Fun Spot America & Gatorland Combine Forces To Open New Alligator Attraction

Fun Spot America and Gatorland today broke ground on a new alligator-themed tourist attraction that will be based at Fun Spot America’s International Drive location.

The 15,000 square-foot, reptile oasis is appropriately named “GATOR SPOT” presented by Gatorland.  The new area will cost $1 million to build and there will be a $6 per person admission charge to enter the new area.

City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (pictured below) was in attendance with other dignitaries to officially begin construction.

“What a fantastic partnership by two of Central Florida’s largest privately owned theme parks, Gatorland and . This new partnership and attraction will give local residents and guests to the area a chance to enjoy two of the area’s most unique experiences at one great location. Partnerships like this create new jobs and that’s great news for the community,” said Mayor Dyer.

“We are excited to be working with GATORLAND and the history they bring to Orlando and our industry,” states John Arie Jr, (pictured above) Chief Operating Officer of Fun Spot America Theme Parks. “Being able to offer this experience to all our guests at the International Drive location is another unique experience visitors to Orlando can share with their families and friends. Gatorland and Fun Spot together is HUGE!”

The GATOR SPOT at Fun Spot America Theme Parks is estimated to cost more than $1 million and will be the only location on I-Drive to showcase alligators up to 12 feet. Located inside the thrill-a-minute theme park mecca, GATOR SPOT will incorporate several of the nostalgic elements that have dazzled Gatorland guests for more than 65 years. The interactive attraction will include an impressive array of alligators, an extremely rare leucistic “white” alligator, numerous crocodiles, up-close encounters, photo opportunities and much more.

“For many years, Gatorland has investigated opportunities to expand our brand into Orlando’s major tourism district and give folks a taste of our unique entertainment experiences,” states Mark McHugh, Gatorland’s President & CEO (pictured above right with John Arie, Jr. left).  “John Arie, Sr. and I began talking a year ago, and the more we learned about the history and culture of our two family-owned businesses, the more we realized that this is a perfect fit.”

The construction is estimated to take two to three months so the new attraction should be open by the start of April.

More photographs at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com

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