No wonder this over-publicized tourist trap didn't give out entrance fee information on their website!!

The $9 tour mentioned in an earlier review was gone when our family of four visited this place in October 2006. We almost backed out when seeing the current admission fee of $20 -- and probably should have.

The most impressive part was definitely the huge banyan tree -- alongside the parking area and FREE for the enjoying. Restrooms, snacks and gift shop are right there, too. Buy a gift shop book about Edison with your saved entrance fees and you will learn more.

NOTHING at this site was presented to engage chlldren of any age.

Though we went during the slowest season of the year, the tour was rushed and fairly shallow. Some tour guides did an OK job of presenting tidbits of information quickly. Others did not even try to be heard above the deafening road noise of MacGregor Boulevard.

We were actually allowed on the porches of a couple buildings!! But no one's allowed inside. One could peer over the plexiglass panels at very old furnishings that went unexplained by the tour guide. But if you looked through more than one opening, you had to hustle to catch up to your fast-paced tour guide.

Edison's lab was a pathetic collection of dusty bottles with no interpretation.

The site's riverview of the Caloosahatchee is impressive.

We heard about the botanicals that USED to be there, before the hurricane season of 2004. We heard about the PLANNED restorations that keep several buidings completely off limits now. But no free passes to return in the future were offered.

Basically, if you would like to drive into Fort Myers to donate serious admission money so they can make future restorations, then this is your place!

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.