ReptiDay Fort Myers Unleashed

Lisa Parker

Alright, y’all, we are officially rolling! Welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows—this is your show manager and resident kazoo-wielder, Lisa Parker, and today the hype is real because we’re spotlighting ReptiDay Fort Myers. It’s happening Saturday, November 29th, 2025, at the Caloosa Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. To everyone who keeps asking for details on Facebook—it is a one-day-only deal! 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., blink and you’ll miss it!

Jay Tacey

This is where all the Florida reptile energy just—explodes. Seriously, Fort Myers draws everybody: families, seasoned herpers, curious first-timers. I remember last year, even the parking lot felt like some kind of secret club for animal lovers. And for those who are mapping it out, that’s 1375 Monroe Street, right downtown, so yeah, be early if you want the best parking.

Guy Mc Farlane

What I’ve always liked—and, maybe it’s the ex-vet tech in me talking—is that it’s incredibly accessible. So many shows you walk in and it’s a maze. Here, it’s organized; you get vivid displays, hands-on stations, live animals for the little ones to ogle at and sometimes even touch—there’s always staff nearby to keep everything safe. I mean, it’s not just about looking, it’s about learning, and it never matters how old you are.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, that hands-on thing still gets to me. There’s nothing like seeing a kid hold a snake or gecko for the first time. You know, at Johnson City we talked about the sense of community smaller shows build, but Fort Myers is proof that even big, high-energy events can stay welcoming and interactive. There’s stuff for serious keepers, but there’s also those little lightbulb moments—like, “Hey Mom, maybe we need a reptile?” (Sorry, parents.)

Lisa Parker

Hah! I’ve heard so many parents have that exact panic. But honestly, if you want a place that crams as much reptile joy as possible into six hours—that’s what this is. It’s just got that Florida festival vibe, only for reptiles instead of funnel cakes. Okay, I’ll stop. Jay, what’s your favorite thing about the venue?

Jay Tacey

You know, aside from the beautiful chaos—I keep going back to how these expos are a launchpad. Not just for animals, or, you know, getting people into the hobby, but for making those chance connections. We’ll get into stories later, but it’s that welcoming, come-as-you-are, mess-around-with-exotics sort of feeling you don’t get everywhere.

Guy Mc Farlane

Couldn’t agree more. For anyone on the fence, this is the most beginner-friendly entrance you’ll find—not intimidating, and if you’re already deep in, it’s a reunion of faces you probably know from other Florida shows.

Michael Arnold

Alright, let’s get into the real star power: the vendors. I always say, a show is as good as its vendor lineup, and Fort Myers is stacked. First up—Ward’s World of Reptile Propagation. You cannot miss them. They're a father-daughter duo from Tampa and they’ve been at it since the '90s. Ball pythons, leopard geckos, chameleons, colubrids, boas—you name it, they either have it, or they just sold out yesterday. Their stock changes practically every week, and they’ve got one of the best reputations on MorphMarket.

Lisa Parker

Yeah, I’ve seen people literally run when the doors open just to get first dibs at Ward’s. And for parents and educators, they even provide animals for TV shoots and classroom events. Plus, their social media? Brittney’s animal updates are adorable; go find their TikTok or Facebook.

Jay Tacey

Ward’s isn’t just about the animals, though. Their customer care is top-notch, with live arrival guarantees, flexible payments, shipping you can actually trust…and—oh, quick tangent—I got my nephew’s first corn snake through them and the whole process was painless. And that’s not always the case with shipping reptiles, believe me.

Guy Mc Farlane

You know, Ward’s sets a high bar for vendor transparency and safety, but let’s also talk Morphinary Arts. That’s another family operation—a dad and his daughters. Their ball python breeding is all about those designer morphs, but they really stand out for their educational approach. Everything’s out in the open: YouTube, Instagram, you see the pairings, the hatchlings, the not-so-glamorous bits. Their Ball Pythons come with morphs like Ultramel, Orange Dream, all the way up to complex combos like Desert Ghost Clown and Dreamsicle. And their Ambanja Panther Chameleons? They’re show-stoppers.

Michael Arnold

They’ve earned nothing but “loved” and “trending” badges online. I respect the heck out of breeders who are that transparent about their process. And, uh, if you want the flashiest chameleon in Florida—good luck outbidding the regulars who stalk their table first thing in the morning.

Jay Tacey

And speaking of flash, can we just do a round of applause for MB Exotics? Mark Baldel is, I swear, the Willy Wonka of Ball Pythons. Every time I visit his booth, it’s just—open a tub, bam, visual magic. He’s got almost 30 years of experience, and you can tell. Gorgeous designer-level snakes, and his customer reviews—something like 327 sales, 151 five-star ratings. Plus, he’s dead serious about shipping safely. I mean, only FedEx hubs, only when it’s safe weather, really thoughtful policies.

Lisa Parker

Mark’s also got every MorphMarket badge you can imagine—“On Fire,” “Professional,” “Loved.” Payment plans, too, if you see something irresistible. And he’s a regular at these shows, which means you can chat with him, not just browse a website.

Guy Mc Farlane

It’s the combination of passion, professionalism, and, really, customer trust. And that’s why these vendors keep people coming back, right? If you’re serious, or just a little curious, you’ll leave with expert advice and, maybe, a new scaley friend.

Lisa Parker

So, we’ve covered the vendors, but what’s the vibe really like? I tell everyone: if you’re expecting some dusty old expo—think again! This show is all about the energy. Bright displays, interactive learning stations, presentations on the hour. There’s something happening at every corner.

Michael Arnold

There’s also the fun shopping bit, let’s be honest. Specialty reptiles, super unique merch, and habitat supplies—real “ooo, what’s that” stuff. If you missed the 3D print vendors at Sarasota, some of those same artists will be here too, with everything from custom tumblers to full-on panther chameleon models. And, quick tip: talk to the breeders. Each one has behind-the-scenes stories that don’t fit on a care sheet or morph chart.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, these expos are fertile ground for those weird, wonderful moments you just don’t expect. Like, one time at a Florida reptile show, I met a kid fixated on a blue panther chameleon. We got talking, showed him how to set up lighting and hydration properly. Turns out, years later, he emails me—he’s studying architecture, wants to design zoo exhibits! You get these ripples, you know? Meeting a new animal, a conversation at a booth—it sparks something that just keeps growing, even after the show wraps.

Guy Mc Farlane

And what’s cool is it’s not just fun for the little ones. The older enthusiasts, the seasoned breeders—everybody’s involved. So if you’re coming with family, friends, whoever, don’t worry about blending in. This community folds everyone in, whether you’re here to buy, browse, or just geek out about reptiles.

Lisa Parker

Honestly, that’s my favorite part. You watch folks from all walks of life connect over chameleons or geckos or, heck, a weird piece of reptile-themed jewelry. Every show we do, people walk out with more than just an animal or some gear. They leave with new friends, new ideas, and yeah, sometimes the bug bites hard and, next thing you know, you’re volunteering at a zoo or mentoring newbies online.

Michael Arnold

Exactly! And—before I ramble—don’t forget: presentations, Q&As, and raffles are going on all day. Bring your questions, bring your curiosity, maybe even bring a notebook. You never know what tip or story will change how you think about herps forever.

Jay Tacey

That’s it for us today on Repticon Reptile Shows—thanks for tuning in and making the reptile community what it is. We’ll be back with more vendors, more expos, and more unexpected animal stories. Lisa, Guy, Michael—always a pleasure.

Lisa Parker

Catch you out there, folks! And if you spot someone with a kazoo at Fort Myers, come say hi. Bye, everyone!

Guy Mc Farlane

Goodbye all—looking forward to seeing many familiar faces at the show. Until next time!

Michael Arnold

See you at the expo, everyone. Hold a snake for me, will ya?