Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe ORLANDO, Fla., April 2 (UPI) -- The G.I. Joe convention in Florida kicked off this year with what has become a tradition -- a mass parachute drop of the small action figures. Volunteers launched 300 G.I. Joes from the roof of the Dolphin Hotel at Walt Disney World Friday morning, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Fans gathered below, hoping to snag one of the figures, which were designed exclusively for the convention. Each volunteer was rewarded with one as well. Advertisement Thousands of enthusiasts are expected to attend the 18th annual convention, which runs through Sunday. Hasbro Toys began selling G.I. Joe figures in 1964. The term action figure was later coined to distinguish the G.I. Joe toys from dolls.
