Orlando Zipline
Ziplining has proven to be a lasting trend across the country. Central Florida is no exception. The Florida Eco Safari Zipline in St. Cloud was the first in the area and one we previously reviewed on this blog. There are 2 additional ziplines in Orlando – Zip Orlando and the Gatorland Zipline. This is one of the most novel and adventurous things to do in Orlando.
We recently had the chance to visit Gatorland in Orlando and their new “Screamin’ Gator Zipline”. The Gatorland zipline celebrates its 1 year birthday in June. The Gatorland zip line is much different from what we expected or experienced at the other 2 local zipline attractions. Whereas ZipOrlando and the EcoSafari courses take you roughly 2 to 2 1/2 hours, the Screamin’ Gator is designed to be much shorter.
- There are 7 total towers at Gatorland in Orlando that move the zippers at speeds up to 30 miles per hour
- The length between each tower is roughly 400 yards long (approximately 1/2 kilometer) and there are 6 total runs
- The Gatorland Screamin’ Gator attraction is designed as more of a park-within-a-park concept versus a stand alone zipline ride
- The cost for the incremental Gatorland zipline attraction is roughly one half the cost for the ZipOrlando/Ecosafari zips. This seems like a reasonable trade-off for the shorter distance it covers.
Our teenager had a great time on the Screamin’ Gator zipline. The attraction starts in the back of the park (by the entrance to Jungle Crocs) and works its way around eventually ending at Flaming Island. The lines and towers are about 5-7 stories high (if you can envision that) and zip over interesting natural habitat.
Zipliner
All but 1 of the 6 lines runs over various swampy environment. As the Gatorland park advertises, the zips pass over crocs and alligators as well as birds and other wildlife. Although the zips don’t get that low to pose any safety issues, they do give the adventurers a thrilling view from above. Speaking of safety, the team and staff were very careful with each rider and observed all professional safety standards.
If you are a hard core zipliner, this may not be the attraction for you. ZipOrlando and the Florida EcoSafari may be the better longer course choices if that is the case. However, if you are part of a group or family, and want to add a little extra excitement to a Gatorland in Orlando Florida park visit, this adds some extra spice to a great family attraction. For more information on the Screamin’ Gator zip adventure, please click here.
Gatorland is well located to most vacation homes in Kissimmee due to its location in South Orlando. The address for Gatorland Orlando is 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail. Give us a call at 407-966-4144 or 888-826-0551 Toll Free if you have any questions about the many rental choices you have. We review most villa resorts, but select only a few Kissimmee communities for actually booking holiday reservations.