Screamin’ Gator Zipline at Gatorland: A Visitor’s Guide

– This post was written by Emma Levin –

Known as the alligator capital of the world, Gatorland has been in business for almost 73 years. Today, it’s at the forefront of alligator conservation, education, and gator safety. This reptilian kingdom is an amusement park, zoo, and educational facility all-in-one!

If you’re looking for some thrilling adventure on your trip to Orlando, Florida, then look no further than tickets for the Screamin’ Gator Zipline at Gatorland.

How did the Screamin’ Gator Zipline at Gatorland start?

It all started decades ago with just a hotdog stand and some friendly neighborhood alligators. In the 1940s, hotdog stand owner Owen Godwin befriended the local alligators in the swamp behind his stand. People would visit not only for a tasty hotdog but also for the chance to get up close and personal to these prehistoric creatures. An idea began to form and Owen and his wife, Pearl, bought 16 acres of swamplands to open a zoo.

Gatorland opened in 1949, 22 years before Disneyworld, and is now 73 years in the business. The park sits on 110 acres of land and is home to not just alligators and crocodiles, but rare snakes, birds, and panthers, too.

The Screamin’ Gator Zipline opened in 2011 to provide even more heart-stopping thrills to the experience. Don’t worry, no one has ever fallen to become a gator’s dinner! Get ready to soar over hundreds of alligators on one of the top ten rated ziplines in the whole of the United States. 

How much is the Screamin’ Gator Zipline at Gatorland?

The Screamin’ Gator Zipline ticket costs around $75 dollars and includes fast-track entrance to Gatorland, the two-hour zipline experience, equipment, and free parking.

You must book a reservation in advance because this popular activity often sells out during the busy season. You can visit with as many as 12 people in one single time slot, and there are several time slots throughout the day. Once you’re booked, look forward to unbeatable views from the lush treetops and soaring like a bird over the gator enclosures, including the Alligator Breeding Marsh, home to over 130 giant alligators!

How long does it take to do the Screamin’ Gator Zipline at Gatorland?

It takes between 90 minutes and two hours to finish the zipline. You’ll only need five to six hours to tour the entire park, but you should schedule extra time to fit in both the zipline and the off-road adventure. There are also a few shows to see throughout the day: The Legends of the Swamp, Up-Close Encounters, and the park’s oldest show, the Gator Jumparoo. 

Gatorland opens at 10:00 every morning, so get there early to avoid crazy crowds. The week after Christmas is the busiest time of year, but the entire summer is considered peak season.

What can you expect while on the Screamin’ Gator Zipline at Gatorland?

You’ll start your zipline ride with a brief training lesson, which ensures you’ll stay safe throughout the whole experience. During your time on the zipline, you’ll find a total of seven towers, five zips, plus a 150-foot swinging bridge to cross, so watch your step! There are over 1,200 feet of ziplines and you may travel at speeds up to 30 mph.

As you zip from Tower Two to Tower Five, you’ll soar over hundreds of gators and crocodiles. Will you dare to look down? Tower Six to Tower Seven forces you to race against other members of your group. It’s a perfect excuse for some friendly competition.

Tower Four is the tallest at 70 feet, and the line between Tower Four and Tower Five is the longest at 520 feet. There are probably around 50 alligators swimming below this line, and they enjoy seeing their dinner… we mean lovely, fearless humans zip by at speed! 

The Screamin’ Gator Zipline holds its equipment to the highest possible safety standard. There is always a guide ready to hook you up to the towers and one waiting to catch you. The zipline is 100% safe, and no one has ever fallen into a gator’s belly. 

Don’t let your fear of heights and gators get the best of you because this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One Tiqets reviewer says the whole experience is worth six stars. In fact, you can tell it’s a great time just by reading all the great reviews!

The Screamin’ Gator Zipline at Gatorland is wheelchair accessible

Did you know that the Screamin’ Gator Zipline is the only zipline in the United States that’s wheelchair accessible? The Gator Gauntlet Zipline, from Tower Eight to Tower Nine, is a single line that flies over the Green Marsh. 

It’s a bit lower than the other ziplines, but don’t worry, the gators can’t jump for a bite. This line is also available for anyone too afraid to go through all the other towers. 

Important reminders about the Screamin’ Gator Zipline at Gatorland.

There are a few important reminders to keep in mind about the Screamin’ Gator Zipline:

• The minimum height requirement for the zipline is 36 inches tall 
• The weight limit is 270/275 pounds
• All participants must wear closed-toed shoes 
• No dresses or skirts allowed
• All guests must undergo a short training before riding the Screamin’ Gator Zipline 
• Photographers are available to take pictures, and you can purchase photographs at the end
• The ticket to the Screamin’ Gator Zipline also includes your admission to Gatorland 
• You must book a reservation for the zipline online in advance
  

What can I do after the Screamin’ Gator Zipline at Gatorland?

If you can’t get enough of the fun at Gatorland, then finish your day off at the Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure. Added in 2018, this fun experience lets you jump on an off-road monster vehicle for some thrills and hilarious commentary. Each vehicle is named after a famous Gatorland alligator, so you may even meet your vehicle’s gator, like Swamp Ghost or Bonecrusher! The off-road adventure is a first-come-first-served experience, so get to the park early if you want to fit in a full day of gator adventure. The park closes at 17:00 every day.

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Planning a visit? Here’s what to see at Gatorland. And don’t forget to snap up your fast-track tickets before you go.