Fantasy of Flight

When it comes to experiencing the thrill of flying, it's hard to beat the real thing. Fantasy of Flight, the aviation-themed attraction, has more than 40 rare and vintage aircraft on display.

These airplanes have been restored to flyable condition, including a World War II B-26 Marauder, the B-24 Liberator and B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, and the P-51 Mustang fighter.

A variety of planes used in movies are on display, including the 1929 Ford Tri-Motor passenger plane used in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and the Nieuport 17 World War I fighter featured in 2006 film, "Flyboys."

Daily aerial demonstrations, weather permitting, are performed giving visitors a chance to see the aircraft in flight.

The latest addition is Wing WalkAir, a ropes course offering three levels of adventure at heights of more than 40 feet. It includes a 600 feet of zip line that suspends guests over water and places them on the edge of the runway.

Fantasy of Flight was founded in 1995 by Kermit Weeks, an aerobatics competitor and aircraft designer, as a way of showcasing the aircraft he had acquired over the years.

Fantasy of Flight is located at 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E., Auburndale, just north of Interstate 4 at exit 44.

The attraction is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours may vary occasionally for special events.

Admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and older, and $14.95 for children ages 6 to 12. Children younger than 6 are admitted free.

Hot air balloon rides start at $175 per person, with a minimum of two passengers per ride.

Biplane rides are $69.95 per person in the 1929 New Standard or $229 in the 1942 Boeing Stearman PT-17.

For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit the website at www.fantasyofflight.com.