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The Irish Sun

I had a close call in alligator capital of the world with fantastic resort, great activities & €291 Aer Lingus flights

WHEN you think of a holiday to Florida you conjure up images of rollercoasters and incredible rides galore — but what if I told you that adrenaline junkies can get their fix outside of the major theme parks? With my bags packed to the brim and waivers signed, I hop on an Advertisement 4 Lauren enjoyed a night-time paddleboarding session with Epic Paddle Credit: 4 Before a close call with a gator 4 The Ritz Carlton is a great resort that's more than two times the size of Dublin's St Anne's Park Credit: PR Handout image I've been to The closest I get to After a not-so-early night at the five-star Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes Often called 'the Alligator Capital of the World' Gatorland is a 110-acre wildlife and theme park located just south of Advertisement READ MORE IN TRAVEL The park is not only a After meeting the team, I get suited and booted for ziplining with a major twist. The Screamin' Gator Zip Line does what it says on the tin as I hold on for dear life 1,200 feet above alligators and crocodiles. Delighted with myself, I decide it's time to relax for a bit while looking at the reptiles from a very safe distance. Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN Breaking But I am so wrong. Next up, it's off to venture into an alligator pit for feeding time. As Gatorland's Brandon Fisher closes the gate behind us he shouts: 'Bogie, Turnpike, Buddy… let's go, let's go!' And like a scene from ADVENTURE RIDE I put my hand into a bucket of chicken legs and hope that the gators would be more interested in those ones over my own. Advertisement After all that excitement, it's now off to the Stompin' Gator Off-Road Adventure ride, and a 12-foot-high custom-made monster truck takes us around the swamps and we meet some wacky characters on the way. After working up an appetite, we go to the on-site cafe to try some gator bites. They are surprisingly nice and At this point, Brandon is quick to let us know that we aren't eating Turnpike's friends. The gator bites are actually shipped in from elsewhere. We leave Gatorland and head for a guided airboat ride through Orlando's wetlands. Advertisement The Spirit of the Swamp trip is an excellent whistle-stop tour of Florida's Everglades — Captain Dale helps us search for gators in the wild and we spot a rare bald eagle sitting in a tree on the way back. The next morning the group head to Harry P Leu Gardens for the Origami in the Garden experience. SPIRIT OF THE SWAMP The outdoor exhibition showcases over 20 monumental metal sculptures inspired by the The unique sculptures, crafted from aluminum, bronze and steel, bring to life intricate designs of butterflies, ponies and winged horses and celebrate themes of transformation and harmony with nature. Advertisement And as we walk through the serene spot that feels like Snakes — as they rustle through the grass near the trees. We also spot baby turtles having some fun in the sun on a lake. In the evening, we dine at Russell's on Lake Ivanhoe before a night-time paddleboarding session with Epic Paddle. Advertisement With blue and red lights on our boards, we tread water in the dark passing under city bridges and take amazing photos. Afterwards, we go back to the Ritz Carlton's Club Lounge for a few Whispering Angels to finish up the day. RESORT PERKS Born and raised in North Dublin, I feel like Annie staying in Daddy Warbuck's house for a few days. With its own waterpark, luxury swimming pools, golf course, spa with a robot masseuse, fishing, bikes, tennis courts, pickleball, falconry experiences, eco-tours, sunrise safaris and top restaurants, you don't need to leave the resort that's more than two times the size of Dublin's St Anne's Park. Advertisement But there's one activity I'll remember forever — kayaking at the resort's beautiful Shilling Creek. After a trial run on land, our activity leader warns that we might meet 'Mrs Margaret' — a six-foot alligator that hangs around the creek. At this point, I think that Margaret is like the Boogieman, either she didn't exist or we wouldn't see her. But I was wrong again. I hop in the boat and float downstream. All is going well until I start to head for the marsh and get stuck. Advertisement FACT FILE GET THERE: Aer Lingus operates daily flights from Dublin to Orlando International Airport. Fares start from €291pp each way as part of a return journey, including taxes and charges. STAY THERE: The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Hotel May rate for standard RC room €476.01 (incs Club access). DO THERE: Try paddleboarding with Epic Paddle Adventures: €55 ($65) Take a spin on The Orlando Eye: €25 for an adult ticket online ($29.99). A day ticket for Gatorland to see Turnpike and his pals: €29.82+tax ($34.99+tax). Ziplining price includes full day in the park: €59.66 ($69.99+tax) per person. Spirit of the Swamp airboat ride — one-hour private airboat tour: €46.88 ($55pp). Harry P. Leu Gardens, adult ticket: €12 ($15. Trying not to panic, I hear a big splash. I hit 'Mrs Margaret' with my kayak. In mating season. She freaks, and ventures under the water. At this stage, I think I'm a goner. The kayak moves downstream, and I don't know where Margaret is until I see her in the flesh on the other side of the creek as if nothing had ever happened. Maybe my late granny Margaret was with me. I am just lucky I didn't meet her pal, 'Dinosaur', on the golf course. While it was certainly a trip I'll never forget, I'll leave you with this advice: 'How do you know there's an alligator in the water in Florida? If it's wet, then yes.' Advertisement 4 Lauren went to Gatorland, a 110-acre wildlife and theme park