For a true once-in-a-lifetime experience, check out hot-air ballooning high over Central Florida. The Orlando area is home to nearly a dozen hot-air ballooning companies, a couple of which are listed below.
BLUE WATER BALLOONS 566 Buckminster Circle, Orlando, Florida 407-894-5040, 1-800-586-1884 Billed as “Orlando’s premiere hot air ballooning destination,” Blue Water Balloons offers daily (weather permitting) one-hour hot air balloon rides in the Kissimmee/Walt Disney World area. Reservations are required.
BOB'S BALLOON CHARTERS 425 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, Florida
407-466-6380
Champagne flight specials are available through Bob's Balloon Charters, which offers customized hot-air balloon rides in the Orlando, Kissimmee and Walt Disney World areas. Reservations are required. For more information about Bob's Balloon Rides, visit www.bobsballoons.com.
CHARACTERS IN FLIGHT
Downtown Disney, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
407-938-9433
Operated by Aerophile, Characters in Flight is a giant tethered balloon that provides a bird's-eye view 400 feet above Downtown Disney! For more information about Characters in Flight at Walt Disney World Resort, visit www.disneyworld.com/charactersinflight.
MAGIC SUNRISE BALLOONING
DeLand, Florida
1-866-696-7433 Magic Sunrise Ballooning offers hot air ballooning adventures daily (weather permitting). Reservations are required. For more information about Magic Sunrise Ballooning, visit www.magicsunriseballooning.com.
ORANGE BLOSSOM BALLOONS P.O. Box 22908, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 407-239-7677 Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the real Florida with Orange Blossom Balloons! It’s the thrill of a lifetime! Orange Blossom Balloons offers sunrise flights seven days a week with a complimentary buffet breakfast and champagne. Hotel pick-up is available. Reservations are required.
ORLANDO BALLOON RIDES
7769 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, Florida
407-894-5040 Enjoy a hot air balloon adventure in the Disney World vicinity with Orlando Balloon Rides. For more information about Orlando Balloon Rides, visit www.orlandoballoonrides.com.
PAINTED HORIZONS HOT AIR BALLOON TOURS
7741 Hyacinth Drive, Orlando, Florida
407-578-3031
Painted Horizons features hot air ballooning in the Disney World vicinity and surrounding countryside. Call ahead for reservations.
THOMPSON AIRE, INC.
13825 Avalon Road, Winter Garden, Florida
407-421-9322
For the "tour of a lifetime," check out Thompson Aire, which provides hot air ballooning in the Disney World area. Call ahead for reservations.
Orlando to Host NBA All-Star 2012 The most magical week in sports is returning to Orlando for the second time, as the city has been selected to host NBA All-Star 2012. Orlando also hosted the 1992 All-Star Game. The 61st NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Amway Center, which will also host the T-Mobile Rookie [...]
Walt Disney: Motivational Speaker In addition to being an innovator, visionary and genius, Walt Disney was one heck of a motivational speaker! Below are 10 of my favorite Walt Disney quotes: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” “We are [...]
