Orlando Vacation Homes Villa Rentals

By Mark Whichard

If you want to experience skydiving but are afraid of going up in an airplane, then SkyVenture in Orlando, Florida is the place to go. SkyVenture is as close as you will get to actually skydiving without jumping out of an airplane, and almost anyone can "fly" there.

This feat is accomplished in a specially built indoor skydiving wind tunnel. The "flying area" has a trampoline floor and riders are equipped with goggles, pads and protective equipment so anyone from a tot to a senior citizen can try it out. According to the SkyVenture website, "No experience is needed, just a sense of adventure and an attitude for fun."

In you are thinking that this must be only a theme-park ride or simulator, you are wrong. According to SkyVenture spokespeople, professional skydivers practice their moves in the tunnel. In addition, you actually fly and experience free falling and you can use the experience to master turns and other maneuvers just like accomplished sky-divers.

If you were to go up in an airplane, the free-fall segment of your skydive would last for 40 seconds. In the SkyVenture each rotation in the tunnel is a full minute and you can do it without jumping from an airplane and without worrying about a hard landing. The entire experience lasts about an hour and includes two one-minute flight rotations, which is equivalent to 2-3 real skydives. Many flyers find that each minute feels much longer, due to the adrenaline involved with flying in a 125 mph wind stream. Most people are satisfied with two flight rotations, but it is possible to sign up for additional time.

The experience begins with classroom training with a flight instructor, who explains how to use your body in the tunnel, as well as how to communicate through signals. From there you go to the equipment room to pick your flight suit, helmet, goggles and other gear. Finally, you go to the tunnel with your class and take turns flying one-on-one with your instructor. Each person gets two flight rotations, which is equal to two real skydives.

You can go with your family and friends and share the experience together. SkyVenture offers a special Family Package that allows up to five family members to share 10 minutes of flight rotations and includes a photo CD and DVD flight recording of the entire family's flights. They also offer private party packages for birthdays, graduations, and other family events.

Just about anyone can fly, but there is a weight limit of 25-270 pounds (depending on body build) and minors under 18 years of age need the consent of a parent or guardian. In addition, people with serious back or shoulder conditions should not try this skydiving experience.

SkyVenture Orlando has flight packages starting at $44.95 for adults, with a $5 discount for kids 12 and under. There is also a Multi-Media Package, at $69.95. In addition to the basic flight, you'll receive a flight recording of your experience on DVD and high resolution pictures of your flight on a photo CD. Normally, the basic flight, DVD and CD cost a total of $84.95.

If this sounds exciting then here are the contact details: SkyVenture Orlando, 6805 Visitor Circle, Orlando, FL 32819. Directions: Exit 75 A off I-4 (across from Wet & Wild). Reservations suggested: call 407-903-1150 or 1-800-SKY-FUN-1

Mark Whichard writes frequently on Orlando Tourism. He is an Orlando vacation home rental expert and operates the site: http://www.qualityvillarentals.com which offers Orlando villa rentals just minutes from all the major attractions in the Orlando area.