01/24/07

Ballooning- not its best

by jsmeal

It was a beautiful January day. Launching was perfect. The view was spectacular. Our "pilot" was knowledgeful and skillful. The landing was adventuresome.

THE DREAM STOPPED THERE...................

After landing, the expected champagne toast and balloner's prayer NEVER occurred. Instead, we were loaded into a van and drove throughout Orlando for over 1 hour "looking for" other ballooners who landed "miles away". After locating these ballooners (why was that the job of the guests??), there was still no toast and no prayer. Eventually, we were dropped at the hotel where we originally met, but we were so tired, it was difficult to enjoy the buffet breakfast. AND, STILL, NO TOAST or PRAYER!!!!

When confronted, several employees suggested the toast and prayer were coming, but ultimately, it never materialized.

This flight was very disorganized and not at all receptive to guests who ballooned with them. It ultimately required over 5 hours of time for a 1 hour flight- most of which was spent driving over back roads and through 'cow pastures' looking for others, even though retrieving vans should have been available for each balloon in the air.

My observations of their disorganization and my suggestions (1. each ballon pilot and retrieving van have their own individual toast and prayer, as well as, 2. direct delivery of guests back to the originating hotel) fell on deaf ears.

• Pros: Grat views. knowledgeable/skillful pilot
• Cons: VERY DISORGANIZED.

12/16/04

This real adventure is better than all the theme parks put together.

by Contributor

Overview
Orange Blossom has been taking people above the clouds since 1983, with a perfect safety record. It's great for couples, families and groups who want to see spectacular views over the theme parks and orange groves of Central Florida. Once in the clouds, all you hear are the loud burners and the air rushing by. It's an awesome experience--don't forget a camera.

The Experience
Groups meet at the Days Inn Maingate West before dawn for coffee and a briefing by pilots. From there, they're taken to one of the launch sites where the balloons are filled. On signal, everyone lifts off together. The one-hour flight is dictated by wind direction, so you won't always know your flight path in advance. Once back on the ground, you're treated to a champagne toast, breakfast buffet and a ceremonious awarding of flight certificates.