15 Jul 2008 at 7:51 am #
Even though you “Posed” on a real alligator, it still took some balls to do it. I would be so scared to get that close to a real alligator, and I live in Gainesville. But the gators there are crazy college football fans. So glad you all had a great time. ^_^
Becky
on 15 Jul 2008 at 8:56 am #
Did you throw hot dogs at the gators? I love the last picture, because I remember when I went, they had pictures of little kids sitting on gators all over the walls leading to the random petting zoo there. Small Children + Gator Wrestling = Safety! Also, did you really learn about the park’s history on the train ride? Maybe it was b/c we sat in the first row and inhaled diesel fumes, but I don’t remember getting any kind of park info as that train creeped along the chain link fence.
Either way, I love the strangeness that is Gatorland and love that you finally went!
Becky
on 15 Jul 2008 at 10:04 am #
PS. When are we hitting up Holy Land???????????
Michael
on 15 Jul 2008 at 10:30 am #
Becky,
You know I so want to go to Holyland. I have always wanted to know what it was all about.
For those who do not know, Holy Land is a bible themed small theme park in Orlando which caused a lot of drama when it opened in town.
It is a huge success though and I have always wanted to see what it was all about.
Brad
on 15 Jul 2008 at 11:52 am #
Michael, it looks like you had a GREAT time!
Did you get some gator shoes? Perhaps a clutch purse?
I am glad that you got to do one of your “Life List”
I got to spend some quality time with my best friend from high school, he flew out here to Seattle so we could go see The Police concert.
I was nervous since we haven’t seen each other in YEARS and that we might have changed, but it seemed like we were still on the same page and that we had seen each other in months versus YEARS!
Thanks for being YOU! You are so SPECIAL! :o)
Take Care-
Brad
Michael
on 15 Jul 2008 at 1:09 pm #
Brad,
I am glad to hear it all went well. It is amazing how friendships can last the time.
No shoes or purse for me. After seeing them, I wasn’t in the mood to wear it. I had already been sitting on one.
Cr8zDrgn
on 16 Jul 2008 at 9:45 am #
Holy Land?
Brad
on 16 Jul 2008 at 9:59 am #
Michael-
I also noticed that you were wearing flip-flops, weren’t you concerned about your toes?
If I needed to run I would much rather have something that I could actually run in. I suppose since you are living in Florida that you are more used to wearing flip-flops.
I really like the smile you have with you sitting on and holding the gator. Like “Hurry up and take the picture already”.
Thanks again for sharing your life list experiences!
-Brad
PS- can I put meet you in person on my life list? I don’t want to be a stalker!
Michael
on 16 Jul 2008 at 11:12 am #
Brad,
Yes it is Florida so we are use to flip flops and I can always kick them off and run.
There is no time when sitting on a gator to do your America’s Next Top Model moves. You just get on and off as fast you can and make sure you still have 10 toes and fingers.
Of course you can put meeting on your life list. Why not? Stalking would only be if meeting me is hiding in my bushes and spying through my windows.