A brand-new way to play has rolled into Orlando: Tank America, the only place in Florida where you can drive real tanks without joining the military.
It doesn’t get any more “Unbelievably Real” than taking control of an actual tank, and Orlando’s newest attraction, Tank America, lets you do just that — no military enlistment required. See what to expect from this one-of-a-kind adventure you can only experience in the Theme Park Capital of the World.
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The Vehicles
First things first: You won’t find any amusement park rides at Tank America. Instead, you’ll have access to a fleet of nine real FV433 Abbott Self-Propelled Gun (SPG) tanks, as well as two armored personnel carriers that can be deployed for larger groups. Developed by the United Kingdom in the late 1950s, these tanks still pack plenty of punch for modern times — and considering that only 234 were ever produced, having nine in one location 60-plus years later is an achievement in itself.
The tanks also have some surprises under the hood. Specifically, they boast Cummins 6BT engines with 375 horsepower and 600 pounds of torque, resulting in a nice upgrade over the Abbott’s stock 240-horsepower Rolls-Royce motor. The newer engines power the tanks to move at speeds up to 30 mph… which may not sound like much until you consider that each modified tank weighs just under 17 tons, or nearly 34,000 pounds.
And yes, the tanks still have their original 105mm L13A1 howitzers — but perhaps needless to say, you won’t get the chance to fire them. The biggest reason being that the guns have a range of 9 miles while Tank America is located on “just” 14 acres.
You’ll drive using a combination of two levers, a foot pedal and a gear shifter. (Don’t panic; if you’ve driven any kind of car, you can drive these tanks.) When it’s time to go left, pull on the left stick, and when it’s time to go right, pull on the right stick. Ready to stop? Yank them both down.
Each tank can accommodate four guests and an instructor. Speaking of which, you’ll be fully trained in how to operate the vehicles before you take the controls, and the instructor will be there with you in case you forget anything. Once your training is complete, it’s time to hit the course.
The Course
Tank America’s course offers a half-mile of obstacles, turns and hills with lots of fun surprises along the way. The basic experience gives you the chance to navigate jungle terrain and hills, and numerous add-ons and combo packages are available.
Upgrades include access to a 75-foot-long, 4-foot-deep mud hole and a scrap-car obstacle course, plus the opportunity to crush one or more cars on your own. You can also go for the “combat locked up” option, where you’ll drive the tank with all hatches closed just like the pros.
No matter which package you choose, you can take as many pictures and videos as you want along the way, and you’re free to post them on social media. The owners just ask that you tag #TankAmerica when you do. And once you see all the photo ops that Tank America has in store for you, you’ll definitely want to share them with friends and family.
Know Before You Go
Here are some other frequently asked questions about the Tank America experience. If you have a question that isn’t covered here, give them a call — they’ll be thrilled to hear from you.
Q. Where is Tank America located?
A. Tank America is in the City of Orlando, about 10 minutes east of downtown and 30 minutes from our tourism districts.
Q. Is pre-registration required at Tank America?
A. Yes, you will have to pre-book a date and time for your experience.
Q. Do I have to sign a waiver to participate at Tank America?
A. Yes, all participating guests are required to sign a waiver.
Q. How long does the Tank America experience last?
A. Between the initial briefing and driving, you should expect your Tank America experience to last about 90 minutes.
Q. Does Tank America have age or height requirements?
A. Yes, guests must be 16 years to drive a tank and 55 inches or taller to ride as a passenger.
Q. What should I wear to Tank America?
A. Depending on weather conditions on the day of your visit, chances are you will get dirty, dusty, wet and/or muddy. (Tanks operate rain or shine.) Accordingly, you should plan on wearing comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Long pants are recommended but not required.
Q. Are the tanks accessible to guests with special needs?
A. Tank America’s tanks do not accommodate wheelchairs, but all other special needs can be accommodated.
Q. Does Tank America host group events?
A. Yes, Tank America can accommodate groups as large as 40. Contact them for details ahead of your visit.
Q. Is there another Tank America in Melbourne?
A. No. However, Tank America was originally located in Melbourne on Florida’s east coast before moving to Orlando in 2022. Call us biased, but we think that was a good decision on their part!
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