Spotlight on Repticon Orlando 2026

Jay Tacey

Alright, welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows! Today, we’re zeroing in on what’s about to become one of Florida’s biggest reptile weekends—Repticon Orlando 2026. This is Jay Tacey here, and you’ve probably heard me wax poetic about reptile events before, but honestly, this Orlando show really stands out. Happening January 17th and 18th at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, right in the heart of Orlando.

Lisa Parker

Yeah, and I’m Lisa Parker, and let me tell ya—you don’t get a family-friendly vibe quite like this everywhere. I mean, we get thousands coming through those doors! Every year it’s... like, chaos, but the happy kind, where everyone’s buzzing and there are so many educational exhibits, it’s almost like a mini zoo, just packed with passionate folks of every age.

Guy Mc Farlane

And the sense of community you get at these shows? It’s really something. I’ve managed my share of wildlife events—couple continents, even—but Repticon Orlando keeps a truly energetic yet inclusive feel. Not many expos have people queuing up before sunrise... and not just for the coffee, right Lisa?

Lisa Parker

You have no idea, Guy. Pre-dawn setup is wild. So, behind the scenes, the vendors start rolling in hours before doors open—like, the vibe in those main halls at Central Florida Fairgrounds, it’s electric even at, what, 6:00 AM. Boxes everywhere, folks greeting old friends, scrambling to get their reptiles and displays just right before the crowds descend. I always say—some of the best moments are before opening, where you see everyone’s excitement building even when we’re still hauling heat mats and deli cups.

Michael Arnold

I love that pre-show energy. As someone who’s attended more times than I can count, from the other side of the table—believe me, it’s palpable. It’s that community feel, that chance for experienced keepers, newbies, and entire families to mingle, learn, and—well—fall in love with new critters, maybe for the first time. It totally lines up with what we talked about in our last couple episodes—how these shows build community and trust, just by bringing everyone together under one (very, very busy) roof.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and let’s be real—not everyone’s into reptiles at first. Orlando just wins people over. Whether you’re a family bringing your kids, a curious first-timer, or a seasoned herper scoping out a new morph, there’s something happening in every corner. Every booth’s got a story, from vendors to educators, to folks who just wanna chat about husbandry. That’s why it keeps thriving every single year.

Lisa Parker

So, speaking of booths—this year, I want to spotlight three vendors who truly make the Orlando show special. First up, Midnight Constrictors. Jay, you’re a boa guy—have you worked with Timothy’s animals before?

Jay Tacey

Oh, absolutely. Timothy M. Vandiver, the force behind Midnight Constrictors, has this reputation—like, not just for beautiful snakes, but for really emphasizing ethical, locality-specific boas. We’re talking Central American lines, T+ Leopards... And when he says “quality,” it’s not just marketing. He’s meticulous, and those selective-bred ball pythons? People come just for those. It’s a five-star rated operation, seriously.

Guy Mc Farlane

That’s the mark of true legacy breeding. I’ve read through his MorphMarket reviews—buyers rave about the customer service as much as the animals. And those flexible payment plans? It really opens the door for new keepers, not just the seasoned lot. Makes it so much easier for people to get started responsibly.

Michael Arnold

And then we’ve got HurQley’s Herps, run by the McAdam brothers, Dave and Bill. They’re based right here in Florida, and honestly, their table is never empty. Their specialty is ball pythons—Clown, Albino, Banana morphs, and they don’t just stick to balls; they’ve got carpet pythons and boas too. Flexible payment plans are key, but it’s their approachability and willingness to talk genetics, even for hesitant buyers—you just can’t fake that kind of support. Plus, their reviews sit at something like 4.9 out of 5 with dozens of buyers. Really impressive.

Lisa Parker

I always get great feedback about HurQley’s—especially from newcomers. And if you’re on the hunt for geckos, you can’t miss Fairytail Creatures. They’re Orlando locals, and the hobbyist heart behind their booth is so genuine. It’s not just selling geckos—they’re out here making art, posting care guides, teaching people what it means to keep a crested gecko happy and healthy. Their Luna Mist morph is a favorite, especially with kids and anyone looking for something a little different. Plus the educational content, social presence—it draws people in, even if we’re, like, scrambling at the show.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and that blend of artistry and education is so important. It’s not a high-volume, commercial thing—it’s more personal. Like, they want you to leave with knowledge, not just a critter. That sets them apart and really aligns with what makes Repticon so community-centric.

Michael Arnold

Let’s get specific about what you’ll actually see and experience at their tables. Midnight Constrictors brings some truly eye-catching snakes—Central American boas with all those deep reds and oranges, and their T+ Leopard morphs, which are just, wow, visually stunning. Ball pythons, too—if you’re looking for top-tier selective breeding, that’s the spot to go.

Guy Mc Farlane

Exactly. And don’t walk past HurQley’s Herps expecting just “the usual.” They’re known for their standout Clown and Banana ball pythons, but the carpet pythons—those have such rich coloration, and you rarely see that kind of diversity at one booth. Plus, Dave and Bill love questions. Whether it’s about genetics, care, or husbandry, you can fire away. Payment plan? They’ll work with you. Starter advice? They’re full of it—sometimes even when you’re not asking, which, honestly, is great support for new keepers.

Lisa Parker

And then Fairytail Creatures—their geckos are gorgeous, super photogenic, but the table’s about more than just sales. They put care sheets right out front. You get tips, some hands-on time, sometimes you get a sneak preview of new morphs. If you’re on social media, odds are you’ve come across their videos. People always leave smiling, whether or not they buy anything—because the focus really is on education and experience.

Jay Tacey

This is what ties in with something Michael told me last year. You met a first-time snake owner, right, Michael? She was kinda nervous but super curious, and just—well, you tell it.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, I remember that so well. She’d never handled a boa before and just happened to stop by Midnight Constrictors. Timothy spent, I dunno, probably twenty minutes walking her through what makes a Central American boa unique, what responsible care looks like, what kind of habitat she’d need. And by the time she left, she wasn’t just a proud owner—she was confident she had an ethical breeder’s support behind her. That’s the crux for me: These shows aren’t “pet stores.” It’s about learning, meeting breeders you trust, and getting a start that’s rooted in good practices. I always tell folks—ask about origin, get to know the breeder, learn about a morph’s story. It makes all the difference.

Guy Mc Farlane

Absolutely. We’ve said a few times—whether we’re talking about boas, pythons, geckos, whatever, building these relationships is just as important as taking home a stunning animal. The ability to have those conversations—to ask “what do you feed?”, “what humidity do they want?”, or “is this a species for a first-timer?”—that’s what stands out at Repticon Orlando.

Lisa Parker

And if you’re thinking of visiting, come with questions! These vendors love nothing more than helping you learn. Even if you leave empty-handed this year, you’ll walk away with new knowledge and maybe a plan for your next reptile adventure.

Jay Tacey

That’s what we always hope for. Orlando 2026 is shaping up to be another unforgettable show. If you’ve come out in years past, you know how quickly it flies by. If you’re a first-timer, drop by these booths, talk to the vendors, ask your questions—you might just surprise yourself with where your reptile journey leads. Thanks for listening, everyone!

Guy Mc Farlane

Well said, Jay! Always a pleasure sharing the mic with this crew.

Lisa Parker

It’s a team effort, every show. Hope to see everyone there—remember to say hi if you spot me running around with a kazoo.

Michael Arnold

And if you see a guy comparing python morphs and wrangling two excited kids—that’s probably me. Catch you next time—cheers!

Jay Tacey

See you all at Repticon Orlando. Goodbye everybody!