Gatorland to Unveil Upgrades this Summer
As the sun rose on Gatorland on October 15, 2007 construction began on the gift shop and admissions complex that were destroyed by a fire the previous year. Renovations to the iconic "gator mouth" entrance, which was also badly damaged in the blaze, are also underway at this unique Florida attraction. And if all goes as planned, the new structures will be unveiled sometime this summer.
But this is far from your ordinary construction project.
As construction began, it quickly became apparent to Dan Baumer, Superintendent for D&D Construction, that this project would be like no other he had worked on before. As his team of concrete saw operators began cutting through the aging concrete, an eerie sound began to rumble behind the men as dozens of alligators had mistaken the vibration as an invitation to bellow and splash around. "That was definitely a first for me and the guys," said Baumer. "What a unique way to keep everyone motivated."
"We are trying to stick to a very tight timeline," states Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland. "Our goal is to have the new Complex opened by summer when we begin celebrating the 60th Anniversary for the 'Alligator Capital of the World.'"
Gatorland—a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, which combines "Old Florida" charm with new exhibits and entertainment—first opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.
Wheelchair access is good throughout the park, with accessible parking near the entrance, level access from the parking lot and wide level pathways and boardwalks to most areas of the park. The most accessible restroom is near Pearl's Patio Smokehouse; and most of the animal areas, including the petting zoo and aviary, offer level access. Rental wheelchairs and scooters are available at the ticket office, and the staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating about access issues. In fact, the employees seem to go out of their way to make sure everyone has up-close-and-personal access to the animals.
For more information about Gatorland, visit www.gatorland.com.
Gatorland is just one of many accessible and affordable attractions in the Orlando area. For information and access details about other offbeat Orlando attractions, plus the scoop on a great new accessible villa, check out the Spring 2008 issue of Emerging Horizons.