ZipaDee Whoo Wow

Until recently, zip line attractions were more the province of adventure travel providers. But theme parks have been capitalizing on the popularity of the treetop attractions with parks such as Dollywood getting into the swing of things and offering their own extra-fee adventures. Now, the line has been blurred further with the introduction of what is being described as a zip line roller coaster.

Today, Florida EcoSafaris in St. Cloud is debuting The Rattlesnake, the second zip line ride of its kind in the world. (There is a similar attraction in Mexico.) Most zip lines, including the six others offered at EcoSafaris, feature a straight shot on a flexible wire. The Rattlesnake, however, uses a rigid track and incorporates dips, tight turns, and other coaster-style elements. There is no motorized lift hill; riders must climb up to a 65-foot launch platform. With a top speed of 20 mph, the zip line ride won't be displacing extreme coasters such as Intimidator 305 anytime soon. But it's likely that amusement parks will be developing their own zip line coasters soon, and I wouldn't be surprised if they amped up the thrills.

Photo: Florida EcoSafaris