Characters in Flight Takes off at Downtown Disney

If you’re heading over to Downtown Disney anytime soon you will see a new shape on the horizon – a huge tethered balloon to be exact. The new Disney Characters in Flight attraction takes guests on ascents of up to 400 feet above the waterfront.

The 72-foot-diameter balloon has a whimsical design featuring silhouettes of a dozen of Disney’s “flying characters” – such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Dumbo. The vibrantly colored 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. The ascents, by day or night, provide guests with an unparalleled, 360-degree view of up to 10 miles.

If you fancy a ride head over to the Downtown Disney West Side where you’ll board a gondola beneath the 105-foot-high balloon from a landing platform on Village Lake. Riders can catch flights seven days a week (weather permitting). Operating 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) can be purchased on site. Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Will you be taking flight?

P.S. Do you want to know how to save money on a Disney World Resort hotel, or whether your employee status can get you into the parks for free? What about how to have your holiday photos taken at no extra charge or the quickest way to get to the Magic Kingdom? I answer all of these and more in my book Walt Disney World Tips & Secrets - download your copy today!

More Disney Vacation Planning Articles...

Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney – Video

Take a ride on the hot air balloon with Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney

Pleasure Island to close and changes coming to Downtown Disney

Major plans have been unveiled for a new vision for Downtown Disney – with extraordinary new shopping and dining experiences and a re-themed Pleasure Island.

Tren-D Arrives at the Downtown Disney Marketplace

The Downtown Disney Marketplace is a great place to shop during your Disney World vacation, and if you are looking for urban-inspired, one-of-a-kind trendy apparel and novel accessories then you need to head straight for Tren-D – the new Walt Disney World specialty store.
“This unique environment, filled with textured fabrics, new silhouettes, and whimsical art [...]

Diana The People’s Princess – New Exhibition Opens at Downtown Disney West Side

A new exhibit is now open in the old Virgin Megastore building over at Disney’s Downtown Disney. Diana – The People’s Princess celebrates the life and times of the late Diana, Princess of Wales; bringing more than 800 rare artifacts including items from her childhood, engagement and royal wedding as well as hand-written notes and her infamous gowns and suits.

Festival of the Masters comes to Downtown Disney – November 7-9, 2008

Sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, and digital art are just some of the art genres showcased at this year’s Festival of the Masters event. Street painters from the Florida Chalk Artists Association will decorate some 6,000 square feet of sidewalk with unique drawings. Youngsters can take in the fun with live music, face painting and interactive kid’s zones.