Orlando's Reptile Wonderland

Lisa McLisa

Welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows, everyone! I’m Lisa, and today we’re diving into Orlando’s Reptile Wonderland—Repticon Orlando, July 26th and 27th. If you’ve ever wanted to see the best of the best in the reptile world, this is the show. And I mean, the breeders here? They’re legends. Let’s start with Kaleidoscope Chameleons. Thirty years of Panther Chameleon breeding—Ambilobe, Nosy Be, Sambava, you name it. Their booth is like a living rainbow. I remember the first time I saw a leaf-tailed gecko at a show—wasn’t even in Madagascar, it was right here in Florida. I was maybe nineteen, and I just stood there, mouth open, thinking, “How is that even real?” That moment, honestly, is what sent me down the field-herping rabbit hole. If you’re not dirt-stained, you’re not there yet, right?

Jay Tacey

Yeah, Lisa, Kaleidoscope’s reputation is top notch. But you can’t talk Orlando without mentioning Morph Jungle. Justin’s been at it since, what, 2006? His ball python morphs are wild—Sunset Ultramel, Super GHI Desert Ghost Het Sunset, all those crazy combos. I’ve seen his reviews on MorphMarket, and it’s just five stars after five stars. The thing that stands out to me is how these breeders select for not just color, but temperament and health. It’s not just about flashy looks. They’re thinking about the animal’s long-term well-being, which, as someone who’s designed habitats for zoos, I really appreciate.

Michael Arnold

And don’t forget Guardians of the Geckos. Brian and Priscila—they’re all about New Caledonian geckos. Leachies, Chahoua, Gargoyles, Cresteds. They’ve got this whole “Guardians’ Blog” thing on their site, with care tips and guides. Plus, they’re super active in the Florida expo scene and support USARK Florida, which is huge for advocacy. I actually chatted with Brian last year about their TerraGuard Habitats—he’s obsessed with getting the microclimate just right for each species. That’s the kind of detail you want if you’re serious about your geckos.

Lisa McLisa

Exactly, Michael. And what I love is how these breeders—whether it’s Morph Jungle with their payment plans and genetic guarantees, or Kaleidoscope with their pure bloodlines—are making it accessible for both new keepers and hardcore collectors. It’s not just about selling animals; it’s about building a community and sharing knowledge. I mean, I still get giddy seeing a new morph or a perfectly patterned chameleon. It’s that sense of discovery that keeps us all coming back, right?

Jay Tacey

Totally. And, you know, the collectors and enthusiasts are drawn to these unique morphs because there’s a story behind every animal. It’s not just a pet—it’s a project, a passion, sometimes even a legacy. I might be rambling, but that’s what makes these expos so special. You’re meeting the people who’ve dedicated decades to perfecting these lines.

Michael Arnold

And you get to ask them questions face-to-face. Like, “How do you keep your leachies so chill?” or “What’s the secret to that insane ball python pattern?” You can’t get that from a website. That’s why you gotta show up in person.

Lisa McLisa

So, let’s paint a picture of the event itself. You walk into the Central Florida Fairgrounds—halls A, B, and C—and it’s just booth after booth of reptiles, supplies, and art. You’ve got vendors like Maze Exotics with their custom PVC enclosures, Blue Moon Tropicals with rare plants for your bioactive setups, and TalonsEdge Designs if you want a snake rib necklace or a “Swampy Friends” doll. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a family with kids or a die-hard herper.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and the hands-on stuff is what really sets it apart. You’ve got interactive displays, live animal sales, and educational exhibits. I saw a kid last year holding a crested gecko for the first time—eyes as big as saucers. And the vendors, like Family Reptiles, are all about education. They’ll walk you through husbandry, feeding, even help you pick out your first setup. It’s not just a sales pitch—it’s mentorship.

Jay Tacey

That’s a big shift from when I started in the zoo world. Back then, exhibitor setups were, well, let’s just say “utilitarian.” Now, you see these naturalistic habitats—live plants, climbing branches, proper lighting. It’s not just for show, either. It’s about letting animals exhibit natural behaviors, which is better for their health and way more engaging for visitors. I mean, you see a chameleon hunting in a planted enclosure, and suddenly you get why these animals are so fascinating.

Lisa McLisa

And for families, it’s a full day of discovery. There’s art, oddities, even advocacy booths like USARK Florida. You can pick up a care guide, grab a handmade gecko sticker, or just geek out over the latest morphs. And if you’re new to reptiles, there’s zero judgment—just a lot of people excited to share what they know. It’s the same vibe we talked about in our Melbourne episode—community first, education always.

Michael Arnold

Plus, you can stock up on feeders, plants, and all the gear you need. Vendors like Premium Crickets and Artesian Exotics have you covered. And if you’re into bioactive setups, you’ll find isopods, springtails, and all the microfauna you could want. It’s a one-stop shop for building out your dream enclosure.

Jay Tacey

And, honestly, the energy is just infectious. Whether you’re there to buy, learn, or just look, you leave with a head full of ideas and probably a new friend or two. Or, if you’re like me, a new animal you swore you weren’t going to buy. Happens every time.

Lisa McLisa

Let’s talk about the bigger picture—community and conservation. Organizations like USARK Florida are a huge presence at Repticon Orlando. They’re out there advocating for our rights as keepers, but also pushing for responsible ownership and conservation. It’s not just about what you take home, it’s about how you care for it and how you support the hobby as a whole.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and you see that reflected in the breeders, too. Guardians of the Geckos, for example, are big on ethical breeding and ongoing education. They’re not just selling you a gecko—they’re giving you the tools to succeed, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned keeper. And the push for bioactive setups? That’s about mimicking natural environments, which is better for the animals and, honestly, more fun for us as keepers.

Michael Arnold

I had a great chat with Blue Moon Tropicals about this. They’re all about sustainable sourcing for bioactive plants—no pesticides, acclimated for terrariums, and chosen for animal safety. It’s not just a trend; it’s about long-term reptile health. And when you see vendors collaborating—sharing tips, recommending each other’s products—it really feels like a community, not just a marketplace.

Lisa McLisa

And that’s what keeps the hobby growing in the right direction. It’s about education, advocacy, and making sure everyone—kids, families, old-school herpers—feels welcome. If you’re coming to Repticon Orlando, you’re not just shopping, you’re joining a movement. So, scale up your curiosity, folks!

Jay Tacey

Couldn’t have said it better. And if you see us at the show, come say hi. We love hearing your stories—whether it’s your first gecko or your fiftieth ball python clutch. That’s what this is all about.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and don’t forget to check out the advocacy booths, grab some plants, and maybe pick up a new friend—scaly, slimy, or otherwise. Thanks for tuning in, everyone. Lisa, Jay, always a pleasure.

Lisa McLisa

Thanks, Michael. Thanks, Jay. And thanks to all of you for listening. We’ll see you at Repticon Orlando—and on the next episode of Repticon Reptile Shows. Take care, everyone!

Jay Tacey

See you at the show, folks. Bye!

Michael Arnold

Later, everybody!