Grande Lakes Orlando Welcomes Falconry to Its Roster of Outdoor Sports Offerings

ORLANDO, Fla., May 14, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Grande Lakes Orlando, comprised of The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Orlando, announces its newest addition to the Grande Lakes Sports offerings — the ancient sport of falconry. Falconry, which focuses on the pursuit of wild game in its natural habitat by flying a trained bird of prey, is one of the world’s oldest traditions, and Grande Lakes Orlando is taking a closer look at the intriguing practice by inviting guests to partake in the experience firsthand. With the resort situated on more than 500-acres of the most enchanting natural surroundings in Florida, the opportunity to participate in a falconry class is an exciting addition to the resort’s ecological and outdoor activity roster.

Resort guests can choose from two different falconry programs—Falconry School and Walk with a Hawk.

• Falconry School is an introduction to the ancient art of Falconry, where participants learn about the history of the sport, rules and regulations, traditional and modern equipment, species identification, biology, training, and historical applications. This program includes light audience interaction and participants can hold the birds for photos. Classes typically last one hour, pending group size. Pricing is $250 per person for up to 5 people, and $1,500 for groups of 6-50 people.

• Walk with a Hawk begins with a short introduction to Falconry, followed by engaging bird interactions. The birds will follow attendees in the trees and then fly down when called. Due to the intimate nature of the activity, this experience is limited to smaller groups or individuals and affords plenty of photo and video moments as guests practice being the Falconer. This activity typically lasts about an hour to an hour and a half depending upon group size and is priced at $300 per person.

“We’re thrilled to take our Grande Lakes Sports hub to the next echelon of guest experiences through the addition of falconry,” said Jon McGavin, Area General Manager, Grande Lakes Orlando. “Falconry has a storied history, and our vast landscape lends itself perfectly to its storytelling through engaging and immersive offerings.”

Master Falconer, Terry Arndt, will lead Falconry School; he is the only instructor in the state of Florida with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Falconry Education permit.

Falconry is the fifth installment of Grande Lakes Sports, following in the footsteps of other guest offerings including eco-tours, sunrise safari, fishing excursions on Shingle Creek, and mountain biking along the Hidden Lake Bike Path.

To book a Falconry or other Grande Lakes Sports experience, please call 407-393-4531, or visit GrandeLakes.com. Summer room rates start at $199 at The Ritz-Carlton and $159 at JW Marriott.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/595c0b24-4c9e-4985-b590-d91a265ecc13