Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari and Gator Park Admission

Wild Florida lets you trade a packed tour bus for the driver’s seat. You move slowly through a broad safari park, watching zebras, bison, deer, watusi, oryx, and other animals from the comfort of your own car. The large alligator pond and close views of the animals are the main draw.

I like the freedom to stop and take photos and the fact that your ticket includes both the drive-through park and Gator Park. I also like the giraffe-feeding option, which gives families a memorable hands-on moment. The main drawback is the drive from Orlando, followed by the chance of slow-moving cars blocking the route.

Key points at a glance

• Drive your own car: Set your own pace instead of following a bus or fixed group schedule.
• See Florida and African wildlife together: Look for white-tailed deer, bison, zebras, wildebeest, oryx, watusi, and cracker cows.
• Alligator pond included: The safari route passes a large pond for alligators relocated through Florida’s FWC SNAP program.
• Gator Park admission included: Add walking exhibits, animal displays, alligator facts, and shows to the drive-through visit.
• Giraffe feeding costs extra: You can hand-feed giraffes from an elevated platform.
• Plan for one to four hours: The visit can be a quick stop or take much of an afternoon.

A self-drive safari instead of a bus tour

The best feature here is simple: you stay in your own vehicle. You are not squeezed into rows of seats, and you do not have to keep up with a guide’s timetable. If a zebra catches your eye, you can pause where it is safe. If your children need a break, your car gives you a private space.

The route is designed for an easy, slow drive. You may see animals close to the road, while others remain farther out in the open areas. Bring binoculars if you have them. They can help when animals are across the property, especially if you want more than a quick look from the car.

The road is wide enough for cars to pass in many places, but not every driver handles stopping well. A car that pauses in the middle of the route can hold up the line. The practical answer is to stop only where it is safe and pull over as far as possible when you want a longer look.

Expect the drive to take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on how long you stop and how much time you spend at Gator Park. Some people finish the safari more quickly, while an early start and a relaxed pace can turn the visit into a two-and-a-half-hour outing or longer.

The animals you may see from the road

The safari combines exotic species with native Florida wildlife. You might spot zebras, wildebeest, oryx, watusi, cracker cows, white-tailed deer, and bison. The mix gives the drive a different feel from a standard zoo visit because you are watching animals from your own moving vehicle across a broad outdoor setting.

The animals are the reason to slow down. Look beyond the first obvious zebra or deer, since different sections of the park can reveal more animals at different points. The property has been enlarged, and the open spaces allow the animals room to move rather than keeping every display tightly packed.

You should set realistic expectations. This is not a predator-focused safari with lions or cheetahs. One of the appealing aspects is that you can concentrate on large herbivores and Florida wildlife without worrying about a dramatic predator encounter. But if you want a huge range of species, one visit may feel limited.

An audio podcast provides an overview of the animals, though the information may not line up perfectly with the order in which you see each species. I would treat it as a helpful extra, not as a complete guide. If you want detailed descriptions, pictures, or a full explanation of conservation work, you may find the information lighter than expected.

The alligator pond and Florida context

A large pond inside the safari park is reserved for alligators. These are nuisance alligators trapped through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s SNAP program. That gives the pond more purpose than a simple attraction: it provides a home for animals that could not safely remain where they were found.

You can watch the alligators from the safari route, then get a closer look at alligator-related exhibits in Gator Park. The setting gives you a useful reminder that alligators are part of everyday Florida wildlife, not just creatures brought in for a show.

The alligators may be less active at certain times. You might see several resting near the water, while at other moments one may move or feed. The experience is about observation, not a guarantee that every animal will perform on cue.

Giraffe feeding from the elevated platform

Giraffe feeding is not included in the $35 admission, but it is the main paid add-on. You feed the giraffes by hand from an elevated platform, giving you a much closer view of their heads, necks, and long tongues.

I would consider paying extra if you are visiting with children or if you want one clear, memorable activity rather than simply viewing animals through a window. Several families especially enjoyed the chance to feed a giraffe, and Walter, one of the giraffes, has become a favorite for many people.

The feeding option is also worth considering for photography. You can spend part of the drive watching animals from a distance, then use the platform for a more direct encounter. Since the fee is separate, check the cost at the park before you budget the day around it.

What Gator Park adds to the day

Your admission includes Gator Park, and this is important when judging the price. The drive-through safari alone might take an hour or two, but the walking park adds more than 150 animals and gives you a chance to leave the car and stretch your legs.

You can see alligator displays, smaller animal exhibits, birds, monkeys, and a children’s petting area. The park also offers animal encounters and alligator-feeding shows. These shows give you facts and explanations that the self-guided drive cannot always provide.

The walking section works well after the safari because it changes the pace. You can study signs, watch a show, and get closer views instead of scanning fields from behind glass. Families with young children have a play area and petting zoo, while older children and adults can focus on the animal exhibits and alligator information.

Food is available at the Chomp House. It can be convenient to eat on-site rather than leave the property, although service may be slow at busy times. Frozen drinks are also available, which can be a pleasant treat during a warm Florida afternoon.

Is $35 a good value?

At $35 per person, this is a solid value if you plan to use both parts of the admission. You get a self-guided safari, the chance to see more than 100 animals on the drive, and access to Gator Park with more than 150 additional animals.

The price makes more sense for families and couples who want several hours of easy entertainment. You do not need to pay for a separate bus ride, and you avoid the fixed pace of a group tour. Your own car also means you can manage your stops and breaks.

The value is weaker if you only want a short drive and do not care about the walking park. The safari can be enjoyable on its own, but the full admission is designed for a longer visit. Add the giraffe feeding and food, and your total cost will rise beyond the base price.

Compared with crowded theme-park attractions around Orlando, this offers a quieter and more open afternoon. It is not a polished, high-speed thrill ride. Its appeal is the gentle pace, the close animal views, and the ability to decide how long you stay.

Getting there from Orlando

The park is at 3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, Florida 34739. It is outside central Orlando, so allow for a long and scenic drive rather than treating this as a quick attraction near the theme parks.

That distance is the main planning issue. If you are staying in Orlando and have only a few free hours, the drive can take a significant part of your day. If you already plan to explore the Florida countryside, the trip fits more naturally into your schedule.

The park is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The listed schedule does not include Sunday, so check the operating day before setting out. A morning arrival gives you the most time to enjoy both the safari and Gator Park without rushing toward closing.

The ticket is mobile, and confirmation is provided when you book. Service animals are allowed, but pets are not. Most people can take part because the main activity happens in your own car, though the walking sections and giraffe platform may require more standing and moving around.

Tips for a smoother visit

Start with the drive-through safari if you want the first look at the animals from your car. You can then visit Gator Park and spend time with the exhibits and shows. If you prefer to understand the park first, you can reverse the order, but the drive is the signature experience.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire route looking through a screen. Animals may appear suddenly beside the road, and watching them directly is often more rewarding than trying to capture every moment.

Bring binoculars for animals farther across the open areas. Also allow time for pauses. The safari may be described as a drive-through activity, but a proper visit is not just a quick loop if you want to stop for photos and look carefully.

If another car stops ahead of you, be patient. The wide road makes passing possible in some sections, but not everywhere. You can help the flow by pulling over when safe and by avoiding long stops in the center of the route.

The park works best in decent weather. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, refunds are not available, and changes are not accepted.

Who will enjoy Wild Florida most?

I would recommend this for families who want animals without a tightly scheduled tour. Children can watch wildlife from the car, feed animals in the park, and visit the petting area. Adults can enjoy the slower pace and the chance to take photos without being hurried along.

Couples and older visitors may also appreciate the easy format. You can stay in the car for much of the safari, then choose how much walking to do. The grounds are described as clean and well maintained, and the staff interaction at the park can add useful information.

This may not suit you if you expect a vast safari with many rare predators or a perfectly ordered educational presentation. Animal sightings vary, and some parts of the route may show several similar animals rather than a wide mix of species.

It is also less appealing if you dislike driving a long way from Orlando for a low-key attraction. The distance is part of the commitment. You should book it when you want a relaxed animal-focused day, not when you need a fast stop between theme-park plans.

Should you book it?

Book Wild Florida if you like the idea of seeing animals at your own pace and want more than a single attraction. The combination of drive-through safari and Gator Park gives you enough variety for a half-day outing, and $35 is fair when you use both admissions.

I would especially choose it for families, animal lovers, photographers, and anyone who prefers open-air attractions to crowded buses. Pay extra for giraffe feeding if that close encounter is the reason you are considering the park.

Skip it if you have very limited time in Orlando, do not want the long drive to Kenansville, or need a large collection of predator species. For everyone else, this is a relaxed, flexible way to see Florida wildlife and exotic animals without surrendering control of your day.

FAQ

How much does Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari admission cost?

The listed price is $35 per person. Admission includes the drive-through safari and Gator Park.

How long does the experience take?

Plan for approximately one to four hours. Your timing depends on how long you spend driving through the safari and walking through Gator Park.

Do I drive my own car through the safari?

Yes. You make your own way to the park and drive your own vehicle through the self-guided safari route.

What animals can I see?

Animals may include zebras, white-tailed deer, bison, cracker cows, watusi, wildebeest, and oryx. The safari also includes a large pond for alligators.

Is Gator Park included?

Yes. Gator Park admission is included and provides access to more than 150 additional animals.

Can I feed the giraffes?

Yes, but giraffe feeding costs extra. Feeding takes place from an elevated giraffe-feeding platform.

Where is the park located?

Wild Florida is at 3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, Florida 34739.

When is the park open?

The listed opening hours are Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Are pets allowed?

No pets are allowed. Service animals are allowed.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you can receive a different date or a full refund.