Characters in Flight.. is it open??

[wildernesswookies]

Hi,
I was planning on spending my BIG 3-0 birthday at Disney tomorrow and was wanted to take a ride on the Characters in Flight. My DSis was there this weekend and said it is not open yet. She said a CM called from the Poly to DTD and was told they are only doing "soft openings"??!! What is this?

I called DTD today and was told it is not open and there is no set date for it to open.

So, my question for you all.... Does anyone know what the deal is with the Characters in Flight at DTD or have you heard when it will be opening??

Thanks!!

 

[hogwartsdropout]

There is a problem with it. It was meant to open April 1st but there is a design flaw which means whenever there is the slightest breeze, the balloon tilts slightly to one side. Also this makes it difficult for them to bring the balloon back down. They have been testing it this past week on cast members. Not sure when it is set to open though, or when the problem will be fixed.

 

[phins_jazy]

Is this a tethered flight?

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Is this a tethered flight?

Yes it appeared to be. We were at SSR from April 1 to 10th and had a DTD view from our balcony. The balloon was up several times a day in good weather. I have a pix of it from my Blackberry if I can figure out how to load it.

 

[twoanddone]

What is Characters in FLight? A new ride at the Magic Kingdom?

 

[tjmw2727]

We were there on Friday and Saturday and talked with the CM's both days. They are managing to get some flights up in the morning but by noon the winds had been too strong to fly. He recommended we get there at opening but we changed our plans.

We did see it flying from our balcony at the Dolphin on Fri, Sat and Sunday mornings but it was so far away we couldn't tell if it had passengers or if it was just a test flight.

TJ

 

[wildernesswookies]

What is Characters in FLight? A new ride at the Magic Kingdom?

To answer your questions.... Characters in Flight is an Aerophile. Kinda like a hot air balloon only tethered. It goes up 400 feet. It is located at DTD near Planet Hollywood. It was open on my birthday so, I did get to do it for my 30th last Wednesday!! It was amazing, an awesome site. Here are some of my pics. Hope you all enjoy. Can't wait to go back in a few weeks to do it at night and maybe even get on a firework flight!!!
My favorite pic:

 

[twoanddone]

That looks so awesome! I'll have to check it out next time I'm there!

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Oh I wish I wasn't so afraid of heights. But your photos alone got my heart going faster. I couldn't do it, but I am so glad you got to and were kind enough to share your photos for scaredy cats like me!