Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari and Gator Park Admission

If you’re seeking a wild adventure that goes beyond the usual zoo visit, the Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari offers a unique opportunity to explore hundreds of exotic and native animals from the comfort of your own vehicle. For just $35 per person, this self-guided tour in Orlando promises a personalized experience that can last anywhere from one to four hours—perfect for a family outing, a quick thrill, or a nature-loving escape. Plus, included in your ticket is access to the Gator Park, where alligators, birds, and more await.

What we particularly love about this experience is how flexible and engaging it is: you control the pace, stop for photos whenever you like, and even get the chance to hand-feed giraffes for an extra fee. Another highlight? The park is well-maintained, with a wide variety of animals in spacious, thoughtfully designed habitats. The one possible downside is that if you’re expecting a large predator display like lions or tigers, you might be a bit disappointed, as the focus is primarily on safari-style animals and native Florida species.

This tour is especially well-suited for families with kids, animal enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates a low-stress, immersive wildlife experience. If you enjoy exploring at your own pace and want to see animals you wouldn’t typically encounter in Florida, this could be a real highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Self-guided safari: Drive your own vehicle, choosing your pace and stops.
• Wide variety of animals: Over 150 species including zebras, deer, bison, and more.
• Giraffe and Gator encounters: Hand-feed giraffes (extra fee) and see alligators at the Gator Park.
• Convenient admission: Ticket includes park entry, avoiding long lines.
• Well-maintained and family-friendly: Clean grounds and safe for all ages.
• Flexible timing: Open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.

An honest look at what to expect

When we arrived at Wild Florida, the first thing we noticed was how immediately personal the experience felt. Instead of being herded onto a bus with strangers, we took the wheel of our car and entered the drive-thru safari. The ability to control our journey meant we could linger at our favorite spots and skip the ones that didn’t catch our interest. The drive is designed to be relaxed and safe—there’s plenty of space to stop and take pictures, and the animals are relatively close to the road.

The safari experience

The main drive-through showcases a captivating mix of animals that are often overlooked in standard zoos, like wildebeest, oryx, and Watusi cattle. We loved the chance to see zebras and white-tailed deer up close in naturalized habitats. The reviews highlight that the animals generally appear healthy and well cared for, which adds to the sense that this is a reputable operation.

One of the most memorable moments was stopping to hand-feed giraffes. For an additional fee, you can get up close to these gentle giants on an elevated platform. Many visitors praise this as a “once in a lifetime” experience, with comments like “Walter the Giraffe was so close we could feel his gentle nudge.” Unfortunately, some visitors, like Kodie, missed this opportunity due to weather conditions or timing, so planning ahead is wise.

The gator pond and other wildlife

A highlight outside the drive is the Gator Park. Here, you’ll find a massive pond filled with alligators, many of which are part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) SNAP program, where nuisance alligators are trapped and relocated. It’s fascinating to observe these powerful reptiles in a habitat that mimics their natural environment. Reviews confirm that the park is clean and well-maintained, making it an educational experience for all ages.

Additional tips and considerations

• The parking lot is conveniently located, and the whole experience is mobile ticket based, meaning no fuss with paper tickets.
• The park is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
• While admission is included, feeding giraffes or participating in certain interactive experiences cost extra—be prepared for that.
• Some visitors, like Lorraine, mentioned that their trips were canceled or complicated by weather or scheduling issues, so check the forecast and book in advance.

What the reviews say

With over 788 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, most visitors rave about the friendly staff, healthy animals, and the value for money. People love the flexibility of the self-guided tour, with many mentioning how close animals are to the vehicle, allowing for great photos. Comments like “It’s very family-friendly and well organized” underline that this experience is suitable for a wide age range.

On the downside, a few reviews mention limited predator species—no lions or tigers here—so if that’s your main interest, this may not be your top choice. Also, weather can impact certain experiences, like giraffe feeding, which some guests missed due to rain.

The detailed itinerary

Stop 1: The Drive-Thru Safari

As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by a vast landscape dotted with animals that seem surprisingly unbothered by your presence. The drive through showcases native and exotic species, with zebras, bison, and white-tailed deer roaming freely. You might even catch a glimpse of a cracker cow or Watusi cattle, which are less common in North America but add an authentic safari vibe.

Reviewers note that the animals are in large, naturalistic habitats, which differs from traditional zoo enclosures. We loved the way the wide-open spaces felt more immersive, and it’s easy to stop and admire the scenery—especially if you’re into wildlife photography.

Giraffe encounter

This exclusive experience involves hand-feeding giraffes from an elevated platform. The reviews are glowing, with guests describing it as “incredible” or “a once-in-a-lifetime chance.” It’s a highlight for many, though weather or timing can affect availability. If feeding the giraffes is a priority, arrive early or plan for it when booking.

Gator Park

After the safari, the Gator Park is a short walk or drive away. This part of the park is where you see alligators in their habitat, often basking in the sun. The pond is notably large and well-kept, and it’s compelling to observe the powerful jaw strength of these reptiles. Some reviews mention the park’s cleanliness and educational value, making it suitable for kids or anyone curious about Florida’s wildlife.

Is it worth the price?

At $35 per person, including access to the drive-thru safari and Gator Park, many visitors consider this excellent value. Compared to traditional zoo tickets or large-scale attractions, this experience offers a lot of animal encounters for less money. Plus, the flexibility to tour at your own pace and the adventure of being in control adds a layer of satisfaction.

Reviewers mention that visiting early in the day often results in fewer crowds, making the drive more peaceful and enjoyable. The ability to return for a second lap (if you wish) at no extra cost is an added bonus.

Who will love this experience?

This safari is best suited for families with children, animal lovers, and those looking for a personalized wildlife adventure. It’s particularly appealing to travelers who prefer driving instead of walking through a zoo or park, and who enjoy taking photos or feeding animals. But be aware that if you’re specifically after predators like lions or tigers, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

For visitors who value clean, well-maintained grounds and a laid-back, self-guided format, this is a great choice. The reviews suggest that most visitors leave satisfied, often planning to return or recommend it to friends.

Final thoughts: Is it a good fit?

In essence, the Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari and Gator Park combines ecological education, animal encounters, and the thrill of a personal safari all in one place. Its affordability and flexible format make it an attractive option for a day trip from Orlando or as part of a broader Florida adventure.

While it may not satisfy those seeking predator displays or large carnivore exhibits, it offers a broad spectrum of animals in naturalistic settings that many find both fun and educational. The ability to drive your own vehicle means you can set your own rhythm, and the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes elevates this experience into something memorable.

If you’re traveling with kids, or simply love observing animals in a relaxed environment, this safari provides excellent value and plenty of beautiful, close-up moments. Just remember to check the weather, book ahead, and be prepared for some extra costs if you want to feed the giraffes.

FAQ

Is the ticket price just for the safari drive?
The $35 includes admission to the drive-thru safari and Gator Park, giving you access to both attractions at no additional cost. Extra fees apply if you wish to feed the giraffes.

Can I drive through the safari more than once?
Most visitors find it helpful to drive through at their own pace, and many mention they could go back through again if they wanted, though the official policy isn’t explicitly stated.

What animals can I expect to see?
You’ll see animals such as zebras, white-tailed deer, bison, wildebeest, oryx, and Watusi cattle. The park also has native Florida wildlife like alligators, and many bird species.

Are the animals in natural habitats?
Yes, reviewers note that the animals are in large, well-maintained habitats that resemble their natural environments more than traditional zoo enclosures.

What are the opening hours?
The park is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 am to 5 pm. Planning your visit early in the day can help avoid crowds.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Absolutely. It’s family-friendly, with many reviews mentioning kids loved seeing animals up close and enjoying the interactive giraffe feeding (extra fee).

In the end, the Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari offers a distinctive, flexible, and value-packed wildlife adventure. Its focus on personalized experience and the chance to get close to animals makes it a rewarding choice for those wanting to combine education, fun, and a bit of the wild—all without leaving Florida.