Let me just say it right now.... EXHILARATING.
That's exactly what I thought about "Characters in Flight". It was was awesome. But then I'm also one who loves going to the top of the Empire State Building and enjoying the view deck. Or riding to the top of the Space Needle. And going on the roller coaster at the top of Stratsophere in Las Vegas. But I'm getting a bit ahead of myself.
I approached the ticket booth, and was a bit dismayed. At least I kind of thought I was. I distinctly remembered that I had checked on the prices in January when we were at DTD, and at that time I could have sworn the price was $16. On this Sunday morning in June, it was $18. Maybe I was remembering wrong. Maybe I had read it wrong back in January. I can't say. But I wasn't going to let the mental difference of $2 stop me from taking my flight. I was pumped. I was ready. I had to wait. Just a few moments for the balloon to come down again, since it was currently, in flight.
There were 3 people ahead of me in line on the platform, and 3 more came after me. That was it though for my ride. 8 in total with the pilot. We quickly boarded, and as were instructed, picked a spot and stayed there until we were at the top. Then we were free to move around and take all the pics we wanted to. Our pilot even graciously took pictures of each person or couple for them.
Here I am 400 feet in the air, overlooking all of WDW. He tried to get Epcot in the background, but you can definitely see DTD in the foreground better.
Visibility that morning was good, but not fabulous. He said it was about 17 miles. On a clear day, he said, you could see about 35-40 miles. I've always loved (at least since it opened), picking out the various WDW landmarks from the lift hill of Expedition Everest...the MK and MK hotels are behind you, and then the Studios, and Epcot are off to your left. BUT ON THE BALLOON... you could see all of it, pretty much straight ahead.
I saw the snow-capped peaks of EE, and the top of the Tree of Life, the Swan & Dolphin, the TOT, Epcot, Miss Tilly over at TL, the Contemporary and BLT... various resorts, and of course below us was DTD. Behind us were other things that exist in Central Florida, but I really didn't bother looking that way.
Here is one of my home resorts, and the beloved rocking chairs by the water's edge there in Congress Park.
Here's one of DTD below
Here is Epcot
Unfortunately my camera doesn't zoom as much as I would like it to, so I couldn't get the really far stuff very clearly so I didn't even bother to upload the one I got of the Contemporary/BLT because they were just too small. But here's one with part of Epcot, the Swan & Dolphin, TOT and way off in the distance is EE
Here's one of what I call a "facebook pose" - where I took it myself, of me trying to capture Epcot in the background, but didn't really succeed - more of DTD than anything else really.
I can't remember exactly how long we were up there, but it felt like about 10 minutes. It was very enjoyable, and I would love to do it again. I know I will, I am just not sure when yet.
Here's a view of the cable that tethers the balloon to the ground throughout the flight. It is a helium balloon, and the pilot showed and explained how they let some out out prior to when the cable starts reeling you back in again.
Following CIF,
I then started back up through Pleasure Island. But only half way. I was headed for the OKW boat. I knew that I didn't want to keep going the rest of the day with my backpack, so I had to drop it off.
Upon arrival at the dock, I was pleasantly surprised to see the boat there, waiting for me. There were about 5 people on board, and I quickly joined them. We sat for about 3 or 4 minutes, and then were off and on our journey. I love the boats at WDW. Have I said that yet? If not, I'll say it again. I love riding the boats. It's such a relaxing and enjoyable way to get around.
Upon arrival at OKW, I quickly went and put my backpack and WOD purchases in my room, and freshened up just a bit. Then I was off on my walking way back down to the Miller's Road bus stop once more. I debated with myself the entire way...do I wait for the MK bus, or do I hop and Epcot bus if I see it first. But thankfully, upon arrival at the bus stop, I didn't really need to make that call - as an MK bus pulled up not a moment later. Yay. Finally - no waiting for a bus!!!
Oh for a resort to resort bus transportation option though. I hated having to go beyond BLT, since that was where I was headed next. But alas, that's what I had to do. I got off at the MK bus area, and proceeded to follow the fence and path all the way around and proceeded to walk right back past where I just was moments before. In the blazing hot sun. For all those BLT fans that just love the short walk over to the MK (or back again)... sure it's not that long, but let me just say - phew - it seems to be nearly forever in triple digit heat, and direct sun! Ugh. I was so wishing I had opted to take the Monorail over...but duh, yeah, it doesn't go to BLT. I would have to walk the extra way over to the Monorail station, then talk the extra way from the Contemporary over to BLT. Then I looked up and saw that the Monorail train above my head was stopped. Obviously waiting on the one in the Contemporary to load up and leave its' station. I kept walking, and looked back several times. It was still there. Stopped. Waiting. Maybe I was not so sad with my choice after all?
Ahh, the BLT. It just so reminds me of the tower that the Jeffersons moved on up to back in the '70's.
And the sleek monorail tracks coming from within the Contemporary.
I was excited to finally be almost to BLT...to get out of the hot sun and into some a/c. I had been following a family taking the same walk over as I was doing. The 3 kids were all complaining about the heat. The mom kept reminding them to keep drinking. The dad just kept going. It reminded me so much of so many families... mine especially. The Dad (me) is there to keep things going and on track. The mom (my lovely DW) is the supporter and cheerleader, constantly reminding the rabble what they need to do, and the kids (the rabble) - constantly complaining about something!
I first saw the models for BLT at the preview center at SSR back in the later winter or early spring of 2009. Then the family got to see the while at a Doorway to Dreams event up in Chicagoland in late spring 2009. I'd been wanting to see the TOTWL lounge for quite some time - but since DW and the kids did not like the decor & stylings of BLT, there really didn't seem to be any reason to drag them all over there. Then last month we were at another Doorway event, and saw the models once again - just to be sure that we didn't want to get points at BLT. DW was sure. No need. Sure we might stay there sometime, but BLT left her feeling quite cold and, well, bored really. But this trip, being solo, I knew I wanted to at least go to be able to see the coveted lounge.
I did NOT like that you have to call someone to let you in to the building. Hello. You have multiple members coming over for a 1 pm Member Gathering and you can't station someone at the door to let them in? Bad, bad customer service there DVC. IMO, I think it's just plain stupid to have the building locked down as they do. Sure, lock down the pool, but the entire building?
The lobby was kind of pretty, but contemporary stylings really aren't my cup of tea. It was really small too. I was surprised. I hadn't realized that the Contemporary and BLT would be so different...very much like Jambo House and Kidani Village... one is sweeping and and majestic - the other much smaller, more intimate, and really kind of crowded. Especially with the various members that were there for the gathering event. I'm not sure how many exactly were there, but probably about 30.
Here's a picture of the fountain that Fouding Members could get a tile on. Located right outside the lobby area. But since BLT guests don't check-in at BLT, I guess it's not really a lobby, but rather a foyer...
The DVC folks broke us down into a couple of groups, and each group was led off to a different elevator bank to head up to the lounge.
Here's a view of the MK & Seven Seas Lagoon from the elevator lobby on the 16th floor.
Inside the lounge. It's quite nice. Not very large at all.
I loved the classic John Hench Monorail stylings from DL in the late '50's on the windows above the bar. This window faces Bay Lake. I'm sure it's got to be something at night time.
Numerous tables and chairs of different heights and stylings line the curved window wall on the Magic Kingdom side of the lounge.
I distinctly remember, however, looking at the guy as he was walking to the turnstiles and thinking that he was quite comfortable with himself to go around in public that way. But then, we've also had kilts in our Boy Scout Troop for a camporee one year (the theme was Highland Games & All things Scottish) - so I also didn't really think it was all that strange after seeing a whole bunch of Scouts and adult leaders in them... in the wintertime for that camporee. Plus there were so many people in costumes last year for SWW when I was there with my boys, I guess it just didn't strike me as odd. 
Friday night I had a Mickey Premium bar in honor of my DW (who loves those), but Sunday morning, it was all about the Itzakadoozie. Mmmmmmmmmm. I can almost taste it now just thinking back on it. 
