We toured the Edison/Ford Estate on Dec 27,2005- a very crowded day with a 20 minute line to buy tickets from one very busy cashier. The parking lot, museum and laboratory are one side of the street, the actual estate is across the street on the water. Unfortunately the buildings have been extensively restored and now resemble new construction designed to look old- which is exactly what they are. You cannot go inside most of the buildings and nothing on the seond floors are available for viewing. Most of the rooms are seen through glass panels inserted in the windows.

If you are on a budget you should consider the $9 tour of the museum and then just walk along the sidewalk in front of the estates. You will see 90% of what you need to see.

The day we were there was so hectic that it was hard to find any of the staff actually checking any tickets at all, but I don't think that would be the norm.

Edison knew a good winter spot when he saw it! There is a lot to learn here too.

Yes, the Banyan Tree is really magificent. However, you can just pull into the parking lot and see it among others right along the parking area, without paying for any attractions. We took really neat pictures of the trees.

The tour part is really pretty good, especially for seniors. It was not geared towards kids at all, but for us the weather was just perfect and they (ages 7 and 10) behaved. The tour guides we had really skimmed over the lab area, and the museum part where the inventions are is self guided. The focus of the tour seems to be the homes and grounds, which, though somewhat interesting, are not particularly grand or anything.

Also, currently, the Edison house is being restored, so you are not allowed in it. They give you a pass for a future free visit, but for us, we probably won't get back before that expires.

So all in all, go in nice weather but not with kids, though they are very impressed with those trees!

the Banyan Tree is magnificient!!!!!!! The tour guide was so knowledgable. the boat trip was wonderful also. I had a wonderful time and learned more about Edison and Ford there then out of a history book.
I would love to go again and take the botonical tour this time.

While on our way to Captiva Island, we had a cloudy, drizzely day and decided to visit the Ford - Edison Estate. It was so much more interesting than I had expected, that I would recommend it highly to anyone in the area. We had an elderly woman for our guide and she was well informed and very entertaining. The museum was full of interesting items also. Much of the tour was looking at the plants that Edison had planted on his estate from all around the world. I'm sure in the warmer seasons it would be even more spectacular with everything in bloom.