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Exciting news from Gatorland.
If you are visiting Orlando this siummer I have some exciting news for you! Gatorland are opening a zip line experience.
This zip line will carry you soaring over alligators and crocodiles with a truly birds eye view of the whole park.
The zipline is planned to be 1200 feet long and at its highest point will reach 56 feet high( you will be comforted to know that crocodiles can jump up to ' only' 40 feet so you will not become lunch) If you look at 56 feet as a 7 storey block of flats it makes the height more graphic! Speeds reached will be up to 30 miles per hour.
They are calling this The Eco Zipline and you will take 5 runs of various lengths.
The first platform will be located close to the railway station and the first run will give you an aerial view of the crocodiles.
On the second leg you will look down on Cuban crocodiles.
The third leg takes you over the alligator breeding marsh; some 150 of the big guys hang out here.
Next comes a long zip (600 feet) throogh the trees and once landed you will cross a swing bridge to face up to your last challenge.
This last zip has two lines that allow you to race your companion. This part of the zipline will be visible from the Orange Blossom Trail.
This new venture has taken 15 months in the planning and the final costs will be somewhere around a million and a half dollars.
A start was made on constructing the zipline was made january 2011 and the planned opening is for june of this year. You will need to weigh between 75 pounds and 275 pounds to ride and with agreement of the staff you may be allowed to ride with a small child. On line reservations should start happening in may and I am guessing it may be prudent to book early to ensure your place.
The cost to take part in this unique adventure is likely to be north of $60; not a lot of money when you consider that this includes admission to the park, orientation and a nature walk. And I do not know of a zipline in the world that gives such a guaranteed view of animals as well as the more usual journey through trees.
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