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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!
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
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.
Staying at Marriott's Lakeshore Reserve was a delightful experience from start to finish. The room was spacious and incredibly comfortable—perfect for a relaxing night’s rest. The front desk staff were friendly and welcoming, making check-in a breeze. Although it’s a vacation club property, I appreciated how respectful they were when I called to express no interest—they didn’t push or pressure me at all, which was refreshing in today’s booking world. Their professionalism stood out. The location is convenient, close to major attractions and easy to access via public transit. Overall, the combination of comfort, great service, and respectful guest treatment made this stay truly memorable. Definitely a place I’d return to.
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.
Highly recommend this hotel! The location is perfect—just a short walk from major attractions and easy access to Disney. The property is modern, clean, and well-maintained, with a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere. The staff are friendly and attentive, making the check-in and checkout smooth. My room was spacious, quiet, and beautifully designed with great lighting and comfy bedding—perfect for a good night's sleep. Breakfast was a highlight: fresh, diverse, and delicious. Overall, an excellent value for the price. I’ll definitely be returning and have already told friends about it.
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.
We absolutely loved our stay and would gladly return! The entire experience was incredibly comfortable—so much so that we ended up extending our trip by a few days. The unit was beautifully furnished, well-maintained, and felt like home from the moment we walked in. One small suggestion: more utensils would be helpful, especially spoons, but that’s an easy fix. Regarding cleanliness, everything looked spotless at first glance, but we did notice some previous guests had left slightly dirty plates behind—likely not the hotel’s fault, but more about other guests’ habits. Overall, the hosts were incredibly responsive and welcoming. If we ever come back to Orlando, this will definitely be our top choice. A truly relaxing and well-run property with great value.
This place felt like home during my stay in Orlando! The room was spotless, and the linens were incredibly soft and fresh—so cozy I didn’t want to get out of bed. Honestly, it was a little too comfortable, I kept napping longer than planned. The quality exceeded expectations, and everything from the bedding to the overall vibe screamed luxury without the steep price tag. Super convenient location, great service, and an amazing atmosphere. If you’re visiting Orlando, this is a must-book. I’ll definitely be back!
My stay at Element Orlando International Drive was absolutely excellent. The room was impeccably clean, modern, and well-equipped—especially the small kitchen, which made preparing meals super convenient. The fitness center stood out with its great selection of equipment and spotless condition. Location-wise, it’s perfect for travelers driving to Orlando’s major theme parks—easy access and minimal hassle. Breakfast was impressive for the price, offering a generous variety of fresh options. Overall, this is an outstanding value proposition combining comfort, convenience, and quality. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a reliable, well-designed hotel in a prime spot.
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.
This hotel is perfect if you're planning to visit SeaWorld, Aquatica, or Discovery Cove. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk or quick drive from all the attractions. Our room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with a cozy bed that made for a great night’s sleep. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall experience was seamless. Whether you're here for a family vacation or a weekend getaway, this place offers excellent value and easy access to everything Orlando has to offer. Definitely would stay here again.
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 Westgate Leisure Resort was an absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish. The entire staff went above and beyond to make our visit memorable—every team member was attentive, friendly, and genuinely cared about our comfort. Special thanks to Diego at the front desk—he was incredibly helpful, professional, and made us feel truly welcome. The resort itself is beautifully maintained with plenty of amenities, perfect for families or anyone looking to unwind after a day at the parks. It’s conveniently located and offers a relaxing retreat right in the heart of Orlando. I’d highly recommend this property to anyone visiting—this isn’t just a hotel, it’s a home away from home.
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