There’s a new way to play in Orlando — and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Get ready to rumble at the wheel of a genuine 17-ton military tank!
The brainchild of Navy veteran Troy Lotane and partner John Kinney, Tank America opened its gates just beyond Baldwin Park last October. “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 Kinney.
The 14-acre attraction puts guests right in the center of the action as they navigate jungle terrain, negotiate hairpin turns, climb a 15-foot hill, and barrel through a 75-foot-long, four-foot-deep mud hole.
What can beat driving a 17-ton tank? Driving a tank and crushing cars! The driver actually comes face to face with a real car that they get to drive over and crush three times, from three different angles as glass shatters, metal flies and headlights pop under the weight of an armored tank fury.
“I haven’t seen anyone get off a tank without a smile on their face from ear to ear,” said Kinney with a smile in his own voice. So, what’s the appeal?
Sam Patterson and Kara Blanco recently took the plunge and were pleasantly surprised at how easily and smoothly their tank, Sugar Daddy, ran. “It was exhilarating, and very surreal to have the opportunity to get behind the controls of one of those monsters,” Sam said. “I felt like a big kid driving a monster truck.”
Their favorite part of the experience? “Definitely the mud hole,” he continued. “That trench is as wide as the tank and the commander lets you take control. Plus, you can go as fast as you want. When Kara went through, she got mud all over her face. It almost felt like real combat, riding on this thing. It was beastly!”
