You can drive an FV433 Abbott Tank at Tank America in Orlando. Seriously, you can drive an actual English Tank, not technically “IN” Orlando, cause that would probably be illegal but right outside the city is Tank America with a course to drive tanks on. Below you can read all about the facts and figures and the people who run the operation. Beforehand, I am going to try and tell you why you and the whole family need to try this out on your next vacation to central Florida.
Yes, this does seem very “Male” dominated fun but we witnessed the ladies in our group follow the exact same excitement and wonder. The first thing that happens when you book your time at Tank America is this inner voice that screams “Holy Crud, I am going to Drive a Tank!”.
I will fully admit, I am and never have been the “YO JOE!” G.I.Joe The Great American Hero type of kid. I was a “Gummi Bears, Bouncing here and there and everywhere…” kid. I am a, “I have true admiration and respect for those who serve our Country and am grateful for those who serve.” person but, this experience has been a thought in the back of my head since I was 8 years old. No matter where you stand, driving a Tank is AWESOME! Your Inner child leaps out instantly. This experience is some of the most fun we have had in a while. You DRIVE A TANK! What else can you say?
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You must take a safety course that lasts about 20-25 minutes. They explain how to drive an FV433 English Tank. How the controls differ from driving a car, which is many. How to not burn out the brakes, which must be replaced regularly. Also, they explain how a family or groups of 4 can all ride together. Then it is onto the course for some fun.
What’s better than driving a 17-ton tank? Driving a tank and crushing cars! You can do all this at Tank America, now located in Orlando.
Previously located in Melbourne, Florida, Tank America has made the move to Orlando and is now just outside of Baldwin Park welcoming guests for a chance to get behind the controls of a 17-ton FV433 real military tank. Orlando’s newest attraction is on 14 acres of land and puts guests right in the center of the action as they navigate jungle terrain, hills, and mud holes.
Tank America in Orlando
The new adventure park offers several high-intensity packages to give guests an immersive tank-driving experience. Each package includes a safety and vehicle briefing and offers an additional way to explore the terrain. Packages include:
- Basic Tank Training: After a safety briefing from the platoon Commander at Headquarters, you will board one of our 17-ton tanks. Lead your crew through a 1/2-mile tank course that requires you to navigate hairpin turns, climb a fifteen-foot hill, and cross trenches.
- Commander Package: Take the same epic adventure as the Basic Tank Training package with the added challenge of driving from inside the belly of the tank, navigating only through the vehicle’s periscope as if you’re actually driving into combat.
- Advanced Troop Package: Take the action up a notch and upgrade to the Advanced Troop Package to add a car crush, mud hole, and complimentary additional guests. This package is perfect for guests looking for even more destructive fun! The driver will find themselves face to face with a real car that they get to drive over and crush three times from three different angles. The glass will shatter, metal will fly and the headlights will pop under the weight of 17 tons of armored tank fury.
- Ultimate Package: With the Ultimate Package, you get to experience all that Tank America offers. Drive the tank course including all the additional obstacles along with the excitement of crushing a car. You can also test your skills using only the periscope and guidance from your tank commander to navigate through the Battle Front in combat locked up.
Tank America also offers packages for group visits. From bachelor parties to team building and anything in between, groups can come together and bond as they work their way through the experience. Get your adrenaline pumping behind the wheel of one of the awesome tanks. To learn more about hosting a private group event at Tank America, click here.
“Tank America is one of the only places in the country you can get behind the wheel of a real tank outside of the Army,” said Tank America partner John Kinney. “If you’re looking for a thrilling experience outside of the theme parks, it doesn’t get more thrilling than Tank America.”
The FV433 Abbot Tank holds one driver and three passengers. Guests must be 16 years old to drive a tank and at least 55 inches tall to ride as a passenger. Operating hours are Thursday through Monday from noon to 6 p.m.
To learn more about Tank America, visit www.tankamerica.com.
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