| If you are looking for the ultimate view of | | | | much as you would normally take, because the |
| Disney World and the Orlando area then you | | | | views are spectacular and you will want to |
| should get up early in the morning and take a | | | | shoot to your heart's content. For this kind |
| balloon ride. Every morning at sunrise a one | | | | of activity safety is of the utmost |
| hour balloon flight begins, flies over the | | | | importance. The company which organizes these |
| whole area giving participants an amazing | | | | flights has been flying 250-275 flights per |
| panoramic view and ends with a champagne | | | | year with four to thirty passengers every |
| toast and an all-you-can-eat breakfast | | | | day, for over 18 years and has a perfect |
| buffet. Here are some more details about this | | | | safety record. "We don't take any chances," |
| fascinating experience. The whole process | | | | is how they explain it. These flights only |
| starts at 6:00 AM with a flight briefing and | | | | take place when there is good weather. You |
| then everyone heads off to one of the more | | | | should make your reservation in advance and |
| than 25 launch locations in the Orlando area. | | | | call the night before to check to see whether |
| Passengers can watch the inflation of the | | | | the flight will actually take place. Most of |
| hot-air balloon and once the flight begins | | | | the time the operators know in advance |
| the pilot points out all the attractions that | | | | whether the flight will be OK for the next |
| can be seen below. Now in case you are | | | | day. Occasionally flights are canceled at the |
| wondering, the balloons carry either four, | | | | launch site when there is a late change in |
| six or nine passengers. The size of the | | | | weather conditions. If you are already sold |
| balloon depends on how many bookings there | | | | on this then here are some important details. |
| are for a particular day. So you do have to | | | | The cost of the flights are approximately |
| make your reservation in advance. A | | | | (check with operators for the latest prices) |
| frequently asked question is "will we fly | | | | as follows: Adults - $175 per person, |
| over Disney World?" That depends on the wind | | | | Children (10-15) age - $95 per child and |
| conditions. The flight direction is | | | | children under nine fly free with each paying |
| determined by the wind, but on most days you | | | | adult. You can get more information and make |
| can see Disney World and the other parks of | | | | your reservations by calling this number: 407 |
| the area. You don't have to bring a sweater | | | | 415 7283 So there you have it! If you want to |
| because you will not be cold when the balloon | | | | know what it is like to be up in the air with |
| rises. These are hot air balloons and you | | | | the birds, and want to see all of Orlando, |
| will be six to eight degrees warmer in the | | | | then make your reservation for a hot air |
| balloon. You are advised to wear comfortable | | | | balloon ride. |
| shoes as you will have to walk in cow | | | | |
| pastures and hay fields as these are the | | | | Mark Whichard is a frequent writer on Orlando |
| areas where the take off and landing points | | | | tourism. He and his wife Susan are the |
| are located. The tour operators recommend | | | | proprietors of Orlando's Finest Vacations |
| that you bring your cameras and videos, and | | | | Homes. Visit his website for information on |
| if you are using film, then take twice as | | | | Orlando Vacation Homes. |