World War II Bomber Crews Gather to Share Real-Life Recollections
April 13-14
Everyone knows how World War II ended, but many people have never before heard personal, firsthand accounts of the men and women who lived through it. On Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14, Fantasy of Flight once again brings the general public the opportunity to do just that as its Legends & Legacies Symposium Series continues with “Unspoken Valor: The Bomber Crews of World War II.”
World War II bombers including the B-25 Mitchell, the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-24 Liberator featured amazing strengths but also potentially catastrophic weaknesses. Throughout the two-day symposium, several brave veterans who manned behemoth bomber aircraft share tales that only the insiders – and survivors – could know. The veterans will interact with guests in open forum/question-and-answer sessions, followed by meet-and-greet/autograph signing sessions. Not only will guests be able to hear firsthand from these daring airmen and patriots, they will be able to walk through an authentic B-17 Flying Fortress and imagine what it was like to participate in a bombing mission over hostile Germany as one of the bomber’s 10-member crew. Visitors will also get an up-close look at the fierce P-51 Mustang, the fighter escort for the B-17.
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… Continue reading
Fantasy of Flight Introduces New Orange Grove, Heritage and Nature Tour
Central Florida visitors – and even locals – can now soak up the sunshine and enjoy a taste of “Old Florida” as Fantasy of Flight introduces its brand new orange grove, heritage and nature tour.
Guests are invited to climb aboard Fantasy of Flight’s open air trolley, the “Orlampa Express,” for a leisurely 60-minute tour into the heart of the Sunshine State. Passengers will learn about Florida’s golden fruit, glittering waters, pioneer heritage and priceless ecology, all outdoors amidst an abundance of citrus groves.
The “Orlampa Express” tour guides will share the true wonders of “The Sun Porch of America” in a memorable and inspiring way, while taking guests to several diverse areas on and surrounding Fantasy of Flight, including wetlands marsh and forest, citrus groves, beehives, and scenic Lake Helene and Lake Agnes.
Tour themes will be adapted based on the season to include:
* The diverse landscapes from grove to wetland to forest and the creatures who inhabit them, from bees and bald eagles to bass and alligators.
* The sources of Florida’s “gold rush” – citrus and sunshine.
* How water from the earth and the sky sustain a fragile cycle of renewal within pristine Lakes Helene and Agnes.
* How Florida’s pioneer culture evolved into an American Paradise.
The nostalgia of Old Florida reaches far beyond the orange groves and into the heart of Fantasy of Flight, home to a world-renowned collection of rare and vintage aircraft. In fact, the 1930s… Continue reading
Is Fantasy of Flight a Favorite Haunt for Spirits?
For years visitors to Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida’s premier aviation attraction, believed the only specters of the past they’d encounter would be the collection of 40 fully-restored vintage aircraft, displays of a long-ago era of aviation.
But as stories of unexplained occurrences such as unidentifiable noises, temperature changes and the detection of mists and shadows drifted into the paranormal community, professional investigators (or “ghost hunters” to which they are more dramatically referred in popular media) took notice.
Apollo Paranormal Investigations (API), a non-profit investigative team based in Apollo, Florida, has conducted a series of scientific explorations and on a paranormal-activity scale between 1 and 10, they have rated Fantasy of Flight’s aircraft collection an “11.”
Based on their results, Fantasy of Flight has invited the general public to nightFlight, an exciting after-hours program that offers adventurous visitors four full hours to “Explore the Unexplained.”
Phase 1 and 2 of nightFlight netted a treasure trove of evidence and has focused the next phase of the investigation to seek out specific “high response” areas at Fantasy of Flight.
Welcome to nightFlight Phase 3:
- Who are “Melissa” and the British spirit who urges us to stay in the Carrier Deck?
- Are those long-gone Rosie the Riveters who whistle and call at the B-17?
- What prompts the emotional vortex that repeats itself in the Officers Club?
- What new data awaits our investigators during Phase 3?
Reservations are now open for the March 10 nightFlight investigations. Click here to make your reservation now.
“We’ve… Continue reading
Former POWs Share Untold Stories at Fantasy of Flight
For two unforgettable days, WWII Prisoners of War will re-open their traumatic pasts and make history books come to life as part of Fantasy of Flight‘s final installation of this year’s Legends & Legacies Symposium Series. “The Great Escape: Heroes Underground” features former WWII POWs willing to share their inspiring stories of courage over catastrophe. The attraction will host this POW-focused symposium for the second time as part of its incredibly popular series, now in its third year.
Worldwide, only a small fraction of the nearly 100,000 World War II POWs are alive today. Taking the stage at Fantasy of Flight’s Officers’ Club, several of these American heroes will field questions about piloting B-24s and other World War II aircraft, surviving flying trauma and the days and weeks that followed their captures. While their stories may disturb, perhaps even shock, they will offer a realistic depiction of what these fierce young pilots faced as they overcame a psychological battlefield of interrogation, isolation and perilous conditions.
Fantasy of Flight will host this riveting symposium on Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15.
”More than 60 years ago, these men were young pilots who risked not only their lives for our country, but had their psychological boundaries tested to unimaginable limits as they were held captive behind enemy lines.” said Kim Long, General Manager of Fantasy of Flight. “We’re confident our guests will be inspired by the stories they hear.”
The event will feature the decorated POW heroes in an… Continue reading
Fantasy of Flight Celebrates the Unexplained, Unidentified and Unexpected
Spooky Events Add Treats to Local Food Bank Coffers, as Guests Enjoy $5 Off Regular Admission with Donation of Canned Goods Oct. 1 – Nov. 10
Those accustomed to dealing with concrete, easy-to-prove concepts, such as the mechanics of an aircraft, the physics of flight or the value of a rare vintage plane are invited to fine tune their sixth sense this October as Fantasy of Flight explores the unexplained, unidentified and unexpected aspects of its world-renowned collection of rare and vintage aircraft and reveals some of aviation’s most puzzling mysteries.
Two unique events, the family-friendly Haunted Hangar Walking Tour and nightFlight: Phase Three of the Paranormal Investigation, a spine-tingling late night experience, offer guests a chance to celebrate Halloween like never before.
The “ghoulie”-guided, half-hour Haunted Hangar Walking Tour engages guests of all ages with little known-aviation tales and unsolved mysteries – from the famous Lost Squadron to Lindbergh’s spectral companions – all guaranteed to cast a supernatural sheen over the “World’s Greatest Aircraft Collection”™. The Haunted Hangar Walking Tour will be offered daily Oct. 1 – 31 and is included free with the price of general admission and is free for annual pass holders. Tour schedule is subject to change.
Back by popular demand, Fantasy of Flight invites guests to nightFlight: Phase Three of the Paranormal Investigation. Introduced in 2010 to sold-out audiences, the limited-attendance nighttime tours are guided by Florida’s Apollo Paranormal Investigations (API), a non-profit team of paranormal investigators (sometimes referred to as… Continue reading
Fantasy of Flights Fifth Annual Roar n Soar
Experience high-energy excitement at the fifth annual gathering of classic racing machines at Fantasy of Flight. Thrills from Land, Sea and Air combine with awesome food, entertainment and the world’s greatest aviation attraction for an outing that every member of the family will enjoy.
One-day tickets are $23.00 for adults, $12.00 for children. Two-day tickets are $38.00 for adults and $19.00 for children
- Date November 12-13, 2011
- Start Time 10 a.m.
- End Time 5 p.m.
Family time at Fantasy of Flight – Wow, that’s impressive!!!
So you have come over to Orlando for two weeks holiday….. You have done all the Mouse and Wizard things…. You have shopped till you dropped and you are a nice red lobster sun burnt colour? What else is there to do? Well you could go over to Fantasy of Flight in Polk City and spend a brilliant 4 to 6 hours there.
Today Debs, Alex, Kieran and I were invited to experience this one man’s fantasy (I would say dream but let’s stay away from Disney)…. Fantasy of Flight is a simply amazing place. Its located 20 min drive from Disney area hotels, just off exit 44 on the I4 and frankly at 250 acres so far you cannot miss it! It’s the brainchild, plaything, vision – so many things of Kermit Weeks. The extraordinary oil millionaire with a real passion for aviation.
The attraction is so much more than a museum. It’s a hands on experience with great exhibits. Yes I did say exhibits but
these exhibits do something that I have never seen a Dinosaur at the National History do… that’s FLY!! But more on that later.
So we arrived at 10 am (opening) and were greeted by two extraordinary characters… one dressed in full biggles outfit and the other in State Trooper type attire. Very witty and quick with the kids. We were quickly introduced to Jennifer the Director of Sales who kindly allowed us all in today and with whom I had a very pleasant… Continue reading
Fantasy of Flight Announces Florida Resident Buy One/Get One Free Admission July 1 – Sept. 30
Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida’s Premier Aviation Attraction, salutes its Florida fans this summer with an affordable staycation adventure with a Buy One/Get One Free offer on adult and children’s general admission.
Florida Residents are invited to enjoy the incredible savings July 1 – Sept. 30, 2011. Proof of residency is required.
While Fantasy of Flight provides more than enough for a day-long excursion with themed immersion experiences, backlot and restoration tours, special hands-on exhibits, vintage aircraft from the world’s largest private collection and more, the attraction has planned special children’s activities this summer in its Fun with Flight center – all included in the price of general admission. Guests may refer to a published daily schedule available at the attraction for more information.
The Florida Resident BOGO Free offer is good on both adult and children’s general admission tickets. Fantasy of Flight general admission is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Children 5 and younger are free. The offer cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Fantasy of Flight opened to the public on November 21, 1995, and quickly became Central Florida’s Premier Aviation Attraction. The venue offered visitors a chance to experience something new – a place that merged the wonders of flight with aviation history, real-life aircraft displays and real flight experiences. Fantasy of Flight is believed to be the only attraction in the world that offers daily aerial demonstrations featuring rare,… Continue reading
Return of NightFlight Phase 2
Devoted followers of the paranormal: if you couldn’t attend the sold-out investigations last October, grab your EMF detector and get ready for the winter season of nightFlight.
And if you did attend, you may just want to return!
Phase 2 of our popular paranormal investigations continues as we dig deeper into the mysterious female spirit “M” in the Officers Club; the new approach in the Carrier Deck with the cluster of Naval carrier-based aircraft; the expansion of the investigation into new areas, especially the Restoration Shop; and the EVP experience within the PBY Catalina.
Reservations are now open for the Jan. 29, Feb. 26, and March 5 nightFlight investigations. Click here to register or to learn more!
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