Since I am a private pilot, I have made the trek from So Calif 4 times and enjoyed the Airvnture event more each time. The down side is, some times it's too hot and humid for this ol' timer, and much of the middle of the day is spent in the Air Museum, which is air conditioned. The events are great, as are the air shows, the sea plane area is less crowded, and each year it gets better than the previous years. I brought my motorhome a few times, enjoyed the adjacent campground and shuttle service. Anyone who has any interest in seeing 15,000 aircraft from all over the world, should attend this once-in-a-life-time adventure.
My favorites are the homebuilts, and the one-off ultra-lights. One guy said he flew one in from across the Gulf of Mexico, and I asked him what he would have done, if he had an engine failure over the water. He replied that he had blown up condums in the wings and a waterproof cell phone to call for help. He charged 5 bucks a pop, for those that wanted to sign their names on the wings. That, he said, paid for the trip and he planned to do the same on the way back home. I guess he made it, since there was no word of him ditching in the drink. If you are aviation minded, check this one out, it's an event to remember.
Roly, the li'l ol' So Calif woody TD designer, builder and user.