Wednesday April 28, 2010 - Excursions

Please note

• We are unable to refund trips and tours once purchased.
• All trips and tours have limited capacity. Be sure to book early. It is probable that trips and tours will be sold out by the start of the conference.

Airboat Tour of Old Florida

This excursion takes you into the seldom visited heart of natural Florida! Enjoy the natural, protected wetland hammocks, walk through ancient Flatwoods and travel by airboat into sections of fresh water marshes and upriver into the bald cypress swamp - home of the Florida Alligator, American Bald Eagle and other wildlife. Certified eco-guides, biologists, botanists and other experts will accompany the group. 

Clothing:  Wear comfortable clothes, sunglasses and sunscreen!

Cost: $80 per person (includes a sample of alligator tail and a cold beverage)

Departs Convention Entrance at 8:00 am and returns at 12:00 noon (approx.)

Kayak Wilderness Tour

Take an easy paddle in 2 person kayaks along the shore line of the calm inland waterway from Manatee Cove to the estuary's wild uninhabited barrier island. There will be a guided nature walk on the island. Eco-guides will explain the significance of this endangered backwater estuary. Look out for manatee, dolphins, alligators, a variety of water birds and other wildlife.      

Clothing:  Wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen!

Cost: $95 per person (includes Bottled Water)

Departs Convention Entrance at 8:00 am and returns at 12:00 noon (approx.)

Sky Diving Without the Plane (Maximum Number of Participants = 12)

Pretend you're a particle! Enjoy the sensation of free falling during skydiving without the need for the parachute, plane or any previous skydiving experience. Sky Venture of Florida is a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel with an air flow linear velocity of 120 mph, replicating the skydiving experience without the fear of the jump! You will experience four different levels of Sky Venture: 

• The Classroom - The group will begin by watching a short video and the instructor will teach participants the correct body position for stable flight and the hand signals that will be used to communicate during flght
• The Gear Room -  This is where you will put on a flight suit, joint pads, a helmet and googles.
• The Sky Dive - The group will walk to the wind tunnel where each participant will experience two simulated sky dives with the aid of the instructor.
• The Completion - Participants will receive a personalized flight certificate stating that they have flown in 120 mph winds!     

Special Instructions:

• Participants cannot weigh more than 250 lbs
• Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes
• Participants will be asked to sign a liability waiver on-site
• No one with shoulder dislocation or back problems can participate

Cost: $130 per person

Departs Convention Entrance at 9:30 am and returns at 12:00 noon (approx.)

Fantasy of Flight

CANCELLED! Unfortunately, this excursion has been cancelled due to lack of interest. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Fantasy of Flight is an aviation-themed attraction featuring a collection of vintage aircraft, themed sight and sound 'immersion experiences' from aviation history and flight simulators that use real-time motion technology to capture the sensation of participating in a World War II aerial battle.  Upon arrival, a tour guide will orientate you to the attraction, beginning with an outdoor aircraft flight demonstration. You will experience the different eras of aviation through a series of “immersion experiences” that recount the history of flight through the ages. The experiences range from a trip back in time to the trenches of World War I to a re-enactment of an aerial bombing mission over Europe aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress. After the tour, you are on your own to experience the excitement and thrill of piloting a real aircraft. After receiving a pre-flight briefing, step into the cockpit of a Fighter town WWII aircraft simulator where you will experience aerial dogfights, banks and turns, take-offs and landings, even a landing on the deck of an aircraft carrier. Flight times last from six to ten minutes.     

Clothing:  Wear comfortable clothes, athletic shoes, and sunscreen!

Cost: $70 per person (Price does not include lunch)

Departs Convention Entrance at 9:40 am and returns to the hotel by 1:00 pm.