Here’s the story of likely the most successful Central Florida attraction that isn’t backed by a series of television networks.
Gatorland, which opened in 1949 as the area’s innovator in wild entertainment, will celebrate its 75th anniversary this weekend with its annual Gatorpalooza festival on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gatorland CEO Mark McHugh – the prince of promotion – came on board over two decades ago as an in-law; his wife Diane is a third-generation member of the Godwin family. Owen and Pearl started the entertainment park as a roadside attraction, and 75 years later the thousands of gators, snakes and other wild animals keep people coming in at 10 a.m. daily.
It’s now a fifth-generation family business going strong – but it hasn’t always been strong over 75 years, McHugh said.
“This park’s seen a lot,” he said. “It’s survived wars, fires (including one that caught the iconic gator jaws out front on fire in November 2006 and closed the park for 18 days), floods, September 11, COVID … but there’s been a lot of good times, too.”
So, how does a small attraction in an area of over-the-top global tourism icons survive in such a market?
McHugh said it’s a product of the area community.
“Each time there’s been a crisis, the community’s come out and saved us,” he said at Friday’s pre-75th birthday bash, that came with an over-the-top fake cake bustin’ in line with McHugh’s energy. “Especially the Florida residents; they’ve come rushing in here and saved us. We are incredibly thankful to be where we are.”
And the community showed its thanks Friday. Representatives from both Orlando and Kissimmee – despite being just across the county line into Orange County – offered up proclamations honoring the milestone birthday.
“We don’t see a county line,” McHugh said. “We think of ourselves as being all over.”
Kissimmee Mayor Olga Gonzalez said Gatorland is part of the areas fabric and “not just a nice place to visit.”
“It is essential for the care of animals, and an unwavering dedication of and by the people who made Gatorland what it is,” she said. “Today isn’t just a celebration but an inspiration; commitment that inspires all to do more. They’ve been making people smile and learn for 75 years; I can’t wait to see what they’re going to do next.”
Well, next is this weekend. In addition to all the traditional Gatorland family fun – the gators and crocs, breeding marsh with observation tower, capybara encounter, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park and shows like the Gator Jumparoo – the Gatorpalooza includes a live DJ
Saturday, come check out the Florida Man Challenge – where man meets gator on the water (we won’t spoil the surprise), and on Sunday gator park meets rodeo in the Mechanical Alligator Rodeo! It’s all included in the admission, which is half off for Florida residents.
