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Hop aboard the Gatorland Express Train and trade tourist mode for explorer mode. Chugging through swamps lined with ancient cypress roots, you’re deep in Florida’s wild heartbeat. Suddenly—silence. Then, a splash. A massive alligator rises from the water, eyes locked on yours, utterly calm. Your pulse races. The guide whispers facts, but nothing beats the thrill of eye-to-eye contact with nature’s survivor. The ultimate surprise? When one leaps high out of the water—your scream turns into laughter before you can stop it!
This hotel is a paradise for family vacations! With a water park, kids' pool, and game room, your little ones will never want to leave. Adults can enjoy the golf course, spa treatments, or relax by the outdoor pool. The hotel boasts 3 restaurants, including authentic Italian cuisine, and a poolside bar for evening drinks. Located just minutes from Orlando's top attractions, its 4.5-star rating reflects top-notch service and facilities. Your perfect getaway starts here!
Looking for a perfect blend of luxury getaway and family fun in Orlando? This hotel is your ideal choice! Strategically located on International Drive, just minutes from Disney World and Universal Studios, its prime location offers unbeatable convenience. With over 1,600 spacious rooms, some featuring private balconies and scenic views, plus kids' pools and water slides, your little ones will never want to leave! Business travelers can enjoy state-of-the-art meeting facilities and a 24-hour fitness center, while the spa services promise ultimate relaxation. Whether for family vacations or business trips, this hotel has everything you need!
Everything you need to know about Gatorland Express Train
The best hotel near Gatorland Express Train is Gatorland Resort Hotel, located directly adjacent to the attraction with complimentary shuttle service for easy access. The resort features an outdoor pool, themed rooms, and views of the alligator ponds and tropical foliage. For alternative options, Holiday Inn Orlando - Lake Nona offers convenient access, just a 10-minute drive away, with family-friendly amenities. Visitors are advised to use Uber or rent a car for flexibility; ample parking is available on-site, making it ideal for planning a full-day visit.
From Orlando city center, take Uber or a taxi—the drive takes about 25 minutes via I-4 Highway, offering scenic views of central Florida’s lush landscapes. Public transit options include MetroLink Bus Route 10 to "Lake Nona Station," followed by a transfer to the Ride On Shuttle to Gatorland, taking around one hour. The park provides free parking with clear signage and directional maps. It’s recommended to download a map app in advance and avoid peak hours to minimize traffic delays and enhance your visit.
The Gatorland Express Train offers a distinctive blend of nature and entertainment, where guests ride a vintage-style steam train through tropical swamps, spotting wild alligators, short-nosed crocodiles, and diverse waterbirds. Trained guides provide informative commentary on local ecosystems and crocodile conservation. Additional highlights include alligator feeding shows, interactive photo zones, and children’s discovery camps, making it ideal for families. Purchase tickets in advance via the official website to skip lines, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for wetland trails.
The Gatorland Express Train operates daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours until 7:00 PM during summer (June–August), ideal for evening rides to enjoy cooler temperatures and nighttime wildlife activity. The park is open year-round, but holidays like Christmas and Halloween feature special events—check the official website for updates. Trains depart every 30 minutes, with the first at 9:00 AM and the last depending on closing time. Arrive early to maximize your experience and plan for additional attractions.
See what other travelers say about Gatorland Express Train
I stayed at JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes and had a really pleasant experience overall. The room was slightly smaller than I expected for the price, but it was clean, well-maintained, and very quiet—perfect for a good night's sleep. The bed wasn’t the most comfortable I’ve ever slept on, but it still worked fine for a relaxing stay. What truly stood out was the Christmas decor throughout the property—so festive and beautifully done! From the elegant tree arrangements to the twinkling lights and seasonal touches, the atmosphere felt magical, especially during the holiday season. It made the entire stay feel special and unique. If you're visiting Orlando around Christmas time and want a cozy, festive vibe with great service, this hotel is definitely worth considering.
The Hyatt Regency Orlando is huge and incredibly convenient—especially if you're attending a convention or exhibition. There's a small convenience store right inside the hotel, so you can grab essentials anytime without having to leave the property. The location is great for accessing nearby attractions, and public transit options are easy to reach. Overall, the spacious rooms, excellent service, and thoughtful amenities make this stay feel premium without breaking the bank. Highly recommend for business travelers and families alike.
Staying at Clubhouse Cabana was an absolute delight. The apartment is spacious, well-designed, and impeccably clean with all the essentials you’d need for a comfortable stay. What truly stands out is the location—perfectly situated for easy access to major attractions like Disney World without needing to rely on rideshares or long drives. Public transit is nearby, and there are plenty of dining and shopping options just steps away. It’s rare to find such convenience combined with a cozy, home-like atmosphere. I’d highly recommend this property to anyone visiting Orlando—it’s a real gem!
This Courtyard hotel in the South Grande Lakes area of Orlando is a standout choice for a relaxing stay. The rooms are well-maintained and incredibly comfortable, with a great bed that made for a restful night's sleep. The staff were consistently friendly and helpful—especially the breakfast and bistro team, who went above and beyond to make our mornings enjoyable. While it’s not located right next to major tourist attractions, that’s actually one of its strengths: it offers a peaceful retreat just far enough from the crowds to feel like a true escape. Yet it’s still conveniently located for trips to Disney or Universal Studios, with easy access by car or public transit. I’d definitely come back here on my next visit to Orlando—it’s a perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and calm.
We just wrapped up a four-night stay at this property and couldn’t be happier with the experience. The executive three-bedroom villa was absolutely beautiful, spotlessly clean, and thoughtfully designed for comfort. Its location is unbeatable—just minutes away from all the major attractions in Orlando, making daily excursions super convenient. The pool and hot tub were pristine and well-maintained, perfect for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing. The spacious layout comfortably accommodated our entire group, and every question we had was answered promptly by the platform’s support team. From start to finish, it felt like a true home away from home. If you’re looking for a relaxing, hassle-free getaway with excellent value, this is a top-tier choice. Highly recommend to friends and family—definitely planning to return.
Staying at the Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld was an excellent experience. The room was spacious and incredibly comfortable, with a really cozy bed that made for a great night's sleep. What stood out most was the incredible value for money—everything from the amenities to the location felt well worth every penny. Being just minutes away from SeaWorld makes it super convenient for park visits, and the staff were friendly and helpful. I’d definitely book here again if I ever return to Orlando.
The TownePlace Suites Orlando at SeaWorld® is incredibly convenient, especially if you're planning to visit the park. It's just a short walk from a Starbucks and a grocery store—perfect for grabbing coffee or essentials without needing to drive. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with all the amenities you'd expect from a reliable extended-stay hotel. Breakfast is simple but sufficient—basic pastries, cereal, and juice. A bit more variety, like fresh fruit or local favorites, would definitely elevate the experience. Overall, it’s a great value option with a fantastic location. I’d definitely stay here again when visiting Orlando.
My stay at WorldMark Orlando - Kingstown Reef was excellent overall. The location is fantastic—just a short ride from major attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, making it super convenient for exploring the area. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout my visit, which really enhanced the experience. The room was clean, well-maintained, and had all the essentials. However, I did notice that Wi-Fi in the room came with an extra fee, which was a bit disappointing since most modern hotels include internet access in the room rate. Also, the bed wasn’t quite as spacious as expected for a queen-sized mattress—it felt a bit tight for two people and slightly uncomfortable. That said, these minor drawbacks don’t take away from the great value and comfort this property offers. I’d definitely consider returning and would recommend it to friends and family looking for a reliable, centrally located option in Orlando.
Staying at Sonder Vista Cay Apartments was an absolute delight. The unit is spacious with three large bedrooms, a cozy living area, and a balcony with a table and chairs—perfect for relaxing or enjoying a meal outdoors. It comes fully equipped with a washer and dryer, plus a well-appointed kitchen that made self-catering a breeze. There’s a supermarket just around the corner, and it’s only a 10-minute drive to all the major theme parks and great dining spots. The pool area is fantastic—towels are conveniently provided right in the room. Everything runs digitally, which made check-in and daily operations smooth and hassle-free. We did run into a minor issue, but it was resolved within minutes by the responsive team. They’re quick to help if you need anything. Plus, parking is super convenient, located right near the property. Overall, this place offers incredible value and a stress-free stay—highly recommend for anyone visiting Orlando!
I was truly impressed with my stay at this hotel—every aspect exceeded my expectations. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, always offering a warm smile and going the extra mile to make me feel at home. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and had a fresh, clean vibe that made it perfect for relaxing after a long day. What really stood out was the location—just steps away from the convention center and within easy reach of major attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas. I could walk to many places without needing a car, which was a huge plus. The quiet neighborhood added to the comfort, and everything felt safe and convenient. Overall, this was one of the best stays I’ve had in Orlando—excellent value, top-notch service, and a great base for both business and leisure travel. I’ll definitely be returning.
Staying at the Hilton Orlando was an absolute delight! The room was spotless and well-maintained, with a comfortable layout that made it feel like home. What stood out most was the convenient location—just a short drive or transit ride to Universal Studios, making it easy to pop over for lunch or dinner during the day without any hassle. The breakfast spread was impressive: fresh, varied, and delicious, giving me plenty of energy for a full day of fun. One major plus? The hotel allows guests under 21 to stay alone, which is a huge relief for solo travelers or families with older teens. This policy removed all the stress I usually worry about when booking. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone visiting Orlando—great value, excellent service, and a seamless experience from check-in to check-out.
Staying at this resort was an absolute delight! The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk from SeaWorld, making it easy to enjoy the park without any hassle. The room was clean, spacious, and well-appointed with everything we needed. The bed was super comfortable, and we all slept like babies. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout our visit, going the extra mile to ensure we had a great time. Kids loved the on-site amenities, and we didn’t need to travel far for fun. Overall, the value for money is excellent, and the experience exceeded our expectations. I’d definitely recommend this place to families or anyone visiting Orlando.
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