The Getaway Girls Interview Gatorland CEO Mark McHugh

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ORLANDO, FL.: After some intense deliberation, the team at Gatorland has selected the name Trezo Je, submitted by Alisa King of Orlando, as the official name of the fourth giant, white leucistic alligator located at the White Gator Swamp at Gatorland.   

“When I read about the leucistic alligators’ arrival at Gatorland, the article in the Orlando Sentinel really emphasized their eyes stating that good luck may come to those who gaze into them; so I began thinking of different words associated with good luck  and the word ‘treasure’ soon became a focal point,” states King. “In the Cajun language the name ‘Trezo Je’ means ‘treasures eye’; a perfect name for this beautiful, rare reptile.” 

The contest launched a nationwide hunt for the perfect name for this rare, ten foot alligator in the spotlight, and a chance to get up-close and personal with one of the white alligators featured in the White Gator Swamp at Gatorland.  Hordes of entries from across the country were submitted and from those, the name Trezo Je was selected as our winner. 

 Alisa and her family will take part in a ceremony officially naming the incredible alligator on Sunday, August 16 at 12:30pm. Her visit will include the first one-on-one encounter by a guest inside of den of the huge reptile with alligator expert Mike Hileman, Director of Entertainment at Gatorland.  

ORLANDO, FL.: Keeping the admission rates low is a priority at Gatorland. Starting on June 1 Gatorland will bring back the Florida Resident promotion that knocks $8.00 off adult admission rates; allowing a family of four to visit the theme park for less than $60!

Don’t miss the new the rare white alligator collection, on display for a limited engagement, featuring four of the world’s largest white leucistic alligators known to roam the planet. Ivory in color, the large reptiles are each ten to eleven plus feet in length, weigh over 800 pounds and have reflective blue eyes that are believed to have the ability to command good fortune to those lucky enough to make eye contact with the blue eyed beauties.

Summer Florida Resident Special
Adults - $14.99 per Person
Children (3-12) - $9.99 per Person
Offer Valid: June 1 - July 31, 2009
Proof of Residency Required, Per Adult. All rates are plus tax.

Florida residents will also be allowed to apply the cost of their admission towards the purchase of an annual pass with extended benefits that include 30% admission discounts for accompanying guests, 50% off the Adventure Hour, 20% off Rookie Wrestling Experience & in-park photography stations, 20% off Gift Shop purchases and 10% off food & beverages within the park.

At these prices a family of four can visit Gatorland for about the cost of half of one adult ticket 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, award-winning 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 world’s largest collection of giant white alligators in the new White Gator Swamp. 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 is extending complimentary admission for Emergency Medical Technicians with a valid ID during the week of May 18 – 22, 2009 honoring their commitment to providing exceptional lifesaving medical assistance.

EMT personnel will receive complimentary admission at the theme park along with a souvenir water bottle and a discount of 25 percent off the price of admission for up to four additional guests. (Valid EMT ID must be presented at time of purchase).

Don’t miss the new the rare white alligators on display for a limited engagement at Gatorland’s newest exhibit, White Gator Swamp. Featuring four of the world’s largest white leucistic alligators known to roam the planet, these giant Ivory colored reptiles are each ten to twelve feet in length and weigh over 800 pounds. Their piercing blue eyes are believed to have the ability to command good fortune to those lucky enough to make eye contact with the blue eyed beauties.

Gatorland’s Salute to Service Campaign
Complimentary Admission to EMT personnel with valid Active ID
25% discount on admission for up to Four (4) guests
Offer Valid from May 18-22, 2009
Proof of employment required at time of admission. All rates are plus tax.

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, award-winning 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 world’s largest collection of giant white alligators in the new White Gator Swamp. 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.

Gatorland is extending complimentary admission for service men and women with a valid active or retired military ID during the month of May honoring their commitment to service that extends above and beyond the call of duty.

Active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, will receive complimentary admission at the theme park along with a discount of 25 percent off the price of admission for up to four additional guests. (Military ID must be presented at time of purchase).

Don’t miss the new the rare white alligators on display for a limited engagement at Gatorland’s newest exhibit, White Gator Swamp. Featuring four of the world’s largest white leucistic alligators known to roam the planet, these giant Ivory colored reptiles are each ten to twelve feet in length and weigh over 800 pounds. Their piercing blue eyes are believed to have the ability to command good fortune to those lucky enough to make eye contact with the blue eyed beauties.

Gatorland’s Salute to Service Campaign
Complimentary Admission to Service man or women with valid Active or Retired Military ID
25% discount on admission for up to Four (4) guests
Offer Expires: May 31, 2009
Proof of service required at time of admission. All rates are plus tax.
Unable to visit in May, visit your local ITT office for discounts and promotions available at Gatorland.
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, award-winning 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 world’s largest collection of giant white alligators in the new White Gator Swamp. 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’s Tim Williams on Fox and Friends showcasing one of Gatorland’s albino alligators.

Check out the after the show segment:

4 Giant Leucistic alligators will join the thousands of alligators at the “Alligator Capital of the World” February 2009

Three hundred and twenty-eight razor sharp teeth; over forty feet in length and you can only see them up-close at Gatorland as the theme park introduces the opening of the world’s largest collection of giant white alligators on February 13, 2009.

On display for a limited engagement, the rare white alligator collection will feature four of the world’s largest white leucistic alligators known to roam the planet. Ivory in color, the large reptiles are each ten to eleven plus feet in length, weigh over 500 pounds and have reflective blue eyes that are believed to have the ability to command good fortune to those lucky enough to make eye contact with the blue eyed beauties.

Located along the main walkway, the cleverly designed 2,500 square foot exhibit will allow guests the opportunity to view these amazing reptiles from just a few feet away. The swamp themed exhibit features rustic cypress walkways, glass viewing and softly lit enclosures that help to protect the massive reptiles from direct sunlight while highlighting the unique features of the alligators.

No one knows why Mother Nature produced only one nest of these incredible white alligators. Vulnerable to many predators, because of the lack of skin pigmentation depriving them of natural camouflage; they likely would have never survived in the wild. Collected from deep in a Louisiana swamp, the ivory reptiles were part of a clutch of seventeen infants recovered by workers from the Louisiana Land and Exploration Company while surveying the area. The group later brought the hatchlings to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans where only a few of the rare reptiles survived.

“People are awestruck when they see them, and just one look into those icy, blue eyes will give you chills,” says Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland. “We’re excited to bring these thrilling animals to Florida.”

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. 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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Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland, was recently selected as the recipient of the 23rd Annual Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Central Florida Gene T. Hassett Award in recognition of dedicated service to the growth and prosperity of the Central Florida hospitality industry.

The Gene T. Hassett Award honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen fields and have devoted time and energy to their communities.

McHugh took over the reins at Gatorland in 1996 and has since introduced over 32 new attractions and exhibits. at Orlando’s only attraction with bite and attitude. They range from free-flying lorikeets, animal encounters, Gator Gully Splash Park and the world’s largest White Alligator Exhibit opening in February 2009. The shows are typical Mark McHugh projects: exciting, entertaining, and unprecedented.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, McHugh is an active member of the community having volunteered to serve on a number of boards and spearheading many community initiatives such as his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, executive committee member of myregion.org, chairman of the Florida Attractions Association, Board of Directors for the Osceola County Foundation for Education, and Relay for Life Champion.

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, award-winning gift shops, 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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The Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau (Orlando CVB) along with hundreds of tourism industry leaders gathered on Thursday, December 11 for the 25th Annual Meeting of the Orlando CVB. Outgoing Orlando CVB Board Chair and Gatorland President, Mark McHugh, was honored with more than 500 toys that were donated by the tourism industry in his honor. Those toys are being donated to the XL 106.7 Baby DJ Fund. Mark McHugh served a three year term as Chair of the Orlando CVB and has been involved in the XL 106.7 Baby DJ Fund for a number of years.

The Orlando CVB conducted the toy drive and revealed its 2009 Marketing Campaign “Orlando Makes Me Smile.” The hope is that the toys donated on Mark’s behalf will make the children of Orlando smile this Christmas.

Cheers to Sixty Years
As Gatorland celebrates their 60th Anniversary as Central Florida’s premiere nature-based theme park

Good news for anyone who wants to wrestle a hungry alligator; Gatorland is launching its 60th, yes I said 60th, Anniversary celebration with a hunt for wild and wonderful photos, postcards and souvenirs commemorating the theme park’s exhibits and shows since 1949. This one-of-a-kind contest offers something for everyone. Prizes range from FREE admission to the “Alligator Capital of the World”, to a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for you and the family to Orlando, Florida, courtesy of the Gatorland family.

So get out your photos of the little ones cuddling Gatorland’s pet boa constrictor. Find that Polaroid of Granny & Grandpa sittin’ in the gators jaws or dig out that pocketknife with the handle made of “genuoo-ine” rattlesnake skin and bring them with you to Gatorland for a chance to win a portion of the 1,949 prizes to be awarded this year.

Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and a brief (50 words or less) description of your entry with the approximate year it represents. Fashion your own entry form or visit www.gatorland.com for an official entry form to be completed and attached to your prize souvenir/photograph. Either way, all entries must be presented no later than March 1, 2009 to the Gatorland’s Cheers for 60 Years Memorabilia Station located at the entrance to Gatorland at 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, Florida 32837.

Not planning a trip anytime soon? Send your entry to: “Gatorland’s Cheers to 60 Years,” 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, Florida 32837, Attention: Birthday Bash.

If you just cannot part with your alligator back scratcher or the snapshot of your loved ones perched inside the gaping gators jaws (plastic or otherwise), do not fret. Gatorland understands that good memorabilia is priceless. Color copies or photographs, postcards and snapshots of souvenirs are welcome.

“Gatorland’s Cheers to Sixty Years,” recognizes winners of all shapes and sizes. Entries will be displayed in the park throughout this year.
Here is a list of some of the wild and wonderful prizes to be awarded:

• First Place: Orlando Vacation : One lucky winner will receive a trip for a family of four to Orlando, Florida, including round-trip airfare; four-day, three-night stay at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida, annual passes for four to Gatorland, an exclusive trainer-for-the-day program for you and your family and a Gatorland prize package valued at over $500.00. Total prize valued at $5,000.00.
• Second Place: Spend Awhile with a Crocodile: Winners will spend a memorable few hours with one of the world famous Gatorland Alligator/Crocodile Wranglers and enjoy an individualized training session with a veteran gator wrestler during this thrilling “real Florida” adventure. Participants will also receive a framed certificate with photo of winner atop a giant alligator, suitable for display at home or the office. Twenty second place prizes will be awarded.

Value per prize: Priceless.
• Third Place: Spend More Time at Gatorland: Winners will receive FREE admission for two to Gatorland, “Orlando’s Best Half-Day Attraction,” plus a commemorative photograph of you with loved ones holding an alligator. One hundred and thirty eight winners will each receive two admission tickets and photo certificate valid for a return visit to Gatorland.
Value per prize: $75.00
• Memorable Mention: Good Entertainment: Spend the day at Gatorland on us! That’s right! Be one of the lucky ones to receive FREE admission to Gatorland instantly as part of the “Gatorland’s Cheers to Sixty Years” campaign. Winners will be selected randomly on a weekly and monthly basis from those folks armed with a photograph or souvenir from a past visit to be included in the “Cheers” promotion. Prizes may include free train ride/ animal chow coupons, t-shirts, photographs, admission to Gatorland, keeper-for-the-day experiences or a taste of those scrumptious gator bites available at Pearl’s Smokehouse.

“Gatorland is many things to many people,” says Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland. “It’s a fun family theme park and an oasis for Florida wildlife, including the state’s most famous resident, the alligator. We know entries will reflect all the crazy and adventurous experiences that keep people coming back year after year and generation after generation.”

Entries will be judged for authenticity by “Gatorland’s Cheers to Sixty Years” panel of experts. Judges will include members of the Godwin family, employees and long-time friends of the theme park. (A complete list of judges is available for review at www.gatorland.com) Winners will be selected by May 1, 2009. So snap up those keepsakes and photographs; “Gatorland’s Cheers to Sixty Years” campaign is sure to be huge! For more information, call 800-393-JAWS or visit us online at www.gatorland.com.

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.

The AAA rated Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek is one of Orlando newest luxury hotels. The hotel’s Spanish Revival architecture and idyllic, 230-acre setting on Shingle Creek, headwaters to the Florida Everglades, strike a perfect balance with its lavish upscale offerings including the David Harman-designed championship Shingle Creek Golf Course, 13,000 square-foot Spa at Shingle Creek and twelve lounges and dining venues, including an array of restaurants such as the classic steakhouse A Land Remembered and the Italian bistro Cala Bella. Additional amenities include four swimming pools, lighted tennis courts, sand volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, over-sized game room, retail shops and nature and jogging trails and fishing with the backdrop of historic Shingle Creek. For more information, visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com