cwilliamrose -During the year there are a number of 'old style fly-in' events that take place at Pioneer Airport, across from the museum. Well worth attending. That said, looking at this in reverse and in consideration of your home State..... I doubt there are many Midwesterners like me who would travel all the way down to the Sunshine State only to visit Bubba Jack's alligator farm and then come home without making a pilgrimage to the Mouse or other major attractions...which ARE kinda pricey you'd have to admit.

In some ways I agree that AirVenture is a victim of its own success, but its still the only game in town if you want see and walk among this many GA planes and also ogle flying militaria and commercial aircraft, not to mention the daily airshows, forums, Theater in the Woods presentations etc.etc.etc on such a grand scale. Every State does have local smaller airshows and flying events that ARE low cost, low impact and fun events as well. I come every year for the spectacle and sheer joy of aviation in all its forms..and heck, I've never even been up in a small airplane but it soothes my soul each year just to be among them. Even viewed from my seat as a tram conductor.