Fantasy of Flight

Awesome exhibits. Very knowledgeable staff. Showed them a photo of my Dad when he was in the Army Air Corps in WWII and they were able to tell me what type of plane he was working on.

Though currently a smaller version as it awaits expansion, Fantasy of Flight still offers a top-tier experience. The collection is well-curated, and you can get up close to the aircraft—closer than most museums allow. Restoration is incredibly detailed, down to the exact cable colors, and many planes are kept flyable. The guided tour is full of insight and makes the visit truly worthwhile.

I was hesitant to write anything less than a 5-star review, but I have to share my disappointing experience. This remote location is likely a long drive for most visitors, and as a pilot myself, I decided to fly in with a European guests who wanted to visit the museum after discovering it on YouTube. Despite checking the website left message and called the phone number which automated and only indicated they were open Friday to Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm, so we went.After landing on their private field's grass runway, a worker showed up and told us we had to leave because it was a private field. I explained that we had tried to contact them in advance to let them know we were coming, but the worker wasn't convinced it was enough reason to let us stay. He consulted with the "Boss lady," and ultimately, we were asked to leave. We ended up landing on the lake next to them and walking to the museum from there. When we tried to dock at their ramp, we were met with the employe and the "Boss" Lady not to pull up and were told to go away. After finding a public boat ramp nearby, we parked there instead and walked to the museum. The small museum itself was nice, and the staff were enthusiastic about their job. However, I was extremely disappointed in how they treated aviators. As an aviation enthusiast organization, I expected a warmer welcome, especially considering the effort and expense we put into visiting. Instead, it felt like they were more focused on restricting access than embracing fellow pilots. If it were my business, I'd roll out the red carpet for fellow aviators and encourage them to visit , not turn them away.

Haven’t been here in many years and it has changed a lot. Bill was an excellent tour guide and knowledgeable! You can really learn a lot from him on your tour! The staff was all very friendly and it was so neat seeing all the aircraft, displays and cut away engines. You can get in some cockpits and do some cool things while there! There are true engineering marvels here to see also! If you can schedule ahead for the VIP tour! You will not regret it!

We took our almost 5 year old grandson for our first return visit after 20+ years. While it is currently reduced in size due to construction, we enjoyed it very much. The grandson seemed to soak it all up, listening to the tour guide explain what everything was. We got there just as the tour was starting so Bob kindly waited a couple of minutes to let us catch up. He really had a lot knowledge about the aircraft and engines on display. After the tour, another gentleman, John, came by and asked if we had any questions. He took our grandson around to most of the cockpit displays, explained how the different controls worked and answering his 4 year old questions. That really made his day. He may have sparked a real interest for our grandson's future. Overall, everyone there was friendly and willing spend time talking. The day was super enjoyable. We ended up getting annual passes since we new we'd be back, and it's just a but more than an hour from home.

Came here as a bucket list item to check off and I gotta say for 16 bucks entrance fee you get a lot of bang for your buck. They have private tours available to see their other hangar for $100 per person which I will definitely be doing. The aircraft available to see on display are rotated and we were fortunate to see both warbirds and race planes. The staff is also super knowledgeable and have stories that they could tell you for hours on end and you’d never get bored of it. There’s a lot of planes that are being repaired or in storage but it’s awesome to know that they’re being restored to their former glory. Definitely recommend coming here if you’re an aviation enthusiast!

One hangar is currently open to the public. It contains a mix of airplanes, several of which are airworthy and rotated for display from the huge collection of historic aircraft in the restoration hangar. There are a number of interesting racers on display too, like the Gee Bee aircraft. The nose section of B-29 'Fertile Myrtile' has signatures on it. It was wonderful to see an ex-Indian Air Force B-24J Liberator in the collection. Best of all was talking with Bill and Bill, the very knowledgeable tour guides who know a lot of technical stuff and bring the collection to life.

Amazing collection! it's sad that as of Jan 2025 is in its lite version but still impressive. Some cockpits to jump in and vintage aircrafts are spectacular. I hope it will be expanded soon to the second hangar! Exertions are very informative and absolutely friendly staff! it was worth travelling from Orlando's on Uber for me for sure.

Loved this place! I love learning about history, especially military history and aircraft that helped us achieve victories in wars over the years. This is a great place for everyone.

I stopped by Fantasy of Flight on my way home from Disney, I was here before about 6 years ago and my how it has changed since my last visit. I did enjoy my short visit, however, I am an aviation history junkie. But for the average person, I think they will be greatly disappointed. It used to be an incredible place with an immersive experience and a huge display of functional airplanes. Now it is just one small hanger with a small sampling of planes bunched together. If you love airplanes and military aviation history this is worthy of an hour or two as the old guys there have some great stories that they tell during the guided tour. If, however, you are not a history nut, I think you would not enjoy it.

This is an incredible aviation attraction just off I4. They had more of it open years ago but the collection of vintage aircraft is second to none. The museum, and Kermit's flights displaying historic aircraft in the air, created fond memories as well as pilots for the future.

An excellent air museum featuring the transition from early WWI planes, 1930's era barnstorming craft to WWII aircraft. Ed did a very good tour with insights into many of the planes on display. I'll give it a five star if I ever get to see what's in the other hanger. Even saw Kermit landing a very rare 1930's era seaplane. Miss not making it down many years ago.

Fantasy of Flight is by a wide margin the most enjoyable themed experience that I have had since I moved to Florida 12 years ago. As others have noted, FOF is built around a collection of vintage aircraft that date from the early days of flight to mid-century, for the most part. Many in the collection represent one of only a handful of remaining examples of certain models. I visited FOF with three teen-aged boys, none of whom were aircraft enthusiasts when they walked into the main entrance, a deco-inspired (and beautiful) area for greeting visitors that includes a gift shop and a 1940's themed diner (where we enjoyed a very tasty meal). Very quickly they were enthralled. FOF has several large hangars, each of which features a collection of vehicles (mostly planes with a few vintage automobiles, helicopters and auto-gyros thrown in for good measure). Two of the hangars are filled with fully restored planes, both military and civilian craft. The highlight for me was the P-51D Mustang, which we had the good fortune to see both close up in the hangar, and in the air since it was the featured aerial exhibit of the day. When I saw the Mustang on the Tarmac, my heart skipped a beat and I can compare the emotion only to what I felt the first time I saw my now-wife. I doubt that man has ever made a more beautiful machine than the Mustang and to see one actually take flight is simply breathtaking. Truly an experience to be cherished. Other hangars include pre-restoration aircraft and in-restoration air craft. Guides do a great job of explaining everything and it is tough not to be amazed by what FOF is doing to preserve the history of air travel. Visitors also have the option of getting some exercise on a ropes course or taking a zipline ride. More adventurous souls can ride in an open biplane or even take the controls. FOF is simply a must-visit attraction in Central Florida.

While I was in Orlando one of the participants at the Convention delegates invited me to join him by driving to Kermit Weeks Fantasy of Flight Museum. It is not very far from Orlando west bound in Polk City, FL. We got there right at 10:00 A.M. When it opened. You could arrange for biplane rides in two different aircraft and they have a zip line 40 foot towers next to the parking lot called Wing Walk Air that sports 33 challenges and 600 feet of zip line to the edge of the runway. This is not included in the admission to the Fantasy of Flight, but appears to be a separate attraction that you purchase in the gift shop. As it was starting to get really warm and their appeared to be no one participating in this activity we moved on. We bought our tickets in the main lobby and went right into the Immersion Environments which takes you on a self guided multi-sensory experience which starts with early flight through WWII by boarding a B-17 Flying Fortress. We went out and toured the Aircraft displays as there are two very large hangars (North and South) crammed full of airplanes and there is another hangar across from the main facility which does restoration which is a separate tram tour of what is called a Restricted Area. The tour guides are dressed up in period dress of a 1930's racer pilot and a lady dressed up as Rosie the Riveter from WWII. They may be entertaining for those who do not know aviation history, but to me I found them quite annoying and at times brusk in their interactions with the guests. I guess they have to compete with the Disney Cast Members to keep it entertaining. Rosy the Riveter conducted our tram tours of the facility to the Backlot which is full of stored aircraft engines and pieces of acquired aircraft, around the end of the runway to Maintenance Hangar crammed with more aircraft. There are only three scheduled tram tours each day and we took the first one and then took the Golden Hill trolley right after that. There is a separate tour on a trolley called the Orlampa Express that leaves from in front of the museum front entrance in the parking lot that takes you out and down the road and across the street to Golden Hill which are a bunch of hangars of aircraft that were wrecked when he had his museumm in Miami. There is a B-29, and a bunch of rusty wrecked aircraft in storage there. Note the last trolley to Golden Hill leaves at 12:45 P.M. And is not part of the Tram Tour. Each day they feature a flying demonstration of one of the flyable aircraft. We saw Kermit Weeks buzz the field in his P-51 Mustang. Unfortunately some of the aircraft are no longer airworthy and show their age such as the B-26 and Shorts flying boat. There was a PBY Catalina sitting out on the ramp. There are many unique displays such as a Carrier Deck with a F4U Corsair, Briefing Room Theater, Fun with Fight, an Officers Club where they hold private parties, wood shop, machine and engine shop. The have a small area dedicated to the Tuskegee Airmen from WWII. They have a small snack bar area with vending machines and a full service restaurant in the main entrance which is only open from 11:00 A.M. To 3:00 P.M. Since there does not appear to be any other places to eat nearby we had a pleasant late lunch of a hamburger and lemonade with free refills. I would rate the food and service at one and a half stars. You can see Kermit Weeks (the older guy with the long pony tail) hanging out among the aircraft in the main hangers there an there are a small army of older gals in cocktail dresses darting about if you look real closely that appear to help run the place. It took us a minimum of five hours to see all of Kermit Weeks flying and non flying collection including the tram tours and trolley to Golden Hill.

The walk through history exhibit was phenomenal. You are actually walking through a scene from history. Each room, the whole room is set up, look in 360 degrees and you are in the trenches of WW1. You are about to go up in a hot air balloon. You walk literally walk through a WWII bomber. We attended a dinner party for a convention here and it was unique. All the cool old planes. The sunset in the background, plenty of space for buffet tables and a dance floor and dinner tables. I would recommend this place as a cool tourist stop or as a party rental space.

We had a half off deal for the ropes course and zip line plus museum admission. I interested in all of it but didn't have high expectations. I could have! Walking in the front door we were greeted by one of the tour guide/characters who instantly impacted the value of our experience with his warm and unexpected greeting. The ropes course is a big, pumped up jungle gym. It's scary and challenging but pretty fun. Zip lines require a special harness so you have to switch out. You can do the course as long and as many times as you'd like. Fun! The main exhibit rooms of the museum are great! Really neat with historic films worked in and you get to walk through an old bomber! In the hangar there are lots and lots of historic and unique planes and the air demo is cool. We didn't stay long enough to do everything, like the tram tour or any of the guided tours, but I'd go back! Bonus: the cafe has great pickles :-)

We have driven by this place so many times over the years, and never really knew what it was all about. My father is big into aviation and engineering, so we decided to take a trip down here (especially considering they were doing a buy one get one free admission during the time). It far and away exceeded my expectations. The exhibit itself was laid out quite well, with a full size bomber plane that you could go inside of, and great film of old aviation footage. The tram tour was really amazing, with the man that led it being quite knowledgeable of all forms of wartime aircraft, engines, and parts. We got to see some of the planes there were currently restoring, and a garage full of engines and propellers from years past. The hangar area is where most of the planes reside, and they have a huge collection in there. What blew me away is that every plane in their is air worthy, and could be flown at a moments notice. That is they way they do restoration there, in which they will not bother bringing in a new plane if it is not able to be fixed up and flown again. The owner then comes by as he lives just off site, and most days does a flying demonstration of one of the planes. Our lucky day, he flew one of the planes that belonged to one of the "Red Tails." It was quite the sight and sound. We also decided to take advantage of their little bi-plane flights, which sat both of us in front of the pilot, and took off over I-4, flying over a lake out there, and doing a couple of aerial maneuvers that were really cool. It is quite an experience flying in a totally open cockpit. Overall, this is quite the hidden gem in the Orlando/Tamp area, and I would strongly encourage anyone who has not been that loves aviation, to head on down.

This is one of Orlando's little hidden gems. If you have a child, spouse or friend who loves flying or vintage planes, Fantasy of Flight is a MUST! I brought my parents to one of their Legends & Legacies events and they loved it. They're not plane enthusiasts per se, but loved the symposium and then loved the attraction. My mother said she was incredibly impressed at how spotless the attraction was. You can see some of the employees who are dusting and cleaning the planes and the care with which they do it. The architecture of the building is not to be missed either. The Art Deco Compass Rose Diner is a true gem.

It's on its was out now, scheduled to close in April 2014. I get it. It's not an attraction that you can really get the whole family excited about, and it's in the middle of nowhere. Not to mention, the $30 entrance fee is just plain nuts. When have you ever paid $30 to get into a museum? I get the feeling that, probably due to the upcoming closing, they're just running out the clock. Other reviews mentioned people in period outfits -- well, I still saw Rosie the Riveter there, but everyone else was wearing FoF polo shirts (which was a little weird because at least one of them still spoke in 1940's slang as if he was in character). There was no tour of the hangars that hold the not-yet-restored acquisitions. They just kind of drop you off there and let you wander around on your own. While it was cool to see the flight demonstration of the P-51C Mustang, it was just a couple of passes over the runway and landing. Only a couple of minutes long, and nothing exciting. When asked before the flight what kind of aerobatics he would be doing, the owner replied with (paraphrasing), "In order to do any aerobatics I first have to call the FAA to let them know, so I don't even bother anymore." Enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous restorations and maybe the flight demonstration, short though it is. Everyone else will probably do a lap around the two hangars and then grab a bench and wait for their enthusiast loved ones to get tired. According to the owner, they're planning on improving the experience and reopening in a few years with something that will resonate better with the entire family.

Fantasy of Flight is the home of the world's largest, privately-held collection of aircraft in the world. Sadly, one wouldn't know it by visiting. Now a mere shadow of itself, it is open for limited hours, among a crowded hangar one could easily walk through in five minutes. So, what happened? Casual conversation leads to tales of nearly two decades of poor attendance and admission revenues. Just as equally, hopeful statements are made of future development, with the admission that "planning" has been years in the making. It is easily surmised that FOF is a dream of one man to graciously share with the public, under the immediate shadow of other fantasies nearby, but Mr. Weeks needs to understand that his dream is appreciated, but by a different, and smaller crowd. So it is to that point that it should be stated emphatically that he indeed, has built a world-class facility unlike any in the world, and he need not be concerned with competing with rodentia. No longer are you able to get near his beautiful, yet partially paint-removed building, or tour by his restoration workshops and warehouses like I have in amazement in years past. This is sad, because this former patron was thrilled in just knowing that one man was fortunate enough to take on this monumentally expensive task, and share it with others. Instead, Mr. Weeks seems thrilled with YouTube and Facebook, but this isn't the same for interested parties. And walking through the small hangar, presiding over by some darkened observation compartment, I couldn't help to think that perhaps "Ice Station Zebra" was being shown to a scrawny, naked man within, while I walked among the abbreviated collection. Mr. Weeks- As a private pilot and aviation enthusiast, I personally want to thank you for what you shared and I have personally seen, beginning at Tamiami Airport as the Kermit Weeks Air Museum, and over the last two decades as Fantasy of Flight. But understand what you have given to the thousands of those like me, we most likely need to see on a regular basis. Instead, we all give you the gratitude you deserve by knowing a man with means such as yourself, restore and preserve history we cannot ever aspire to do, and you must know this is greater homage than any admission we could ever pay. Being all things to all people needn't be your mission, when you are the only man on the planet that excels at what he does. Please open ALL your doors once again. Respectfully- DSD

I'm a huge fan of aviation and engineering. I got my private pilot licensee when I was 20 years old. This place was awesome even though it was only 25% open to the public. The few things that were on display were worth the entrance fee for me. I can't wait till when they finish the massive expansion they discussed. I'll be the first one in line the day it opens to see it. Warning if your not interested in aviation don't go, you will be bored out of your mind. For me it was awesome.

Kermit, Thank you for what you have shared with us. As said by others, your audience is aviation enthusiasts like me. I could spend a whole week vacation at FOF! But alas, you gave up when you couldn't compete successfully with the other area attractions to general public. Please reopen your wonderful facility, the tours of the workshops and warehouses, to share with your fellow aviation fanatics. You've been given a gift no one else in the world has or will have. Share it.

About an hour outside of Orlando if your heading to Tampa via I-4 you might have seen a few vintage Airplanes out your passenger side of the car. This area also known by some locals and Fla residents as "Orlampa" because it's just about the half way point between you guessed it Orlando and Tampa. Aviation Buffs, Military Buffs, and History Buffs this is the working versions of a museum that encompasses all of those. This is the place old planes go to live and possibly breath again. You can take the tour, you can take a biplane ride, you can see actual exhibitions of old planes flying. Sometimes they even bring in Hot Air Balloons, and Military Reenactments. If you have a family member that was the part of the Greatest Generation of Rosie The Riveter or Army Air Corp (before the Air Force) this would be the place to stop in. Family's are welcome but most of the kids that were there just ran around screaming so this might be more for the age of child that is really into history. Florida at one time had several military air bases and some of those very plans that flew into battle, or served the good Ol' U S of A can be seen here.

It was more than I expected. We visited on Christmas Eve Day so it wasn't very crowded. Informative tours are scheduled throughout the day. Owner gives you a show by taking-off and landing one of his many beautifully restored aircraft. There's a couple of unique facilities available for holding events. They are constantly adding more to their collection so we'll be back in the future. Florida residents receive discount admission.

Amazing experience for anyone, not just military or airplane buffs. The collection is very well kept and extremely clean. The staff are friendly with lots of humor and information mixed together. The planes themselves are gorgeous, and unlike many other "museums", you can touch them. Even if you don't want to see the planes, the restaurant inside the hall, which is open to the public, is great for lunch. Generous portions, cooked fresh, very tasty, and reasonably priced. If you need a day away from the usual parks in the area, this is an excellent alternative.

If you like anything to do with planes, this is a must-see. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied throughout the day.

My wife and I took a side trip while we were in Florida to go to Fantasy of Flight. I like aviation and airplanes but my wife does not. She tolerates them for me. We got there early and ended up spending the whole day there. My wife had a very good time there and didn't ask to leave till it closed. I liked it more than the Air Force Aviation Museum in Dayton because it was more hands on. It is the best Aviation exhibit I have ever seen. . . . . I would give it 10 stars! Captain Ron

This was a fun and educational visit that I surprisingly enjoyed more than I thought I would. Seeing all the old planes and then completing against my friends in the flight simulator was great fun (especially as I won, although not quite sure how! lol) Many celebrities have been there including Mr John Travolta (if you visit the web site you can even see a photo of the star there!who is a plane fan anyway. Great fun and something different to all the Disney stuff, so go along and try it yourself, I'm sure it will be a memorable day for you all.

This place is great!! If you like vintage airplanes or are a WWI OR WWII history buff, you will LOVE this place! Look for the featured programs. Today's symposium presented three surviving Tuskeegee Airmen. They were fascinating and told stories of their experiences. There were a lot of children there with school groups, but they did not really appear to be getting much out of it, mostly just running around, but not taking time to learn the valuable lessons being provided. There are many interactive exhibits for children and adults, but they would be lost on young children. Our group of older adults really enjoyed the displays.

One of the best places that I have ever been to. The owner Kermit Weeks, now has the worlds largest private collection of aircraft. It is o amazing to learn about aviation in this way. It is very retro & unique. With a part of artistic.

visited fantasy of flight last fall.ate lunch at the restaurant,it was very good. my wife and i are senior citizens so we love the older restored air craft.kermit weeks has a very large collection of restored air planes.we plan on going back real soon. thanks kermit for the amazing display of air craft and the great restaurant.ed&judy