TRAVEL&ARTS THRILL-SEEKERS
Here are Orlando’s 8 best adrenaline-rushing experiences
There are those who prefer to spend their free time curling up with a good book at home, then there are those who feel most alive when free-falling from the sky, riding a high-speed roller coaster or catching air on a mountain bike.
Good news for Floridian thrill-seekers: There are plenty of experiences to get the blood pumping, whether it comes by driving a
tank or visiting a local axe-throwing venue.
Here are suggestions for the best adrenaline-rushing, thrill-seeking experiences in Central Florida.
Fall, with style
Of all the thrill-seeking experiences out there, sky diving should top the list. I can’t think of anything quite as simultaneously petrifying and enthralling as free-falling at terminal velocity from 13,000 feet up. Skydive DeLand is one Central Florida venue for ticking off this bucket list item. The business is now open with COVID-19 precautions in place. Indoor sky diving is also available at iFly Orlando with a wind tunnel experience. For a more laid-back
experience, consider hang gliding. It’s much more relaxing and peaceful than sky diving, but less of an adrenaline rush. For more information, visit skydivedeland.com, iflyworld.com or wallaby.com (for hang gliding).
Drive a tank
Central Florida’s Tank America offers civilians the rare opportunity to get behind the controls of a 17-ton tank. Those who sign up for this daunting experience can find the thrill in tackling big obstacles and plunging into a mud pit. The company also offers a package complete with crushing a car, as well as tactical laser tag. Packages start around $350. Tank America is currently in the process of moving
locations and plans to reopen this year. For more information, visit tankamerica.com.
Adrenaline rush on two wheels
Take it from someone who rides fairly regularly: Florida has some surprisingly challenging mountain biking opportunities. When traversing the Santos trails near Ocala, it’s possible to get some serious air while exploring the Vortex Freeride area, which was a former limestone quarry. The same goes for Grapefruit Trails near Palm Bay,
Graham Swamp near Palm Coast and countless other off-road biking trails with advanced features. Flying through the woods or soaring off jumps is a surefire way to get the heartrate up and adrenaline pumping. For more trails and information about Sunshine State mountain biking, visit orlandosentinel.com.
Ride a high-thrill attraction
As a tourism and entertainment destination, Orlando has no shortage of attractions that can really get the blood pumping. Some of these are high-speed coasters are designed to thrill, while others take riders to new heights or launch them up into the sky. Some of Central Florida’s biggest and fastest coasters include SeaWorld’s Mako and Kraken, Universal’s The Incredible Hulk and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Walt Disney World’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Busch Gardens’ Montu, Kumba and SheiKra. Other thrilling rides include International Drive attractions Orlando Slingshot and Starflyer.
Swim with sharks
SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove offers guests the chance to face their fears and free swim alongside 20 sharks. This add-on experience brings swimmers near whitetip reef sharks,
blacktip reef sharks, nurse sharks and more at the Orlando attraction. Though getting up close with these creatures seems daunting, the experience is surprisingly serene. The sharks aren’t aggressive and are used to human visitors. For more information about the package, which starts at $129, visit discoverycove. com.
Hunt for gators
Each year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission opens up a statewide alligator harvest and gives out a certain number of permits based on population estimates. For first-time gator hunters, there are charters to bring anglers close with the reptiles. Capt. Bob Stafford takes hunters out on Lake Okeechobee with charters starting at $1,500. A number of other such businesses exist around the state. For some, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of catching an apex predator like an alligator.
Throw some axes
When times get stressful, one way of blowing off steam can involve heading to an Orlando-area axe-throwing venue, of which there are now
about a half dozen. These businesses can provide a safe place to wield sharp objects and hurl them at wooden targets. This can prove to be a good bonding activity for co-workers, friends and couples too. There’s a primal sort of feeling that comes with the “thunk” of steel meeting wood. Central Florida axe-throwing spots include The Backyard Axe Throwing League, Axe On Axe Off, Epic Axe Throwing, Rockstar Axe Throwing and Stumpy’s Hatchet House.
Zip around on a JetSurf board
The Clermont Watersports
Complex offers water-loving thrill-seekers the chance to hop on a JetSurf motorized surfboard for a rip around a lake. Those who have tried surfing or snowboarding should get the hang of it in no time. Riders can reach speeds of 15-20 mph while zipping around without any additional human propulsion. The only thing one needs to do is balance and steer. For more information, visit jetsurforlando.com.