The “Alligator Capital of the World™,” Gatorland brings back itsGators, Ghosts and Goblins™ Halloween event for the eighth year in a row. We were invited to a sneak peek before it opened to the public on October 10, and it will be open until Oct. 25.
When we arrived, it was early in the morning, and the usual lively gators near the entrance of the park greeted us in their sleep, but there were plenty of other animals who were awake and excited to see us, including Tumbelina the Armadillo. We were allowed to pet Tumbelina and took note of the unique design on her back.
Soon, we would be greeted by animals one might be surprised to see in Florida, unless you count Mount Everest in Epcot. Eddie the Yet, Eddie’s cousin, and Florida Bigfoot, Skunk Ape, made an appearance and even took some time to chat with us.
We were then taken to the “Gator Jumparoo Show,” but with a fall twist. Employees had the gators jumping out of the water to be fed pumpkins, instead of the usual chicken.
Then, it was time for Cyrus the Grave Digger to take over as our tour guide and show the now “haunted” Gatorland. He showed us the Gatorland Graveyard, filled with graves, skeletons, and all things macabre. They even have a bow and arrow to shoot some of the hanging skulls.
Next was the main attraction: Swamp Ghost’s Museum. This museum highlighted the works of Bram Stoker. Inside, we walked through his famous work: “Dracula.” There were multiple actors who would take turns guiding us along and who made sure to make us feel immersed.
The set design was downright spooky and gothic. It was clear great attention to detail had been taken in order to make the late 1800s come to life. The walkthrough was done by groups and took about 10-15 minutes.
Once we exited the museum, we were at the all-new Guzzling Gator Craft Beer Bar & Waterin’ Hole. We feasted on Gargoyle Wings (chicken wings tossed in their homemade black BBQ sauce) and Goblin Ribs (slow-smoked St. Louis pork and ribs smothered in house-made sweet and tangy BBQ sauce). We listened to the dulcet tones of Frankenstein as he serenaded us with a guitar at the Frank N’ Steins Oktoberfest.
At the event, there will also be the Cryptid Express where you can seek out hidden beasties like Moth Man, Chupacabra, Jersey Devil, and more. There will also be a Children’s Halloween Costume Parade with treat bags for all kids who participate.
The event is included with park admission for October 17, 18, 24, and 25. Florida resident tickets are half off until October 31. For more information, visit HERE.
