Archive for the ‘Press Releases’ Category

Gatorland’s Train will be closed April 29 for scheduled maintenance.

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

Today, Tuesday April 29, the traind ride will be closed for annual scheduled maintenance. We are sorry for the delay. The train will resume it’s regular schedule tomorrow, Wednesday April 30.

Central Florida’s Teacher’s FREE at the “Alligator Capital of the World”

Thursday, February 14th, 2008

Central Florida Teacher’s FREE at the “Alligator Capital of the World”

Orlando, Fl.: Gatorland would like to take this opportunity to thank Central Florida teachers for a job well done by extending complimentary admission to them and one guest, during the months of March and April, for going above and beyond each and everyday to make education fun for the children in their classroom.

Teacher’s looking to explore Gatorland must present a photo identification card and proof of employment, from one of the surrounding counties, at the time of admission. Complimentary admission will be extended to the teacher and one guest (adult or child) and may not be used in conjunction with fieldtrips or group outings scheduled at the attraction.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment. The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, a gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show. And, don’t miss the grand opening of the new $4 million-dollar gift shop and admissions complex opening in the summer 2008. To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.
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Go Green at Gatorland

Thursday, February 7th, 2008

CONTACT:
Michelle Harris
Phone 407-826-4429
Cell: 407-948-5044
Michelleharris@gatorland.com
February 11, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT *

GO GREEN AT GATORLAND
Save some green with this red hot Florida Resident Special

ORLANDO, FL.: Get ready to celebrate at Gatorland as the theme park prepares for its biggest event ever with a Florida resident special that is sure to save you some green on your next two visits to the theme park. Visit Gatorland anytime before March 9, 2008 with a valid Florida ID and save up to $6 per Adult PLUS receive a 50% off coupon to use on your next visit to Gatorland.*

Red Hot Florida Resident Special
Adults - $16.95 per Person
Children (3-12) - $9.95 per Person
Offer Expires: March 09, 2008
Proof of Residency Required, Per Adult and rates are plus tax.
One (1) 50% off coupon will be distributed per party with no exception
At these prices a family of four can visit Gatorland for less than the cost
of one person at any of the larger area theme parks!

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment. The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, a gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show. And, don’t miss the grand opening of the new $4 million-dollar gift shop and admissions complex set for this summer.

To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.

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Gatorland Hosts Fall Festival & Gator Hallow Swamp Tour

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gatorland Hosts Fall Festival & Gator Hallow Swamp Tour
Kid friendly events for the whole family!

Orlando, FLA (October 10, 2007): Gatorland is hosting a spooktacular Fall Festival at the “Alligator Capital of the World” on October 19, 20 & 21, 2007 with tons of FREE holiday fun included with a paid admission to the theme park.

Daily activities include a Halloween maze and pumpkin patch, safe trick r’ treat candy stations, holiday crafts, animal encounters and all of the fun you can enjoy at Gatorland! Children wearing a Halloween costume will also receive FREE admission when accompanied by a paying adult so grab the kids and head to Gatorland for the only festival in town packed, with bite & attitude!

WHEN: October 19, 20 & 21, 2007 11am – 4pm daily

WHERE: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, Florida 32837

PRICE: $19.95 per adult
$9.95 per child (Ages 3-12)

And don’t miss the Gator Hallow Swamp Tour taking place each evening, with advanced reservations. This one-of-a-kind tour through the swamps at Gatorland by flashlight is sure to be one of the wildest encounters you have this holiday. Limited availability on October 19, 20 & 21 so make your reservations early! For more information call (407) 855-5496 and ask for Group Sales at extension 243.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment. The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, a gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show. To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.

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Gatorland Wins Best Attraction

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

Gatorland Wins Best Attraction

Florida Monthly Best of Florida Awards program

Orlando, Fl., (August 29, 2007) – Congratulations to the staff at Gatorland for winning, third time, the Best Attraction Award as part of the Best of Florida Awards program presented annually by Florida Monthly Magazine.

About twelve years ago Florida Monthly decided to ask their readers to vote for their favorite “everything Florida”. The program has continued to grow over the years with over 5 million votes being cast this year in support of the companies and products in a wide range of industry segments.

The Best of Florida Awards program in featured in the September issue of Florida Monthly, now available at local book stores and retail outlets. For more information on the program visit www.floridamagazine.com or contact Florida Monthly Magazine’s Publisher, Doug Cifers, directly at (407) 816-9596.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment. The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, new Gator Gully Splash Park and much more. One-of-A-Kind reptilian shows include the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show. To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.

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American Alligators Hatch at Gatorland

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

American Alligators Hatch at Gatorland
Dozens of newborn gators welcomed at the theme park

Orlando, Fl., (August 29, 2007) – Gatorland is pleased to announce the birth of dozens of American Alligator hatchlings to be added to the thousands of alligators already on display at the theme park.

American alligators typically breed in the spring. By the end of June they will build a nest that could be up to ten-feet across and two to three feet high. The mother alligator then deposits her eggs into the nest. An average nest may contain up to forty eggs which she will cover over and protect. The nest helps to keep the eggs at a cozy 90 degrees F. This incubates the eggs. Incidentally, the temperature of the incubation determines the sex of the alligators; however 90 degrees will give us a mixed batch of males and females.

The mother alligator will guard the nest during the entire incubation period. 65 days later, end of august to the first week in September, the eggs hatch. The baby alligators typically will not eat for the first few weeks of life; they are still living off the yolk that they lived on while still in the eggs. Baby alligators are called “grunts,” due to the grunting sound that they make when they are in distress. Mother alligator will guard the babies for about a year. However despite her efforts, out of nest of 35 eggs only 2 or 3 will survive to maturity.

“Each of the young alligators measures approximately 6 inches in length and weighs about 3 ounces,” states the Dean of Gator Wrestling, Tim Williams. “Under the right conditions alligators can grow about a foot a year for the first 3 to 4 years. From here on the growth significantly slows down. It is difficult to believe that one day this delicate, little reptile could one-day grow to be over 14 feet long and weigh a thousand pounds or more.”

For more information on this and other additions taking place at Gatorland, log on to www.gatorland.com. The web site features a live Gator Cam located in the Alligator Breeding Marsh where you can see hundreds of alligators in their natural environment while reviewing the latest information available on many of the theme park’s residents.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment. The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, new Gator Gully Splash Park and much more. One-of-A-Kind reptilian shows include the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show. To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.
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The Sights & Sounds of Progress

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

The Sights & Sounds of Progress
Construction begins at Gatorland on the 19,000 square foot Complex

Orlando, Florida: (October 24, 2007): As the sun rose on October 15, 2007 construction began on the gift shop and admissions complex located at the site of the devastating fire that took place at Gatorland on November 6, 2006, destroying the original gift shop and theme park entrance.

Overseen by D & D Construction, the first stage of the $4 million dollar project will focus on removing a section of the original concrete slab to allow for rough plumbing to be installed. Next the crew of up to 35 skilled laborers and heavy equipment operators will work to complete the foundation and conclude the block work on the 4,000 sq. ft. retail area.

As construction began on Monday, it quickly became apparent to Dan Baumer, Superintendent for D&D Construction, that this project would be like no other he had worked on before. As his team of concrete saw operators began cutting through the aging concrete an eerie sound began to rumble behind the men as dozens of alligators had mistaken the vibration as an invitation to bellow and splash around. “That was definitely a first for me and the guys,” said Baumer. “What a unique way to keep everyone motivated.”

“We are trying to stick to a very tight timeline,” states Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland. “Our goal is to have the new Complex opened by next summer when we begin celebrating the 60th Anniversary for the “Alligator Capital of the World”.

- more -

Founded in 1985, D&D Construction is a full-service general contracting firm specializing in theme parks and the hotel industry. The company, whose motto is “Building Together, Building Better,” provides a range of services including pre-construction, construction management, general contracting, or development needs. The company handles all aspects of property construction from project costing, planning, design-build, construction management, and property development. D&D Construction’s work can be found throughout Central Florida, as well as in the Florida Keys and Alabama.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment. The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, a gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show. To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.

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See Ya’ Later Crocodile

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

See Ya’ Later Crocodile

As One Australian Saltwater Crocodile Leaves for Texas

ORLANDO, FLA: (August 2, 2007) –Gwendolyn, an 11-foot Australian Saltwater Crocodile, will leave Gatorland today for the last time as the theme park transfers ownership of the crocodile to Gary Saurage and his team at the new attraction, Gator Country in Beaumont, Texas.

Gwendolyn is an adult 11-foot, female Australian Saltwater Crocodile that has been on display at Gatorland for nine years. One of the original crocodiles featured as part of the Jungle Crocs of the World Exhibit, Gwendolyn was part of a large Saltwater Crocodile breeding colony that produced numerous offspring over the past few years.

The relocation of Gwendolyn, the Australian Saltwater Crocodile, is part of the theme park’s initiative to expand their efforts to rejuvenate the rare American Crocodile species. The theme park is one of only a few locations throughout the United States to have an adult breeding colony. Currently co-habituating in the 16-acre main lake at the theme park with alligators, the American Crocodiles will be moved to the exhibit area previously occupied by the Saltwater Crocodiles where they can have their own space to occupy.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment. The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Today, it provides affordable family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, the new Gator Gully Splash Park and much more. And don’t miss the one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo, the Up-close Encounters and the all new Critters Corner show featuring the softer side of Gatorland. To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.

Gator Country is located 10 miles west of Beaumont, Texas. The attraction features a wide variety of animals including numerous species of crocodiles, huge alligators, alligator snapping turtles and much more. For more information on Gator Country, call (409) 794-WILD or visit www.gatorcountrytx.com.

Media contact for Gator Country is Gary Saurage, cell (409) 893-3525. Media contact for Gatorland in Orlando, Florida, is Michelle Harris, 407-948-5044, michelleharris@gatorland.com.

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Gators on the Avenue

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

Gators on the Avenue
ARTYgator sculpture, sponsored by Gatorland, to be unveiled at Bullfish on Park Avenue

Orlando, Florida: (January 22, 2008): On Friday, February 8, 2008 the new home of “The Lost Tourist” ARTYgator sculpture, sponsored by Gatorland, will be unveiled at the uniquely elegant Bullfish on Park Avenue.

WHEN: Friday, February 8, 2008
5:00PM – 8:00PM

WHERE: Bullfish
102 Park Avenue North
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 644-2969
www.bullfishparkavenue.com

The ARTYgator Community Art Project is a public/private art exhibit that benefits nonprofit organizations and causes. Some of Central Florida’s most talented artists have designed and created ARTYgators sculptures each featuring a unique theme. “The Lost Tourist” sculpture, sponsored by Gatorland incorporates photographs of the theme parks patriarch, the historic gators mouth entrance and an image of a tourist safely confined in the ARTYgators tummy.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment. The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, a gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show. To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.
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Lake Placid 2

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

DON’T GO NEAR THE WATER… GIANT CROCS RETURN FOR MORE TERROR IN
LAKE PLACID 2

THE SEQUEL TO THE CULT FAVORITE HORROR FLICK ‘LAKE PLACID’ AVAILABLE JANUARY 29, 2008 FROM FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT

–Biting Extras Include A ‘Gnawed Version,’
‘How To Survive A Crocodile Attack’ and more –

“An Edgy, Stylish Trip.”
– Hollywood Reporter

CENTURY CITY, Calif. – Prepare for gory, gruesome action as four 30-foot, bloodthirsty, prehistoric crocodiles terrorize residents of a remote lakefront town in the sequel Lake Placid 2, debuting on DVD January 29, 2008 from Fox Home Entertainment. In an all out battle between man and beast, a local sheriff teams up with a wildlife agent and a big game hunter to kill four bloodthirsty offspring from the first fearsome creatures of the original campy-horror film. John Schneider (“Dukes Of Hazzard,” “Smallville”), Sam McMurray (“The King of Queens,” “The Tracy Ullman Show”) and Sarah Lafleur (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Crossing Jordan”) star as the trio on a mission to save the town from the gigantic reptiles. The film also features Academy Award winner Cloris Leachman (Best Supporting Actress, The Last Picture Show, 1972, “Malcolm In The Middle”) as a croc-lover bent on saving the creatures. The Lake Placid 2 DVD includes two featurettes: “Sex, Guns, and Croc-n-Roll” and “Surviving A Crocodile Attack” and a “Gnawed Version” of the film. The Lake Placid 2 DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $26.98. Prebook is December 5, 2007.

Marketing Support:
Fox Home Entertainment will support the release of Lake Placid 2 with a marketing program that encompasses cable television, online advertising, grassroots marketing as well as an event style publicity campaign.

Synopsis:
Cold-blooded terror awaits just below the surface of this fast-paced and funny action thriller that delivers twice the jolts, scares and bite of the original! Suspecting that another giant croc has begun to wreak havoc on the populace, Lake Placid’s easygoing Sheriff, James Riley (Schneider) and a beautiful Fish and Wildlife agent Emma Warner (LaFleur), must form an uneasy alliance with a cocky big-game hunter (McMurray) and his guide (Joe Holt) to capture the beast. Meanwhile Riley’s rebellious young son Scott (Chad Collins) sets out on a lake-side camping trip with the locals – including a hottie named Kerrie (Alicia Ziegler) – and finds he has to fight for his life or become the crocodile’s next meal. But only crazy, croc-loving Sadie Bickerman (Leachman) knows that these predators have multiplied and are determined to consume the whole town…one bite at a time!

Lake Placid 2 DVD Special Features:
Available in widescreen and full screen versions, the Lake Placid 2 DVD is presented in English Dolby Surround 5.1 and features English, Spanish and French Subtitles. The DVD bonus materials include the following:
•“Sex, Guns and Croc-n-Roll” featurette – a tongue-in-cheek, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the campy sequel.
•“Surviving A Crocodile Attack” featurette
•Lake Placid 2: The “Gnawed Up” Version – a sped up version of the film that takes you directly to the action.

A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC (TCFHE) is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on VHS, DVD and Blu-ray Disc (BD) as well as acquisitions and original productions. The company also releases all products around the globe for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets - from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce - throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.

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Press materials available for download at www.foxpressroom.com

LAKE PLACID 2
DVD Price: $26.98 U.S.
Prebook Date: December 5, 2007
Street Date: January 29, 2008
Catalog Number: 2244591
Total Running Time: 70 minutes
U.S. Rating UR
Screen Format: Full Screen/Widescreen
Languages: English, Dolby Surround 5.1 Sound
Subtitles: English/French/Spanish
Closed Captioned: Yes