Hot Air Ballooning- Really Great!

[hils54]

Hi If you would like to try something really different while in Orlando then go for Hot air ballooning with ThompsonAire.com We felt really safe as a result of this very professional and well handled operation so much so we did it again for a second time! This really is an experience of a lifetime and has given us unforgettable memories

 

[tashasmum]

My brother did this a few years ago and throughly enjoyed it.He said it was worth every penny, infact the only downside was the early start.

 

[Jakey Rowling]

If you don't mind me asking, whats the cost?

 

[snookhams]

I will certainly look into it although not too sure on how our 12 yr old son will like it the prices can be found here http://www.thompsonaire.com/price.htm $185 adult ,$105 Child (10 - 15 yrs) ages 5 - 9 years are free if accompanying an adult!

 

[wayneg]

We considered Orangeblossomballoons.com a few times after hearing good things, they charge $175 full price always look to have discounts just now its $165 but last time I looked it was $25 off down to $150.
Don't know which is best of the 2.

 

[castanea1985]

Hi If you would like to try something really different while in Orlando then go for Hot air ballooning with ThompsonAire.com We felt really safe as a result of this very professional and well handled operation so much so we did it again for a second time! This really is an experience of a lifetime and has given us unforgettable memories

Where did you fly from? What did you see? Have you any pics!!
Quite fancy it, just to get some good aerial shots!!
Tracy

 

[DISWolves]

Have flown with Orange Blossom twice (1993 & 2007)
Both were brilliant experience, with a great opportunity for some super photos! Recommended !!!!

 

[SimonV]

Orange Blossom Balloons merged with Blue Water Balloons last year after the company was taken over and enlarged (it is still British-owned), to make it far and away the biggest company in Central Florida. They can still be found on the Orange Blossom website, but the new name is Orlando Balloon Rides.

They still have a good Photo Gallery here: http://www.orangeblossomballoons.com/gallery.htm

Thompsonaire is run by Jeff Thompson, who is a former OBB pilot and a great guy. We would definitely recommend his operation, too

Oh, and Orange Blossom Balloons have possible the best call-sign of any flight operator in the world. Can you guess?

Their first balloon is always called Obi-Wan..... (or OB1......!! ).

 

[hils54]

Hi
There are several different launch sites around the disney area and so the flights are different each time. We went over some everglade areas but also populates areas, orange groves etc. Its hard to explain but the whole experience of setting up filling the balloon and then take off is amazing. The flights are early morning and so on the second day we caught sunrise which was awesome

 

[hils54]

Where did you fly from? What did you see? Have you any pics!!
Quite fancy it, just to get some good aerial shots!!
Tracy

Hi
There are several different launch sites around the disney area and so the flights are different each time. We went over some everglade areas but also populates areas, orange groves etc. Its hard to explain but the whole experience of setting up filling the balloon and then take off is amazing. The flights are early morning and so on the second day we caught sunrise which was awesome

 

[castanea1985]

Do any of these trips go over Disney? I would love to take some aerial shots of the castle etc... that would be awesome!
Tracy

 

[SimonV]

Technically, over-flying Disney World is banned by the FAA in Florida, so balloon flights should not go over this area at all. However, some pilots believe the rule is only for the Magic Kingdom, not the whole of Disney World, hence a few do fudge the issue from time to time and, obviously if the winds change, balloons have no real way of 'steering' around WDW if necessary. However, even if it was allowed, there is not really any way to guarantee a flight in that direction because the winds can be so capricious and it might require balloons to take off from areas where there are no launch sites.

So, the simple answer, is no, I'm afraid

 

[tink too]

Do any of these trips go over Disney? I would love to take some aerial shots of the castle etc... that would be awesome!
Tracy

Technically, over-flying Disney World is banned by the FAA in Florida, so balloon flights should not go over this area at all.

I have to agree with Simon there, Tracy - you don't actually fly over Disney theme parks unless the wind takes you there, of course.

We flew with Orange Blossom Balloons back in December 2004 and loved it! Jeff of ThompsonAire was actually our pilot - so I would recommend either company.

We flew over some residential areas, orange groves, marsh land and a lake or two. We could see Disney property very clearly - namely the All Star Resorts and the Wide World of Sports area. But Epcot was also visible from the air.

As stated previously though, nothing can be guaranteed as it all depends on the wind direction for each day.