Paranormal Investigation in Central Florida Theme Park
February 12, 2010 by Jim Siegel
Filed under Attractions, Museums
Local resident Gary Revelt doesn’t seem like a ghostbuster. He doesn’t wear a Proton-Pack or carry a containment trap. But he does have a passionate curiosity of paranormal activity. So he couldn’t pass up an opportunity to actually participate in a real-life paranormal investigation, at perhaps the most lucrative location in Central Florida, Fantasy of Flight.
Fantasy of Flight, located a few miles down I-4 from Celebration, is the home of the largest private airplane collection in the United States. The collection, owned by entrepreneur Kermit Weeks, features 40 fully restored vintage aircraft, displays of a long-gone era.
Since the collection opened to the public in 1995, staff and visitors began exchanging stories of unexplained occurrences such as unidentifiable noises, temperature changes and the detection of mists and shadows. Reports of these occurrences spread into the paranormal community. Apollo Paranormal Investigations (API), a non-profit investigative team out of Apollo, Fla., took notice (www.apolloparanormal.com). Explained Fantasy of Flight General Manager Kim Long, “API contacted us and requested an opportunity to investigate. At first I was skeptical, but after a few meetings with them, we agreed.”
Surprisingly, there are over a dozen paranormal investigations organizations in Florida. Most, including API, seem to specialize in investigations in private residences.
Last year, API’s team of paranormal investigators (or “ghost hunters” to which they are more dramatically referred in the popular media) conducted a series of scientific explorations through Fantasy of Flight, and on a paranormal-activity scale between 1 and 10 assigned the vintage aircraft collection … an 11! Based on API’s conclusions, Fantasy of Flight decided to open the experience to the public in an event named “nightFlight,” an after-hours program that offers adventurous visitors such as Revelt four full hours to “explore the unexplained.”
“I personally believe the apparitions and energies that have been experienced are not only connected to specific airplanes exhibited, but the environment they are housed in as well,” said Fantasy of Flight owner and creator Kermit Weeks. “There have been movements of objects, voices heard, apparitions showing up in photos and actual sightings! Fantasy of Flight is all about going beyond ourselves and we encourage not only our guests, but our paranormal friends as well!”
The nightFlight program was limited to 30 participants. The event began at 9:30 pm on a Saturday evening with a summary of occurrences to date and investigation results. The 30 participants were then organized into three groups of 10, and an API investigator was assigned to lead each. Participants were trained in the use of the scientific instruments and the use of a scientific approach to paranormal investigations, in order to determine the difference between coincidences and inexplicable phenomenon. In addition, API had already installed a variety of video cameras and other devices around the facility to continuously collect additional data to validate or refute group observations.
For the next several hours, the groups alternately visited a half dozen mostly-World War II aircraft locations within the cavernous Fantasy of Flight buildings, quietly seated or standing with senses on high alert, collecting electromagnetic and temperature data, and investigating strange noises, temperature gradients, and what seemed to be voices. Revelt had brought his own instruments, a K2 meter and an electromagnetic field sensor.
The three groups rendezvoused about 12:30 am and spent over an hour discussing observations, some of which might be explained but others that could easily not. Following the evening of investigation, API planned to evaluate the data and issue a report to all participants.
Revelt seemed very excited with the experience. “I got a chance to work with real paranormal investigators. It was great. If I can, I’d like to bring my 18 year old daughter next time.” His own observations and instrument readings suggested to him that there was actually something paranormal there.
A Celebration resident who preferred to remain anonymous agreed. “I experienced some unusual activity in there,” that person said. “I could sense the presence of paranormal entities, particularly strong in the World War II B-17 briefing room, the aircraft carrier flight deck lined with Corsairs, and the inside of a double-decker 1930s trans-oceanic airliner. I was surprised by the willingness of the spirits to communicate.”
Response to nightFlight has been so strong that 4 more sessions are planned. Two are already sold out, but reservations remain for the nights of February 20 and March 6, both at 9:30 pm Saturday. (www.fantasyofflight.com)
At a per person cost of $75, the experience is a bit pricey, but extremely unique. The best aspect of the experience was to take part and actually operate the instruments to collect data. A nice assortment of food was served during the initial briefing; coffee and sweets were served for the final debrief.
We didn’t get slimed with ectoplasm, see any demonic apparitions, or run into the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. There were no rattling chains or floating white sheets.
But even the skeptics seemed to have fun, and to some others the implications seemed profound. And Revelt seemed more convinced than ever that there really is paranormal activity that can’t be explained.
Titanic – The Experience
February 10, 2010 by Central Florida Magazine
Filed under Attractions, Museums
Titanic – The Experience takes you back to the early 1900s as you explore the full-scale replications of the Titanic’s most famous architecture, authentic artifacts real life stories. This unique exhibit features scaled replicas of what the Titanic looks like today and full-scale replica of Titanic’s Grand Staircase and staterooms. Open at 10 A.M. daily, Titanic – The Experience is located on International Drive in Orlando, Florida.
Titanic – The Experience
7324 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
407-248-1166
Originally posted 2009-09-17 16:00:36. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Gatorland —– Orlando, Florida
January 27, 2010 by Central Florida Magazine
Filed under Attractions
Gatorland in Orlando combines the wonders of nature and the thrill of exhibits and entertainment. Come see Gatorland’s alligator wrestling show and take in the nature sites from one of the many observation towers. Don’t miss the Gator Jumparoo Show and witness gators jump over five feet for their dinner! Perfect for the whole family, Gatorland is located on Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida.
Gatorland
14501 S. Orange Blossom Tr.
Orlando, FL 32837
407-855-5496
Originally posted 2009-09-17 14:00:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Sky Venture – Orlando
January 21, 2010 by Central Florida Magazine
Filed under Attractions
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Sky Venture in Orlando offers the thrill of weightlessness and the exhilaration of free falling without the flight time. All action can be observed by family and friends from the observation deck and weather is never an issue! Make your reservations today!
Sky Venture
6805 Visitors Circle
Orlando, FL 32819
407-876-6696
Originally posted 2009-09-17 15:43:43. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Holy Land Experience – Orlando
January 20, 2010 by Central Florida Magazine
Filed under Attractions, Fun Things To Do
Come explore the sights and sounds of 2000 years ago in this unique and interactive living, Biblical museum. It’s educational, inspirational, theatrical, and historical; it’s an experience!
Holy Land Experience
4655 Vineland Rd.
Orlando, FL 32811
800-447-7235
Originally posted 2009-09-17 16:45:47. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
January 19, 2010 by Central Florida Magazine
Filed under Attractions
Visit Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida! What started as a bird sanctuary in the late fifties has blossomed into one of Central Florida’s most popular tourist destinations abundant with wildlife, live shows, world-class exotic zoo animals, and record-breaking roller coasters and thrill rides.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
888-8005447
Originally posted 2009-09-18 10:50:22. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Vans Skatepark – Orlando
January 18, 2010 by Central Florida Magazine
Filed under Attractions, Sports & Leisure Activities
Vans Skate Park in Orlando is one of the world’s largest indoor skateboard facilities! Come to practice your skills or simply show off on the dozens of ramps, jumps, and chutes, ranging from beginner to pro. $12 – $15 per 2 hour session
Vans Skatepark
5220 International Dr.
Orlando, FL 32819
407-351-3881
Originally posted 2009-09-17 16:10:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
SeaWorld Orlando
January 18, 2010 by Central Florida Magazine
Filed under Attractions
Visit Sea World in Orlando and immerse yourself in the wonders of the sea! Come watch Shamu’s theatrical shows, have face-to-face encounters with dolphins and sea lions, and experience the thrills of the Manta and the Kraken roller coasters all at Sea World in Orlando.
SeaWorld Orlando
7007 Sea World Dr.
Orlando, FL 32821
888-800-5447
Originally posted 2009-09-17 15:40:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! – Orlando
January 2, 2010 by Central Florida Magazine
Filed under Attractions, Museums
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Is the fastest growing chain of museum-amusement attractions in the world! With 64 attractions in 11 countries, each is unique, awe-inspiring, and mind-blowing! Come visit Central Florida’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Orlando and prepare to be amazed!
Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
8201 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
407-363-4418
Originally posted 2009-09-03 14:38:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World
December 12, 2009 by Central Florida Magazine
Filed under Attractions
Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is one of four parks part of Walt Disney World in Orlando. This exotic theme park is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of nature and wild life as it leads the way in animal care, education and research. It is also home to one of Disney’s most thrilling roller coasters, Expedition Everest, as well as spectacular shows, exhibits and rides.
Dinsey’s Animal Kingdom is divided into 7 exotic areas.
- Oasis
- Discovery Island
- Camp Minnie-Mickey
- Africa
- Rafiki’s Planet Watch
- Asia
- Dinoland U.S.A.
Each section features different animals, exciting roller coasters, and unique entertainment. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the largest animal-themed park in the world!
Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World
(407) 939-6244
Originally posted 2009-08-13 14:51:34. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

