'Characters in Flight' Balloon down [for good?]

[mesaboy2]

Waking up today I never thought Helium would be so interesting and kind of a sordid tale of the modern world.

Going to bed tonight I'm confident it still won't be that interesting.

Glad no one died in the HK incident and sounds like Disney is taking the appropriate precautions.

 

[nikitta28]

so is plutonium



i kinda liked seeing that balloon in the skyline.....

 

[wdwfan1]

We enjoyed the view from the balloon. I also thought it looked festive. To each his own.

 

[clm10308]

Did it even use helium? I thought hot air balloons just heated regular air.

 

[mesaboy2]

Did it even use helium? I thought hot air balloons just heated regular air.

This is a helium balloon--it does not use hot air.

 

[ppony]

And it is a geosphere, not a "ball"...

Dude. Really? Please relax. The word "ball" rolls off the tongue, "geosphere" doesn't. I can't imagine if my son calls it a ball, I'm going to turn to him and say "No, it's a geosphere honey. Get it right". Especially when he doesn't talk! If he said a word, ANY word, and it was "ball" in reference to that icon, I'm going to be happy. I call it a ball myself too. Can we chill please?

 

[canopynut66]

we have same type balloon at our one parks here and it is $35 to go up in it and WDW was $12 when we took it four years ago

 

[klineyqueen]

Dude. Really? Please relax. The word "ball" rolls off the tongue, "geosphere" doesn't. I can't imagine if my son calls it a ball, I'm going to turn to him and say "No, it's a geosphere honey. Get it right". Especially when he doesn't talk! If he said a word, ANY word, and it was "ball" in reference to that icon, I'm going to be happy. I call it a ball myself too. Can we chill please?

I call it a ball! Heck, my husband calls the countries the worlds.... I don't worry about that sort of stuff, as long as my family is having a rockin' time, they can call any attraction anything that is appropriate!!!

As for the balloon ride, I am so disappointed, going up in a hot air balloon is on the list my hubby and I made of 5o things to do before we turn 50. We were going to go up on that particular balloon on our August trip. Even if it does make a return...not sure I want to ride up any longer.

 

[nannye]

Awwwww we arrive on thurs and are heading to DTD and I was planning to dither balloon? I was totally looking forward to it now it won't be running too bad.

 

[J&J]

how much did they cost.

 

[topmonkeygirl]

I hope it's not down for good, I was planning on doing this our next trip. My DH who has only been to the The World 3 times in his life, (all 3 times with me), saw it for the first time on our last trip and thought it would offer a wonderful view. I planned on shopping, dinner, then a balloon ride.

 

[deuceswild10]

We tried a few times to go up in it, but it was never operating. I guess it was a matter of time before they got rid of it.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I'm sorry about the accident in Hong Kong, but I can't say I'll miss the site of that eyesore when walking around World Showcase. Just didn't quite fit with the rest of the view

 

[famsen]

I recently found out about the helium shortage. I started researching and found that the entire U.S. supply of helium will be depleted within seven years. I was SHOCKED to find this out!
Immediately, I began thinking about all the helium balloons at the Disney Parks and wondered if they would be cutting back on helium products.
Helium is not a renewable resource. Once it's gone it's gone. I can't believe this is just coming out now. Scientists have known about this for awhile. European countries also are having shortages. Right now there is increased efforts in getting helium from areas in Wyoming but it will take time to extract.

 

[famsen]

And for the record to me; EPCOT has a "ball" and I loved Characters in Flight at DTD. Rode it and loved it!

 

[thruthelookinglass19]

Well, aren't we the know it all today You say blight, I say icon. I respect your opinion, I respect mine. Have a nice day.

Of all the times I wished for a "like" on here, as there is one of FB!!! LIKE LIKE LIKE your response!!

 

[mjallemand]

That thing always gave me the jibblies. I think maybe it's just because it's so massive.

 

[Sugardimples]

We tried a few times to go up in it, but it was never operating. I guess it was a matter of time before they got rid of it.

Me, too! Every time I tried it was not in operation.

 

[lugnut33]

Our family did it once and enjoyed it. I always thought it was a nice looking edition to DTD.

 

[chartle]

Dude. Really? Please relax. The word "ball" rolls off the tongue, "geosphere" doesn't. I can't imagine if my son calls it a ball, I'm going to turn to him and say "No, it's a geosphere honey. Get it right". Especially when he doesn't talk! If he said a word, ANY word, and it was "ball" in reference to that icon, I'm going to be happy. I call it a ball myself too. Can we chill please?

Actually you need to tell him its a geodesic sphere.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geosphere

Also I have a full tank of helium from Walmart unused. Bidding starts at $100.