Guests looking for that extra special experience will want to check out the new “Characters In Flight” tethered balloon attraction at Walt Disney World. The fun will reach new heights at Downtown Disney West Side in an iconic balloon festooned with Disney characters known for their ability of flight that takes guests on ascents of up to 400 feet above the waterfront.
Characters In Flight, operated by Aerophile, is a 72-foot-diameter balloon with a whimsical design featuring silhouettes of a dozen of Disney’s “flying characters” – such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, and Dumbo. The balloon can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute trip – thanks to its enclosed volume of 210,000 cubic feet of lighter-than-air gas. Ascents, by day or night will provide guests with an unparalleled, 360-degree view of up to 10 miles.
Guests board a gondola beneath the 105-foot-high balloon from a landing platform on Village Lake at the end of the main promenade at Downtown Disney West Side. Riders can catch flights seven days a week. Strong rumors say that soft openings will begin tomorrow April 10th. But no official opening date has been announced.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday are 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. while ascents Friday-Saturday are 10:30 a.m.-midnight.
Tickets: $16 for ages 10-up and $10 for ages 3-9 - purchase on site. Availability is on first-come, first-serve basis.