Disabled thrill-seekers will soon zip line at Gatorland

ORLANDO, Fla. — Gatorland is  pleased to announce the construction of a boundless zip line experience that will allow participants to experience a safe, unique, and exhilarating flight high above the “Alligator Capital of the World” on  the Screamin’ Gator Accessibility Zip Line at Gatorland.

The forty-five foot structure is designed to allow wheelchair accessibility and is an exciting addition to the world renowned Screamin’ Gator Zip Line that opened in 2011.  Participants will be secured into a specially designed harness by a certified member of the zip line team.  Once safely attached to the zip line and raised out of their chair, riders will zip 365 ft. over alligators and crocodiles before safely landing near ground level and lowered back into a chair. This exciting new ride will allow visitors with lower body disabilities to participate in Gatorland’s zip line activities and is built with strict regards to participants’ safety and comfort.

“We believe this is the first zip line in the eastern United States that is adapted to accommodate guests with certain challenges,” says Mark McHugh, Gatorland’s president & CEO.  “Our goal is to make our exciting zip line experience available to guests with a wide range of abilities. We spent a tremendous amount of time designing this incredible experience that combines state-of-the-art safety features available in a zip line with the raw beauty and excitement of Gatorland’s natural exhibits.”

This unique zip line experience is slated to open in the fall of 2014.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting new exhibits and entertainment.  The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, Gatorland award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show.  And, don’t miss the world’s largest collection of giant white alligators in the new White Gator Swamp and the all new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line featuring over 1,200 feet of high flying thrills, five intense zip lines and a massive 150 ft. suspension bridge.

To find out more about "Orlando's only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude", visit www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.

WFTV