Gatorland’s “Gators, Ghosts and Goblins” Preview with Photos and Video; Runs Weekends Through November 1st, 2020

Hi everyone!

Gatorland’s “Gators, Ghosts and Goblins” kicks off this weekend for the 2020 season, a Halloween event that combines the now-famous Social Distancing Skunk Ape, along with costumed characters, a trick-or-treat trail from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a scavenger hunt on the Gatorland Express. We were able to attend a media preview of “Gators, Ghosts and Goblins” this week and have photos and video to share.

 

This is the official artwork with information.

The Social Distancing Skunk Ape hung out with our group during the preview. He has become a very popular character for Gatorland and is usually only out on weekends.

Here is our video overview:

There is music at Frank & Stein’s Octoberfest, and German food and beer for purchase.

Savannah and Mike from Gatorland showed us two of the albino alligator babies, about one year old each. You can find Savannah and Mike in the Gatorland vlogs!

We have seen the larger albino alligators but not the grunts until now.

We were able to hold them as well. Gatorland has a lot of alligators, including albino and leucistic.

Here is one more look at a grunt. He was really relaxed.

We walked past the Grim Reaper.

There are a variety of characters out and about at “Gators, Ghosts and Goblins”.

There is a spooky looking graveyard.

Socially Distanced Skunk Ape kept up with us.

 

We were invited to take part in an enrichment activity, throwing small pumpkins to the alligators. Jeff gave his pumpkin to the Skunk Ape.

The gators head toward the pumpkin.

The Breeding Marsh has a lot of alligators to look at, it is a relaxing area with a variety of birds as well.

Our group was throwing out pumpkins.

We took a ride on the Gatorland Express.

Park guests look for a variety of creatures, including the Jersey Devil and Mothman.

We saw some of the park’s animals as well, including the deer.

Decorations can be seen in the park, including these skeletons climbing the side of a building. 

Signage back at the Octoberfest area includes Frank & Stein’s.

We saw Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein.

  

And we said goodbye to our friends at Gatorland as we left.

From the Gatorland website: And there’s even more, including a kid’s costume parade on Sundays, a variety of specialty vendors, games, and giveaways.  And a chance each weekend to meet personalities from School of Croc and Gatorland’s Vlog team as they do special animal encounters throughout the day!

All this fun and excitement is included with your regular park admission! 

Gatorland’s “Gators, Ghosts and Goblins takes place starting Saturday, October 10th,  and Sunday, October 11th, and continues on October 17th and 18th, 24th and 25th, Oct. 31st and Nov. 1st.

If you’ve never been to Gatorland, there is a LOT more to see than you’d expect – not just alligators (nor Halloween on weekends), but other animals like Florida panthers and a serval. The park has expanded quite a bit in its 70 year history.

One thing to note:

Face coverings are required in Orange County, and that includes Gatorland. If you’ve been to other theme parks, Gatorland is less strict than most. I wear mine all the time when out except when eating or drinking (or designated outdoor areas). Gatorland does have safety protocols – for example, I see a lot of cleaning and I was told they clean the Gatorland Express after each ride. And then there are social distancing markers and reminders. I love visiting Gatorland, it is primarily an outdoor experience and a relaxed one when it isn’t too busy. We have not experienced weekends yet after the reopening to have a report on them.