Flying High: Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney's latest attraction is a step above the rest. Actually, it's 400 feet above the rest!

The new Characters in Flight, which is located near Planet Hollywood on Village Lake in Downtown Disney's west side, allows riders to tether above Downtown Disney at amazing heights.

On a clear day, riders can see upwards of 10 miles away!

Controlled by a licensed pilot, riders enjoy 360 degree aerial views of Walt Disney World and the surrounding Orlando areas including other theme parks and Orlando International Airport thanks to a huge helium balloon.

The Aéro30 features silhouettes of some of Disney's favorite aerial characters like Mary Poppins, the good fairies from Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, Dumbo, Tinkerbell, Wendy and Peter Pan. At 72 feet in diameter and 105 ft tall, the red, yellow and black balloon is the largest tethered gas balloon in the world.


Powered by 210,000 cubic ft of helium, the balloon can lift up to 30 guests in it's gondola. The 19ft in diameter gondola is enclosed with fencing to make sure all riders remain on the attraction. It has a capacity for thirty riders which allows for plenty of space to enjoy the panoramic, birds-eye views.

Riders board the gondola from a platform designed specifically for this attraction. The floating platform on Village Lake is located at the end of the main promenade on the west side.

Built by the Aerophile company in France, it's the attraction is the second joint venture with Disney. Other cities with tethered balloons inlcude Berlin, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai and Paris where a similar attraction is featured at Disneyland Paris.



The attraction is especially spectacular at night when the balloon's internal lights illuminate the silhouettes.

The attraction operates daily. Weather permitting, hours of operations are:

Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Monday: 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:30 a.m. to Midnight
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to Midnight

Certain weather conditions also affect passenger capacity. The number of riders allowed is based on wind speed.

* 3mph or less - 30 passenger maximum
* 3mph to 12mph - 10 to 20 passengers
* 12mph to 22mph - 10 passenger maximum
* 22mph or storm conditions - no flights


As you would expect, there is no smoking, eating or drinking on the attraction. Strollers and luggage are not allowed either. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Disabled riders are welcomed. As per Disney, riders must transfer to an Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV). Assistance is provided.


Ticket Prices:

* $16 Adult (plus tax) Ages 10 and up
* $10 Children (plus tax) Ages 3 to 9

Same day refunds are issued for weather cancellations.