Hot Air Balloon Rides

[shyjade]

Have you taken a hot air balloon ride while visiting Disney? We did years ago (through Orange Blossom balloons) and it was an incredible experience, so I'd like to take my DD9 on this trip in November. I'd love to hear if you've done it and if so, with which company? Was it an incredible experience? Did you take kids and if so, what did they think?

 

[Luvchefmic]

Can I suggest thompsonaire.com take a look at Jeff (the pilot) and his website...I did my first hot air baloon ride last summer & it was one of the most exciting things I have ever done in my life...I did a lot of homework as I was nervous & he made the whole thing an experience that left me speechless....there were no children with my group but ask him he is so nice & more importantly a total professional

 

[shyjade]

Thanks, I'll check out his website!

 

[shyjade]

Thanks for your suggestion, I decided to book through him instead of Orange Blossom again. Now I'm even MORE excited for our trip to Disney!

 

[Luvchefmic]

So glad I could help you will have a blast, tell Jeff Ruthie said Hi! & I will see him next summer you will have an awesome time take lots of pictures

 

[shyjade]

I sure will...I will tell him you sent me!

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Where do you have to go to begin your flight? Is it far from WDW?

 

[MonkeyPants]

never done a ride down there, but I have taken a ride in a ballon before and loved it...hmm I might have to look into taking one while down there, thanks for the suggestion

 

[shyjade]

Where do you have to go to begin your flight? Is it far from WDW?

I'm not sure of the exact mileage from Disney but they do offer pick up/delivery to/from your hotel for a $15 fee which is much more reasonable than taking a taxi. From the meeting place (a restaurant) they drive you out to the field where you depart from.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Cool. You'll have to let us know how it goes.

 

[MonkeyPants]

about how much do they run $$?

 

[labattblue]

about how much do they run $$?

http://www.thompsonaire.com/price.htm

 

[MonkeyPants]

http://www.thompsonaire.com/price.htm

WOW thats insanely reasonable, considering the last time I went on a balloon ride was like 20 years ago and it was 150 then if I recall correctly

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

So it's $185 per adult but how much time in the air does that include?

 

[shyjade]

An hour, give or take depending on weather conditions.

I think this is very reasonable for the experience; I debated about booking a fireworks cruise but for the money, this is something we will definately remember a lot more! Not to mention it is educational...it will be neat for my daughter to learn what they do to set up the balloon(s) and how they work. I flew once with Orange Blossom in the Orlando area and it was an incredibly cool experience that I will never forget. AND I'm afraid of heights, but it never once occured to me to be scared while I was up there because it was so darn peaceful and beautiful!

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I think it sounds like a great experience. Definitely worth the money moreso than a fireworks cruise, IMHO.

 

[Luvchefmic]

We met at about 6 am & I think I was back at the rental house (which was 10 minutes away) by about 10 am.

Actual time up in the balloon was approx 1 hr. When we landed we had a champagne toast where the balloonists prayer was said (truly beautiful) then it was back to the restaurant we had originally met at (in Kissimmee about 10 minutes from WDW for those with a car) for a wonderful buffet breakfast that was INCLUDED in that price for the ride. The pilot Jeff & his niece & staff are so knowledgeable (over-hearing other balloon companies when we were on the ground preparing for the ride Jeff is very well respected in his chosen passion)

I will definitely do this again next summer