Fantasy of Flight

Fantasy of Flight. It is a major aviation-themed attraction and museum founded by renowned aerobatic pilot and aircraft collector Kermit Weeks. Located in Central Florida, the facility opened to the public in 1995, showcasing one of the world's premier private collections of vintage aircraft. The attraction blends historical exhibition with immersive experiences, aiming to celebrate the history of flight and inspire future generations.

History

The concept for the attraction was developed by Kermit Weeks, who began amassing a significant collection of historic aircraft in the 1970s. Prior to establishing this Florida venue, Weeks operated the Weeks Air Museum in Miami, Florida. The current location was selected for its space and proximity to major tourist destinations like the Walt Disney World Resort. It officially opened in November 1995, designed not merely as a static display but as an interactive journey through aviation history. Over the years, it has hosted numerous special events, airshows, and educational programs, becoming a notable fixture in Florida's cultural landscape alongside institutions like the Kennedy Space Center and the National Naval Aviation Museum.

Attractions and exhibits

Central to the experience is the "Immersion Experience," which transports visitors through themed environments depicting key eras in aviation, such as World War I trenches and a World War II briefing room. The facility features a large art deco-style "Great Gallery" hangar displaying many aircraft in flying condition. Interactive simulators allow guests to experience the sensations of flight, and regular "Up Close and Personal" tours provide behind-the-scenes access to restoration workshops. Special events often include live aerial demonstrations, reminiscent of performances seen at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in. The attraction's design philosophy emphasizes storytelling, setting it apart from more traditional repositories like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Aircraft collection

The collection is renowned for its breadth and rarity, with a focus on aircraft from the interwar period and World War II. Among the notable flying machines are a Supermarine Spitfire, a North American P-51 Mustang, and a Consolidated B-24 Liberator, the latter being one of only a handful airworthy examples globally. The inventory also includes classic civilian aircraft like the Grumman G-21 Goose and a Ford Trimotor. Many aircraft are maintained in airworthy status, with pilots like Kermit Weeks himself often flying them at events. The restoration team works extensively to preserve artifacts, drawing on techniques similar to those used by experts at the Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Royal Air Force Museum London.

Location and facilities

The attraction is situated on a vast property in Polk City, Florida, near the intersection of Interstate 4 and the Polk Parkway, providing easy access from Orlando and Tampa. The site encompasses multiple hangars, maintenance facilities, a runway for flight operations, and a distinctive control tower modeled after the architecture of Miami Beach. The grounds include a lake and are part of a larger complex that has, at times, included adjacent land used for other development projects. Its location in Polk County, Florida places it within a region rich with other tourist destinations, such as Legoland Florida and the Bok Tower Gardens.

In popular culture

The venue and its unique collection have served as a backdrop for various film and television productions, leveraging its authentic period aircraft as props. It has been featured in documentaries about aviation history and has appeared on programs broadcast by networks like the Discovery Channel and the History Channel. The site's visually striking architecture and operational vintage aircraft have made it a popular setting for photography and filming, much like the historic Planes of Fame Air Museum in California. Its founder, Kermit Weeks, has also been profiled in numerous aviation publications and media segments, further cementing the attraction's place in popular culture.

Category:Aviation museums in Florida Category:Tourist attractions in Polk County, Florida Category:Museums established in 1995 Category:1995 establishments in Florida