Have you ever wanted the chance to glide through the sky like Superman? Well, here it is. Wallaby Ranch, located just outside Orlando, gives customers the ride of their lives 2,000 feet in the air.

Before you scoff at the idea of being towed behind a small airplane, which looks a bit like it is framed out of legos, at 35 m.p.h., understand Wallaby Ranch is one of the safest flight parks around. Founder and avid hang glider, Malcom Jones, is one of the most experienced tandem hang gliding pilots in the world with more than 35,000 incident-free tandem flights. Jones even took beloved Al Roker, weather anchor on NBC’s Today, for an exhilarating flight in 2007. If Al Roker can do it, you can do it.

Here is more proof, I am afraid of heights, yes, but when it was my turn, I donned my helmet, wiggled into the burrito wrap they call a harness, and braced myself. Before I knew it we were airborne, flying high above Central Florida. Mid-way through the ride at 2,000 feet the tow was disconnected, and we started our journey floating back to earth. The ride was smooth, relaxing and extremely easy. I never lost my stomach and not once was I worried about my trip down. This is truly the best way to experience hang gliding for the first time. But, watch out, flying gracefully through the air might quickly become an addicting hobby.

You can experience a tandem flight at the Wallaby Ranch for $175 and receive a video for $60. They even offer individual instruction for those of you ready to go up alone, starting at $175.

If you go:

It is best to following the directions posted on the website and give the GPS a rest (I learned that the hard way). Also, note there is not a sign for Wallaby Ranch visible from the road so it is extra important to pay attention to the mileage instructions (1.7 miles west on Deen Still Road).

Plan on arriving around 8 a.m. for the best flight conditions. The later in the morning the choppier the wind can be giving a bit of a rough ride. Don’t worry, Jones and his team are quick and get everyone up in the air before the weather is an issue.

Wallaby Ranch
Malcolm Jones
1805 Deen Still Road
Davenport, FL  33897
1-800-WALLABY
+1 (863) 424-0070
fly@wallaby.com