Adventure Seekers: Ziplining With Florida EcoSafaris

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover — Mark Twain

Photo Credit: Florida EcoSafaris

As independent and adventurous as I am, I have this nagging fear of heights.  I’m not one to let my fears guide my actions, and in most instances, I’m able to push them aside to do what I need or want to do. However, when I told my husband I’d be ziplining above the Florida wilderness last month, he didn’t actually believe I’d go through with it. So of course, I had to shoot some video footage as proof!

A vacation in Orlando has pretty much become synonymous with a vacation at Walt Disney World. And while a visit to the Sunshine State wouldn’t be complete without a trip to The Most Magical Place On Earth, there is much to see and do in the adjacent city of Kissimmee.

This is where you begin the Zipline Safari

Bridges To Cross!

Located in Forever Florida, a 4700 acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation area, the company offers four types of adventurous experiences including a Coach Safari, Horseback Safari, Zipline Safari or Cypress Canopy Cycle.  Having grown up in Southern California, I wasn’t prepared for the beauty of this place that features nine different ecosystems and is home to alligators, black bears, white-tail deer, and more.  Since I aim not to have any regrets, I donned my gear (thanks to the help of our certified guides) and readied myself for the 2 1/2 hour zipline safari.

Your life "line"

Ziplining is something I’ve always wanted to do, but likely never would have explored had I not been given the opportunity on this trip. As the video demonstrates, ziplining takes you high up into the treetops where you’ll get an adrenaline rush (and a view) like no other.  As I mentioned above, this safari is guided by certified, highly experienced guides who have your safety as their priority.  Throughout the entire experience, I never once felt unsafe.  Nervous? Scared? Absolutely! But never unsafe. The reason? The guides always ensure you’re connected to one of two safety connections and this course was professionally designed for safety and is an industry leader in Central Florida.

Stefani from Mommy Enterprises!

It took me about 3-4 “zips” to start to really feel comfortable and enjoy the experience. By the subsequent lines, I was screaming with delight (as opposed to fear) and able to experience the thrill and rush of soaring through the trees in an experience that is as close to flying as I’ve ever gotten.

The Rattlesnake!

In fact, I gained so much confidence during that 2 1/2 hour safari, that I ventured up to the brand new, first ever, Zipline Roller Coaster in the US (that is the video footage you see at the end)!  Appropriately titled The Rattlesnake, this experience takes ziplining to an entirely new level. 

Rather than a “line,” you’ll swing, swoop, twist and dip through 1000 feet of cable-suspended steel at speeds of up to 20 MPH.  I have to admit that had I known how intensely thrilling this experience was, I might have chickened out. But it was so much fun and a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list experience that I’ll remember forever.

Making Memories!

So, what do you need to know before Ziplining?

1.  You’ll have to climb up several sets of stairs topping heights of 68 feet

2.  You’ll have to don the appropriate attire.  I recommend long pants, closed toed shoes, and sunglasses. Don’t forget sunscreen!

3.  You’ll have to trust your guides.  If you follow their instructions, your experience will not only be safe, but fun!

4.  You’ll have to let go.  If you truly feel like you can’t go through with the experience, the guide can lower you down.  However, I can say with certainty that if you “let go” and at least force yourself to take that first “zip” you won’t regret it and each line will get easier and easier.

Photo Credit: Florida EcoSafaris

I absolutely loved my Zipline safari and if I ever have an opportunity to Visit Kissimmee with my family, I’m definitely taking our family to Florida EcoSafaris.  While my children are definitely too young to zipline, there are a variety of family-friendly, age-appropriate “safaris” we can embark on together.

Fun Eco-Fact: A portion of revenue generated from these safaris goes towards supporting the conservation of Florida’s wilderness.

For more information, just visit Florida EcoSafaris.

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to experience the Zipline Safari as part of the #DisneyGlobalEvent All opinions are solely that of the author

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Caryn Bailey

Caryn is a NICU nurse by day, blogger by night and mom 24/7. She savors the warm Southern California sun and loves to travel, shopping, baking, reading and frequenting her local tea room. Caryn created the column Lavishly Green for Peekaboo Picks Magazine to share her best tips for going green in style, she is the Former editor for Family Review Network, former OC Family Magazine online contributor, former Orange County Moms Blog contributor, former Evenflo Savvy Parent contributor, former member of the Totsy Advisory Board and former freelance writer for CBS Los Angeles.

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