Gatorland

I'm so glad I visited Gatorland! I thought it was a tourist trap so I didn't visit it for a long time. But it is wonderful! It is pure joy to wander along the marsh boardwalk checking out the happy birds. They are just natural birds that come of their own free will to this beautiful area. There are so many different types of birds, and some even stand on the back of alligators. The alligators are HUGE and they are right by you (you are safe because of the wire around the boardwalk). Every so often you hear someone squeal with delight as they take the initial plunge on the zipline. You can climb stairs to the top of an observation tower and there are signs showing you what Florida attractions are in each direction.

Along the boardwalk, the water below you is sometimes crystal clear, in little mangrove areas with flowers. So pretty!
There are lots of things to check out at Gatorland so set aside four hours, and make sure you see everything by checking the map. You can see newborn alligators that are adorable, deer in a little quiet corner, parrots throughout the park, panthers in a glass enclosure, a tortoise munching happily on carrot pieces, and emus that have such beautiful blue necks. There are all different kind of gators and crocodiles (nile, white, saltwater, Cuban) to check out and it never gets old. Nice Indian music with tabla drums and a drone plays quietly in the background- I loved it! So much better than the music at the theme parks. 
There are dozens of colorful budgerigars you can feed with a seedstick, and goats you can feed with an ice cream cone full of food. They poke their heads up over the fence and it looks so cute! A staff member played with the bobcats with a peacock feather making them leap around, when I was there. Such an unusual and wonderful thing to see!
For $2 extra you can do a train ride. For $10 extra you can get your photo taken as you stand 3 feet in front of a whole row of huge alligators.
There are shows every hour that last for about fifteen minutes. During the jumperoo show, staff members hang chicken meat on a rope to make the alligators jump for it, and also feed them by hand. The Alligators: Legends of the Swamp show is a little disturbing as the staff member holds the gators mouth closed while sitting on the gator, and tells you facts and jokes. I didn't like when he put his face right by the gator- too dangerous. The Upclose Encounters show involves snakes that the staff member handles and tells you about. 
On the southeast corner of the map, find the Swamp Walk, where you can walk the real swamplands. There is a boardwalk under the beautiful trees and you can see turtles if you look carefully. The boardwalk takes you on a short loop trail.
For kids there is a fun splash pad and a playground. 
The afternoon is a nice time to come because the birds and gators are very active at this time.
After, eat at Abuelo's, a large chain restaurant with an appealing Hacienda-style interior and good Mexican food at The Loop outdoor mall. It is a nine minute drive west. Ask to sit in the booths by the hacienda, not by the bar- the hacienda area is much prettier.
For a free and very beautiful shady swamp boardwalk in the area (17 minutes away by car), check out Steffee Landing. You won't see many alligators or birds at Steffee Landing compared to Gatorland, but there is an emerald green, wide creek, beautiful tropical atmosphere, and historic cabins. Also check out Pioneer Village, for quaint historic cabins and a church, and trails along the creek that aren't shaded.

Directions

Gatorland is located at 14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837. There is plenty of free parking.
Gatorland is in an area of Orlando that is easy to drive to, on Highway 417, a toll road that is relatively peaceful, compared to the usual craziness in Orlando.
Admission is $30 for adults, $25 for seniors aged 55+, and $20 for children aged 3-12. Some months there are 50% off specials for Florida residents. 
Annual passes are $45 for adults, $40 for seniors, and $30 for children- definitely worth it since I'd return over and over just to do the walk over the marsh boardwalk and the swamp walk.
Open daily 10-5.

Click on map for interactive view