EAA AirVenture Flyin
 

We are heading there this year, Tuesday-Friday. Anyone been before?
We will be staying about 45 minutes away, but assume it will take significant time to get in. Any parking, entry advice?
Any advice? We will be bringing collapsible chairs, water bottles, earplugs. Anything else?
We are planning on doing the Wednesday evening airshow and one of the twilight events. Little pbiflyer wants to do several of the classes and maybe a lecture or two.
Insight would be appreciated.

Where are you staying that is 45 min away.

I havent been there in decades, but its my neck of the woods. But Ill ask a friend that goes all the time and report back.

Her suggestions:

Get there early, parking always fills up
Check the website for what you can and can't bring in.
There is no shade, dress accordingly and lots of sunscreen.
Planes tend to start leaving on Friday.

My additions:
Sense of humor
Patience

Originally, we were going to be in Kewaskum, but now closer in Fon Du Lac, which has a bit more around it.
The other option was the metropolis of Brownsville, but Fon Du Lac ended up a better option. (Plus I might be able to score a free beer at The Press Box!)

Thanks for the advice. We did get parking passes and will plan on getting there early. The weekend will be back in Milwaukee for Germanfest and Brewers-Marlins game.

A bit more around in Fondy. Enjoy and have fun. I get to the PBI area at times. Some family lives in PBG and WPB, all lovely areas.

Buy some cheese curds from a grocery store! They are delicious, also check out some local brews, including Spotted Cow.

How was your trip?

It was amazing. I will put together a trip report.
We stayed at the dorms at Marian University. Not the best accommodations, but it worked.
Parking was a breeze most days. But we were in before 10am each day. The Wednesday night parking exit after the night airshow was of course a zoo.
All the restaurants in the area were packed and we missed out on some good ones, but found some others.
Food at the show was not as pricey as I expected. Better than auto racing venues and arenas I thought.
Got to see some amazing planes, talk to amazing people (the blimp pilot was really nice and she was very cute!), the night air show was stunning.
Will post pictures and write up more.

A few sights from EAA.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...881d69fe5.jpeg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9f493aff9.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c68184598.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...342e40469.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9e77f933f.jpeg

Some observations:
1. If you are driving in, getting there before 10am is key. Parking was a breeze as long as you were there early.
2. There is a ton of walking and the trams are usually filled. Be prepared.
3. The early part of the week - Tuesday-Thursday was great. The Wednesday night airshow was worth the long day and the long wait to get out.
4. Food isn't great, but not horrible.
5. There is something new every day. Planes are constantly flying in and out.
6. Talk to anyone and everyone. We chatted with blimp pilot, F18 pilots, EAA pilots, maintenance crews, plane builders, engineers. All want to tell you about what they are interested in.
7. You will miss things, there is just so much.
8. The trip out to the Seaplane base is worth it!
9. Restaurants within a 25 mile radius in the evenings will be packed.
10. If you are an experienced camper, worth it. We weren't and were happy with a real bed at night.