Hot Air Balloon Ride Sept 2013

mackem · 12 Sep 13, 01:38 PM

We had an amazing morning with Pat and Joel at Orlando Balloon Adventures. First off we met at Starbucks on highway 192 at 5.30am. The first job of the day was to send a test balloon into the air to see which way wind was blowing and figure out the balloon flight path. Pat and Joel filled a small balloon with helium, attached a light to it and let it go.

Flight path determined, we headed over to a suitable spot to inflate the hot air balloon.

It was still dark as we began to set up the balloon

Pat set the basket upright and attached the burners then lay the basket on its side and attached the balloon ready to be inflated

We helped to hold the balloon while the air fan blew air in to inflate it

Pat checked the inside of the balloon as it was inflating

This was the inside of the balloon as it was inflating

Next step was to add some heat!

When the balloon was ready it was turned back upright and we had to climb in quickly to add weight to the balloon to stop it flying off! The balloon is just held down by 1 rope held by Joel!

The burner from inside the balloon

We were ready for the off! DH is terrified of heights so he chose not to fly and he stayed with the chase crew on the ground monitoring our flight!

We have take off!

Although we didn't fly over Disney we flew close to get some great shots. after 9/11 there is a no fly zone over Disney

MK, space mountain and the Contemporary!

Beautiful sunrise

We flew over a lake and managed to get some great reflection shots of the balloon over the water

This is the reflection in the lake!

The green clearing in the trees at the top of the picture is where we were headed to land!

Another balloon landed first

Our shadow as we came in to land

Coming in to land

Almost down

Once we were on the ground we helped to pack the balloon away.
This was taken as the balloon was deflating

This is our wonderful pilot - Pat Schmitt!

Packing the balloon away

The morning ended with champagne and treats!

Huge thanks to both Pat and Joel of Orlando Balloon Adventures for an amazing flight!

app · 12 Sep 13, 02:03 PM

New Photo Added by mackem - 12 Sep 13 2:03 PM.

Jake71 · 12 Sep 13, 02:07 PM

That looks just amazing - I wish I was brave enough to go up in an air balloon but I just don't think I am. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.

mackem · 12 Sep 13, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by Jake71

That looks just amazing - I wish I was brave enough to go up in an air balloon but I just don't think I am. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.

Thanks Jackie, it was amazing! We are having a great time!

ayles300 · 12 Sep 13, 02:14 PM

Photos look great! We done this back in Feb for my hubbies 40th and was amazing got some lovely pic's of the sunrise... will defiantly do it again one day.

Jake71 · 13 Sep 13, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by mackem

Thanks Jackie, it was amazing! We are having a great time!

You're very welcome

**Captain Ethan** · 13 Sep 13, 11:04 PM

Hi, this looks fabulous! How did you arrange / book it? How much did it cost? How many people would it hold?

Cheryl x

mackem · 14 Sep 13, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by Captain Ethan

Hi, this looks fabulous! How did you arrange / book it? How much did it cost? How many people would it hold?

Cheryl x

It was $150 and they have 2 baskets one that holds 4 people and the other holds 10
PM sent with contact details x

Scotty · 14 Sep 13, 02:48 PM

That looks fabulous, when I went in a hot air balloon it went up, down, up, down, up, down for over an hour and landed in the same field, would have been hilarious had it not been so blooming expensive.

Maybe try another one when we go to Orlando again.

mackem · 14 Sep 13, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by Scotty

That looks fabulous, when I went in a hot air balloon it went up, down, up, down, up, down for over an hour and landed in the same field, would have been hilarious had it not been so blooming expensive.

Maybe try another one when we go to Orlando again.

Can highly recommend Pat Schmitt, very professional and we had the most amazing time!

12 Sep 13, 01:38 PM	#1
	12 Sep 13, 01:38 PM mackem Apprentice Imagineer
mackem Apprentice Imagineer Join Date: Apr 03	Hot Air Balloon Ride Sept 2013 We had an amazing morning with Pat and Joel at Orlando Balloon Adventures. First off we met at Starbucks on highway 192 at 5.30am. The first job of the day was to send a test balloon into the air to see which way wind was blowing and figure out the balloon flight path. Pat and Joel filled a small balloon with helium, attached a light to it and let it go. Flight path determined, we headed over to a suitable spot to inflate the hot air balloon. It was still dark as we began to set up the balloon Pat set the basket upright and attached the burners then lay the basket on its side and attached the balloon ready to be inflated We helped to hold the balloon while the air fan blew air in to inflate it Pat checked the inside of the balloon as it was inflating This was the inside of the balloon as it was inflating Next step was to add some heat! When the balloon was ready it was turned back upright and we had to climb in quickly to add weight to the balloon to stop it flying off! The balloon is just held down by 1 rope held by Joel! The burner from inside the balloon We were ready for the off! DH is terrified of heights so he chose not to fly and he stayed with the chase crew on the ground monitoring our flight! We have take off! Although we didn't fly over Disney we flew close to get some great shots. after 9/11 there is a no fly zone over Disney MK, space mountain and the Contemporary! Beautiful sunrise We flew over a lake and managed to get some great reflection shots of the balloon over the water This is the reflection in the lake! The green clearing in the trees at the top of the picture is where we were headed to land! Another balloon landed first Our shadow as we came in to land Coming in to land Almost down Once we were on the ground we helped to pack the balloon away. This was taken as the balloon was deflating This is our wonderful pilot - Pat Schmitt! Packing the balloon away The morning ended with champagne and treats! Huge thanks to both Pat and Joel of Orlando Balloon Adventures for an amazing flight! __________________ Sue

12 Sep 13, 02:03 PM	#2
	12 Sep 13, 02:03 PM app DIBB App Manager
app DIBB App Manager Join Date: May 18	New Photo Added by mackem - 12 Sep 13 2:03 PM.