Fantasy of Flight's airplane is looking up
Kelly Griffith
Sentinel Staff Writer
August 30, 2006
POLK CITY -- The crashed DC-3 on Interstate 4 is taking off this time.
Operators of the Fantasy of Flight aviation-themed attraction near I-4 say that is more in keeping with the state of affairs at the "World's Greatest Aircraft Collection," instead of the longtime crashed version that attracted attention from passers-by on the highway.
When the plane first went into the ground nose-down in crashed position, complete with a dangling GI affectionately nicknamed Gee Willie, to advertise Fantasy of Flight, motorists sometimes called the Polk County Sheriff's Office to report a plane crash. Willie drew fans of his own, with people writing to the attraction, worried about him during storms.
A new DC-3 recently replaced the crashed version, however, this time with the nose up.
Attraction owner and founder Kermit Weeks says Fantasy of Flight is taking off with many changes and expansions.
Recent improvements include an area aimed at children called the Fun With Flight exhibit. It features a hang-gliding simulator, an area to learn the principles of lift called Bernoulli's Ball, and a Fly Zone, where children can learn how to make a paper airplane.
There is also a full-motion simulator called the Virtual Flight Explorer, which allows several people at a time to experience Barnstormers and Desert Storm Strike.
Trams will take people to areas that previously were inaccessible to the public, showing how vintage planes are restored. A B-17 Flying Fortress allows guests to feel and see a bit of what soldiers on a World War II bombing mission may have experienced.
Fantasy of Flight is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $26.95 for adults, $13.95 for ages 5 to 12 and $22.95 for those 60 or older. Florida residents pay children's prices through September.
The attraction is midway between Orlando and Tampa, off Exit 44. For details, call 863-984-3500.
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