The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is known for entertainment and rides. Nearby Downtown Disney has been added as an area with shopping, dining and shows. You can see the area on foot, by water taxi and even from the air on a giant balloon.
Characters In Flight is that giant beige balloon, and it rises 400 feet in the air over the shopping plaza. Situated on the water's edge, the beige balloon, adorned with likeness of Disney characters, including Mary Poppins, ascends over the lake, offering great views of the restaurants, stores and the surrounding countryside.
A Real Helium Balloon at Disney
This attraction isn’t a mechanical marvel like many of the Disney rides, but a true, floating balloon, powered by nature. The helium makes the balloon rise, but the balloon is safely tethered, and limited to the maximum height of 400 feet.
From the apex, visitors are informed that they can see all 25 acres of Disney property, and the signature giant ball of EPCOT is easily visible on a clear day, along with water taxis and the shops and restaurants of Downtown Disney just below.
Up to 25 passengers ride up in the gondola. From a distance, the gondola looks like a large basket, but it is really a ring, with an empty space in the middle. Passengers stand in the ring which is about four feet wide.
As a balloon, the ride is subject to the forces of nature, and safety is a primary concern. The ring can hold 25 people, but higher winds will cause the crew to limit the ride to fewer passengers, keeping the pilot in control. Stronger winds will ground the balloon altogether. In smaller groups, the riders are required to spread out to even the weight.
Cost of the Balloon Ride
The ride takes about 15 minutes in total, counting loading, the trip up and down and a few minutes at the top for the best views. Rates for the short trip are $18 for adults and those over 10 years old, and $12 for guests ages 3 to 9.
The ride runs from 10 in the morning to 10 at night, and the lucky patrons who time their ride in the evening may get to see the famous Disney fireworks from the best view in the area.
Disney tries to accommodate all patrons, and smaller wheelchairs are permitted on the gondola. People who are afraid of heights may want to consider other entertainment.
For those that have not got their fill of excitement at the Disney Parks, or for people who want to make sure they catch the sights at Downtown Disney, Characters In Flight offers a view unlike any other in Orlando.
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