Printable View
Has anyone tried any of the helicopter flights often seen advertised on the 192 and International Drive?
Are they worth while, how long and what do you get to see?
I so very nearly tried one when out there last and have vowed to have a go next trip (depending on costs).
Most of them go over Disney and the theme parks so you get to see an aerial view of them. Always ask where they're going before you pay! There are some outrageously expensive ones ($300+) where you get to choose which tour you want to take.
My Bro-in-law did one on his very first(and only so far)trip to Florida! They did the trip over Disney Parks, and I remember him raving about it, but it was over 12 years ago!! Not sure who he went with, could ask if no one comes up with more up to date info for you? Think it would have to be a life long dream if costings are anything like Blott has indicated! Wow!! Bet you aren't up too long either?
Hi Semper.
I will be back in Orlando in a couple of months and i was also checking out the helicopter flights to see what was on offer.
I have flown in a copter over Las Vegas and along and into the Grand Canyon and its a fantastic feeling and much smoother than you would ever imagine and something i would recommend for everyone to do at least once in their lifes.
The flights on offer over Orlando vary in length,distance and of course price.
You can go on a cheap $20.00 flight that flies over Sea World and covers approx 8 miles.
There are then other flights going up in time,distance and price ranging from 40.60.80.130.225 and right up to 350 dollars.
So whatever your budget there is a flight for you and as i said earlier its an experience you will never forget or regret thats a promise.
Not sure i will be doing one as there has to be a minimum of 2 persons per flight and i will be alone for the first 4 days of my trip before meeting up with a friend,so i am going to book a balloon flight which should be just as much fun i hope despite the fact im none to keen on heights...lol.[8D]
John
i asked hubby when home from work tonite so i got it right, they were selling helicopter rides on the 192 near mediaval times (i think that was th one) for $15 the price was definate, it couldve been cos it was Dec 04
I've flown myself (and the family) over Disney and it's massive so bear in mind if the price is very low for the helicopter flight then you may only get to see the southern parts of Disney e.g. Downtown Disney, MGM and Epcot and maybe not the northerly end like the Magic Kingdom.
I'd recommend keeping away from Animal Kingdom as it's not fair on the animals with all the noise at the low levels the helicopters fly at and there is not much to see as it's very leafy. The FAA charts recommended at least 2000 feet over AK when I did it.
ahh so thoughtful! hope the animals think of that when you go visit them??????[msnwink]
We had a ride when we were over a couple of weeks age. There are several places to choose from, we used the one on International Drive next to the race track restuarent, which also has the model train exhibition, and it can be seen from I-4. They have several tours to choose from and it depends how much you want to pay which one you take as they can get expensive. Great experience and the pilot we had was a good guide and pointed out the landmarks. I agree with Orlando Magic that it is an experience not to be missed and you won't regret it.[msnsmile2]
Every year I keep saying about the helicopter flights, this year I finally had a go. $25 for a short flight over disney from 192 and the flights started from $15, brilliant, loved it!! Next year having another go, longer flight. Go for it, you won't regret it.
Which one did you fly from Eagleydo?
We flew (as passengers!) from i-Drive last year, and to use a standard quote - "It was Awesome!"
We could even see the Dolphins at SeaWorld.
The more you pay, the longer and more varied the journey.
You won't regret it. [8D]
p.s. don't forget the Hot Air Balloom rides are fab too!
The one on the 192 close to Old Town.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Semper
Which one did you fly from Eagleydo?
[/quote]
This is a pic. of the helicopter as we drove in to take our first flight.
http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums...licop.jpeg.jpg
Jan, that is the same company we used for a helicopter ride. They are called Orlando Helitours and they are near the big orange. We found they very good and have used them twice.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by RubAyr
Jan, that is the same company we used for a helicopter ride. They are called Orlando Helitours and they are near the big orange. We found they very good and have used them twice.
[/quote]
Thats right, remeber the name now, they also advertise on the net and that is where I first checked out the prices. Which trips did you take?
Weird as it is I would not ever go in a helicoper!! Any plane but not a chopper LOL!!!
BA used to run a regular helicopter service between Heathrow and Gatwick which got you from one to the other within about 20 mins and it was great. I'm not sure why they stopped doing it as it was really handy.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
BA used to run a regular helicopter service between Heathrow and Gatwick which got you from one to the other within about 20 mins and it was great. I'm not sure why they stopped doing it as it was really handy.
[/quote]
It used to fly over my parents house, I think there was a lot of complaints from residents??
It used yo fly over my house too. it was really noisy . i think they replaced it with a bus ( flight link ?), havnt seen that for a while tho.
Dave
another option to the helicopter is in a by-plane , we have done this twice its a great experience especially in a thunder storm, our friends did just that they were dry as they sat under the wing but the poor pilot was drenched, we flew from the Warbirds Museum on Hogland just off the 192
If you really want an experience try warbirdadventures, they have a MASH helicopter that you can go in. They are located off Hoagland Blvd not far past the Walmart on the 192. The prices range from -
15 minute flight - Fly the Classic - $90.-
A short flight that gives you the experience of handling the controls of a MASH helicopter
30 minute flight - Get a handle on it - $160.-
Enough time to fully understand and handle all the controls in forward flight as well as in a hover.
60 minute flight - The full MASH Experience - $290.-
We can fly low level, land off field, try an auto-rotation and even land and take-off yourself.
I did the warbird flight in 2003, wifey bought it for me for my 50th, it was awesome.
Final got to go up in one today [msnsmile2]
Went to the one Eaglydo used. Mainly because it was the first one we came across whilst looking for one of the operators. We paid $75 (+taxes) each for a 15 Minute flight. It took in Seaworld, Downtown Disney, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, MGM, World Of sports and a fair chunk of the 192. The pilot also demonstrated so the the helicopters capabilities for us.
All I can say is it was worth every penny, including a $20 tip to the pilot. I have got some brilliant pictures and will post them when we return to the UK in a couple of weeks.
The Company is Orlando Helitours. They are on the 192 near the big bungees and have a full size replica of their helicopter on the side of the 192. The prices started at $15 for a quick up and down (2-3 minutes)through to $125 for a 25 minute tour.
http://www.orlandohelitours.com/home.htm
Pleased you were happy with my suggestion, we were very happy with this site.
i went on one with my brother and dad it was great[catinhat][catinhat]
[laugh]