Orlando Wildlife & Gator Parks

Gators, a drive-thru safari, airboats and manatees, all within a day of Orlando.

Orlando’s wildlife side is smaller, cheaper and more old-school than the big theme parks, and that’s the appeal. The main question is how far you want to drive and how wild you want the animals to be.

Gatorland is the easy one. It sits about 15 to 20 minutes from Disney, opens every day, and packs thousands of alligators, shows and a zip line into a half-day visit. It suits families with young kids and anyone short on time.

Wild Florida takes more effort. It is out in Kenansville, roughly 34 miles from Disney, and closed on Sundays. In return you get a drive-thru safari with giraffes and zebras, a smaller gator park and airboat rides on its own wetlands. You’ll need a car for the safari.

Can’t decide? Our Gatorland vs Wild Florida guide puts the two side by side. If you would rather look for gators in open water, compare Orlando airboat tours. For manatees, the Crystal River trip on our day trips page is best from mid-November to March. Traveling with children? See Orlando with kids.