Experience Aviation History at Fantasy of Flight

Vintage aircraft at Fantasy of Flight
Photo by Charles Pannell

Located in Polk City Florida, Fantasy of Flight invites visitors to "experience aviation through the ages." This unique aviation museum is the brainchild of Kermit Weeks; and features interpretive exhibits which chronicle the history of flight, a large collection of vintage aircraft and real-time flight simulators.

Weeks has been involved with aviation since his childhood, and has spent time as an aerobatics competitor and an aircraft designer. As he sees it, Fantasy of Flight is just the natural extension of his lifelong passion for aviation.

Fantasy of Flight features accessible parking, accessible bathrooms, a level entry and ramped access to most exhibit areas. The exhibits follow the history of flight through film clips and interpretive displays; from the Wright brothers adventures at Kitty Hawk to the WWII B17 Flying Fortress.

One of the highlights of Fantasy of Flight is the collection of vintage aircraft. Over 40 aircraft from the 1900s to the 1950s are on display; including a Japanese Zero, the Ford Tri-Motor used in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and the Corsair F4U of Pappy Boyington fame. The collection is displayed in a large hangar with cement floors and level access.

Accessible flight simulator

And finally, don't forget to check out the wheelchair-accessible flight simulator. Visitors receive a preflight briefing, and then can roll into the cockpit of a Corsair for a mock battle over the Pacific Ocean. The simulators are designed to allow pilots to interact with one another and the control tower while flying. It's really great fun and a must for all aviation buffs.

Fantasy of Flight is one of Polk County's newest attractions. Find out more about this unique museum at www.fantasyofflight.com or by calling (863) 984-3500. For more information about other tourist attractions in Polk County, visit www.sunsational.org.

Polk County is located in Central Florida, midway between Tampa and Orlando. Check out the Winter 2003 issue of Emerging Horizons for access details on other tourist attractions, undiscovered gems and suggestions for accessible fun in Polk County.