Downtown Disney Balloon Ride?

[Raenstoirm]

We did it in 2012. Great experience. You can't really "see" the parks per say, but well worth the time.

Here is the scrapbook page I made.

 

[jezebel73]

I did it back in 2009 or 2010, so my daughter would have been almost 5 or almost 6 and she definitely enjoyed it. Little ones do have to know they can't run or move all over. And I definitely wouldn't recommend it to someone with a fear of heights, although my ex made it OK and he can't do other high things like that where you are "exposed" (like he nearly passed out parasailing). Overall, I would recommend it.

If you can get a Groupon, that's a great deal, but you could run into an issue with it not running when you want to go.

 

[linzbear]

We did it in 2012. Great experience. You can't really "see" the parks per say, but well worth the time.

Here is the scrapbook page I made.

Just so you know, the Animal Kingdom arrow is pointing toward Magic Kingdom (probably the poly). Animal Kingdom is to the left of/behind DHS.

 

[Holstar]

Has anyone done the tethered balloon ride at Downtown Disney? It recently returned and I really want to do it. I know its not a traditional hot air balloon ride but it will work to check a box on my 'bucket list"

We did it at Disneyland Paris and it was easily one of the most enjoyable yet terrifying experiences I've ever had

It was my birthday, we'd just had a lovely meal at the Disneyland Hotel and decided it would be romantic to see the park by night from the balloon. In the balloon's defence, it was January and it was windy.... we were certainly swaying a fair bit! But it was tons and tons of fun!

To answer a previous question... the flooring is solid. The standing area is shaped like a ring doughnut, so you can see down the middle to the ground, and obviously out of the sides (though it is enclosed).

Apologies for the shakey photos... my hands weren't quite steady! Hahaha!

 

[JanaDee]

 

[Iowajes]

For the person scared of heights- I wouldn't do it. If you can't walk out on the Grand Canyon thing, this really seems like an odd choice.

On those clear walk outs, if you are uncomfortable, you jump back, it's done.
On this- if it turns out it terrifies you, you are stuck for 10+ minutes.

400 feet is pretty high. (The Grand Canyon drop is apparently 500-800 feet.)

Me, personally, I'd just let my family go and watch them.

 

[Pkltm]

It was fun, we did it last September after trying for a few trips but being held back because of wind.

You can get great pictures, of the EP, HS, and AK but the castle cannot really be seen.

I would recommend.

 

[bittersweet]

We did it back in 2011 and I really enjoyed it! I highly suggest doing it at night, because the view is amazing

 

[Yellowstonetim]

We went in September and loved it! We went at dusk and the lights were beautiful. First thing in the morning and dusk are the best. But winds will limit when it operates. The first day we went to Downtown Disney it was closed for winds.

My daughter is considering doing this when we go in June. There is a groupon for it right now.
She was wondering how far you can see. Can you see any parks, or just some surrounding resorts?
Thanks

You can see a great distance, depending upon weather, but because Florida is flat, you cannot see much except what is below you for a few miles and what sticks up above the ground in the distance. We could pick out the parks - Tree of Life, Tower of Terror, etc., and main resorts.

Solid. It's a basket in the shape of an O. You also can't really move around because the weight has to be evenly distributed.

We went in September and were able to walk around freely. I made several complete circuits. The walkway is narrow so you must work your way around other people. You can see out and down the center where the cable runs. The operator controls ascent and descent on the cable. It is a rather large helium balloon, colorful, and

A lot depends upon weather and at what altitude there are winds. It can go up to 300 or 400 feet (cannot remember exactly) but due to winds at the upper altitude we had to stay 75 feet lower. The view was still fantastic and the trip fun.

For the person scared of heights- I wouldn't do it. If you can't walk out on the Grand Canyon thing, this really seems like an odd choice.

On those clear walk outs, if you are uncomfortable, you jump back, it's done.
On this- if it turns out it terrifies you, you are stuck for 10+ minutes.

400 feet is pretty high. (The Grand Canyon drop is apparently 500-800 feet.)

Me, personally, I'd just let my family go and watch them.

I am scared of heights and I loved it. It depends a great deal on the type of fear you have. I fear open edges and cliffs, but when there is a net, wall, window, or other satisfactory protection I am reasonably ok. Reasonably.

Because of the net, and walkway, and the fact that it is impossible to fall, I was OK. If on the other hand you are uncomfortable with the movement caused by wind while up high, that can be a negative.

It was gorgeous to look down on the lake and Downtown Disney. I want to do it again

 

[Turtle31]

I wrote a pretty detailed trip report ( with lots of pics) that included our ride on Flights of Wonder. You can find it in my tag line - 11 day trip report !

 

[cobright]

We went up in the balloon last September and loved it. We were able to watch the fireworks shows at two different parks.

As for not being a 'real' hot air balloon, this is far cooler. It's a helium baloon, like some of the original airships. And it's dead quiet. I've been in a hot air balloon and it's no where near as relaxing.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I did this in December- it was cool. I'm not a huge fan of heights though. I was holding on to the sides for dear life,lol.

I'm taking my Dad to WDW in April and he really wants to do this, so I'll end up going again. I could just stay behind , but I think he'd be disappointed. And, maybe I won 't be so freaked out the second time.

 

[ajwolfe]

I never really considered this attraction before, but will definitely have to give it a try on our upcoming visit.