Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Reviews

Reviews

+8 User photos

• Analaura K. Sent on 04/01/2024
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  An amazing day and a great team to work with!!

  Dawn and Lindsay were fantastic to work with!!! Any questions we had were answered quickly and efficiently. The ceremony area was very clean and inviting. The ready rooms were the classroom in the space which were fine. The reception was a blank canvas allowing you to do whatever you are dreaming to do! The patio going to the garden was a perfect place to step out for a breath of fresh air but still be a part of the party. The patio was also where we got to show off your choice of animal ambassador which was an add on but was perfect.
  Best part of the day was getting to take pictures with some of the animals in the zoo.
  I got to feed a Giraffe in my wedding dress!
  Dawn and Lindsay were both so easy to work with and wanted to make sure we had everything we needed throughout the whole process. All the zookeeper we encouraged were fantastic as well, they wanted to make sure the animals were comfortable, and we got the photos we wanted.
  
  
  LADIES word of warning I would think about wearing different shoes going through the zoo for pictures or at least bring a pair of shoes you can slip on and off for walking. Their boardwalk has some spacing issues that may cause your heels to fall through, mine did!

  Dawn and Lindsay were fantastic to work with!!! Any questions we had were answered quickly and efficiently. The ceremony area was very clean and inviting. The ready rooms were the classroom in the space which were fine. The reception was a blank canvas allowing you to do whatever you are dreaming to do! The patio going to the garden was a perfect place to step out for a breath of fresh air but still be a part of the party. The patio was also where we got to show off your choice of animal ambassador which was an add on but was perfect.
  Best part of the day was getting to take pictures with some of the animals in the zoo.
  I got to feed a Giraffe in my wedding dress!
  Dawn and Lindsay were both so easy to work with and wanted to make sure we had everything we needed throughout the whole process. All the zookeeper we encouraged were fantastic as well, they wanted to make sure the animals were comfortable, and we got the photos we wanted.
  
  
  LADIES word of warning I would think about wearing different shoes going through the zoo for pictures or at least bring a pair of shoes you can slip on and off for walking. Their boardwalk has some spacing issues that may cause your heels to fall through, mine did!
• Brittany L. Sent on 01/20/2021
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  Great value unique wedding venue

  Being animal lovers, this venue was perfect for us. We loved that there was space for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all at the same venue - no transportation between. There is an outdoor space with foliage and a gazebo used for ceremonies, then the bug zoo/patio for cocktail hour, then the safari room ballroom space for reception. Adjustments during COVID were minimal - we only reduced guest count (from ~125 to 50) and could not have animal encounters at the reception. This may have been due to the mild weather on our event day, but the doors to indoor spaces were also kept open to help with air flow. The venue fee includes some coordination, and their staff was great. Jillian was particularly responsive and helpful the closer we got to the event. We opted for an in-zoo photoshoot during our cocktail hour and the staff helped encourage some of the animals to come closer if they were out. We can't wait to see how such memorable photos came out. Sonny's BBQ catering is affordable, and an excellent value that comes out more elegant than you'd expect for BBQ. However, there is a fee if you did not want to use Sonny's. Overall, we'd happily recommend Central Florida Zoo to anyone getting married in the Orlando area with 150 guests or less.

  Being animal lovers, this venue was perfect for us. We loved that there was space for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all at the same venue - no transportation between. There is an outdoor space with foliage and a gazebo used for ceremonies, then the bug zoo/patio for cocktail hour, then the safari room ballroom space for reception. Adjustments during COVID were minimal - we only reduced guest count (from ~125 to 50) and could not have animal encounters at the reception. This may have been due to the mild weather on our event day, but the doors to indoor spaces were also kept open to help with air flow. The venue fee includes some coordination, and their staff was great. Jillian was particularly responsive and helpful the closer we got to the event. We opted for an in-zoo photoshoot during our cocktail hour and the staff helped encourage some of the animals to come closer if they were out. We can't wait to see how such memorable photos came out. Sonny's BBQ catering is affordable, and an excellent value that comes out more elegant than you'd expect for BBQ. However, there is a fee if you did not want to use Sonny's. Overall, we'd happily recommend Central Florida Zoo to anyone getting married in the Orlando area with 150 guests or less.
• Kristen A. Sent on 07/11/2019
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  Alex was a rockstar

  On June 15, my husband and I had our reception at the wedding. Through everything Alex was such a huge help. Our wedding reception was amazing and it wouldn't have been without Alex. This wedding venue is so unique and you can do so much with it. We will remember this day for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much Central Florida Zoo for an awesome wedding reception.
  -Kristen and Dalton

  On June 15, my husband and I had our reception at the wedding. Through everything Alex was such a huge help. Our wedding reception was amazing and it wouldn't have been without Alex. This wedding venue is so unique and you can do so much with it. We will remember this day for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much Central Florida Zoo for an awesome wedding reception.
  -Kristen and Dalton
Are you interested?
Send a message
• Debra M. Sent on 05/28/2019
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  Excellent wedding venue

  The Central Florida Zoo is a unique and special venue. Alex was an extraordinary wedding coordinator. We credit her with the total success of our wedding event. Also, Terrell, Sonny’s Catering Manager was great. Terrell and his team exceeded all expectations and provided outstanding service to the wedding party and our guests.

  The Central Florida Zoo is a unique and special venue. Alex was an extraordinary wedding coordinator. We credit her with the total success of our wedding event. Also, Terrell, Sonny’s Catering Manager was great. Terrell and his team exceeded all expectations and provided outstanding service to the wedding party and our guests.

  Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens's reply:

  Thank you Debra! You were a great help in the wedding planning too and we wish you and your family the best! :)
• Sandy S. Sent on 05/28/2019
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  Central Florida Zoo

  Alex and Terrell were a great tag team. They and staff from both the zoo and Sonny's were professional and had just as much fun as the rest of us. Had several people indicate it was the best wedding they have been to. Thanks for the memories.

  Alex and Terrell were a great tag team. They and staff from both the zoo and Sonny's were professional and had just as much fun as the rest of us. Had several people indicate it was the best wedding they have been to. Thanks for the memories.

  • +5 photos

  Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens's reply:

  Thank you so much for your kind words Sandy! We're so glad you and your guests had the best wedding :)
• Kellie W. Sent on 12/28/2018
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  Beautiful venue with great photography spots!

  Have you thought about having your wedding at a unique venue? Look no further than the Central Florida Zoo! We have photographed at the zoo many times and there is no shortage of beautiful wedding photography spots. Their customer service is always on point with no shortage of great ideas for the wedding planning process - they are always happy to help.

  Have you thought about having your wedding at a unique venue? Look no further than the Central Florida Zoo! We have photographed at the zoo many times and there is no shortage of beautiful wedding photography spots. Their customer service is always on point with no shortage of great ideas for the wedding planning process - they are always happy to help.
• Laura Sent on 12/11/2017
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  We had the best experience at the Central Florida Zoo! Andrea was so awesome to work with! She made sure that we had a smooth, fun, and memorable experience for our wedding! We had Sonnys cater through the zoo and they were so delicious people said it was the best wedding food they had ever had. The zoo brought out animals for our guests to enjoy durring cocktail hour while we were taking pictures so things never got boring for our guests. The venue was the perfect size for our 100 guest wedding. We got amazing pictures with the animals, one where their rhino looks like he's photobombing us with a bucket on his head! It was just a blast and the zoo made our day so special! Thank you again Andrea! We had the best day!

  We had the best experience at the Central Florida Zoo! Andrea was so awesome to work with! She made sure that we had a smooth, fun, and memorable experience for our wedding! We had Sonnys cater through the zoo and they were so delicious people said it was the best wedding food they had ever had. The zoo brought out animals for our guests to enjoy durring cocktail hour while we were taking pictures so things never got boring for our guests. The venue was the perfect size for our 100 guest wedding. We got amazing pictures with the animals, one where their rhino looks like he's photobombing us with a bucket on his head! It was just a blast and the zoo made our day so special! Thank you again Andrea! We had the best day!
• Mindy Sent on 06/14/2016
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  I cannot say enough about the Central FL Zoo! The staff was FANTASTIC! Our coordinator, Wesley, was a dream. His customer service is off the charts. He accommodated all of our requests, and made the wedding planning process a breeze :)
  The venue included a large room for the reception, a patio area, and an outdoor area with a gazebo (which the staff planted fresh white flowers the day before the wedding, making the area gorgeous) for the wedding ceremony. It’s a hidden gem in Central FL.
  Wesley allowed us to arrange the reception room however we wanted, had a variety of table sizes and shapes to choose from, and had everything set up a day before the wedding so we could go in and set up our things. For an anxious bride with a million to-dos going on in her head, this was a life saver! I didn’t have much to worry about the day of the wedding.
  Due to rain, we had to hold the ceremony inside the insect exhibit rather than the gazebo area. It turned out for the better! Guests sat amongst insects and aquariums, which I felt really gave a zoo feeling! The staff held umbrellas for the bridal party to walk to the insect exhibit, which was a nice gesture.
  During cocktail hour, staff showcased an owl and bald eagle for our guests to view for entertainment. The staff that showed the birds were friendly and knowledgeable. Our guests talked about how awesome it was to see and hear about these animals!
  After the rain cleared, the staff allowed us to walk around the zoo to take pics in the different animal’s exhibits. This was by far the BEST part! All of the animals seemed to be out for the day, and made for some absolutely amazing pictures. The zoo staff even opened up the rhino interaction area for us, so we could get right up to them to touch! The gazebo area with fresh flowers also made for some great pics.
  We couldn’t have been happier with our venue choice. If you have a love for animals and want a unique and fun wedding, then I highly recommend the Central FL Zoo!

  I cannot say enough about the Central FL Zoo! The staff was FANTASTIC! Our coordinator, Wesley, was a dream. His customer service is off the charts. He accommodated all of our requests, and made the wedding planning process a breeze :)
  The venue included a large room for the reception, a patio area, and an outdoor area with a gazebo (which the staff planted fresh white flowers the day before the wedding, making the area gorgeous) for the wedding ceremony. It’s a hidden gem in Central FL.
  Wesley allowed us to arrange the reception room however we wanted, had a variety of table sizes and shapes to choose from, and had everything set up a day before the wedding so we could go in and set up our things. For an anxious bride with a million to-dos going on in her head, this was a life saver! I didn’t have much to worry about the day of the wedding.
  Due to rain, we had to hold the ceremony inside the insect exhibit rather than the gazebo area. It turned out for the better! Guests sat amongst insects and aquariums, which I felt really gave a zoo feeling! The staff held umbrellas for the bridal party to walk to the insect exhibit, which was a nice gesture.
  During cocktail hour, staff showcased an owl and bald eagle for our guests to view for entertainment. The staff that showed the birds were friendly and knowledgeable. Our guests talked about how awesome it was to see and hear about these animals!
  After the rain cleared, the staff allowed us to walk around the zoo to take pics in the different animal’s exhibits. This was by far the BEST part! All of the animals seemed to be out for the day, and made for some absolutely amazing pictures. The zoo staff even opened up the rhino interaction area for us, so we could get right up to them to touch! The gazebo area with fresh flowers also made for some great pics.
  We couldn’t have been happier with our venue choice. If you have a love for animals and want a unique and fun wedding, then I highly recommend the Central FL Zoo!
• 
  User1738119 Sent on 07/29/2014
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  Every time I turned around, I was more and more impressed by what the Zoo had offered us. They were professional and gracious hosts. Would definitely book there again!

  Every time I turned around, I was more and more impressed by what the Zoo had offered us. They were professional and gracious hosts. Would definitely book there again!
• Katie Sent on 07/28/2014
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  Katherine was AMAZING!!! She was very helpful and would always meet with us whenever we needed to. They let us arrange the room however we wanted and they were very flexible with us and made everything super easy. The ceremony site was very beautiful and everything turned out how I had imagined. It was perfect.

  Katherine was AMAZING!!! She was very helpful and would always meet with us whenever we needed to. They let us arrange the room however we wanted and they were very flexible with us and made everything super easy. The ceremony site was very beautiful and everything turned out how I had imagined. It was perfect.
• 
  User1405313 Sent on 10/28/2013
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  Everyone was extremely helpful and did a great job catering to our guests. It was way better than the "usual" company picnic!

  Everyone was extremely helpful and did a great job catering to our guests. It was way better than the "usual" company picnic!
• Nancy Sent on 06/12/2013
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  I was extremely impressed and pleased with the services provided by the Central Florida Zoo. Our 30 meeting participants participated in a survey and all indicated they STRONGLY AGREED with the location and overall atmosphere of the meeting location. WHO KNEW? Catering was 5 star, and staff were accomodating with all aspects of the meeting event.
  
  GREAT JOB!

  I was extremely impressed and pleased with the services provided by the Central Florida Zoo. Our 30 meeting participants participated in a survey and all indicated they STRONGLY AGREED with the location and overall atmosphere of the meeting location. WHO KNEW? Catering was 5 star, and staff were accomodating with all aspects of the meeting event.
  
  GREAT JOB!
• Tina Sent on 06/12/2013
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  Everything was great. Set up was perfect and everything ran very smoothly.

  Everything was great. Set up was perfect and everything ran very smoothly.
• Beth Sent on 06/12/2013
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  The venue and food service was great, Staff was prompt to meet our needs for our retreat. We really apprecaite the partnership, My staff really enjoyed themselves.

  The venue and food service was great, Staff was prompt to meet our needs for our retreat. We really apprecaite the partnership, My staff really enjoyed themselves.
• Pamela Sent on 09/21/2015
  4.9 out of 5 rating

  4.9
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    4.5 out of 5 rating
    4.5

  I truly cannot say enough about the incredibly great service we experienced when using the Central Florida Zoo and their Ovations Catering Serve for my daughter's Baby Shower. From the very beginning Katherine gave us the information we needed and with my daughter using a safari theme for the nursery - the zoo was perfect! A hidden gem!
  
  We were able to setup the day before and the Zoo Caterer, Orlando Irizarry of Ovations was beyond helpful. He clearly was incredible. You have heard the phrase "Went over and beyond the call of duty!" that was Orlando. Carried our decorations in, provided a flat bed to use, and even checked on us and brought us cold water to drink.
  
  We invited mothers to bring their children and it was great fun. We had a "Fuzzy Greet and Meet" where they brought three precious little animals that the children could learn about and pet. Our only regret was that it rained and we could not take the carousel or train ride. However, in spite of the rain, the Wayne Densch Center was a great entrance into the banquet room. Full of all manner of insects displayed and beautiful butterflies. The children guests had a great time.
  
  We used the Zoo's caterer and were not disappointed. Orlando worked with us on customizing our requests. The food was well done, tasted good, and the buffet display was very nicely setup. The staff were attentive and helped clean up - again "Went over and beyond the call of duty!" Wonderful people!!!
  
  Will use again. I can see a birthday party in the making.

  I truly cannot say enough about the incredibly great service we experienced when using the Central Florida Zoo and their Ovations Catering Serve for my daughter's Baby Shower. From the very beginning Katherine gave us the information we needed and with my daughter using a safari theme for the nursery - the zoo was perfect! A hidden gem!
  
  We were able to setup the day before and the Zoo Caterer, Orlando Irizarry of Ovations was beyond helpful. He clearly was incredible. You have heard the phrase "Went over and beyond the call of duty!" that was Orlando. Carried our decorations in, provided a flat bed to use, and even checked on us and brought us cold water to drink.
  
  We invited mothers to bring their children and it was great fun. We had a "Fuzzy Greet and Meet" where they brought three precious little animals that the children could learn about and pet. Our only regret was that it rained and we could not take the carousel or train ride. However, in spite of the rain, the Wayne Densch Center was a great entrance into the banquet room. Full of all manner of insects displayed and beautiful butterflies. The children guests had a great time.
  
  We used the Zoo's caterer and were not disappointed. Orlando worked with us on customizing our requests. The food was well done, tasted good, and the buffet display was very nicely setup. The staff were attentive and helped clean up - again "Went over and beyond the call of duty!" Wonderful people!!!
  
  Will use again. I can see a birthday party in the making.