Between Orlando and Tampa is a museum created especially for plane-lovers and those who are interested in all things flight related. Some Florida residents and tourists were lucky enough to see the Central Florida museum prior to the closing last year in April. Fantasy of Flight is now back open, albeit a smaller attraction.
Gone are several of the fun things to do (especially for the young ones), such as the ropes course and immersion environments. Also kept on hold are the restoration tours, aircraft-of-the-day events and the restaurant. The attraction now consists of what most true museums feature and that is a display. In this case, some of a plane enthusiasts favorite aircraft, including the 1945 North American P-51D Mustang, 1944 B-24J Liberator and 1945 Grumman Duck.
If you want to go for a bi-plane ride, Waldo Wrights Flying Service will be offering flights for an additional fee. A Boeing Stearman PT-17/N2S-3 will provide rides between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended, and the cost will run around $239 for approximately 30 minutes for a non-aerobatic flight. Be sure to have your photo taken as it can be a great souvenir or Facebook profile picture! Take your camera with you on the flight, but make sure it has a strap!
Thrilling rides are available for an additional cost.
Fantasy of Flight’s general admission rate is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 and over) and $8 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are free. It is located off I-4 exit 44. For more information, go to www.fantasyofflight.com. ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: Be sure to call their number (863) 984-3500 prior to driving out to see the museum. Operating hours and dates are subject to change. Currently the museum will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday through Sunday on these dates:
- January 30th – April 26th (excluding April 11th for a private event)
- June 19th – August 2nd
- November 20th – April 10th, 2016
Florida Resident Discount at WonderWorks
Another museum-like attraction open year-round on International Drive in Orlando is offering a discount to Florida residents. Through the month of February, just say “locals save” and with proof of residency, your admission will be lowered Sunday through Thursday from $25.99 to $17.99. Ages 4-12 will receive discount tickets of $14.99, down from $19.99.
This smaller attraction in Orlando is much like a museum with 35,000 square feet of “edutainment” exhibits which children and adults alike can enjoy. Replicate hurricane-force winds; control a NASA spacecraft; see what it feels like to ride a 360-degree roller coaster – these are just a few of the fun things to do at this Orlando attraction. Then, there is the opportunity to lie on a bed of nails – not so fun, but something many tourist try! WonderWorks is open from 9 a.m. to midnight. For more information, go to wonderworksorlando.com.
Forever Florida Offers Specials
Now through February 28, 2015 Forever Florida is offering two different Sweetheart Specials. Choose the Zipline, Horseback or Thrill Pack and only pay $89.99 for 2 people. You must use a special code to receive the discount and the discounts cannot be combined with any other offer or group. The normal price for the horseback adventure and thrill pack is $69.99 for one person. The zipline course is $79.99. If you’re looking for a little less thrills, but a great way to see the sites, two people can take the coach adventure, a two-hour ride through the 4,700-acre Forever Florida wildlife conservation area, for $19.99. Normal price is $25.99 per person.
Reservations are required. For more information or to get the discount code, go to foreverflorida.com. You may also call 407-957-9794.
