Add a Shot of Adrenaline to Your Next Orlando Trip
How would you like to skydive without jumping out of a plane, learn to surf without setting foot in the ocean, hang glide, climb a rock wall, ride horses, kayak and drive a NASCAR-style stock car - all during a business trip? Orlando offers an abundance of sports and activities especially for thrill seekers.
Outdoor Adventures
Attention all racing fans! Have you ever dreamed of driving a race car just like your favorite NASCAR driver? Now you, too, can "start your engine" in your own stock car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. No experience is required, but you must have a valid driver's license and the ability to drive a standard transmission to participate in a driving program. If you'd like to experience the thrill without actually driving, the Ride-Along program is for you. You'll get to ride shotgun in a two-seat stock car driven by one of their professional instructors and experience a simulated three-lap NASCAR qualifying run at speeds exceeding 150 mph (280 km/h). All riding program participants must be at least 14 years of age.
Want to get away from it all? Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park will let you do just that when you're gliding 2,000 feet (610 meters) in the air for 15 to 20 minutes. But don't worry-you won't be alone! The flight takes place in a two-person hang glider (with an instructor by your side) that's pulled by a small tow plane. Best of all, just about anyone can do it-anyone ages 4 and up (weighing more than 35 pounds/16 kilograms) can hang glide! If you aren't crazy about the idea of flying, there's also 15 miles (24 kilometers) of hiking and mountain bike trails on property to explore.
If you're a horse lover, you'll be happy to know Orlando has many options for trail riding. The Villas of Grand Cypress Equestrian Center caters to riders of all ages and abilities with trail rides for adults and children (ages 10 and up) and pony rides for the younger ones. Serious riders will want to check out the Cross Country Course, which includes a three-hour training session and at least one hour on the course.
Horse World Riding Stables features 750 acres (303 hectares) of sandy trails. The facility has three types of guided trail rides available, including a nature walk for riders with little or no experience (ages 6 and up can ride their own horse and younger children can ride with an adult); an intermediate trail ride (for ages 10 and up); and advanced trail rides (customized to the experience level of the riders).
Westgate River Ranch has lots of opportunities for fun in the great outdoors. Options include horseback trail rides, cattle driving, hay rides, trap and skeet shooting, boat and canoe rentals and fishing.
Indoor adventures
Skyventure Orlando, an indoor skydiving experience, is perfect for those who may be too afraid to jump out of a plane, but would still like to experience the sensation of free fall and body flight or for frequent jumpers looking to improve their technique. The facility is located directly on International Drive and offers indoor "flights" for anyone age three years and older. If you're in doubt, stop by their free observation deck, which will put any fears to rest!
Skaters will want to check out Vans Skatepark, located at Festival Bay Mall at International Drive. The skatepark's varied areas and obstacles range from popular skatepark staples to innovative and unique additions to challenge a variety of rider styles and skill levels. It includes a 31,000-square-foot (2,880-square-meter) indoor wood street course designed for beginner to advanced skaters, a 40-foot (12-meter) competition-sized vertical ramp and a 4-foot (1-meter) mini vertical ramp.
If you still have energy to spare, spend a few hours climbing rock walls at Aiguille Rock Climbing Center, Inc. in Longwood. The facility caters to climbers of all levels and even has training classes for those who've never undertaken the muscle-enhancing, morale-boosting sport.
Surf's Up at the Ron Jon Surfpark, opening soon. The facility, located at Festival Bay Mall at International Drive, already home to Ron Jon Surf Shop, will consist of three wave pools developed for surfers (or wannabes) with all levels of experience. The largest pool is for intermediate to pro-level surfers and will create 4- to 8-foot (1 to 2 meter) waves and have ride lengths from 60 to 100 yards (55 to 91 meters). The smaller training pool is for beginner and novice wave riders and will have 3- to 4-foot (1 to 3 meter) waves. There's also a special boogie boarding pool if you're not quite ready to surf.
Don't be afraid to try something new while you're in Orlando. You just might surprise yourself when you're flying 2,000 feet (610 meters) in the air or taking on a 4-foot (1.2 meter) wave riding a surf board. Don't forget to bring your camera and take lots of photos so you can prove you've earned those bragging rights when you return home!