Are you planning a Disney World Vacation and considering taking the Disney Springs Hot Air Balloon Ride? If you are, then take a look below at our helpful guide that should cover everything you need to know about Aerophile the popular Disney Springs Balloon Ride. It is definitely an interesting experience if you have a head for heights and want to soar sky high.
Let’s get ready to take flight…
More About Disney Springs
- Great Breakfast and Brunch Locations at Disney Springs
- Fun Things To Do at Disney Springs
- Star Wars Stores at Disney Springs
- The Drury Plaza Hotel Near Disney Springs
- Great Restaurants at Disney Springs
11 Things to Know About The Disney Springs Hot Air Balloon Ride
1. What is the Disney Springs Hot Air Balloon Ride?
The Disney Springs Balloon Rides is a custom built tethered balloon ride that lasts around 8 minutes. The balloon itself is the largest hand painted helium balloon in the world. Its official title is Aerophile having previously being called Characters in Flight.
The Balloon is an Aero30NG and was specifically designed and built to feature the silhouettes of Disney Characters that are associated with flight. The balloon ride isn’t actually operated by Disney and is operated by Aerophile. That’s right it is not actually a Disney ride.
2. It’s Actually a Helium Balloon at Disney Springs!
I mentioned above Aerophile is actually a helium balloon ride and not a hot air balloon as many Disney Springs guest assume. The balloon is filled with 210,000 cubic feet of helium to allow the balloon’s gondola which is 19 feet in diameter to take guests up into the sky.
A normal hot air balloon is very dependent on weather conditions so the balloon ride at Disney Springs eliminates some of these conditions to allow more guest to enjoy the ride.
3. Where is the Balloon Ride Located
The Balloon Ride attraction location is on the Westside of Disney Springs behind the Starbucks that is located opposite Disney Style and Star Wars Galactic Outpost. It’s landing dock is located on a small pier structure on the lake.
4. Is it Included with My Park Ticket
Unfortunately, the Aerophile balloon ride is not included with Disney World Park tickets. So, if you want to enjoy the balloon ride it will cost you a little extra. Something to consider when you are planning your Disney World vacation budget and spending money.
5. How Much Does It Cost?
Tickets are available for adults and children and the prices are currently:
- $25 for adults (ages 10 and older)
- $20 for children (ages 3 to 9)
- The above prices include taxes
You can buy tickets at the attraction location at Disney Springs. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
6. Where does the Balloon Ride Take You
This might seem a little disappointing, but the balloon only takes you up and then back down. Being a tethered balloon ride the experience is all about taking you up too see the views of Walt Disney World Resort. The balloon takes guests up 400 feet for 8 minutes offering stunning panoramic vistas up to 10 miles away on clear days, so don’t forget your camera! The balloon can accommodate a maximum capacity of 29 people plus the Aerophile pilot.
You can watch a recent video below where Adam the Woo enjoys the balloon ride…
7. When is the Disney Springs Balloon Ride Open?
Operating hours are 9.00am to 11.00pm. The weather can still affect the balloon ride’s operations. The balloon will not fly during a storm or if wind speeds exceed 22 mph. Something to consider if you are planning to spend some time at Disney Springs and want to take the balloon ride. Keep an eye on the weather before you go. Bookings are on a first come, first serve basis.
8. Things to Consider Before Taking the Balloon Ride
Being an attraction that takes guests 400 feet up into the air there is some recommendations to consider should you fall into any of the descriptions below.
- Guests over 12 years old are allowed to ride by themselves.
- Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18 years old.
- Expectant mothers should not ride.
- The balloon ride is not recommended for anyone prone to motion sickness.
- The balloon ride is not recommended for anyone prone to vertigo.
- If you have heart problems or any health issues that maybe aggravated by the flight it is recommended that you do not ride.
9. Can You Take Bags onto the Balloon Ride?
You cannot take bags or backpacks on to the balloon ride. This is also the case with food and drink and of course smoking is not allowed. If you have a motorised scooter or ECV you will either have to transfer to a wheelchair for the ride or be able to stand. Strollers are also not allowed on the balloon ride.
You can take a camera or phone onto the balloon ride to take photos or video footage of your ride experience.
10. What to Expect
On a clear day expect to see views of up to 10 miles away. Guests will have to spread out and follow the instructions of the pilot. The gondola/basket is completely covered so this is no risk of falling out. You will have views right across Walt Disney World property and will be able to see views of the parks and the park icons too. You will also get to see some great views of the various Disney World resorts.
Make sure you hold on at the launch and landing of the ride as these are the bumpiest parts of the balloon ride. Do hold on to your little ones for these parts of the ride.
11. Bonus Balloon Ride Tip
Before your trip to Disney World check Groupon and other voucher sites for discounts and offers. Discounts can often be found online throughout the years. Also, if you are a Disney Vacation Club member you can enjoy a discounted ride (usually 20% discount after 10.30am). It’s worth having a quick online search for discounts before you go.
Disney Springs Balloon Ride Summary
Depending on the size of your party or family the balloon ride is quite a unique experience to plane for at Disney World. If you are ok with height and want to get some great photos of Disney World property then I would recommend the balloon ride.
I think for the price per person it is a fun and exciting experience to enjoy during your Disney World vacation. Of course, you should try to plan to take the ride on a clear sunny day if you can to get the most from the balloon ride experience.
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Why Not Take a Look at These Articles…
Below are some more of my Disney World articles. These posts will hopefully find helpful when planning for your own Disney World vacation.
- Find out more about the Disney Genie App.
- Disney World Rides You Must Ride.
- Can You Takes Bags on Rides at Disney World?
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