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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 luxurious resort on International Drive is just minutes from Universal Studios theme parks, perfect for both leisure and business travelers. Enjoy spa treatments, outdoor pools, and a 24-hour fitness center, plus an executive lounge for relaxation. With 7 dining options including local flavors at Everglades Restaurant and a poolside bar, you'll never go hungry. Spacious rooms feature premium bedding and free WiFi, while the business center and free theme park shuttle make every stay seamless. Ideal for hosting events with its massive convention space!
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
The Rosen Centre Hotel is absolutely outstanding! Located just steps away from the convention center and major attractions, it’s incredibly convenient for both business travelers and families. The room was spotless, spacious, and incredibly comfortable—my bed was one of the best I’ve ever slept on. Staff were friendly, attentive, and always ready to help with any request. The dining options were excellent, especially breakfast which offered a wide variety of fresh, delicious choices. From location to service, every detail was top-notch. This place truly delivers exceptional value and comfort. I’ll definitely be coming back—highly recommend!
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 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.
The location is excellent—super convenient for attending conferences and getting to the sports complex, making it a solid choice if your main reason for staying is business. However, the hotel offers very limited amenities and services, which makes the price feel a bit steep. While it’s functional for short stays focused on meetings, it doesn’t deliver much in terms of comfort or extras. If you’re looking for a more relaxing or well-equipped stay, this might not be the best fit.
Staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld was an absolute delight. The complimentary shuttle service to SeaWorld, Disney, and Universal Studios made getting to these major attractions incredibly convenient—no need to worry about parking or traffic. The room itself was spacious and well-equipped with a fridge and microwave, perfect for storing snacks or heating up meals. Right across the street, there are countless dining options, so you can easily grab a bite anytime without leaving the area. The hotel also offers great recreational amenities, making it ideal for a relaxing getaway. With its prime location, comfort, and excellent service, this place truly delivers on every level—highly recommend for families or anyone looking to enjoy a stress-free vacation in Orlando.
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.
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 this apartment-style hotel was a fantastic experience. It's just a short walk from the convention center—literally a few minutes—and being so close made everything so convenient, especially with heavy luggage. Right next to the hotel is a McDonald’s, and even better, the lobby is adjacent to a 24-hour IHOP, which came in super handy when I arrived late at night. The room was spacious and well-designed, offering great value for the price. If you're visiting Orlando for business or events, this place is a top pick. I’d definitely stay here again.
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