While many Florida theme parks are currently looking for the best way to open, Gatorland Orlando will be re-opening during Phase Two of Florida’s re-opening plan.
Disney World Monorail
The attraction submitted its health and safety proposal to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force for consideration. Now, as the theme park moves forward in getting its park ready for guests, Gatorland released some very…interesting…videos explaining their new guidelines (and you just have to see them for yourself). They are…a lot to take in.
In the first video, Gatorland CEO, Mark McHugh, shows how they’ve been taking care of the park since the temporary closure. He details what Gatorland will be doing from now on to keep guests and employees safe. The video also showcases park employees (in gator face masks, of course) putting up informational signs, washing their hands, and placing social distancing markers on the ground.
He makes sure to let guests know that they have a very detailed 32-page safety guidebook they will follow to re-open. Pretty normal, right?? But then he mentions that the “Gatorland Social Distancing Skunk Ape” will be helping them to comply with the new health and safety protocols. (Um, why does this sound slightly terrifying? What will the Skunk Ape do if you don’t comply???).
©Gatorland
Well, our questions were answered… and we can never unsee whatever the Social Distancing Skunk Ape is supposed to be. Apparently, he’s such a big deal to Gatorland that he has his own page on the site. Oh, but don’t worry — it gets BETTER (or weirder).
©Gatorland
The Skunk Ape has his own video to promote social distancing while also highlighting the importance of hand sanitizer and face masks. And, if anybody doesn’t comply — he will attack! We’re not kidding. In the video, he shoves people apart, throws hand sanitizer canisters at them, and more. Even we can’t make this stuff up… .
The Crazed Look in His Eyes… ©Gatorland
A woman VERY similar to a uh…certain tiger-loving big cat sanctuary owner…brushes it off by saying (er, yelling) “he’s insistent that you stay distant” or “it’s always wise to sanitize!”
©Gatorland
Skunk Ape is what we imagine if Disco Yeti were to take a vacation from Expedition Everest and “rebrand” himself. Honestly, we’ve never seen anything like this before. But it’s everything we didn’t know we needed.
©Gatorland
You can watch Skunk Ape in all his glorious action in the Gatorland video below. And, if you can’t get enough of the newest mascot, you can wear his face on a shirt for $19.99.
We haven’t stopped thinking about this video. But we have to know: what was your first impression of these videos! Were you shook? Inspired? Confused? Comforted? Let us know in the comments!
Have you been to Gatorland? Will you be going just to see Skunk Ape? Let us know in the comments below!
