By Janice McSherry

Imagine sailing over Disney World, Epcot, Kissimmee, Orlando and surrounding lakes in a hot-air balloon ride with your family. It may sound like a fantasy from the movie ‘Around the World in Eighty Days,’ but you can make it a reality if you sign up for the balloon rides offered by several companies in Central Florida.

The rides originate from various locations in Central Florida and usually start around daybreak. The total experience typically takes about three hours. First you will be driven to a launch site where you will watch the balloon being set up and then inflated. Once the balloon is ready you will be launched on a one hour balloon ride. When the balloon touches down you will be treated to a champagne brunch, which is, according to the balloon operators, a 200 year-old tradition associated with hot air ballooning.

After the all you can eat brunch the balloon is packed up into the chase vehicle and everyone returns to the location where the flight originated. If you don’t have your own transportation, some balloon operators will even take you back to your hotel.

In case you were wondering, you will be traveling at elevations ranging from the tree tops to 1000 feet. At the tree-top level you will be able to glide over wildlife, like deer, and talk to people down below, who are usually surprised to hear voices coming from the sky.

You do not need any special equipment to go on the flights. There is hardly any temperature difference at 1000 feet so if you dress comfortably for the temperature of your flight day you will be fine, however skirts and dresses are not suitable for some of the landing spots. The balloon operators also recommend that you wear sneakers, comfortable flat shoes, or hiking boots, and encourage you to bring along cameras, camcorders, sun glasses and possibly hats.

What I have just described is the typical kind of balloon ride however you might be interested in other possibilities as well. If you are planning a corporate event or another kind of event for your organization, you can organize a tethered flight for your particular location. Tethering a balloon involves attaching strong ropes from the balloon to fixed points on the ground. The balloon can then rise a limited distance and return to the same point on the ground. Your guests (employees, customers, etc.) will be taken up and experience the feeling of a balloon ride as well as getting an aerial view of the local area. Tethered flights are typically done at picnics, reunions, grand openings, specialty advertising, and other outdoor celebration events.

Another interesting experience is having your wedding at the balloon launch location! One of the notable balloon operators of the area (Bob of Bob’s Chartered Balloons) is a certified Notary Public and licensed to perform weddings. The rites are done just prior to the launching of the balloon, and it is a spectacular way to begin your married life.

Hot air balloon rides are a special treat in Central Florida and are rated among the top five area attractions at Trip Advisor but they are not cheap. A typical flight costs about $175 for adults and $90 for children. Weddings, private flights for two and tethered flights for special occasions cost more. If you are interested in this once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience then search for hot air balloons, Orlando and pick out a balloon company. Be sure to reserve a place in advance of your visit to Orlando.

About the Author: Janice McSherry writes frequently about Florida tourism. She is the proprietor of www.floridavacationsvillas.com . Visit her website for great deals on Florida Vacation Rentals

Source: isnare.com

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