Originally built by NASA to test the effects of weightlessness on manatees, vertical wind tunnels have since become popular practice areas for professional skydivers, barbershop quartets, and other death-defying thrill-seekers. Simulate floating in the sky and work on your four-part harmonies with today's Groupon: for $37, you get an "earn your wings" multimedia package with a wind-tunnel flight (a $75 value including tax) at iFLY Orlando on Visitors Circle, just across from Wet ‘n Wild. Anyone ages three and up can take the virtual plunge as long as they meet iFLY Orlando’s weight and health requirements.

iFLY Orlando’s state-of-the-art indoor wind tunnel lets acrophobic and aerophobic adrenaline junkies experience the sensations of skydiving under safe conditions. iFLY Orlando will suit you up with a helmet, goggles, flight suit, earplugs, knee and elbow pads, and a can of gravity repellent, before an instructor teaches you the basic maneuvers and hand signals. Once you've learned a lesson, you'll be unleashed into the vertical tunnel’s artificial, 125 mph wind current for two one-minute rotations of air-swimming (real skydives usually allow for about 40 seconds of air time). As you hover in empty space, you’ll feel like you’re floating serenely rather than free-falling, as if the wind's hands were lifting your body into a high, carefree state rarely achieved without being fired from a cannon into a cumulus cloud of nacho cheese. The entire process lasts about an hour, including waiver signing (flyers under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign), a 15-minute class, and a flight slot during which your group takes turns flying. In addition to the flight experience, the multimedia package includes a DVD with a recording of your flight, as well as high-res pictures on a CD.

Indoor skydiving is accessible to a wide, family-friendly age range, meaning that Grandma and Grandpa can celebrate their 60th anniversary with more than the traditional cake shaped like Andy Griffith. iFLY Orlando’s free observation deck allows for maximum show-offiness, so invite along an audience of hard-to-impress friends, lovers, and butlers to marvel at your simulated plummet through the heavens.

By appointment only. This Groupon is not valid on Saturdays. Skydivers cannot be pregnant or have a history of heart, neck, and back problems or shoulder dislocations.

Reviews

TripAdvisors give iFLY Orlando an average of 4.5 owl eyes. Seven Yahoo! Travelers give it an average of three stars:

• Instruction was good and time "flying" was one of the most unique things I've ever done. It does take some time to get the hang of it, but once you figure things out, it's amazing! – Asbury_Inn, TripAdvisor
• The staff was great! Positive attitudes, very friendly and made sure we all had a fantastic time! – saraga1908, TripAdvisor