Hi this is Jason from Orlando Fun and Food. Recently, I had the opportunity to ride along with the amazing staff at Orlando Balloon Rides. When I was posed with the opportunity I had some reservations because I do not like to fly. I can ride the tallest roller coaster without any problems, however, put me in an airplane and get ready to see a show! I swallowed my fear and showed up at the hotel meeting place. Upon arrival, I signed a waver, listened to some safety instructions, and jumped into a van to my launch site. When we arrived at the launch site (off 192 right down the road from Fun Spot in Kissimmee), we unloaded the balloon itself and the basket. I was chosen to help hold the balloon while powerful fans blew air into the massive balloon. It was a great experience to look into this massive balloon (which I found out later was the largest commercial hot air balloon in the United States!). Once the balloon was mostly full with air it was time to bring on the heat! Four huge burners were lit shooting flames into the balloon and before I knew it it was time to jump into the basket!
Then we were off into the sky! The pilot was very informative as well as entertaining. I think he could tell some of us were a little nervous so he mixed in some funny stories to relax us all. This is where my true review begins. This was THE BEST experience I have EVER done in Orlando! First off, the balloon ride was so smooth that it didn’t even feel like we were moving at all! It was like we were held in place, and the world was floating by! We got to fly down and around Walt Disney World, giving us amazing views of ESPN Wild World of Sports, the All Star Resorts, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Blizzard Beach, Animal Kingdom, and the Swan and Dolphin hotel! I cannot express how breathtaking this experience was!
After being in the air for around an hour, the pilot, who directed the balloon by wind, maneuvered us for landing at one of the over 50 fields that they use. I heard that the landing was the worse part of the hot air balloon ride, so I said my prayers. After a few bumps, we were on the ground safe and sound! We packed up the balloon, put everything back onto the trucks, and had a awesome mimosa toast to end the awesome experience. (Don’t worry parents, there was water, juice, and soda for all young people!) Afterwards we headed back to the hotel where we were offered a great breakfast buffet to end our experience! We also received cards to view our pictures that were taken. And that was the end of our awesome hot air balloon experience!
Why Choose Orlando Balloon Rides?
SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY!!!
These guys take everything they do seriously, but they do it great! I never once questioned their professionalism, my safety, or my fear of heights. They are all FAA certified pilots and will not fly if they do not feel like the conditions are safe! In my opinion, a hot air balloon ride with these guys is the most fun you will have while on vacation here in Orlando! I had a great time and I cannot wait to get back and ride with them again!!!
Have you ever ridden in a hot air balloon? What was your experience like???
When checking out online use promo code LM35 to save $35.oo per person!!!
Jason Mayhew
My name is Jason Mayhew, and I am the owner of OFF On The Go. When not traveling with the website, I own my own marketing and PR company, J Mayhew Marketing. I have the best job where I get to travel the world and showcase the most amazing and unique experiences!
