Fantasy of Flight June E-news

June 2010   Eager to be the "favorite" in the family? Then get your entry in and simply tell us why YOUR DAD is the "World's Greatest"! If you win, the whole family will enjoy an unforgettable day at Fantasy of Flight and Dad will take a rare and thrilling flight in the legendary Storch, one of the highest-prized aircraft in the collection.   Click here to get all the contest details and nominate your Dad. The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8.   But you don't have to win to get a great deal for Dad: Fantasy of Flight is offering FREE ADMISSION to all Dads who are accompanied by a paying admission throughout Fathers Day weekend, Thursday, June 17 to Sunday, June 20.     Fun Facts of the 15th A continuing series of reflections in celebration of Fantasy of Flight's 15th birthday   Lessons of the Past/Template for the Future: Fantasy of Flight's Immersion Environments Part Two   Last month's Fun Fact dealt with the origins of the Immersion Environments. This month we continue that theme and share some insights about why that feature of the attraction is deeply treasured and inspirational.   Kermit shares an observation:   We stumbled upon a great lesson by watching kids go through our "into the night" entrance tunnel [of the Immersion Environment]. It was sometimes a bit scary for them, but it was also consistently their favorite part. I began to notice kids going through it over and over again. Finally I came to realize they had self-discovered the process of overcoming a fear and would relive that self-discovery experience by going through it over and over again! This is a great example of how we meet our mission statement: "To Light that Spark Within!"   Photo Credit: Rick Reeves   Immersion Environments Get Freshened Up   Fantasy of Flight is committed to keeping the Immersion Environments in trim and providing a delightful experience for guests. With that in mind, the area has been taken "off line" for a few weeks as improvements to the audio and visual equipment are implemented. The technical maintenance and upgrades are scheduled to be complete by Friday, June 11 and will ensure the experience is even crisper and more exciting than ever!       The B-25 Begins its Journey Back to the Skies (Beware of Low-Flying Fruit)   Why is the B-24 guarding the ramp in front of the Maintenance Hangar? To make room for her "little" sister, the B-25, who has rolled in for the full spa-treatment in preparation for some sky climbing!   Spa Day for the B-25 Yes, summertime puts us all in mind of lazy days, relaxing at the beach, and, of course, low-level watermelon bombing, a famous (infamous?) pastime of the Fantasy of Flight "Apache Princess." Click here to check out a film you may have watched in one of our South Hangar kiosks if you need proof of the watermelon bombings.   The current maintenance plan includes installing and plumbing a new fuel cell, repairing and running-up the aircraft's two Wright R-2600 engines, and provided everything is A-OK, an annual inspection.   The unforgettable face of "The Apache Princess" So if you happen to notice watermelon falling from great heights (and hear Kermit's laugh at a distance), you'll know the "The Apache Princess" is flying by. P.S. The beautiful face gracing the nose art on "The Apache Princess" is none other than the boss's wife, Teresa Weeks.     Big Day for Youngsters with Smilin' Jack and Rosie Among the many school students who visit Fantasy of Flight throughout the year, 200 bright and energetic students from Wendell Watson Elementary School in Lakeland enjoyed a thrill-filled May morning learning aviation lore and having fun!   Students explored the whole collection with expert tour guides and celebrated great story-telling with Smilin' Jack Eagle, who shared the exploits of "Lucky Lindy" and the "Spirit of St. Louis" before transforming the students themselves into an airplane.  Rosie "rivets" with youngsters.   More magic followed when students met Rosie the Riveter, who proved that "We Can Do It" with an inspiring and informative, high-energy, "riveting" demonstration.   As in all things we do, Fantasy of Flight loves to "light that spark within" kids! Rosie showing her muscle.   To inquire about booking details and to the check availability of aviation-themed characters for your next group visit or private function, contact the sales department.   In this Issue: Immersion Environments Update Secrets from the Maintenance Hangar: B-25 Gets Some Work Done Stuff the Bus Service Industry Deal Youngsters Enjoy Time with Rosie the Riveter Pass Holder's Corner: Save on Balloon Rides! Connect with Us         Watch this Space:   Stay Tuned for an Exciting Announcement About 2010-2011 Living History Symposiums     And Don't Forget... It's Time to "Stuff the Bus"   Join Fantasy of Flight and the Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven in supporting local kids and providing critical school supplies. You'll get a warm feeling in your heart and a discount too! Click here for more details.     Service Industry Summer     We're reaching out to our friends "in the biz" again this summer and offering all employees of Florida accommodations, restaurants, and bars buy one, get one free admission starting today. Click here for discount details.       Pass Holders Corner    Have you been pondering your personal "bucket list?" We have one suggestion that is a must-do for everyone...an uplifting experience in a hot air balloon!   Fantasy of Flight is pleased to offer our Annual Pass holders a special discount: one passenger rides for free when you purchase reservations for three individuals in our air hot balloon. Click here for information about the balloon experience, or call Christine at 863-984-3500, ext. 263 to book your reservation at the special Annual Pass holder rate.     Connect with Fantasy of Flight: