Featured Article - Spring 2008
Offbeat Orlando
Candy B. Harrington
Orlando has long been a top vacation choice for theme park junkies. It’s a place where you can buy a week-long park pass, stay at a five-star resort and even eat at a variety of different restaurants—all without ever venturing “off property,” as they say in theme park parlance. And yes, access is generally very good at Orlando’s major theme parks, but what if you yearn for a different type of Orlando experience? An experience that’s affordable, low key and somewhat less contrived. Is that even a possibility?
Gladly the answer is a resounding yes. The good news is, there is life beyond the mouse in Orlando, and most of it is nicely accessible. Indeed, there’s another side to Orlando—a refreshingly offbeat, less touristed side.
What a Croc!
More than gators at Gatorland
Photo by Charles Pannell
Now I’m not saying you have to totally avoid theme parks in Orlando—that in itself might be an impossibility—but instead just stick to some of the less touristed choices. Places like Gatorland (407-855-5496, www.Gatorland.com), one of Sunshine State’s original roadside attractions. Built in 1949, this combination theme park and wildlife preserve touts itself as being the best of both worlds; a place that combines old Florida charm with a variety of new exhibits and exciting shows.
This 110-acre park is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles; in fact it’s known internationally as the alligator capitol of the world. Truth be told, between the breeding marsh and live alligator shows you’ll certainly have your fill of alligator encounters. But there’s more to Gatorland—life beyond the swamp so to be speak—as it also features an aviary, a petting zoo, a nature walk and a variety of animal education programs. Top it off with one of the best train rides in Florida and Pearl’s Patio Smokehouse restaurant, and you have all the ingredients for a fun-filled, affordable and somewhat offbeat day.
Access is good throughout the park, with accessible parking near the entrance, level access from the parking lot and wide level pathways and boardwalks to most areas of the park. The most accessible restroom is near Pearl’s Patio Smokehouse; and most of the animal areas, including the petting zoo and aviary, offer level access. Rental wheelchairs and scooters are available at the ticket office, and the staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating about access issues. In fact, the employees seem to go out of their way to make sure everyone has up-close-and-personal access to the animals.
Of course the highlight of any Gatorland visit is the one-of-a kind shows; from gator wrestling to the always popular Gator Jumparoo. Most of the shows are held in the stage area, which has bleacher seats with wheelchair seating up front. The Gator Jumparoo is held around the gator enclosure, and although there are high railings (to prevent small children from becoming lunch) there’s also a separate wheelchair-accessible viewing area. It’s a fun show, which features the gators jumping out of the water to get their food.
And finally, no trip to Gatorland is complete without a ride on the Gatorland Express Railroad. It’s a great way to get a look at some of the resident wildlife, as the train follows a route near the nature walk. And the train is very accessible; wheelers can just roll on and enjoy the ride.
Camellias and Roses Galore
Accessible pathway at Harry P. Leu Gardens
Photo by Charles Pannell
If you’d prefer a quieter nature experience, then head on over to Harry P. Leu Gardens (407-246-2620, www.leugardens.org), where you can literally loose yourself in mother nature. Between the scenic pathways, the butterfly garden and the 50 acres of southern styled gardens, you can see why this attraction is consistently described as a botanical oasis.
There’s plenty of accessible parking out front and a paved level pathway to the visitors center. The pathways throughout most of the garden areas are wide, level and excellent for rolling. The one exception is the path to the tropical stream, which is a bit steep. The gardens feature a wide variety of temperate and tropical plants including the noteworthy camellia and rose gardens.
The Enabling Garden is also worth a look as it features raised beds that are accessible to wheelchair-users. This unique garden area serves a dual purpose; as it not only offers wheelers a great view of the plants, but it also demonstrates how easy it is to make your own garden accessible. Additionally, there’s a patch of grass planted in one raised bed; a great place for wheelers to stretch out and relax. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the afternoon. Admission is a very affordable $7, with free admission on Mondays before noon.
Read the rest of this article in the Spring 2008 issue of Emerging Horizons. Subscribe today!