Disney’s Characters In Flight - Review

Disney’s Characters in Flight is a welcome addition to Downtown Disney. With the recent closing of the Virgin Mega Store (a museum of Princess Diana “The Peoples Princess” has filled the space through Nov. 30, 2009 ) along with an ongoing revamp of Pleasure Island, it’s been a little bland downtown. Disney is trying to spice things up with Characters in Flight.

A bit of full disclosure: I am in the process of getting a hot-air balloon pilots license so my views are slightly skewed.

I wouldn’t call the ride ‘thrilling’ (see disclosure above) but it’s certainly interesting. While the roof of Bongos isn’t the most fascinating view to be had, you do get good picture opportunities of the Marketplace (Rainforest Cafe, etc.) and the  surrounding lake. I haven’t had the opportunity to ride the balloon at night but people I’ve asked say it’s a little more interesting looking down at the lights. If you time it right, you can even see the fireworks from Epcot and the Magic Kingdom (far away) when they launch.

The only real tip for this ride is to be among the first to board the 30 person gondola. The gondola is surrounded by netting and while you can fit a camera lens through the holes, the balloon does not really spin. The best views seem to be had by those who get on first and stand facing the Marketplace. If you’re going up while Epcot’s fireworks are going off, boarding around the middle of the pack should afford the best view in the general direction of the Epcot ball - a.k.a. Space Ship Earth.

The ride is suitable for all ages 3 and up ($16 per adult - $10 per child 3-9) and lasts 10-15 minutes in total. It’s a generally sedate ride (landing can be a little bumpy) that might bore your average teenager looking to ride something more thrilling. All in all, it’s a good family experience to be had for those so inclined.

P.S. If your looking for a balloon ride with a little more adventure, I recommend Orlando Balloon Adventures. You might even see me out there on the weekends helping out.

Happy flying!

A sneak peak of SeaWorlds latest coaster - Manta

I was invited to the VIP opening of Manta, SeaWorld’s new adventure roller coaster, that is taking place on May 24th.  However, the ride opened earlier than expected to the public and my kids could not wait so we went and rode Manta today.

All I can say is WOW.  The entrance to the ride is pretty cool, literally, as much of it is indoors and nicely air conditioned.  There are aquariums along the route for viewing - nice for taking your mind off the long wait.  Fortunately for us, the wait was only 10 minutes.

You enter the ride and sit in a seat, very similar to Kraken (SeaWorld’s other roller coaster).  However, before you take off, the seat tilts forward so you are parallel to the ground.  The ride is called Manta because it mimics a manta swimming and gliding through the water.  However, this ride is a bit extreme – defiantly not for people who do not like roller coasters.  The g-force is pretty intense, especially the second drop where you roll through a full frontal loop – very extreme.  There are many twists, rolls and loops.  One part that is especially fun is where you drop down towards the water, nearly skimming it with your body.  We went on the ride 3 times, once in the front, once in the middle and once in the back.  The front has the best view while the back has the most g-force.

Huge kudos to SeaWorld as this is an awesome ride.  If you’re traveling to Orlando, make sure you check out.www.globalresorthomes.com for your lodging needs.

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