Fantasy of Flight

[mini-mum]

My DH is mad about vintage planes. Has anyone been to Fantasy of Flight? Is it any good and would the rest of us (me and 3 teens) enjoy it too?

[Bradleysmummy]

Personally we've never been, although driven past it god knows how many times! My fil loves planes and goes here every year and says its his favourite place and I believe they are just finshing a re-vamp. Not sure how you and your kids would enjoy it, will ask him tomorrow and post again!

[Happy Feet]

We went last year, and thought it was a brill day out.
I'm not a big fan of aircraft, but even I enjoyed it. Plenty to do, flight simulator, cockpits to check out, activity room(great for kids - or big kids!), and loads of planes to see, some you can even walk through.
DH loves the B17, Flying Fortress, and not only could he go up to one, you could go in it...
DH has gone to loads of aircraft museums over the years, and he reckons it the best one he's ever been to..
If you go, the flight in the 1920's bi-plane is a must. DH and DD8 went up and had a great time.

[truesdpr]

We've been and it's great - we really enjoyed it. I'd say it's no more than a half-day unless there is a special event on but there's plenty to do and see. I wasn't too bothered myself and went so DH could see it really but once there we all had a really good day. There are some pics in my gallery if you want to have a flick through - some quite good ones but I'm afraid I can't remember what page they're on! They have lots of planes on display, a back lot type tour with some great talks form enthusiastic volunteers, a WWII exhibition and a lovely little diner serving snacks & drinks (my favourite bit!). Thye also had someone flying a bi-plane and you could go up in it. I elected not to since the pilot was called Waldo and wore the thickest glasses you've ever seen! but we did watch people take to the skies and they all landed safely!!

I would recommend it - it's a really nice break from the frantic pace of the parks. Have you had a look at their website on www.fantasyofflight.com

By the way - welcome to the Dibb!!

Pam.
:wavey:

[mini-mum]

Thanks everyone. Did you buy your tickets over here or when you got there? If in Orlando, where's the best place to buy them?

[truesdpr]

We just bought them when we arrived there - no need to buy in advance. Have a look out for money off coupons in the coupon books as we saved a few dollars on the admission prices with these.

Pam.
:wavey:

[Harry]

Worth going just for the WWII Fighter Flight Simulators.... a superb experience.

Well unless you was my wife as she shot down two of her own planes and then crashed in the sea trying to land her plane on the aircraft carrier!!

[John]

spent half a day there, thought it was excellent.

[tiggers friend]

We went some time ago and my son really enjoyed it (he was a bit of plane buff!). There is a fine example of a Spitfire and a Short Sunderland flying boat amongst the collection which is very well presented. The entrance to the collection is really good.

[Maddie]

We agree had a wonderful time when we went!

Maddie

[MalcolmC]

I would agree a half day is probably plenty. There are some excellent guided tours around the workshops and hangers but these only run a couple of times each day - taking an hour or so.

Buy tickets at the door but, as Truesdpr says, find a coupon and save yourselves a couple of dollars each. That'll pay for the drinks in the restaurant/cafe/diner. looking over the Short Sunderland was my highlight last year (sad or what?).

[Ros & Jim]

It was my husband's birthday a few weeks ago, whilst we were in Florida. I had booked him the 30 minutes hands on experience on the WWII Stearman. As soon as he climbed into the cockpit at the front his face lit up. He thoroughly enjoyed it and was beaming from ear to ear when he landed. The instructor spent at least half an hour beforehand explaining all about the plane and how to operate it. It seems the guys who flew them during the war were only given 10 hours to learn before being sent off in them!

[jeanwales]

Lovely people there and with my airplane fanatic of a husband we visit there most times we go there and always get the annual senior passes. Works out cheaper as we go twice a year.

[julesk]

We are also planning on visiting - with grandfather and grandson being plane enthusiasts

I noted that admission is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for children but does this include the plane ride? How much extra is that?

[Happy Feet]

We are also planning on visiting - with grandfather and grandson being plane enthusiasts

I noted that admission is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for children but does this include the plane ride? How much extra is that?
The plane ride was $60 per person. But for anyone wanting to experience "true flying" (as my DH called it), it was worth every penny...

[julesk]

Thanks Happy Feet!

[Ros & Jim]

The Stearman flight (just you and the pilot) is approximately $250 including tax.

[julesk]

Oooh! Think that's a bit too much - are there 2 different flight experiences then?

[Ros & Jim]

Oooh! Think that's a bit too much - are there 2 different flight experiences then?

Yes, there are two different flights. The cheaper one is the Vintage Barnstorming flights which can take 4 passengers and costs $64.95 (+ tax) per person. Flight lasts 15 minutes.

[Night-train]

Although Waldo's is based at Fantasy Of Flight it is not actually part of it. You can do either of the flight experiences without having to buy admission to the museum.

http://www.waldowrights.com/

[Phil&Moyra]

We did it last year and it was the best experience of the holiday. I disagree that you can do it in half a day as there are quite a few 'backlot' tours...and it's a bigger site than you probably imagined.
Three of us did the barnstorming flight ($60 odd per person) and although Waldo did have thick glasses on, his 6'9" height gave him plenty of time to see obstructions !!! Well worth it, even our 2 teenage sons had flies on their teeth when they landed.
The owner, Kermit Weeks turned up when we were there and his enthusiasm certainly knows no bounds and it's infectious. Although not an aircraft enthusiast prior to this visit, this place is top of my 'must do' list for next time.