Fantasy of Flight — Attraction in Auburndale

He Fly’s em Too!!

Kermit Weeks, founder of “Fantasy of Flight” (FOF), has such a hard job. He must decide which of these beautifully restored aircraft to fly on any particular day. My sarcasm aside, here’s an excerpt of his bio: “For Fantasy of Flight founder Kermit Weeks, the opening of his aviation-themed attraction has been a natural extension of a lifelong, unbounded passion for aviation and aircraft. Weeks has been involved in aviation since his childhood and, throughout his life, has also maintained a fascination with the worlds around us we don’t see. His enthusiasm for furthering public interest in aviation has never stopped growing. A skilled aerobatics competitor and aircraft designer, Weeks has earned acclaim both for his accomplishments in the air as an aviator, and on the ground for his technical ability to build aircraft and his promotion of aviation and vintage aircraft restoration.”

His bio is lengthier and very impressive in my opinion. I encourage everyone to read further on the FOF Website. I believe you’ll also agree that his life’s story is an open-architecture. Besides being one of the most privileged pilots in America, he’s very community minded in his approach to aviation. He and his staff are not just turn-key curators. They preside over an interactive educational experience. I even found some of Kermit’s aviation intro books for children on “Amazon.” My mechanical, behind the scenes curiosities were satiated as well. There’s an elevated walkway that I could look down, through windows, into a variety of workshops showing the current restoration projects. This is a unique perspective I’ve only seen in tech manuals. The walkway also provides an elevated view of the displays in the main Museum Hanger. If you want to validate the experience with souvenirs, there’s a well-stocked gift shop. Outside, the true plane nerd can see anything from a simple engine run-up test, to an actual flight. Kermit is an accomplished aerobatics pilot, but I’ve not seen him try this in any of the rare Warbirds. I have heard of him doing a “Watermelon” bombing run over the ocean in the B25, but I’ve not confirmed that. FOF is a repeat activity for me. One and done isn’t enough for this aircraft experience. And, memberships are...

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...

If you are even remotely an aviation enthusiast, you will absolutely enjoy Fantasy of Flight! Although it is smaller than what it had once been a decade or so ago, the quality and attention to detail still remain. My family went to celebrate my dad's birthday there and when you arrive, you're greeted by an amazing curator named Vicky! She explained everything thoroughly to make sure we were aware of what was included, and was an absolute delight. While walking through the hangar, we arrived just shortly after a tour had begun so we were given the option of listening in, or meandering through on our own; thankfully, since its a hangar, you can still hear the discussions from most areas. While we wondered through, we were greeted a Bill, an amazing historian/pilot/veteran, who showed us through the exhibit and gave us an in-depth look into much of the history of the aircraft. He was an absolute treasure who has a passion that would inspire anyone.

All in all, its smaller than it once may have been in terms of museum space, but the glory and love for aviation remain. We will most...