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Wednesday, April 7, 2010

13th Annual Mustangs & Mustangs Event at Fantasy of Flight

The 13th Annual Mustangs & Mustangs event will be held at Fantasy of Flight on April 17, 2010. The spring event features cars and vintage airplanes and is the only Mustang event to showcase both restored P-51 Mustang aircraft and Ford Mustang autos of all makes and models.

There is a People’s Choice Award for the show cars and the P-51 fighters perform live aerial demonstrations during Mustangs & Mustangs.

Interactive sessions with American Fighter Aces of WWII will be featured during the 2010 Mustangs & Mustangs event. The legendary P-51 Triple Ace Col. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson will be on hand to share real life WWII aerial experiences during the living history symposium “Victory in the Sky.”

Children’s activities & entertainment is planned as well.

Fantasy of Flight general admission is required to attend this event. Parking is $5.

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Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Fantasy of Flight to Host Sun 'n Fun Splash-In

Fantasy of Flight in Orlando, Florida is hosting the Splash-In on Thursday, April 15. This event will be in conjunction with the 36th Annual Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In. Visitors to Fantasy of Flight will be able to see a variety of seaplanes and amphibious aircraft perform water landings and takeoffs. The afternoon portion of the event will be dedicated to competitive flying.

Fantasy of Flight, owned by Kermit Weeks, will also have a PBY Catalina and Short Sunderland on display during the event.

The Splash-In event is included in the daily admission to Fantasy of Flight on April 15. Sun ‘n Fun guests who do not wish to tour Fantasy of Flight will be charged $5 for parking and admission to the Splash-In. The Splash-In is open to the public. Visitors who do not wish to visit Fantasy of Flight, and are not Sun 'n Fun guests, may pay $10 for parking and admission to the Splash-In.

A special Slash-In luncheon is also planned at noon on April 15. Attendees will be able to meet Jeff Skiles, Captain “Sully” Sullenberger’s co-pilot on the U.S. Airways Flight 1549 now famously known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” The barbeque luncheon will be held at the Orlampa Conference Center and is $20 per person. Advance reservations are required.

Fantasy of Flight tickets are on sale now.

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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Roar 'n Soar Event is landing at Fantasy of Flight

Join Fantasy of Flight for their 3rd Annual Roar ‘n Soar event on November 7 & 8 from 10am-5pm daily. The event will feature a gathering of classic racing machines from land, sea and air.

A sanctioned Slalom Course and a car show featuring rare, antique, classic and exotic vehicles are planned, as is a new R/C truck and buggy short racing course for dirt slinging, off road fun. Drivers will compete for the fastest time while they race the clock maneuvering through a slalom course on the hangar tarmac. This sanctioned race offers prime spectator viewing and comes to Roar n' Soar courtesy of The Jaguar Club of Florida and Sun Coast Jaguar Clubs. Plus, the car show features vintage classic cars by auto icons Jaguar, Austin-Healey, Ferrari, BMW, and Porsche including some of the most unique and exotic automobiles ever made. For the first time, radio-controlled trucks and buggies and bikers from Red Trail Racing will be joining in for an action-packed weekend at the 3rd Annual Roar n' Soar.

Classic race boats will also be on-hand. The shores of Lake Agnes will feature a boat show while R/C boats speed by on the water. Courtesy of the Classic Race Boat Association, some of the most elegant and powerful boats ever built will perform exhibition flybys in a race-like setting on a 1.5 mile oval course on Lake Agnes. A host of vintage watercraft will also be on display along with the opportunity to meet the drivers and take photographs.

Fantasy of Flight features one of the world's greatest aircraft collection and the soar portion of this event will feature aerial demonstrations from rare aircraft, as well as special aerobatic shows featuring the finest giant scale model replica aircraft in the world. Powered paragliders and hang glider pilots will also be soaring above.

Fantasy of Flight’s Roar ‘n Soar event will feature a variety of “Ask the Experts “discussions and presentations. Fun games and hands-on activities for kids are also planned.

Fantasy of Flight tickets are available now.

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Monday, October 5, 2009

Fantasy of Flight Presents "Fearless Men of the Flying Fortress" Event

The death-defying heroic pilots and crew of the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress and their fighter escorts will be honored on October 17 and 18 at Fantasy of Flight. The “Fearless Men of the B-17 Flying Fortress” event is part of Fantasy of Flight’s popular Living History Symposium Series.

The B-17 Flying Fortress played a vital role in the bombardment of Germany upon the entry of the U.S. into World War II. As many as 1,000 B-17 aircraft were staged and deployed during this time.
During Fantasy of Flight’s “Fearless Men of the B-17 Flying Fortress” event, an extraordinary group of real heroes will share memories of their daring days with the Flying Fortress. There will also be an open-forum/question and answer session.

Guests that are scheduled to appear include:
Gilbert Belair
Rudy Froeschle
Patrick O’Keef
William H. Rich
Paul Roberts
Linwood Smith

This event is FREE with general admission to Fantasy of Flight.
During the Flying Fortress event, there will also be a Military Collectors Show at the Orlampa Conference Center, hosted by Fantasy of Flight. The show will be held on October 17 from 10am-5pm, and on October 18 from 10am-3pm. The Military Collectors Show will feature more than 40 military collectors. Admission to the show is FREE with regular Fantasy of Flight admission.

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Friday, October 2, 2009

Experience Fantasy of Flight - Where Your Orlando Vacation Really Takes Off

Most people think of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort when they think of Orlando, Florida. Their thoughts are filled with awesome amusement parks, sunny skies and a parade of rides and shows that are thrilling and entertaining. All of this is true, and can create a wonderful Orlando vacation memory. However, if you’re looking to experience the other side of Orlando, I’ve found a unique way to accomplish just that.

On a recent trip to Orlando, I visited the Fantasy of Flight Museum, which is located a few miles south of Kissimmee. I have an interest in the history of flight, and the Fantasy of Flight Museum’s collection of vintage and rare aircraft promised to be an intriguing experience.

Upon arriving at the art deco inspired facility I realized that there was much more to the Fantasy of Flight experience than just their collection of aircrafts. Waldo Wright’s Flying Service is located on sight, as well as daily activities like restoration area tours and aerial demonstrations. I immediately went for a thrilling ride in one of Waldo’s bi-planes, a vintage barnstormer new standard D-25, and experienced one of the most amazing rides of my life. The open air cockpit allowed me to see amazing views of the Orlando scenery, including the lakes and orange groves that surround Fantasy of Flight. The ride lasted approximately 20 minutes, but it seemed to literally fly by as I was so immersed in the vintage flying experience. With my Amelia Earhart style flying goggles and cap on, the ride gave me a unique insight into what it would've been like to fly when aeronautics first got its wings. The activity does cost $69.95 per person, but it is worth every penny.

The museum portion of my visit was also awe-inspiring, simply due to the history and detail I found. The Realistic Immersion Environments were a real treat and they allowed me and my companion to experience the earliest attempts at flight, the WWI trenches on the Western front and we were even able to climb aboard an authentic B-17 Flying Fortress. There are also historical areas dedicated to the Tuskegee Airmen and WASP flyers. A Fun with Flight Center is also available for kids as well as Corsair Fighter Game Simulators, for the kid in all of us. I would definitely make time for the Tram Tour too, as the wood shop restoration center, restoration shop, runway visit and maintenance hangar provide an up close look at aviation you won't be able to experience elsewhere.

When I visited, I had Smilin’ Jack as my tour guide, and I would recommend his services to any visitor who wants a detailed discourse on all of the planes and services available at the museum.

Their on-site restaurant, the Compass Rose Diner, also serves up some delicious lunch items, all with an aviation spin. The diner is reminiscent of 1930's & 40's diners, complete with soda fountains, which served up some tasty drinks.

Visitors to the Orlando Fantasy of Flight Museum can truly make a day of it, as this is an all encompassing attraction. On your next Florida vacation, make time for the Fantasy of Flight museum and you'll see why this attraction is on a higher plane than the rest.

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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Fantasy of Flight has Good News for Cypress Gardens Pass Holders

Fantasy of Flight has some good news for Cypress Gardens pass holders.

The aviation themed attraction plans to honor the annual passes issued by Cypress Gardens, which recently shut down again.

Fantasy of Flight plans to honor the passes until they expire. After that, Cypress Gardens pass holders can get $15 off the purchase of a new annual pass to Fantasy Flight.

Both attractions are located in Polk County.

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Thursday, September 17, 2009

Join Fantasy of Flight for The Last Big Splash

Join Fantasy of Flight September 26 & 27 for “The Last Big Splash,” an action-packed event featuring seaplanes and extreme skydiving. This is the last seaplane fly-in and competition to be held this year at Fantasy of Flight. It is also the only place in Orlando where guests can see firsthand the newest form of skydiving currently sweeping the extreme sports world – Swooping.

A variety of breathtaking aerial and water competitions and demonstrations are planned on the Fantasy of Flight’s scenic Lake Agnes. Seaplane pilots from around the world, in conjunction with Seaplane Pilots Association, will present maneuvers that will awe spectators. In addition to the seaplane pilots, canopy pilots, or “extreme sport parachutists,” will provide even more adrenaline pumping action for guests. The will be competing for ranking in a Florida Canopy Pilots Association skydiving competition in which they will use large ponds lining Fantasy of Flight’s grass runways as a landing zone as they “swoop” down from the sky at extreme speeds and skid to a stop across the water.

Access to the event is included in regular Fantasy of Flight admission.

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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Aviation Heroes Featured during Fantasy of Flight's Real Imagination: Heroes of Flight

From a Special Fantasy of Flight Press Release:

Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida's premier aviation-themed attraction, will unveil an engaging, historically based theater presentation Sat., Aug. 29 and Sun., Aug. 30, just in time to ignite children's imaginations as they begin a new school year.

The show, called "Real Imagination: Heroes of Flight," features a lively trio of madcap actors who usher the audience through the centuries to embrace inspirational stories of aviation's boldest and brightest heroes, from the visionary of flight, Leonardo daVinci, to the unflappable Wright Brothers, the gutsy Amelia Earhart and daring Charles Lindbergh. Along the way, the audience will learn about different modes of aviation travel and marvel at the innovation, courage and imagination that opened up the skies to us all.

The compelling new show is adapted from a production originally written for Fantasy of Flight by Norman Small, producing director of the Theatre Winter Haven, and will be presented in the Fantasy of Flight Officer's Club. The "theater troupe in a trunk" show is tall on tales and excitement, but light on personnel and props, relying on just three talented actors -- all from the Real Imagination Players - Jack Newton, Derek Wyatt and Rebecca Stoffel -- and the inspirational atmosphere provided by Fantasy of Flight's authentic airplanes to set the stage.

"Real Imagination: Heroes of Flight" will be presented at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 29 and 1:00 p.m. on Sun., Aug. 30 and is included with Fantasy of Flight general admission.

"Engaging our guests and helping them explore their dreams, whatever they may be, is our core mission," said Kermit Weeks, creator and founder of Fantasy of Flight. "'Heroes of Flight' is a fantastic way to teach young people and the young at heart about the evolution of aviation in a fun yet informative manner. We are proud to bring some of the world's most legendary pilots and students of flight to life before their eyes. And hope that our guests are inspired to dream big!"

Weeks is no stranger to children's education initiatives. This year the pilot and former aerobatics world champion received a Bronze IPPY Award in the 13th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards for his children's book, "All of Life is a School" (KWIP Publishing, $19.95). His children's book brings to life some of Fantasy of Flight's most historically significant airplanes through colorful characters that existed during the Golden Age of Aviation.

As an added value on Aug. 29 at 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. and Aug. 30 at 12:30 p.m., time-traveling aviator Ophelia Ida Lightheart, the newest "character" to join Fantasy of Flight's Real Imagination Players, will be reading "All of Life is a School" aloud between performances of "Real Imagination: Heroes of Flight." A grand storyteller reminiscent of Mother Goose, Lightheart (played by local actor Leigh Switzer) not only tells stories, but also sings and makes mischief wherever - or whenever - she travels.

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Friday, July 24, 2009

Fantasy of Flight Presents "Barnstormers of the Roaring '20s" Event

Fantasy of Flight is celebrating the tradition of Barnstorming in July with an event that pays tribute to the Barnstormers of the Roaring ‘20s. Scheduled for July 25 & 26, "Barnstormers of the Roaring ‘20s” will feature a multimedia presentation, a storytelling tour of vintage aircraft, and a screening of "The Great Waldo Pepper" in the cozy Fantasy of Flight Officers' Club. Aviation heroes, incredible flying machines and Jazz were all an indelible part of the ‘20s, and this Fantasy of Flight event will spotlight all three.

The full schedule of events includes:

11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m:
“Barnstormers of the Roaring ‘20s” Multi-media Presentation in Officers' Club, followed by Barnstormers Walking Tour of vintage aircraft

12:30 – 2:00 p.m.:
Step into the fuselage of a Barnstorming aircraft treasure, the Ford Trimotor

1:30 p.m.:
Aircraft of the Day Barnstorming demonstration

3:30 p.m.:
Watch "The Great Waldo Pepper" in the Officers' Club

The program is free with regular admission and for all Fantasy of Flight Annual Pass Holders.

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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Fantasy of Flight Celebrates Fathers Day Weekend

From an offical Fantasy of Flight Museum Press Release:

Fantasy of Flight is offering free admission for Dad when accompanied by a paying guest Thurs., June 18 to Sun., June 21. These dates include Fantasy of Flight’s Father's Day weekend, Sat., June 20 and Sun., June 21, when Central Florida’s premier aviation-themed attraction will offer two days of special high-flying experiences that the whole family – especially Dad – will never forget. The complimentary admission offer for Dad is valid with a full-price paid youth, senior or adult admission and is not valid with any other offers, discounts, annual passes or special events.

“We are pleased to salute and honor hard-working dads, many of whom make sacrifices daily including leaving their families to support our country,” said Weeks. “This weekend is in honor of all that Dads do for their families every day and gives families an opportunity to thank Dad while spending some quality time learning and just enjoying each other.”

The action-packed weekend of fun kicks off with the Fantasy Flyers R/C Club First Annual “The Golden Age of Aviation Fly-In” featuring WWI and Golden Age giant scale remote control planes. The skies will be filled with zooming, zipping, and all manner of rip-roaring remote-controlled fun that is sure to have the whole family breathless with excitement and to appeal to the young boy in every man. The Fly-In is Sat., June 20 and Sun., June 21 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Mid Florida R/C Club will also be onsite with R/C aviation displays with opportunities for visitors to learn more about the hobby. Sessions will be held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday in the Officers' Club at Fantasy of Flight. The Fly-In and related activities are included in the general attraction admission for spectators.

Paper airplane expert Dean Mackey from The Online Paper Airplane Museum will be on hand both Sat., June 20 and Sun., June 21 to offer complimentary demonstrations and instruction on paper airplane crafting for all skill levels and all ages. His website, The Online Paper Airplane Museum, offers hundreds of designs from an easy-level “Basic Dart” to an intricate-level “1903 Wright Flyer.”

The Second Annual Military Collectors Show will also be held on-site Sat., June 20 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. as part of the Father’s Day weekend at the attraction’s Orlampa Conference Center. Scheduled to be on-hand at the Military Collectors Show are Robert Roberts, a Combat Media and D-Day veteran and Hiram Mann, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen who was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

Featuring close to 40 military antiques collectors, military Dads or Dads with an interest in history are certain to enjoy the wide variety of collectible memorabilia showcased from the Civil War to the Vietnam War. Guests can see uniforms, medals, insignia and war relics, among other military-related collectibles. The Military Collectors Show is included with the price of regular admission to Fantasy of Flight or guests can pay just $6 for entry to the show alone.

As an added bonus to top off the weekend of high-flying family fun, families are invited to bring Dad to participate in the wildly popular “Open Cockpit Days” for an unforgettable treat.

“For those who want to give their father a truly memorable experience, we can completely drop the rope and hoist them right up into the pilot's seat of these historic beauties,” said Weeks. “Or, if they choose, the whole family can take turns getting behind the controls and imagine what the pilots experienced when they crawled into these gorgeous beasts.”

Weeks noted that Fantasy of Flight will roll out some classic airplanes from his prized collection – including the Grumman Wildcat, Grumman TBM Avenger and the Corsair -- to allow guests the photo opportunity of a lifetime as they climb into and claim the cockpit of some of America’s most rare vintage aircraft. “Open Cockpit Days” are Sat., June 20 and Sun., June 21 from 3-5 p.m. and are free to annual pass holders and available to single day admission guests for an additional fee per person including 7 percent sales tax.

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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

There's More to Explore in Orlando Than Just Theme Parks

Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise through Florida’s Everglades at speeds up to 45 mph, experience an equine fairy tale come to life or frolic amid a prehistoric playground. With so many exciting options, Orlando is filled with little-known gems sure to dazzle your whole family.

Arabian Nights
An incredible dinner show like no other, Arabian Nights blends expert horsemanship, glamorous costumes, 65 horse stars, 35 incredible performers, and a sumptuous meal into an experience unique to Orlando. Highlights of the show include dancing Arabian horses, bareback riding, chariot races, trick riding and even square dancing on horseback — all presented over 20 horse-themed acts woven together with a romantic story that will amaze and entertain.

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
Located just 35 minutes from Orlando’s attractions, Boggy Creek Airboat Rides offers breathtaking tours of Lake Tohopekaliga, headwaters to the Florida Everglades. During this adventuresome ride, you’ll explore natural wetlands, cypress trees, and wildlife such as alligators, turtles and exotic birds in their natural habitat.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Educational Tours
Have a close encounter with majestic beluga whales, dive with over 30 sharks, feed playful dolphins, or learn about SeaWorld® Orlando’s animal rescue, rehabilitation and release program. With more than 10 tours and programs to choose from, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at marine life conservation efforts, and turn your vacation into a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience. For more information, call toll-free at 800-327-2424.

Orlando Sharks Professional Soccer
For an action-packed activity found only in Orlando, attend an Orlando Sharks professional soccer game. Part of the Major Indoor Soccer League, the Sharks play an exciting style of soccer known for high scores and fast-paced play, complete with music, cheerleaders and a fun-filled night of entertainment.

Orange County Regional History Center
Explore Orlando’s fascinating history with the Orange County Regional History Center’s new permanent exhibit, Destination Florida: Tourism Before Disney. Visitors will see how Orlando has grown from an Indian settlement to a small town surrounded by citrus groves and cattle ranches to today’s tourism wonderland. Step inside a replica tepee from Wigwam Village, an Orlando motel and popular tourist destination in the 1950s, or sit inside a replica Model T modified into a “tin-can camper” for an audiovisual trip on the roads tourists traveled before the advent of interstate highways. General admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors ages 60 and over, and $6 for children ages 5–12. For more information, call 407-836-8500.

Orlando Science Center
Using knowledge to entertain through engaging interactive exhibits, giant-screen films and live programming, the Orlando Science Center will delight and amaze your whole family, no matter their ages. You can discover re-creations of six Florida habitats at the NatureWorks exhibit, uncover “fossils” in the dig pit at the DinoDigs exhibit, experience hurricane-force winds in the TechWorks exhibit’s Hurricane Simulator and so much more. General admission is $21 for adults, $18 for children 13–17 and free for children ages two and under. For more information, call 407-514-2000.

Fantasy of Flight
A stunning art deco aviation museum, Fantasy of Flight is home to more than 40 rare and vintage aircrafts, a variety of guided tours and the Compass Rose diner. Tour the Tuskegee Airmen exhibit and learn about a compelling piece of American history, witness a daily aerial demonstration of vintage aircraft, and take your vacation to new heights when you fly in a real hot air balloon or ride in an open-cockpit vintage bi-plane.

Information courtesy of Orlando CVB

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