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Saddle Up, Zip, Paddle and Ride Through Old Florida With Adventures by Disney

Amanda Adler

by , Public Relations Manager, Adventures by Disney

I’ve already told you about how the new Adventures by Disney Walt Disney World Resort and Central Florida vacation allows you to experience the theme parks in true VIP style. But I’m equally excited to tell you all about all the cool experiences you can enjoy on this trip outside of Walt Disney World Resort.

I’ve lived in Central Florida for 16 years, and throughout my time here I’ve explored the area, become one with nature and seen more than my fair share of gators. But this Adventures by Disney vacation takes guests to places I had never before visited, and truly allows travelers to experience the real Central Florida in authentic and exhilarating ways.

From visiting iconic Central Florida locales like the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where you can enjoy a private lunch with an astronaut, to exploring unspoiled wetlands by airboat and kayak, this trip checks more than a few “must-sees” off your travel wish list. But to really see “Old Florida,” you’ll journey to Forever Florida, a 4,700-acre wildlife conservation area that preserves the region’s ranching heritage.

Horseback riding on the Adventures by Disney Central Florida vacation

Here you can explore nine distinct ecosystems on a swamp buggy tour that takes you on the lookout for alligators, black bears, deer, panthers and more. Or saddle up for a horseback adventure through natural trails and (surprisingly deep) creeks. Get up close with Florida Cracker Horses, the direct descendants of those brought over by Ponce de Leon and other Spanish settlers in the 1500’s. (I always wanted to channel my inner Ponce de Leon so he could lead me to that supposed fountain of youth!)

Zipline roller coaster on the Adventures by Disney Central Florida vacation

But if you’re like me, you want to take your trip into the Florida wilds to the next level. Adventure seekers can enjoy a series of ziplines high above the treetops. And if that’s not thrilling enough, take ride on the only zipline roller coaster in the United States. Get outfitted in a harness and set off on 1,000 feet of adventure as you swing, swoop, jump, zip and dip at speeds up to 20 miles per hour along a rigid zip-rail system. It’s truly unlike anything I’ve ever ridden!

For the truly brave there’s also the Panther Pounce. Step off a 7-story platform and freefall (in a safely controlled manner) to the ground below. It’s a total adrenaline rush! I learned that 20% of people who climb to the top of the tower ultimately can’t bring themselves to go through with it (I think it’s best that I learned this after I somehow managed the courage to step off that platform). But whether you attempt it or not, it’s equally exciting to see others face their fears and make the leap.

All of this, and more, is what makes Adventures by Disney the ultimate way to visit Central Florida.