Balloons.....what a waste!

[CAmommy]

I never buy balloons when we visit, but my son begged and got his wish this time. I put out $28 for two balloons for my kids. My 5 year old's balloon lost its air overnight and so we had to go through a big fiasco at Town Hall to replace it. Guess what? The new one lost its air last night! Ugghhhhhh. We aren't going into the parks again today but we are going to DTD. What are my options for replacing it? They told me it should float for 2 weeks an and the light would last 60 hours. I can't say this is the first time I've been disappointed in Disney merchandise. Some of their stuff is just complete junk. I spent $15 on three tiny little Disney buses last year and they broke within 10 min. Feeling frustrated!!!

 

[amyg1975]

That's sad and frustrating. I have always had the best of luck with our balloons. Maybe you can ask at Guest Services?

 

[CAmommy]

Can I visit Guest Services without going inside the parks? Yesterday was our last day inside.

 

[amyg1975]

Yes, they have a Guest Services (or something similar) outside the park entrances.

 

[Mysteryincorp]

Our last Disney balloons lasted almost a month!

 

[CAmommy]

Thanks! I'm hoping they can come through for us. My son is devastated. In a 5 year old's mind, a non-floating balloon is a big deal!

 

[celiacla]

For a latex balloon to last more than a day they have to coat the inside of the balloon with a gel that seals up the pores in the latex. If they forget to do that or they do it poorly and only coat part of the balloon it will deflate by the next morning. It sounds like the balloon blowers are getting sloppy with the coating.

 

[alvernon90]

Count me with the anti-balloon crowd. Even if the cost was not outrageous for a temporary souvenir, the planet is running out of helium and we can't easily make more. We need to conserve it for more important uses. Just say no to balloons!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

My son hates balloons so thankfully never had the problem. I always watch them floating away and wondered why any one would buy them. Just glade my son doesn't like them. Sorry for the trouble.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Things I learned today:

For a latex balloon to last more than a day they have to coat the inside of the balloon with a gel that seals up the pores in the latex. If they forget to do that or they do it poorly and only coat part of the balloon it will deflate by the next morning. It sounds like the balloon blowers are getting sloppy with the coating.

Count me with the anti-balloon crowd. Even if the cost was not outrageous for a temporary souvenir, the planet is running out of helium and we can't easily make more. We need to conserve it for more important uses. Just say no to balloons!

I'm not a fan of balloons either, but my friend loves them and buys them at Disneyland on occasion. They usually last her a month. I hope that you can get a good replacement.

 

[CAmommy]

Well, this experience has put a horrible taste in my mouth. We've been waiting literally 30 minutes for a stupid replacement balloon. Horrible customer service and absolutely no Disney Magic. Absolutely disappointed.

 

[luulu1999]

we got some our first trip and they lasted forever!! luckily my kids dont ask for them anymore im not a fan either