Hot air balloons

**eagleydo** · 07-10-2011, 11:19

We will be going on a hot air balloon in a few days time, when in Orlando. Please give me onfo, those who have done this. As the time is getting nearer I am getting more nervous. I am scared of heights but learning to deal with it, slowly. Keep thinking I am going to fall out of the basket. I would feel more comfortable hiding behind hubby, holding on to him and taking pictures over his shoulder. I understand you have to stand in seperate compartments though, is that correct? I know, whoosie!!

**florida4sun** · 07-10-2011, 11:37

I have a fear of heights, riding in a balloon, is incredibly smooth as you ride with the air, there is no buffeting like you get in plane. I found I was not nervous at all, but I would be if I was stood on the edge of a cliff at the same height. You will love it.

**msmiff** · 07-10-2011, 11:57

We 'went up' May 2009 for my 60th birthday treat....
The basket comes up just beyond waist height, nice to lean on the edge, but no chance of falling out (unless you're the type to vigorously jump up 'n down !!).
There seem to be 2 main types of basket used, depending on your chosen flight:
A single open basket used with the smaller balloons which can usually hold 4 / 6 + pilot.
An egg-crate type basket used with the bigger balloons which can carry a lot more folks but segregate then into groups of 4 per cell.
Don't worry, you'll definitely be able to hide behind hubby (but you won't want to as he'll obscure your view !!!!!)
Have a great flight.........

**Sharon G** · 07-10-2011, 12:36

Jan- You will love it!

Myself and hubby did this for our wedding anniversary and I was really anxious about it because I have a bad back.
Once in the air it is sooooooo peaceful as you glide with the air flow, you can hear everything below you as well which is quite funny!!!![msnsmile2]

We went in a balloon with a few others and were in a quarter section- It doesn't feel overcrowed either which I though it looked like. we also had a soft landing and really had nothing to worry about hurting my back.

Great experience- especially over Orlando.

**eagleydo** · 07-10-2011, 13:43

Thank you all for your replies, feel a bit better that I won't be in a compartment by myself and pleased that sides are slightly above waist height. Really want to do this just panicking as it gets closer.

**Jeanmd** · 07-10-2011, 14:31

I went up May 2010 with two friends in one of the original basket type balloons and I would do it again like a shot. It was amazing, gliding slowly over areas - dipping down to look at the wild life closer - saying hello to people on the ground including some school kids waiting for the bus. Everyone should be aware that they can not get close to Disney World as there is an air exclusion zone around it - but we did fly over Celebration. Got some fantastic photos of the balloon reflected in the lakes. You help infalate and defalte the ballon as well so a real experience. The actual route you take is determined by the wind direction so can be different each time. I had some guests who told the story about a hot air ballon flying over our home as they left for the parks - they said hello too and their children thought it was all part of the Disney Magic and had been arranged just for them. You feel amazingly secure and stable so relax and enjoy and make more memories.

**Sandra M** · 07-10-2011, 15:30

This is me when we landed last year, as you can see the basket goes higher than my waist but I'm only 5 ft 1.

This was our second air balloon trip and it's so lovely and peaceful, i'm sure you'll love it

Sandra