Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari and Gator Park Admission

Wild Florida puts you behind the wheel, not on a crowded bus. You guide your own car through a wide animal park where zebras, bison, deer, oryx, and watusi cattle may appear close to the road. The freedom to stop, look, and take photos makes this feel more personal than a fixed group tour.

I especially like two things: your $35 ticket covers both the drive-through safari and Gator Park, and you can take the whole visit at your own pace. The chance to hand-feed Walter the giraffe is another fine touch, though it costs extra. The main drawback is the drive from Orlando, which can make this a long outing before you even reach the gate.

Key points to know before you go

• Drive your own route: Stay in your vehicle and move at a pace that suits your family.
• See more than 100 safari animals: Look for zebras, white-tailed deer, bison, cracker cows, watusi, wildebeest, and oryx.
• Alligator pond included: A large pond houses nuisance alligators relocated through Florida’s FWC SNAP program.
• Gator Park adds another visit: Your admission includes more than 150 additional animals, exhibits, and shows.
• Giraffe feeding costs extra: Use the raised feeding platform for a close encounter with Walter and the other giraffes.
• Plan for a half-day pace: The visit can take from one to four hours, depending on how often you stop and how much time you spend at Gator Park.

A self-guided safari instead of a crowded bus

Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari works best for people who like control. You bring your own vehicle, enter the safari route, and decide how long to stay near each animal. There is no bus timetable pushing you along, and you can stop for photos when it is safe.

The route is made for a slow, careful drive. Wide roads make it possible to pause, though you should pull as far to the side as you can when stopping. A car that blocks the route can create a small traffic jam, especially when several families want a close look at the same animal.

I like this format for families with different interests. One person can take photos, another can watch for animals, and children can stay comfortable in the car. You also avoid squeezing onto a tour vehicle with strangers.

The setting gives animals room to move, and that changes the feel of the visit. You are not simply walking from one small enclosure to another. Instead, you are watching for animals across open areas, sometimes close to the car and sometimes farther away. Binoculars are worth packing, especially if you want to study animals at the far side of the route.

What you can see along the drive-through route

The safari includes more than 100 exotic and native Florida animals. The exact sightings will vary, but the collection includes zebras, white-tailed deer, bison, cracker cows, watusi, oryx, and wildebeest.

Zebras provide some of the most recognizable photo opportunities, while the bison and cattle give the route a distinctly different character from a standard zoo visit. The mix is part of the fun. You are looking at animals that do not normally belong in central Florida, alongside wildlife associated with the state.

The alligator pond is one of the more unusual parts of the route. It provides a home for nuisance alligators trapped through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s SNAP program. That gives you a chance to see many alligators in one place while also learning about an issue specific to Florida.

You may find animals gathering near the road when food is available. One practical warning comes from the feeding areas: larger animals can crowd out smaller ones, so do not expect every animal to receive an equal share. An emu may also take an interest in your car and tap at the windows. That can be funny, but it may slow your progress.

The park offers an audio podcast with information about the animals. It adds useful context as you drive, though the sequence may not always match the order in which you see each species. I would treat it as a helpful extra rather than a perfectly timed guide.

Make time for the giraffe feeding platform

Giraffe feeding is not part of the $35 admission, but it is the extra most likely to become a favorite memory. You can buy food and feed the giraffes by hand from a raised platform.

This is more than a quick photo stop. You get close enough to appreciate how large and gentle these animals are, and children often find the interaction memorable. Walter the giraffe is a particular favorite, so you may hear people talking about finding him during the visit.

If you want to feed the giraffes, check the cost and timing when you arrive. The basic safari ticket does not include it. I would also keep your camera ready, since the moment may be brief and the feeding area can attract other visitors.

Gator Park adds a second type of visit

After the drive, use your admission for Gator Park. The park includes more than 150 additional animals, with walk-through exhibits, alligator facts, birds, monkeys, and a children’s petting zoo.

This part changes the rhythm of the day. The drive-through safari is open and vehicle-based, while Gator Park lets you walk around and spend more time reading signs and watching scheduled activities. The alligator information signs are useful for visitors who want more explanation than the safari route provides.

Live shows add structure to the visit. The park offers an alligator feeding show and animal encounters, with staff answering questions during the programs. That makes Gator Park especially useful for children who want to learn how the animals behave rather than simply take pictures.

The petting zoo is aimed more at younger children, but families with older children can skip it and still find plenty to do. You may also find food and drinks at the Chomp House. Frozen drinks received special praise, and lunch can make the park a more practical afternoon stop, though food service may move slowly at busy times.

How long should you allow?

The official estimate is one to four hours. That is a wide range, but it makes sense here because you control the pace and have two separate areas to visit.

If you drive through without many stops, you may finish the safari fairly quickly. If you pause for photos, listen to the animal information, wait for animals to move away from the road, and take time at the giraffe platform, the route can take much longer.

Add Gator Park and its shows, and you can easily turn this into a substantial afternoon. Some people spend around two and a half hours seeing the safari animals alone, especially when arriving early and taking their time.

I would allow at least three hours if you want to enjoy both parks without rushing. Families with young children may need longer because of feeding areas, exhibits, and frequent stops. If you are also considering an airboat ride, that is a separate activity and will extend the day.

The $35 price and what it really covers

At $35 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to visit both parts of the property. You receive admission to the drive-through safari and Gator Park, rather than paying separately for the basic animal exhibits.

The value improves for families who would rather avoid a short, tightly scheduled attraction. You can spend more time with animals that interest you and less time on activities that do not. The included Gator Park also gives you live shows, walk-through exhibits, and more than 150 additional animals.

You should budget extra for giraffe feeding. That cost is separate, but it is also optional, so you can keep the basic visit at $35. Food and drinks at the Chomp House are another possible expense.

The price is less attractive if you expect a large predator collection or a zoo with many different species in every section. One visitor found the animal selection repetitive, with too many of the same kinds of animals in different areas. That criticism is worth taking seriously. This is an open safari park built around close encounters and space, not a full-scale city zoo.

Getting there from Orlando

Wild Florida is located at 3301 Lake Cypress Road in Kenansville, Florida, rather than in central Orlando. The trip from Orlando can be long and scenic, so you should think of this as a day outing, not a quick attraction between hotel breakfast and an afternoon theme-park reservation.

You make your own way to the park. There is no transport included in this admission, and you drive your own car through the safari route once you arrive.

The park is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arriving earlier can help you make the most of the day, especially if you want to see the drive-through route, feed giraffes, attend shows, and eat on site. It also gives you more time if animals or other cars slow the route.

Check the operating hours before setting out, especially if your visit falls near the end of the published operating period. The ticket is mobile, and confirmation is sent at booking.

Practical tips for a smoother visit

Bring binoculars. Animals may come close to your vehicle, but you will also see some across the open areas. Binoculars help you avoid missing smaller animals or distant groups.

Charge your phone and bring a camera with plenty of space. The close views can produce many photos, particularly at the giraffe platform and along the drive.

Drive slowly and leave room for animals. An emu may approach the windows, and large animals may gather near food. Keep your windows closed if instructed and follow staff directions around the animals.

Be patient with other cars. Some drivers will stop for several minutes, and that is part of the self-guided format. If you stop, pull over as far as safety allows so others can pass.

Plan your route around the weather. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a rescheduled visit or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Service animals are allowed, but pets are not. Most people can participate, and the experience is offered in English.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend the safari to families, couples, photographers, and anyone who prefers a relaxed schedule. It works particularly well for children who may not enjoy standing in long lines or walking through a large zoo all day.

It is also a good option for adults. The open route, large animals, and Gator Park shows are not limited to young children. Couples can take their time, and older families can focus on photography, animal facts, and the giraffe feeding.

The attraction may disappoint you if you want rare predators, a highly organized tour, or a large number of distinct species. The animal mix can feel repetitive in places, and the audio information may not line up perfectly with what you see. Still, the close views and freedom to set your own pace make the visit more personal than many standard wildlife attractions.

Should you book Wild Florida?

I would book it if you have a car, enough time for the drive from Orlando, and an interest in seeing animals from your own vehicle. The combination of a self-guided safari, alligator pond, giraffe feeding option, Gator Park exhibits, and live shows gives you a full outing for $35.

Arrive early, bring binoculars, and allow three or more hours if you want to do both areas properly. Pay extra for giraffe feeding if a close animal encounter matters to you. Skip it if your schedule is tight or you expect a traditional zoo with a wide predator collection.

For a flexible family day outside the usual Orlando attractions, this is a practical and good-value choice.

FAQ

Where is Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari located?

It is located at 3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, Florida 34739.

How much does admission cost?

Admission costs $35 per person.

What does the $35 ticket include?

The ticket includes entry to the Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari and admission to Gator Park.

Is the safari self-guided?

Yes. You drive your own vehicle through the safari park and set your own pace.

How many animals can I see?

The drive-through safari includes more than 100 exotic and native animals. Gator Park includes more than 150 additional animals.

Can I feed the giraffes?

Yes. Giraffe feeding is available from a raised feeding platform, but it costs extra and is not included in basic admission.

What animals are found in the drive-through safari?

The safari includes zebras, white-tailed deer, bison, cracker cows, watusi, oryx, wildebeest, and alligators, among others.

Does admission include Gator Park?

Yes. Gator Park admission is included and provides walk-through exhibits, alligator information, animal encounters, shows, and additional animals.

When is the park open?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. 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 bad weather cancels the experience, you can receive a different date or a full refund.