Florida with its year round sunshine makes an ideal place for a hot air balloon ride and you will
find companies throughout Florida (see our
Hot Air Balloon Directory page for
their details).
If you do not mind getting up early in the morning then a hot air balloon flight can make a
great change from the usual round of theme parks and beaches.
There is something very magical about taking a hot air balloon ride in Florida, watching the sunrise
as you float serenely over orange groves, lakes, fields or the theme parks away from all the hustle and
bustle of life below.
Nearly all balloon flights take place at sunrise when the winds are most favourable,
though a couple of companies are able to fly in the early evening; it really depends where you are in the State.
Therefore if you want to go on a hot air balloon flight you will need to rendezvous with the
balloon company around 6 o'clock in the morning depending upon the time of year.
Note that some companies offer a hotel pickup service at an extra charge.
Once you arrive, you will attend a pre-flight briefing where you are
given safety instructions.
You are then taken to the launch site. Particularly if you are doing a hot air balloon ride in Orlando,
the company will try to find a suitable launch site that will take you over the Walt Disney World Resort
but at the end of the day the wind direction will dictate your eventual flight path.
When you get to the launch site you can usually help prepare the balloon for take-off which involves
inflating the envelope with a fan to start with and then the propane burners are lit to fill it with hot air.
You climb into the basket, the flight begins and you will then take off and let the wind take you
where it wishes.
Depending on wind strength and direction you can find yourself flying at anything from tree-top height to
several thousand feet.
Most flights last around one hour and then comes the fun as the pilot has to find a suitable site to
effect a 'landing'.
All the time you are airborne the chase vehicle will be tracking you from the ground ready to meet
you at your landing site.
After the balloon is deflated and packed away, most companies will then offer you a champagne toast
to celebrate your successful flight and a certificate of flight as a memento.
Most companies also include a complimentary picnic or breakfast, either at the landing site or
back at their offices.
It is best to book your flight early in your holiday so if the flight is cancelled due to
inclement weather you stand more chance of rescheduling.
Prices are typically around $175-$200 per adult (children are usually around half price) including
breakfast and reservations are essential.
Click here to read more about
hot air
balloon rides in Florida.
