I don’t know about you, but I’ve always thought it would be cool to be an adventurer exploring a new land. Just a few short weeks ago, I was able to do just that with a journey deep into Forever Florida – a massive 4700 acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation area in Central FL that also features adrenaline pumping, thrilling adventure!
Because we had such a large group, we needed to split up into smaller groups and the choice was pretty simple. Since they offer all levels of fun no matter your adventure level is, all we had to do is decide if we were “chickens” or “tigers”. (yes, those were the group names I excitedly designated and yelled out as I ran to the “tiger” side of the room).
They are probably best known for their zip lines, an exciting way to view the beautiful Forever Florida landscape from high in the treetops. Some of the tigers decided to try out the Zipline Safari, a new two and a half hour adventure comprised of 7 different zip lines and 2 sky-bridges. The tour take you to heights of up to 68 feet and speeds up to 30 mph!
The longest individual zip, 682 feet, is nearly the length of 2 football fields so you have plenty of time to sit back and take a good look around. Speaking of taking a look around, at one point you can take advantage of a 10 mile radius view – wow! And if you look closely, you just might catch a a glimpse of alligators, black bears, white tail deer or even the elusive endangered Florida Panther.
Having already been ziplining in Puerto Vallarta, I opted to try out the brand spanking new Rattlesnake – the only zipline “roller coaster” of its kind! And seriously, when they call this thing a zipline “rollercoaster”, this truly is the best way to describe it because its both in one.
The first step is to climb the tower to the top…a feat in itself. Then the guides strap you in and send you on your way.
I actually went first…
and then waited at the bottom so I could take pictures of the rest of the girls having the time of their lives!
You zip down a steel rail that has twists, turns, dips and even a loop-de-loop – you won’t believe it, just check out my video below! I’m an adrenaline junkie and I LOVED this ride so much that I went twice (or was it 3 times? I don’t remember!!)
If you find that you always like everything just a bit spicier than everyone else, then you will definitely also want to put “Panther Pounce” on our bucket list. Have you ever stood at the top of a really tall cliff or building, peering over the edge, just scared out of your wits about falling but also half thinking – I wonder what it would be like to just walk off? Well that’s exactly what you do on the new Panther Pounce.
It’s pretty simple. Its a 68′ tall tower. You take the stairs up, and take a leap of faith off (in a safety harness, of course). While there is that slight freefall sensation in your tummy, it really isn’t that feeling that makes some people takes up to 3 minutes to walk off. It’s your brain. And quite possibly every limb in your body refusing to move. It looks a look easier than it is. Everyone says, “oh I’m just going to walk right up and walk off – no biggie”. But I’m telling you – even though that was essentially what I did, I could tell that if I had stopped or tried to inch my way to the edge, I would have never made it. It’s a true mind game but thrilling once you make the leap. Heck, I went back for seconds and decided to try it backwards too – lol!
While the Zipline Safari, Rattlesnake and Panther Pounce are all AMAZING it may not be for everyone (ahem, the chickens in your group). Don’t fret, remember how I told you earlier that there is something for everyone to do here? You can try the Coach or Horseback Safaris or even the Cypress Canopy Cycle, you where can pedal your way through the treetops, safe and comfy in a reclined bicycle suspended from steel cables.
But remember, this is actually a nature reserve with thousands of acres to explore, even though it may seem like an adventure park! The next time I visit Kissimmee, I would love to take the opportunity to spend more time exploring with the Forever Florida 2 and 3 day overnight horseback adventure.
A HUGE thank you to Disney, Forever Florida, Kissimmee CVB, and Global Resort Homes for making this unforgettable adventure possible! No compensation was received for this post and all thoughts and opinions are mine.
Wow! How amazing does that look! You are awesome!
My mom and sisters have done this a few times on excursions from our cruises! I think it looks fun, but I haven’t had the guts to do it! Maybe on our next cruise….