This was a super fun experience. Never been in a hot air balloon so I can't compare, but I'm afraid…read moreof heights so this one freaked me out enough. My kids and husband really enjoyed it too, and my husband has been in an actual balloon. Overall I did feel pretty safe with the nets and bars on the platform. The price is up there, but not out of line for a Disney attraction. And beware that if there's very much wind they won't go up. Though I saw several flight with quite a bit of wind that still went up. The view is totally amazing through. You can see Epcot and Hollywood Studios, but they've built everything out so you can't see the castle.

One of six of these types of balloons run by this company, Aerophile is a tethered balloon along…read morethe shore of Disney Springs. It is unlike a usual hot air balloon in several ways including that it uses captive helium to achieve a lighter-than-air state rather than burning gas to heat the air in the balloon. It's also fully tethered so that thing isn't going anywhere beyond it's range. Top height is 400 feet and the ride is only 8 minutes. It'll be a little crowded with up to 30 people (including the pilot) in the platform which is a "ring" with an hollow center. Tickets are $29.99 each for adults which seems spendy for such a short time. But hey, you do you. Enjoy the view! Or do what I did. For free, stay on the ground to watch the balloon rise and fall. [Review 1012 of 2024 - 1888 in Florida - 22040 overall]

This experience was absolutely amazing!! The tour guide was awesome and the views were to die for!!…read moreI highly recommend, definitely would do again!

We came to Orlando for my friends wedding. I knew that flying in a hot air balloon was on my wife's…read morebucket list so prior to our trip, I looked online for various tours and decided to book with Tom's company as an early 5-year wedding anniversary gift to my wife. I'm glad I did! Tom was very informative throughout the booking process, night before confirmation, and day-of events. We went out to our launch site and participated in prepping the envelope (balloon) for flight. We then launched into the air for a flight of about 1-hour and it did not disappoint. Tom is very friendly and answered all of our questions (which we had a ton since we're from Hawaii and we don't have hot air balloons). He gave so much information about why the balloon does what it does in the air, our flight speed and pattern, the landing process, and how it all started. After we landed, we had a few mimosa's and some snacks and interacted with the other passengers. 100/10 definitely recommend!!! Thank you Tom and Chris for helping me fulfill an item on my wife's bucket list!

I wanted to celebrate my wife's birthday with a hot-air balloon flight. I have heard of Thompson…read moreAire on the radio station for a few years. I researched Thompson's website as well as two other balloon companies. It was easy to make the choice to go with Thompson Aire. Now for my experience. On the confirmation call the evening before the flight I informed Captain Jeff Thompson that this was a special event. Although we were celebrating my wife's birthday, I explained that she doesn't like to be the center of attention. Captain Jeff promised that they would recognize the event without going over the top. They kept their promise with a tasteful birthday recognition and a unique trinket for a birthday gift. We arrived early and my wife only found out that we were taking a balloon flight at the pre-flight briefing. Captain Jeff explained everything so well in the pre-flight and introduction that my wife started to get excited about the adventure. There were two other couples (all strangers) flying that day. Captain Jeff and his crew had us laughing and talking with each other in minutes. They continued the pre-flight explanations outside before we loaded up in there roomy vans to head for the launch site. It was a short drive and the ground crew chatted with us and answered all the questions we had. The crew entertained us with additional information about our upcoming flight and ballooning in general. It was exciting to watch the crew set up and inflate the balloons for the day. They worked well as a team and continued to elevate our confidence in their abilities. Time to climb aboard for lift-up. Getting into the balloon was really easy. We floated gently away and watched the ground crew shrink away beneath us. Balloon flight is difficult to describe but I will try: INCREDIBLE, EXHILIRATING, PHENOMENAL, RELAXING, SOOTHING, SPIRITUAL, AWE-INSPIRING, FUN, FUN AND FUN! The limited number of passengers allowed us to interact with our pilot throughout the entire flight. Two Thompson Aire balloons took flight that day and what luck, we were assigned to Captain Jeff's balloon. This is at the very top of the list of incredible things that I have done. You could not pry the grin off my face with a crowbar. I simply could not stop enjoying myself. My wife was loving it. She says it is the best birthday gift she has ever received. We passed over several neighborhoods, waving at the people below. We even chatted with people on the ground as we floated by. We could hear the call of morning birds in the wooded areas we crossed over. Captain Jeff glided us in for a silky smooth landing followed by a classic champagne toast and more entertainment with the crew and other passengers. The breakfast buffet at the resort gave us all a chance to share how remarkable the flights had been. Both balloons had taken to similar flight paths but at different altitudes so we had stories to share. Then more entertainment from Captain Jeff and the crew. They shared funny experiences while we enjoyed breakfast together. The first flight certificates added to the fun of the day. The website at Thompson Aire is very informative and accurate in the attempt to describe the adventure. But words cannot truly convey the experience that you will have. This is my first balloon flight and when we go again I will choose Thompson Aire. I have been told that there are cheaper bellon flights available. The experience we had with Thompson Aire makes them my only choice.

Great Staff and wonderful experience! We purchased a balloon flight for the in-laws and our son…read more TA staff members are personable and professional. Their balloons are beautiful and clean especially compared to the other businesses flying that same day. We paid for a regular flight and to our surprise were able to get a private flight which was greatly appreciated. Something that I noticed which really set Thompson Aire apart from the competition is that you're not crammed into a balloon with 15+ people like cattle. Kudos Thompson Aire!

The kids and I celebrated my birthday with a hot air balloon ride with Aerostat. We had a great…read moretime! This was our first experience with ballooning and we didn't know what to expect, but Ellen and Gene were super helpful in walking us through the process, and thoroughly answering all of our (well, mainly me..) questions. The flight was very smooth from take-off to landing! Gene did a great job piloting the balloon and Ellen flawlessly provided ground crew support. Unlike the aerial views from an airplane, where it's difficult to see the details of terrain because of the higher altitude, the aerial views from the hot air balloon were very clear and distinguishable. We flew over the Champion's Gate area and the flight lasted about 50 minutes. I brought my DSLR camera, but an modern mobile phone camera would work just as well. Although, at that height, I wish I had a neck strap for my iPhone.. Couple of other things from memory to share: - Our ride started at 6:15 am, which was really cool because we got to watch the sunrise in the balloon - At the altitude we were flying at (~400 ft), it was not cold in the gondola (balloon basket) as I initially expected. It was actually somewhat hot - because when the pilot triggers the propane burner to heat the air, the hot air radiates in all directions - including heating the air above the basket. - We had very calm winds, so the balloon was moving between 5-10 mph. I didn't initially know what speed to expect, but the slower speed made for a very smooth ride. - Ballooning is a regulated industry, so operators must perform annual inspections on their equipment. I felt safe the entire time. - Gene has over 9 yrs experience as a balloon pilot so he's well-trained. I was thoroughly impressed by how smooth the landing was. - You meet up the Aerostat crew at a predetermined location, and they take you in a van to the launch site and they drive you back. - At the end of the flight, they provide you with champagne, orange juice, and some cookies as a token of appreciation for flying with them. I would definitely fly with Aerostat in the future.

We took a sunrise ride with Glenn and his team this past weekend. The staff went above and beyond…read moreto make our experience memorable. They are extremely well trained and know what they are doing. The ride smooth and the view was amazing-- it was truly a once in a lifetime experience. They even had mimosas and snacks waiting for us when we landed. Would definitely recommend.

I would NOT recommend this company, Guru Balloon ~ to anyone!!…read more We were in Lake George (their other location for flights) for our 30th anniversary in August and booked a private flight. Despite numerous calls and texts, we were told the weather was not cooperating and we never were able to enjoy a flight. BUT they got our money and when asked for a refund, were told sorry. NO WHERE does it indicate the cost was non-refundable. The only answer we received was ... well, I have to talk to my partner and it will be good for anytime in the future at either location. And subsequent emails have gone unanswered. We are not planning another trip to either Orlando or Lake George in the forseeable future and are now out a nice chunk of money that would have come in handy during this holiday season. We will be contacting the Better Business Bureau as well as Tourism groups in both NY and FL.

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Orlando Helicopter Adventures provides you with an eye-view tour experience of all the amusement…read moreparks and resorts throughout Orlando. You have the choice among five tours ranging in distance and different prices. The business also provides a digital copy of all photos and an HD video of the tour. There are some safety rules you must adhere to before getting on and off the helicopter. A minimum of two people and maximum of four are allowed on the helicopter. It's an exciting experience.

I had a positive experience with this company. I'd always wanted to ride inside a helicopter before…read moreand being from New York City, the price of the rides with this company are less than half the price back home. The helicopter is also a smaller one with wide window views that was perfect for my friend and I. We rode over Orlando and got great views of all the theme parks and attractions. The ride up had some movement on the way up but once we were at the desired altitude, it was smooth sailing.

A great and unique way to see the Disney Parks A 2017 report…read moreindicated that eight helicopter tour operators were authorized to fly above Orlando's tourist corridor. This particular company has two locations operating in Orlando. I stopped by the northern location with a plan to take the Disney parks tour that I had seen online. I found that the pricing structure was designed based on flight time. This means that, since those parks are close to the southern location, it is cheaper to drive to that location and fly out of there, the southern location. I did just that and drove to the southern location. The store is located near the intersection of Vineland and Regency Center Drive. The office was immaculate and nice. You sign a waiver and they explain the safety briefing. You need at least 2 people or you have to wait for another person unless you want to pay for both seats. As I said I took the Disney package tour which gives you a great view of all the Disney parks from there. This location is the best place to take this tour for the decreased price. If you want to see the northern sights I would suggest going to the northern location as you will get more for your flight time. The pilot was very friendly, knowledgeable, and competent. The flight was about 15 minutes. It was excellent and along the route, the pilot did a great job of pointing out the various sights and answering my questions. The view is wonderful and the flight was fun. I would recommend this experience to anyone who wants a unique once-in-a-lifetime event.

Our first time to fly with a helicopter and it was a great experience! They got an experienced and…read morepleasant pilot. Staffs explains the process well and assists you from takeoff to landing. They have also official photos you could print and download at an affordable price. Their waiting area is clean and spacious. Refreshments and snacks are sold their as well. They have a locker to hold your stuff while in-flight. Ample parking space. See images for reference

First time doing one of these tours. It was fun. The crew here was great. We had to wait a little…read morebit but the waiting room on the second floor was nice. You are able to watch the helicopter take off and land as you wait.

Place was easy to find since it has a small helicopter out front. met with sales lady and discussed…read moreoptions that are available for your trip. Something i didnt know before flight is there is a total weight and per person weight on all flights. just be aware if you have question call. i did the flight of disney parks and old town. It was a nice flight and my wife was a little scared as it was her first time in helicopter but really not bad and you really get a different perspective on things up there. decided to pay for all pictures to be emailed. price was not bad and pictures were taken with good camera. if you have never done this try it you wont be sad. if you have to wait they have a game room with foosball and several other games to keep kids distracted while you wait

Garrett was a blast! We are just coming into the warm season and most manatees are back in the…read moregulf, he still got us to 7 manatees, 2 gators, and we caught a dolphin in kings bay towards the end. He gave us plenty of time to look for things to come up out of the water which was great for my 2 year old. Boat was shaded and was enjoyable even with a small child. Other tours wouldn't let me book because she was under 3- we brought our own lifevest but they did also have some on board that were her size.

I don't know where to start…read more This was the absolute best day. We started at the River Ventures Dive Center at 6:30AM, where we were offered coffee, tea, hot cocoa and snacks, and spent the next bit with an educational video and a wetsuit fitting. From there, we took a bus to the dock, in the most gorgeous sunrise light. let by our Guide Nat. Captain Emerson met us at the covered, heated pontoon, and our group set off through the water, for the protected manatee zone. The water was FULL of our sweet sea potatoes... in fact, it was difficult to even get off the boat because our new friends swam right up to the ladder. Nat had given excellent instructions. We immediately leaned into our pool noodles and gently followed her lead through the water. It took just moments before manatees were all around us. We stayed calm and quiet, and they either continued snoozing, or swam up to investigate us. Nat was on point with the camera, and with showing us things like the tarpon and sheepshead fish, and she was also shared little details about the manatees as we floated. Of course, with nature, there are no guarantees, and I really had no idea what to expect, but I was absolutely delighted by the interactions we had. The cold snap absolutely played into our favor, and I am so glad we showed up with our adventurous spirit. When we returned to the boat, there were more snacks, as well as hot cocoa, coffee, tea, and a variety of drinks in the cooler (water, beer, wine, soda, and white claws). We were so grateful for the boat covering and heater as we made our way back to the dock, and we had great chats with Nat, Emerson, and the other group on our tour. Was it cold? Sure. But the water felt great at 72ºF, and our wetsuits did a wonderful job of protecting us and keeping us buoyant. Our experience was incredible, from booking, to engaging with the staff with any questions we had, to the actual tour itself. The photos and videos were absolutely phenomenal, as well, and we were happy to purchase the package, as well as some gifts from the souvenir shop. We will be back for more manatee viewing, or to try one of their other tours. Thank you so much for the best day!