Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World,” is adding exciting features to its 75th Anniversary this year, including a late summer opening for its brand-new specialty sweet shop, Sweet Tooth’s Sweet Shop. Designed by Anthony Lepore Architect and built by Bison Construction of Orlando, the 1,700-square-foot candy store will be conveniently located near the middle of the park’s main walkway and will feature hand-scooped ice creams, homemade fudge, specialty candies, and bottled drinks.
The 1.8-million-dollar building will take a step back in time as it replicates a country storefront with nostalgic displays that bring back warm memories of childhood trips to farmland candy stores.
“This shop has been three years in planning as we traveled back through our 75-year history to recreate those special memories of family vacations through the country,” explained Mark McHugh, Gatorland’s President and CEO. “I’m especially excited to see children with wide eyes as they explore our delicious selection of ice creams and candies.”
Gatorland combines Old Florida’s charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment. Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park will celebrate its 75th Anniversary in 2024. Today the iconic park provides affordably priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a breeding marsh with an observation tower, a popular capybara encounter, a free-flight aviary, nature walk, a petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, an award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant, and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo, Alligators-Legends of the Swamp, and Up-close Encounters. Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zipline, Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, and the brand-new Croc Rock Three-In-One Adventure.
The 110-acre award-winning theme park has been voted by Orlando Weekly readers the Best Attraction That’s Not a Theme Park every year since 2016, Best Wildlife Preserve 2023 by Orlando Style Magazine, and Best Hidden Gem 2023 by Watermark Magazine. In addition, the Screamin’ Gator Zipline experience has been voted “Best Zipline in the USA” by AOL Travel and “Best Zipline or Ropes Course in Orlando” by Orlando Weekly readers every year since 2019.
For more Gatorland info., visit www.gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS or find them on Facebook