21 vintage shots of Orlando’s Gatorland attraction

Gatorland, the self-proclaimed “Alligator Capital of the World”, has been part of the Central Florida tourism scene since it opened its jaws in 1949. The park offers the chance for up-close and personal encounters with more than just alligators. You’ll also find yourself in close (but safe!) quarters with snakes, absolutely humongous tortoises and all the cuddly animals at the petting zoo.

Check out these photos from the State of Florida archives. While some of the photos are undated, many of them come from the 70s to the mid-90s.

If this gallery doesn’t scratch your vintage Orlando attractions itch, ‘Before there was Disney: 29 photos of tourist attractions that were here before the Mouse‘ should do the trick.