MOBILE TOURISM

Orlando Sentinel (TNS)

ORLANDO, Fla.

The dingy khaki bag on the floor of the Clementine room at the Orange Lake Resort doesn’t exactly blend in with the room’s patterned carpet and royal blue chairs.

And when the bag moves? It stands out even more.

“This animal’s not a pet,” Gatorland’s Tim Williams said of the 4-foot alligator that was held inside. “I want the kids to understand that.”

Central Florida’s bevy of attractions are enough to overwhelm any tourist planning a trip here. Gatorland is among a handful of animal-oriented attractions that bring part of their attraction to tourists staying at area resorts.

Wild Florida offers a similar program with Gator Hugs. The program allows clients, including several Central Florida hotels, to choose from an alligator, bird, snake or any other animal from the Wildlife Park at the Kenansville attraction. Fees for the program, which started in 2013, start at $300 and vary depending on the animal requested.

Williams said Gatorland officials track discounted tickets and vouchers they give to area resorts and hotels to see what shows resulted in increased traffic at the park and where the guests came from.

Leading a bulk of the off-site programs, Williams said he sees “a good return” first-hand – walking through Gatorland, visitors will recognize him, stop him and thank him for coming to their resort.

Orlando Medieval Times, a dinner show, also has a traveling pet show – usually with a 4-year-old falcon named Myla.

Tony Amodt and Myla make routine stops at conventions, trade shows and I-Drive area attractions.

Myla also has made an appearance at the Orlando Science Center, posing for photos in the mouth of the T-Rex.

They had 28 events planned for Amodt and the attraction’s falcons last month.

Attractions are glad to promote themselves and stand out in a crowded tourism region.

Tuchman said Amodt and Myla go out as much as possible. Typically there’s no charge for appearances.

Gatorland also makes weekly appearances at Marriott’s Grande Vista on International Drive and gator feedings at Gaylord Palms, which has some of the attraction’s gators living on site, said Williams.

The weekly Gatorland show at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orange Lake Resort costs guests $5, which reflects the cost to staff the event and transport the alligators.

Having run for 12 years and consistently drawing a large crowd, the show drew 109 people late last month. It educates resort guests about alligator safety because gators live on the property. It’s grown from only about a dozen people attending its first class years ago, said Williams, Gatorland’s director of media production – who held the young gator in his arms like it’s a tiny lap dog.

Now, the class draws hundreds of people each week.

“The room’s always full and kids are always having a great time. It’s a unique adventure,” said Eric Holland, director of resort activities for Orange Lake. “What’s more Florida than actually being able to hold a gator in your hand and take (a photo) home to show your friends?”

And resort employees such as Holland, tasked with offering free or affordable entertainment choices for guests, also see the value.

“It’s a win every time,” said Holland.