Gatorland's Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Event

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Last week, I was invited to a media preview of Gatorland’s Halloween event – Gators, Ghosts and Goblins. I wasn’t sure the event was going to take place because of the damage done during Hurricane Ian, but no worries, the event is back and it is bigger and better than before!

You might be thinking to yourself, how much fun can an amusement park based on Alligators be? My answer to that is a lot. It’s actually one of the most fun days out that I have had with my kids. To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised that we had so much fun. I wasn’t really certain what to expect when we got there.

What is Gatorland?

Gatorland is a smaller amusement park located on a main road (Orange Blossom Trail) in Orlando, which makes it super easy to get to and even better it makes it easy for little feet to navigate. At Gatorland, you can see a variety of animals, including the aforementioned gators, bobcats, tortoises, crocodiles, birds, snakes and other critters. There are also different shows for the family where you can learn more about gators and even watch them jump out of the water to grab food.

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What there is to do at the Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Event

The Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event is being held the last three weekends in October. In addition to the regular Gatorland lineup, there are costumed characters that will be walking throughout the park. We met the Merry Widow, who told us all about her dead husbands, and the grim reaper uber driver, whose car of choice was a hearse. Of course, there was also an Alligator (not a real one) dressed to the nines in his Halloween costume. And what would Gatorland be without Skunk Ape? Skunk Ape was also roaming around interacting with guests.

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Want to go for a ride? Then hop on the Gatorland Express, for a scavenger hunt of sorts, where you have to look out for “special animals”. Kids will love riding the train and also trying to spot the spooky characters.

Make sure to bring the kids in costume as there will be a costume parade at 1:30 pm each day of the event. Each kid that participates will receive a treat bag. Gatorland is also one of the only parks that allow adults to come in costume as well, just nothing too scary.

One of our favorite activities from the event was the Monster Museum. Learn about the infamous monster hunters and the creatures that they hunt and see if you have what it takes to become one, a monster hunter that is. This is a haunted house, uhm we mean monster house, so there are fierce creatures and scares inside. This is definitely better for older kids and adults that like being scared.

But what about the adults, you are probably asking. While the adults will also enjoy the Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event, Gatorland has thrown in a little extra for you. Adults can also enjoy Frank & Stein’s Ooky Kooky Oktoberfest with some great eats and libations and live music from Gatorland’s Polka band the Polkageist (just love the name).

How much does Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Cost?

If you have been putting off going to Gatorland because of the cost, then now is the perfect time to go. Until the end of the month, Florida residents are half off, making it $16.50 for adults and $11.50 for kids ages 3-12. The regular entry fee includes the Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event on weekends; there is no additional cost.