Just got back

[trevorsem]

First day back after three weeks with the mouse.

Done all Disney and Universal parks, water-ski, balloon ride and dinner shows. Any questions, then ask away. Will post trip reports when I get time.

T

 

[squitty]

Welcome Home

Sounds like a good holiday

 

[mandymouse]

Welcome Home

I can't wait to hear all about it

 

[natalielongstaff]

welcome back

 

[carolfoy]

Welcome home, particularly interested in the balloon ride, when you've got a minute

 

[trevorsem]

Welcome home, particularly interested in the balloon ride, when you've got a minute

We had pondered on doing a balloon ride, but wanted to see how the money went.

Originally booked Orange Blossom Balloons for my Daughter's Birthday (4th June). Due to the weather (they will only fly when there is no rain), it was postponed until the following Tuesday. We met at La Quinta Lakeside (our hotel) at 5.30am. This is the hotel that they meet, although they will collect you for a small fee. You meet in the restaurant. After filling in a disclaimer and reading a safety card your split into teams of up to 12 and given a colour. Your pilot wears the corresponding colour. Their humour is very corny and drool, but puts you at ease.

Next it's outside where they release a helium balloon to see what way the wind is blowing. This decides on their launch site. Ours was further west of US192. The sun rises very quickly over there. By the time we reach our launch site and helped prepare the balloon the sun was up. I am not scared of heights at all, but admit to being petrified before take off. No need, the balloon does not go up that high (about 1,000 feet) and you feel safe in the basket. The basket is split into compartments and it's impossible to fall out as the side come above your waist.

You go with the wind and once in the air soon realise how much undeveloped Florida is. There are loads of lakes and swamp areas.

One sad note was seeing the damage caused by last years hurricanes.

Upon landing you help pack the balloon away, have a glass of champagne and back to La Quinta for a buffet breakfast and presentation of your flight certificate. Whilst your eating they try and sell you OBT t-shirts and a photo of your balloon.

Payment is not taken until your return and visa, etc is accepted.

T

 

[Mumof2]

Welcome home Trevor - sounds like you had a great time. Look forward to the trip reports when you have time.

 

[carolfoy]

Thanks for the info Trevor, looking forward to the full trippies

 

[Candy]

Welcome home trevor.we are thinking about doing the balloon ride.if you dont mind me asking how much did it cost and who did you book it through.it will be myself DH DS14 and DD16.also as it is a early start what time did it finish.trying to plan what to do for the rest of the day.

 

[trevorsem]

Welcome home trevor.we are thinking about doing the balloon ride.if you dont mind me asking how much did it cost and who did you book it through.it will be myself DH DS14 and DD16.also as it is a early start what time did it finish.trying to plan what to do for the rest of the day.

We booked through Orange Blossom Balloons. It was $150 for us and $110 for the kids. I did not see any discount vouchers for it, but the hotel desk told us (afterwards) that they could of saved us a dollar or two.

They meet at the La Quinta Inn Lakeside (local pick-up can be arranged) on US192 West (now called Best Western Lakeside) every morning at 5.30am. Your asked to call them before 6:00pm the day before to confirm whether it will go ahead based upon the latest weather forecasts.

Departure from the hotel is at 6:00am for a 7:00am take-off from the launch site. Flight time is an hour, with a return to the hotel by 9:00am for breakfast (included) after champagne at the landing site.

Your done and dusted by 10:00am, although take into account the early start. We went to the Florida Mall shopping after, then a swim and made it a lazy day.

T

 

[KayleeUK]

Welcome Home

 

[Looby Loo]

Hi trevorsem, Welcome Home!

I would be interested to hear about the waterskiing that you did? How much? Was it worth it? Were, etc!!

 

[Miffy2003]

Welcome home!

That balloon trip sounds amazing!

 

[slinky101]

Hi trevor, I have seen some good deals involving the best wester lakeside/la quinta lakeside for next year, what was the hotel like? position, cleanliness, pool etc thanks in advance

 

[trevorsem]

Hi trevorsem, Welcome Home!

I would be interested to hear about the waterskiing that you did? How much? Was it worth it? Were, etc!!

Hiya

We did a whole water-ski morning a few years back with Dave's Ski School. He is now called Beuna Vista Water Sports, just off I-4 on SR535 at LBV, near the Golden Coral. The morning session is no longer on offer. For $100 (minus $5 off coupoun) we chartered a boat for an hour on the private lake they have there. Although their advert says they offer water ski lessons, they don't appear to any more (we asked Dave). Given my kids have never tried it before, it was not much fun as they had no instruction and the driver tried to pull them from the shore. So, we changed to a float, which pulled two of us at a time around the lake. That was great fun. Afterwards, I hired a jet-ski for $45 for half an hour. That was also good fun.

Trev

 

[trevorsem]

Hi trevor, I have seen some good deals involving the best wester lakeside/la quinta lakeside for next year, what was the hotel like? position, cleanliness, pool etc thanks in advance

One of the better hotels. Rooms were nice and clean. My Wife liked the idea that the basin area and the back of the room contained a curtain, which meant more privacy than other hotel rooms had offered.

Best Western took over early June and we already saw some of the upgrades they were planning around the pool, et.

Position is along US192 west. When you come out of the hotel, turn left and take the first left exi, Sherbith Road. This is an little known exit into the back of Disney and brings you out by Animal Kingdom.

T