Edison & Ford Winter Estates — Attraction in Fort Myers

BE AWARE. FALSE ADVERTISING. THIS PLACE CLOSES AT 5:15PM OR EARLIER. These staff are extremely unprofessional. The estates don’t deserve to have lazy staff like these. Although the estates are supposed to close at 5:30pm, the lights are out at 5:15pm!!! That’s 15 minutes before closing! I was Not able to view Edison’s lab with lights on as a result. They are extremely irresponsible. If you close at 5:30pm, your lights are out at or after 5:30pm! This is simple math! They are just for the money and doesn’t think for visitors. Shame on you! You don’t deserve to work here lazy and irresponsible folks. They also have very complicated parking lot. You wouldn’t know when you happen to park at the exit parking lot and then you can just walk in instead of driving in, which is also a long and confusing walk. There are not enough road signs inside and can get you very confused. I don’t understand why they don’t put a sign saying that this is the exit parking lot, so there’s no way to drive in! Poor and inconsiderate management and incompetent and unprofessional staff. Edison and Ford don’t deserve staff like you guys. They deserve so much better! IT IS DECEPTIVE. IF YOU TURN LIGHTS OFF AT 5:15PM OR EARLIER, THE CLOSING TIME SHOULD BE INDICATED AS SUCH. I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU LIE ABOUT CLOSIG TIME.

Remember, they must have done this for a VERY LONG TIME. Shame on you. And they didn't think there's any issue with it. You should not work in customer service profession then. It was AFTER I called and told them that I was going to the lab that they STILL TURNED THE LIGHTS OFF EARLY. It is deceiving customer's money. Just because you are not on better business bureau does not mean that you can just do whatever to trick customer's money. I was not able to view the lab with the lights on because of your unprofessional and lazy and deceptive and irresponsible behaviors. I don't see why you can explain that as if it's nothing. Shame on you. I want my money back.

Below I have attached photos here. I was going to make a video but now it is ruined as I was not able to see the lab properly with lights. There's no way that I could turn the lights on myself. I am going to call them to...

Fascinating place to learn a lot of Edison himself, his discoveries and inventions, his life and life in general in that time period, and a little bit about the history of Fort Myers and Lee County. The property is beautiful. They have done a great job since the non-profit took it over in 2006 from the city allowing them to have access to the funding necessary to keep the houses and ground well maintained. They even have the pool back up and running to its former glory. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. We were actually on a tour with two new hires because all their staff are required to take the tour and learn about where they work. The museum highlights both Edison and Ford’s lives and gives you a new perspective on their friendship. One great person inspiring another great person, they have such great stories. Plan to spend at least an hour in the main museum, I recommend doing this before your scheduled tour time. I also, recommend doing the in house or through the house tour, it is well worth it! Go ahead and buy a membership if you are able to come back at least one more time within the year, especially Christmas time for all the lights. Their membership has a lot of reciprocating museums as well so look it over and see if that benefits you as well. The in the homes tour takes 1-1/2 hours at least. And then there are more things to check out on your own after that. Like the Laboratory and other on site buildings. They have many Model Ts and early cars as well on site. Wear walking shoes, no heels. The grounds is not entirely paved but mostly. And for the in home tour you must wear little protective slip overs on your shoes so you dont damage the wooden floors. Mask was not required for guests. All staff were wearing a mask (Oct 2021) Bring your camera! You can take photos of everything. And the property has the best views...

The citizens of Fort Myers showcase their pride by offering a first-class visitor experience of this riverfront site containing the winter holiday homes of two of America's most important industrial icons. You may book your admission on line. Self guided options offer liberal entry. Guided tours are scheduled frequently and are on offer for a small premium. Parking is complimentary and surprisingly plentiful when we visited on a beautifully sunny Friday in early January. The grounds are meticulously maintained. The admissions desk and gift shop are helmed by helpful staff. The encyclopedic museum is top tier. We opted to upgrade on site for the guided tour and we are glad we did. Our guide, Spencer, had an excellent grasp of the key facts. It's clear locals are as proud of Edison's and Ford's accomplishments as the residents of Menlo Park and Dearborn, respectively. After the museum self visit, Spencer gathered our small group for a walk to the homes and supporting structures. He was well rewarded and clearly enjoyed conveying the information. He was unrushed and encouraged questions. The visit took place mostly outdoors. Pro-tip: Come on a sunny and cool winter's day, wear comfortable shoes. This site is a home run for those that live American history and personalities. It's a perfect daytime activity. Allot at least 90 minutes but I'd suggest two+ hours if you want to enjoy all...