What is the Hatching Festival?
The Hatching Festival is about a two week period when baby alligators are hatching. We add a fun and educational program on the alligator life cycle which features baby alligators hatching out of eggs to our daily show schedule. Everyone is invited to join and watch the hatching program at no added cost.
This year we are adding a Make Your Own ALLIGATOR Tooth Necklace table!!! We will furnish the materials you create your own necklace. $5.00--cash.
We will also have alligator coloring pages for the little artists! Kids come color one of Rob Smith's Swampy alligator pages and enter a daily drawing. Random winner will be drawn for a free annual pass to Gatorama and an alligator head! Don't miss this fun and free activity.
Kids will have fun catching a baby alligator out of the "pond"...bring your camera's! You won't want to miss "snapping" your little ones face as he/she builds up enough courage to reach in and catch and hold one of these baby gators! $3--cash.
Can I hatch an alligator egg?
Yes! The Hatch and Hold experience is an additional $10. Everyone is invited to the Hatching
Programs..no additional fee to attend the programs!
What time are the hatching programs?
Hatching programs will be presented at 10:00, 12:00 and 2:00 4:00 Monday through Sunday.
Additional after school program Monday through Thursday at 7:00 PM. Monday through Thursday our hours are extended to 8pm.
No charge for the hatching programs...there is a $10 charge to hatch that baby out of the egg in your own hands!
Can we make a reservation for the Hatch and Hold?
This year we are taking 15 pre-paid non refundable reservations for eachhatching program . The cost for the Hatch and Hold is $10. Reservations must be paid in advance and are non-refundable due to the limited # of eggs available. Please call the gift shop 863-675-0623 to make a reservation after August 1.
Do you guarantee that you will have an egg for me to hatch?
We expect to hatch over 3000 eggs this year. With the exception of three years ago we have never run out! However we do nothing to artificially control the hatching--this is totally up to Mother Nature. We will not sacrifice a baby--so we will not hatch eggs before they are ready...Besides the 15 spots available by reservation-- we usually can easily accommodate 30 requests to hatch eggs each program..These spots are assigned on a first come first served basis. Please realize that we will have the most opportunities to hatch over and above the reserved opportunities in the later afternoon. This is not a "drive through-instant" experience. Birthing babies takes time. If you are the impatient type or you get snippy with Allen and Patty this is not the activity for you. We take time to talk with all our guests.
Is this something my 4 year old could do?
Sure that is a great age. This is a safe and a great hands on learning experience for all ages. Each child has different levels of motor skill development...but the average three year old does quite well. We will help parents of younger children make a decision. The danger is to the baby gator not the child. Baby alligators do not have teeth--so they don't bite at this stage.
Is this event held inside or outside?
Gatorama is outdoors. Most of our walkway is covered by a roof. The Hatching Program is held under a big white tent next to our incubator! August is a hot month..we provide the shelter and fans...please wear light weight comfortable clothes and shoes.
Is Food available?
Yes! During the festival Patty will be serving her Famous GATOR GUMBO and BBQ sandwiches! On weekends the award winning BBQ team "Fired and Wired" will be here serving the best BBQ & gator anywhere. Outdoor vendors do not accept credit cards so bring CASH.
