Blue Water Balloon Rides in Orlando Florida

In the summer of 2007 my family and I headed down to Orlando to enjoy the weekend. We didn't research this visit; we went by the seat of our pants. Those are always the best trips to take, the unplanned ones. We asked some of our friends that had been to Orlando what there was to do there besides see Disney. They recommended that we take a Hot Air Balloon ride at Blue Water Balloons.

The best part of our trip was that it was our first ever balloon ride! I on the other hand was very scared as I had never been up in one before and knew nothing about it. Our pilot, Ian was amazing at explaining everything to me during our balloon ride. Ian is also very informative about the area and tried to answer my questions to the best of his knowledge. I'm sure he has had worse passengers then me.

Some information about them:

Blue Water only takes off at sunrise. This insures the best winds and weather for flying.

They have multiple take off locations, as well as landing sites.

Blue Water Balloons is fully insured.

As for booking, your best bet is to call a week or so in advance. They have the occasional "next day" times available. Because they do meet so early in the morning, you have to call at least the day before you wish to fly. As for our flight, we got into Orlando on Friday, called and got a spot on the Sunday launch.

Our flight consisted of other customers, not just us. They do however offer exclusive flights.

The flights are not handicap accessible, but can be determined on a case by case scenario. We asked about our nephew who is in a wheelchair and can't stand, Blue Water's answer was; as long as his wheelchair isn't electric. Pregnant women and children under four are unable to go on these balloon rides.

While our flight lasted about an hour and 15 minutes, most flights average about an hour.

Also just so you know, while sounding frightening, inflating and deflating the balloon is very noisy.

The flights run $175.00 person with kids 10 and under being free. They also have wedding packages and exclusive couple's packages. While looking at their website, I did notice that if you book online you'll receive $10.00 off your flight.

After seeing Disney, Epcot Center, and other area attractions, we skimmed the tree tops, made our landing and enjoyed our champagne breakfast buffet. One awesome thing also about the flight is that you get a flight certificate as a souvenir. So now I have proof that I went on a hot air balloon ride and no one can call me chicken anymore. My family and I would recommend this Hot Air Balloon Adventure to any one that asks us what the best thing to do in Orlando is.

We will definitely book again with Blue Water Balloons.