POLK CITY (April 25, 2013) - Effective May 6, Fantasy of Flight is introducing new operating hours. The attraction will open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. All previously scheduled group reservations or events will take place as planned.
Fantasy of Flight creator and founder Kermit Weeks
also announced plans to make the most of the new schedule to refine the
popular attraction elements and develop new experiences that speak to
the attraction's mission: to "Light that Spark Within."™
The
aviation attraction opened in 1995 as a way to display and share Weeks'
growing vintage airplane collection to the public. It has now become
the world's largest private collection, rivaling many national museums,
and is also home to the World's Greatest Aircraft Collection - a
not-for-profit organization dedicated to "rebuilding and reliving the
passion of the past."
Weeks
said, "Over the years I've realized there are a number of people
fascinated with aircraft but there are even more fascinated by flight.
Flight is a powerful metaphor, which more than anything symbolizes
pushing our boundaries, reaching beyond ourselves, and freedom."
To
take advantage of this opportunity, Weeks decided to close on days that
had not been traditionally as busy and use the time to focus on
development. "We see the new operating schedule as a win-win for both
the public and us," Weeks said. "By reducing our days open, we will be
able to deliver more focus to our daily customers and use the closed
days to focus on developing an even better product that will touch even
more people."
Part of the change in operating hours has necessitated a reduction in workforce. "After weighing options for several months, some difficult decisions have been made," Weeks said. "But from change comes opportunity."
Fantasy
of Flight is the world's only aviation attraction and was voted
Orlando's "Best Kept Secret" four years in a row. The new schedule will
continue to deliver Fantasy of Flight's popular attractions, including
the Wing WalkAir Ropes Course & Zip Line, the Art Deco-themed Compass Rose diner, Fantasy of Flight gift shop, scheduled tours, the new Golden Hill storage facility and Flight of the Day.
"My
commitment to moving the mission forward is stronger than ever," Weeks
said. "More than just an aviation museum, we are truly an 'Attraction
on a Higher Plane.' I'm very proud of what we've accomplished so far,
but even more excited about what I know we can create in the future!"
General
admission to Fantasy of Flight is $29.95 for adults and $15.95 for
children, ages 6-12, plus tax. Annual passes are available. Hours are
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Admission to Wing WalkAir
Ropes Course is $12.00 per person plus tax, Wing WalkAir Zipline is
$15.00 per person plus tax and Wing WalkAir Annual Passes are $64.95 per
person plus tax. Biplane rides, through Waldo Wright's Flying Service, and hot air balloon experiences are available for an additional fee.
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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.
