Last week, surrounded by
the sights and sounds of a World War II aerial battle over the Pacific, and
amidst over 40 vintage aircraft dating from the early 1900’s to the 1950’s,
myregion.org’s Executive
Committee gathered at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City to discuss the structure
of the workgroups and progress in the design of the SouceBook with lead consultant
Michael Gallis and his team.
At last, Gallis was able
to visit the place he has referenced so often in his presentations when he describes
the location of the Green Swamp as the area “where the plane is stuck in
the ground off of I-4.” What makes this anecdote even more interesting
is that, in reality, the location of Fantasy of Flight is not on the map, according
to Jesse Douthit, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the aviation-themed
attraction. As he shared with the group, “we are off the map – literally,”
Fantasy of Flight is located 12 miles from Orlando and 12 miles from Tampa.
“If you examine a map of Orlando, it stops at Highway 27 and the map of
Tampa stops at Lakeland. Maybe you can help us – how can we get on the
map?” said Jesse.
Employing advanced simulator
technology, Fantasy of Flight’s simulators capture the intense realism
of flight. Pilots not only experience what it is like to fly, but must maneuver
their aircraft in relation to those of the enemy, the mountains, and their own
squadron members, recreating the same flying characteristics of many of the
different aircraft that were used extensively in WWII.
Guests journey through the
history of aviation in a self-guided tour consisting of three unique immersion
experiences, surrounded by the sights and sounds of various eras in aviation
or they can soar over Central Florida in a hot air balloon. The vision of aviation
enthusiast and historian Kermit Weeks, Fantasy Of Flight is a tribute to the
innovation and imagination of the pioneers of flight.
Educational, military, boy/girl
scout camping and group fly-ins are welcome. Fantasy of Flight can accommodate
parties between 50 to 5,000 guests for a customized evening or daytime event.
For more information about
Fantasy of Flight, call (863) 984-3500 or visit their website at www.fantasyoflight.com.
