Press Release: Florida Resident Discount in December at Fantasy of Flight ($8 discount)

POLK CITY, FL (November 19, 2013) – Florida residents can experience an Attraction on a Higher PlaneTM  for less this December. From December 1 – December 31, Florida residents will receive $8 off adult general admission with a valid Florida ID or proof of residency.

Fantasy of Flight is located just off Interstate 4 (exit 44) between Tampa and Orlando at 1400 Broadway Blvd. SE. Polk City, FL 33868. Regular general adult admission is $29.95. Seasonal hours during this promotion are 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Thursday through Sunday. This special offer cannot be applied to children’s admission or combined with any other offers, discounts, annual passes, special events or Wing WalkAir Confidence Course.


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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.

Disney memorabilia event at Fantasy of Flight Sunday June 9

I'll be there selling and signing some books at a screaming discount!

Press Release:


Orlando, Florida/ Polk City , Florida June 9th 2013 dealers from around the country and local legends will gather for a one day collectibles show and celebration of vintage travel memorabilia from the history of travel and vacations in Florida. The show will show case airline memorabilia along with souvenirs and relics from the Florida's most famous attractions. It will be a tribute to the family vacations of yesteryear, from the way we got there to the places that are now just a cherished memory and the places that continue to be our favorite destinations.

Themepark Connection , the event's main sponsor will ensure that every Disney fan will be treated to a wide variety of Walt Disney World souvenirs including many one of a kind items from the parks. They will also be sponsoring pin and vinylmation trading..

In the shadow of a Lockheed Constellation or “ Connie” , airline and aviation buffs will be treated to a selection of collectibles from the golden age of airline travel including wings, models and everything else airline. Fantasy of Flight has a number of vintage airplanes from the history of air travel including a Short Sunderland Flying Boat, Ford Tri-motor and a Lockheed Vega. Show attendees can receive a discount on their Fantasy of Flight admission or attend the show for free with a paid admission to the attraction.

There will be hourly door prizes, trivia contest through out the day and a live auction of Disney memorabilia to benefit Noah's Light Foundation, a pediatric brain cancer research charity.

Featured guest is Ron Schneider, the original Dream Finder at Disney's Epcot Center and veteran international theme park performer . He will be signing his book “ From Dreamer to Dreamfinder; 40 years behind a name tag”. At 2:30 Orlando Attractions magazine will host a live Q&A with Ron giving Disneyana fans a chance to learn more about his experiences in the theme park industry.

Another special engagement is the return of the Mold-A-Rama machines from Cypress Gardens and a selection of vintage figures from the archives of the owners and operators of the machines in Florida Mold-a-matic .

Florida travelers will remember these futuristic looking machines that in exchange for a few quarters created a plastic figure in front of your very eyes. Don't miss this chance to relive that moment from your childhood.
The event is Sunday, June 9th . Show hours are from 10am till 4pm. Admission is 8 dollars per person.
Fantasy of Flight is located just off exit 44 on I-4 minutes south of the Disney resort area.

For updates like and follow www.facebook.com/florida.collectors . For dealer information please contact Greg Spalding (407) 462-2163 qed4@aol.com

For general information and pictures please contact Jon Anderson (407) 376 26-14
film1270@gmail.com


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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.

Fantasy of Flight now open only Thurs-Sun, effective May 6

Press Release:

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.

Original Tuskegee Airmen at Fantasy of Flight Feb 7-9

It's Black History Month, and as part of their celebration, Fantasy of Flight is hosting a panel of the original Tuskegee Airmen in the first installment of its "Legends & Legacies Symposium Series." Each year they get older, so grab this chance while you can!

Event Name	Fantasy of Flight's "Legends & Legacies: They Dared to Fly: Tuskegee Airmen"
Date	February 7-9, 2013
Start Time	10 a.m.
End Time	3 p.m.
Location	1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E.                                                        Polk City, FL  33868
Description	Fantasy of Flight’s Legends & Legacies Symposium Series kicks off with "They Dared to Fly" in honor of Black History Month. Join several of the original Tuskegee Airmen as they share their personal experiences of wartime military service during segregated America. This event features open-forum/question-and-answer sessions. Fantasy of Flight's permanent multi-media Tuskegee Airmen exhibit and vintage aircraft collection, including the P-51C Mustang, provides the perfect backdrop for this once in a lifetime opportunity to meet these brave men.
Cost	Event is included in the price of general admission which is $29.95 for adults, $27.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $15.95 for children, ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax.
Contact	Stephanie Conner
Telephone	863-984-3500
Email	info@fantasyofflight.com
URL	http://www.fantasyofflight.com/livinghistory/
For More Information	863-984-3500

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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.

Rainy days in Orlando - where to go?

It rains in Orlando in the summer. That's just the way it is. The rainy season is the summer, when fronts from both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean meet each other directly over Disney property. Sometimes the rain is quick, but other times it lasts all day. If the forecast calls for a day of rain, where do you go?

Here's a list of several options for you to consider. Feel free to suggest your own in the comments as well!

• DisneyQuest. This is the first, and most obvious, suggestion for rain days. If you don't know it, it's next to Cirque du Soleil (another rain choice!) in Downtown Disney. For one admission price, you get unlimited arcade games, plus several other "attractions" that use cutting-edge interactive media. For 1994, that is. You'll find better graphics on those "attractions" in your older xbox, but don't sweat it. There's still a lot of fun in this multistory building. 
• Smaller Orlando. A rain day is a perfect time to string together the "quarter-day" attractions in Orlando, such as Ripley's Believe it or not, WonderWorks, Titanic Exhibit, iFly indoor skydiving, Airheads trampolines, or the indoor surfing at Fantasy Surf. You might also like the unique Putting Edge mini golf, with black light. 

• Fantasy of Flight. For some folks, this might be a half day experience, but it's a tiny ways afield of WDW. It's got a first-rate museum and walk through simulations, then dozens of (indoor) planes to climb on and around. 
• Shop. If your vacation plans include outlet malls, there's a big one, mostly covered from rain, called Orlando Premium Outlets. Or try the covered, more traditional Florida mall. 
• Dinner Show. There is no shortage of dinner shows in Orlando: medieval, pirate, horse, or gangster themed choices abound. 
• Water parks. This is counter-intuitive, which makes it a fantastic choice. Most people abandon water parks when it rains, so you will find lines and crowds nonexistent. And really - you're already wet! One caveat, and it's a huge one: the parks won't let you stay in the water (and sometimes, not even in the park) if lightning is nearby. Summer storms often bring lightning. If it's quick, no problem. But if it lasts all day, you've got an issue.
• Tough it out in the parks. You could always just plan to get wet and stay in the parks. Some summer rain lasts only 10-30 minutes (but this is not universally true). Umbrellas are better if there is no wind, since ponchos make you sweaty and sticky in the Orlando humidity. Buy a rain cover for your stroller from Babies R Us before you leave on vacation. 

If you haven't seen it before, check out the link at the very top of the page for "Other Orlando Attractions". It should give you even more ideas!

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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.

Fantasy of Flight - "Reflections of Vietnam" this weekend

Press Release:

Fantasy of Flight’s Legends & Legacies Symposium Gives Voice to Veterans in “Reflections of Vietnam” June 8-9

 

Symposium and Annual Military Collector’s Show Included in Attraction Admission

POLK CITY, Fla. (June 6, 2012) – On Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9, a few brave men will come forward to share their recollections of military service as Fantasy of Flight presents the fifth of its six-part Legends & Legacies Symposium Series: “Reflections of Vietnam.”  

For two days, Vietnam veterans will gather at Fantasy of Flight to share their personal stories of strength, survival and patriotism during America’s longest and most controversial military conflict on foreign soil — Nov. 1, 1955 to April 30, 1975.  During the symposium, several veterans will interact with guests in open forum/question-and-answer sessions, followed by meet-and-greet/autograph signing sessions. Panel participants from Central Florida include Morris Schallenberger, Major John Windsor, Colonel Abner Aust, Rick Julian and Scott Boyd.

The symposium is presented along with the annual Military Collector’s Show on Saturday,
June 9, showcasing collectibles for sale from the Civil War to the Vietnam era including uniforms, medals, insignia, and war relics, among other memorabilia.  Admission to the military collector’s show alone is $6.00 per person (including tax) and is complimentary with attraction admission.  The show will be open during attraction hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We recognize that the Vietnam War is an emotional and complex subject and we invite the public to hear firsthand accounts from the brave men who stood up to serve,” said Kim Long, General Manager of Fantasy of Flight.  “We are also proud to once again offer history buffs a chance to browse and purchase military collectibles dating back to the Civil War during our Military Collectors Show.  Even those who aren’t collectors will be amazed at the incredible array of artifacts.”

Fantasy of Flight is one of the only attractions in the country to assemble military veterans and their families for panel discussions and to share their compelling personal accounts and unique perspectives with the public.

Visitors to Fantasy of Flight may save on admission by participating in the “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive.  From June 1 through Sept. 30, 2012, Fantasy of Flight is partnering with the Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven to collect school supplies to benefit Polk County Schools. Guests who donate school supply items from the accepted list (found on www.fantasyofflight.com) receive $5 off full-priced adult attraction admission.  Qualifying donations must be presented at the admissions counter at time of ticket purchase in order to receive discount. The offer is not valid with any other discounts, promotions, or toward the purchase of an annual pass

The 2012 Legends & Legacies Symposium Series will conclude October 12-13 with “Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival.” Fantasy of Flight welcomes inquiries from all those who may be interested in participating in the symposium series.

The series events are included in the price of Fantasy of Flight general admission of $28.95 plus tax for adults, $14.95 plus tax for youth (age 6-12) and five and under are free with paying adult.  The symposiums are free for all Annual Pass holders.  Group rates are available.  Call 863-984-3500 or go to www.fantasyofflight.com for more information.

*****

Fantasy of Flight is Central Florida’s premier aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world’s largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and the country’s only Aerial

Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting) featuring a vintage plane.  General admission also includes The Tuskegee Airmen – They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) – A Passionate Pursuit, a walking audio tour and many special events throughout the year. 

New at Fantasy of Flight this year is Wing WalkAir, a thrilling outdoor attraction featuring a 600-foot zip line suspended four stories above water and a three-level ropes course complete with 33 midair challenges to be performed while tethered to an overhead line at heights of up to 45 feet.  Ideal for families, couples, student/youth groups or corporate groups seeking teambuilding opportunities, Wing WalkAir is the first attraction of its kind in Polk County, located midway between Tampa and Orlando.  Admission is $22 for the zip line and ropes course or $15 for the zip line and $12 for the ropes course when purchased separately.  Group rates are available.  Fantasy of Flight admission is not required for entry to Wing WalkAir.

Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.  General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-12, plus 7 percent sales tax.  Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for

children ages 6-12, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase.  Biplane rides, through Waldo Wright’s Flying Service, and hot air balloon rides, are available for an extra charge.  For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

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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.

Press Release: Fantasy of Flight free veteran admission May 1-31

World War II Veterans Gather at Fantasy of Flight to Share Remembrances of D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy May 11-12 

Attraction Honors All Active Duty, Retired and Reserve Military with Free Admission May 1-31 and Celebrates Moms with Free Admission Mother's Day Weekend, May 10-13, when Accompanied by a Paid Guest.

POLK CITY, Fla. (May 7, 2012) - World War II has been the subject of countless books and movies, but few people have had the opportunity to hear what it was truly like from the men who fought in the trenches. On Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12, Fantasy of Flight presents part four of its 2012 Legends & Legacies Symposium Series, "D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy."

For two days, WWII veterans who fought in Normandy, France on that historic day, June 6, 1944, will gather at Fantasy of Flight to share their personal stories of strength, survival and patriotism. The D-Day veterans will interact with guests in open forum/question-and-answer sessions, followed by meet-and-greet/autograph signing sessions. D-Day panelists include Major Clifford Kantz, Winter Park, Fla., Sgt. Harold Heil, Tampa, Fla., PFC Paul Rancicot, Winter Haven, Fla., Lt. Hope Kirkendall, Lakeland, Fla., and from Polk County, Fla. -- Sgt. Teddy Fisk, Sgt. Bob Franklin and Sgt. Virgil Myers.

Throughout May, in celebration of National Military Appreciation Month, Fantasy of Flight will honor the brave individuals of the armed forces by extending free admission to all active-duty, retired and reserve military. Admission to the Legends & Legacies Symposium "D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy" May 11-12 is included in this special offer. Guests must present a current ID to qualify for the general admission ticket. This offer is not valid with any other offers or discounts.          

As the D-Day Legends & Legacies Symposium takes place over Mother's Day weekend, Fantasy of Flight is also offering free admission to all mothers when accompanied by a paying guest. Any paid youth, senior or adult admission ticket qualifies as the accompanying paid admission. This offer is valid Thursday, May 10 through Sunday, May 13, 2012 and is not valid with any other offers or discounts.

Known as the largest military invasion in world history, the Normandy Invasion came overnight with parachute and glider landings, naval bombardments, massive air attacks and amphibious beachfront assaults. Months in the making, it required the coordination of thousands of Allied Forces and was an operation so mammoth that once set in motion, there was no turning back.

Fantasy of Flight is one of the only attractions in the country to play host to legendary WWII and Vietnam War heroes as they share their compelling personal accounts, as well as their family members and descendants, who are able to offer their own unique perspectives. The series also includes heroes from WWII who served on the ground protecting and supporting the men in flight.

"What better way to learn about one of the most historically significant battles in world history than from the men who were actually there," said Kim Long, General Manager of Fantasy of Flight. "We are honored to be able to provide this living history forum to make sure these valuable lessons and stories will continue to be told for generations to come."

Upcoming events in the 2012 Legends & Legacies Symposium Series include: "Reflections of Vietnam," June 8-9 and "Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival," Oct. 12-13. Fantasy of Flight welcomes inquiries from all those who may be interested in participating in the symposium series.

The series events are included in the price of Fantasy of Flight general admission of $28.95 plus tax for adults, $14.95 plus tax for youth (age 6-12) and five and under are free with full paying adult. The symposiums are free for all Annual Pass holders. Group rates are available. Call 863-984-3500 or go to  www.fantasyofflight.com for more information.

*****

Fantasy of Flight is Central Florida's premier aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world's largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and the country's only Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting) featuring a vintage plane. General admission also includes The Tuskegee Airmen - They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) - A Passionate Pursuit, a walking audio tour and many special events throughout the year.

New at Fantasy of Flight this year is Wing WalkAir, a thrilling outdoor attraction featuring a 600-foot zip line suspended four stories above water and a three-level ropes course complete with 33 midair challenges to be performed while tethered to an overhead line at heights of up to 45 feet. Ideal for families, couples, student/youth groups or corporate groups seeking teambuilding opportunities, Wing WalkAir is the first attraction of its kind in Polk County, located midway between Tampa and Orlando. Admission is $22 for the zip line and ropes course or $15 for the zip line and $12 for the ropes course when purchased separately. Group rates are available. Fantasy of Flight admission is not required for entry to Wing WalkAir.

Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-12, plus 7 percent sales tax. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6-12, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Biplane rides, through Waldo Wright's Flying Service, and hot air balloon rides, are available for an extra charge. For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.


Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.