If you’re flying into Orlando, you’ll get some dazzling views. Dozens of lakes shimmer in the sun, and the skyline twinkles wonderfully at night. Before you know it, though, it’s time to grab your kids and carry-ons and jostle into the airport. With hot air balloon rides, you can capture those enchanting sights again in a much more tranquil setting.
If you’ve never taken a hot air balloon ride, Orlando is the perfect place to spoil yourself and the family with a breathtaking experience. Not sure where to begin? Let’s talk about all the ins and outs of hot air balloon rides in Orlando! We’ll even cover some more exciting alternatives for the daredevil in you.
What To Expect on Your Flight
To fully enjoy your hot air balloon ride over Orlando, there are a few factors to consider. Remember that weather will affect rental times, so book your Orlando balloon ride as early as possible. First, you’ll likely be standing, so wear comfortable shoes. Because winds are often the calmest in the morning, many balloon rides are scheduled for early hours. Bring a camera and get some rest in a Florida vacation rental of your choosing!
Hot air balloons fly anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 feet off the ground. On high visibility days, you’ll get a beautiful panoramic view of central Florida and the Orlando area. You’ll see vast swathes of trees and orchards dotted by lakes, rivers, and streams. Glittery Orlando will twinkle in the distance like a quaint model town. At that height, many first-time balloon riders worry about turbulence and noise. Unlike planes, hot air balloons float in the air. Using burners to stabilize, certified balloon pilots keep rides smooth, quiet, and relaxing.
With those key factors in mind, it’s time to choose an experience tailored to you. Fortunately, Orlando is home to a diverse selection of hot air balloon ride companies that offer a wealth of amenities:
- Snacks and drinks
- Romantic champagne hot air balloon rides
- Discounts for children
- Individual or group flights
- Airborne marriage ceremonies
A typical flight lasts anywhere from one to three hours. That’s more than enough time to lose yourself in the scenery or enjoy a champagne toast!
What Does It Cost To Go On a Hot Air Balloon Ride?
The cost of a hot air balloon ride in Orlando will largely depend on whether it’s a private or group flight:
- Non-private balloon rides for adults range from about $175 to $250 per adult. Children’s tickets run from $50 to about $90.
- Private group hot air balloon rides average about $275 per adult.
- Romantic couples’ balloon tours can be anywhere from $500 to $700. This often includes champagne, mimosas, and other things that make a hot air balloon ride the perfect anniversary experience.
Different companies have different rates and discounts. Be sure to ask about group, veteran, and child discounts for more bang for your buck!
An Alternative: The Aerophile at Disney Springs
When families come to Orlando, they often come for the full Disney World experience. If you want a Disney-themed aerial tour to compliment your Disney-themed villa, consider the Aerophile at Disney Springs.
The Aéro30 balloon was custom-built for Disney. This massive balloon is hand painted and has a round basket that holds up to 29 passengers. Tethered to the ground and lifted by helium, it’s a slightly different experience than a hot air balloon ride. Flights last for about eight minutes and offer views of Walt Disney World from 400 feet in the air.
It takes off from the West Side pavilion of Disney Springs so that you can turn it into a whole day of Disney-centric shopping, concerts, events, and dining. With rates as low as $25 for adults and $20 for children, it’s a must-do experience for every Disney lover.
Other Attractions for Adrenaline Junkies
Once you’re back on the ground, you’ll feel invigorated and ready for more excitement. If so, Icon Park should be next on your list for adrenaline-pumping rides, and you might even see some of its biggest rides on your flight!
Your first stop should be at the Orlando StarFlyer in Icon Park. As the world’s largest swing ride, it takes adventurous park-goers 450 feet into the air. All the way up, riders are spun around in harnessed seats that put the horizon right at their feet. Don’t worry, though — seats are in pairs, so you can squeeze someone’s hand as the breeze blows your hair around.
Feel like you haven’t had enough? Do you crave that stomach-dropping feeling that only comes from excitement with just a tiny bit of fear? The newly-opened, 430-foot Orlando Free Fall tower is your next obsession. As thirty riders rise to the top, it rotates for stunning views of Orlando. Once at the top, peaceful views turn into a thrilling 75-mile-per-hour drop.
If you like the height, but not the motion of the StarFlyer or Free Fall, check out the famous Wheel at Icon Park. This isn’t your average ferris wheel. Each carriage is a glass-enclosed observation platform that rotates to a 400-foot-tall peak. There’s no sudden drops here — just scenic views and family fun. After hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours, and beautiful views from thrilling heights, you’ll be planning your next Orlando trip before this one’s done!
Where To Find Helicopter Rides in Orlando
If you’re not a morning person or would like to see Orlando from above at night, don’t fret. Book a helicopter ride over Orlando instead! These will last anywhere from four or five minutes to 30 minutes. Many packages include tours of multiple theme parks. In that time, helicopter tours cover up to 50 miles of ground. If you want to see it all, Orlando Helitours offers a vast list of helicopter flight packages that will delight anyone in your family.
Book Your Orlando Stay Today
From theme parks and world-class golfing to upscale resorts and hot air balloon rides, Orlando has it all! When you’re ready to start planning your trip, we would love to help! You can start by searching our extensive collection of vacation rentals in Orlando or picking up the phone and giving us a call. We’re available 24/7 by both phone and email so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have!
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