By Juliana Octavini
Orlando is known worldwide for its theme parks, but the city offers a variety of unique and even unusual experiences that go far beyond traditional attractions.
For those of you who want to travel to Orlando but want to escape the obvious, I have put together a list of very different attractions to do outside of the big theme parks and still have an unforgettable trip with your family and friends!
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👉 Beyond the parks: 22 unmissable attractions in Orlando
Off-the-beaten-path attractions in Orlando
Tank America: experience the thrill of driving a battle tank
That's exactly what you read. Have you ever imagined driving a real battle tank? Because Tank America provides this unique experience to visitors.
Participants can drive a 17-ton FV433 Abbot tank on a 1.2km course that includes sharp curves, steep climbs as well as various other obstacles.
The tank holds up to 4 people, including a driver and three passengers.
The price is a little steep, but those who went there guarantee that it's worth every penny! Packages start at US$199 per person and include a safety briefing, laps of the course and even the chance to smash a car, thus providing total immersion in the combat environment.
This entire experience lasts approximately 90 minutes. However, you must be at least 16 years old to participate and have a minimum height of 1.40m.
In addition, Tank America recommends that you come with closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing and that you be aware that on this tour you will be wet, muddy or dusty, depending on the weather conditions at the time of your experience!
However, it is recommended to book in advance, ensuring availability on the desired day.
Address: 6605 Muskogee Street, Orlando, FL 32807
Opening hours: Tue to Sun: 10am to 4pm
Website: www.tankamerica.com
American Ghost Adventures: explore the supernatural side of Orlando
If you are a fan of the paranormal, you will certainly like American Ghost Adventures. The site offers a guided tour of Orlando's haunted locations where participants learn about the city's history and urban legends while visiting historic buildings and spots known for supernatural activity using professional ghost hunting equipment.
Tours last from an hour and a half to 4 hours depending on the tour chosen and cost from US$27 to US$125 per person (also varying depending on the tour).
However, to participate, you must purchase tickets and make your reservation in advance through the official website below.
Address: 129 W Church St 3rd floor, Orlando, FL 32801
Opening hours: daily from 10am to 11pm
Free parking at Orlando Meter Street Parking after 6pm
Website: www.americanghostadventures.com
The Escape Game Orlando: Unique and Challenging Experience
If you are traveling in a group and are looking for different attractions in Orlando outside of the parks, our tip is to visit The Escape Game Orlando. This attraction is, without a doubt, totally immersive and lasts 60 minutes. Here, teams work together to solve puzzles and complete themed missions, such as finding treasure hidden in the mountains, escaping from a maximum security prison, uncovering and recovering works of art stolen from a museum, among others.
The rooms are designed for players aged 13 and over but people of all ages can participate!
Address: 8145 International Drive, Suite 511, Orlando, FL 32819
Opening hours: daily from 8am to midnight.
Tickets: US$ 44.72 per person
Website: www.theescapegame.com
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park: challenges in the heights
If you're looking for attractions surrounded by nature, know that Orlando is full of them outside the parks. For adventurers on duty, the tip is the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park.
Located in Kissimmee, this location offers tree climbing circuits with different levels of difficulty, including zip lines and suspension bridges, as well as routes located high in the trees of a natural pine forest.
The park has four main routes for adults (each with a different level of difficulty) and two separate children's tracks, as well as two ziplines approximately 130 meters high.
However, the recommended minimum age to participate is 6 years old and visitors take around 2 to 3 hours to complete the entire route. Due to the limited number of participants per session, advance reservations are highly recommended.
Address:7625 Sinclair Road, Kisssimmee, FL 34747
Opening hours: daily, from 8am to 2pm
Tickets: US$ 54.95 (adults – over 12 years old), US$ 46.95 (children from 9 to 11 years old), US$ 34.95 (children from 6 to 8 years old)
Website: www.orlandotreetrek.com
Orlando Gun Club: Exciting and Safe Shooting Experience
This renowned Orlando shooting club offers tourists the opportunity to experience shooting in a safe and controlled environment. Open to the public, the club also offers special packages to enhance visitors' experience, which include use of the range, targets, ammunition, safety equipment and support from a personal instructor.
The club also offers a wide variety of weapons for rent, including pistols, rifles and machine guns, all to guarantee a unique and, above all, exciting experience for visitors.
And, as expected, it is recommended to be at least 18 years old, but minors can also enter as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
The fee for using the range is US$21.99 per person and gun rental is US$31.99.
Address:3721 Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32811
Opening hours:Mon to Fri, from 11am to 7pm; Sat, from 10am to 7pm; Sun: 11am to 6pm.
Website: www.orlandogunclub.com
Unusual attractions outside the parks but close to Orlando
The Medieval Torture Museum: a tour of the dark side of the Middle Ages
Those who love history might like the Medieval Torture Museum, an interactive museum that offers visitors an in-depth and equally realistic look at the torture methods used during the Middle Ages.
The site displays more than 100 torture and execution devices with detailed information about the historical context and purpose of each instrument and visitors can also interact with the exhibits, which provides an even more immersive and realistic experience of the time.
However, due to the content of the exhibitions, the museum recommends that visits be made only to teenagers and adults.
Address:100 Saint George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 (about 1h45 from Orlando)
Opening hours: daily from 10am to 10pm.
Tickets: US$ 22.9 per person
Website: www.medievaltorturemuseum.com
Real Wrestling Experience: Be a Pro Wrestler for a Day
That's right! Have you ever thought about being a professional wrestler for a day and stepping into a real wrestling ring?
This incredible experience is offered by House of Champions, a professional wrestling training center located north of Orlando that allows participants to experience the world of professional wrestling.
The activity lasts around 2 hours and visitors have the opportunity to enter the ring, similar to the one used by WWE (with dimensions of 20x20 feet and real ropes). During the session, you can not only choose a character, but also an entrance song and equipment, experiencing the atmosphere of a professional fight.
But don't worry, as everything is done in complete safety to guarantee participants a unique and unforgettable experience!
Prices start at US$50 per person and reservations must be made via the center's official website (below).
Address:2100 N Ronald Reagan Blvd, Suite 1032, Longwood, FL 32750 (30 minutes from Orlando)
Opening hours:Mon to Thu: 9am to 9pm; Fri: 9am to 2am; Sat and Sun: closed.
Website: www.thehocpro.com
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