Downtown Disney's iconic balloon disappears after balloon accident in Hong Kong

[Colonel_SoB_fan]

Really hope Characters In Flight makes a return.

But on a positive note it's not SBNO, like some attractions

[Colonel_SoB_fan]

Here's the link http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-balloon-removed-20120701,0,589965.story

Can't edit on my Torch.

[Browntggrr]

Really hope Characters In Flight makes a return.

But on a positive note it's not SBNO, like some attractions

Info: http://articles.orla...isney-hong-kong

http://www.mickeynews.com/downtown-disneys-iconic-balloon-disappears-after-balloon-accident-in-hong-kong-orlando-sentinel.html

http://news.brevardtimes.com/2012/07/downtown-disney-balloon-removed-after.html

[beastrider97]

Every time I have been to DD it has not been operating. Seems to not operate in any kind of wind at all, I guess conditions need to be very ideal. Maybe that is what caused the rupture in Hong Kong?

[Bayson]

When I was at DD last year it was not operating. I didn't quite get why as there was no wind. But I'm no expert. If a ride hardly ever runs though, perhaps its better that it's removed to make room for something else? Just a thought. It would have been awesome to get a chance to ride it, but during my week it was a no go.

[bkroz]

I never looked into it.

Is it an upcharge, I would assume? But how many people can it carry? When I think "hot air balloon," I think three or four with a pilot. I'm guessing this was different... The videos and article don't shed much light.

[beastrider97]

I never looked into it.

Is it an upcharge, I would assume? But how many people can it carry? When I think "hot air balloon," I think three or four with a pilot. I'm guessing this was different... The videos and article don't shed much light.

The ride experience is more of a tethered hot air balloon that can carry a large amount of people. The ride rises, stays in the air for a while, then comes back down.

[Colonel_SoB_fan]

When I was at DD last year it was not operating. I didn't quite get why as there was no wind. But I'm no expert. If a ride hardly ever runs though, perhaps its better that it's removed to make room for something else? Just a thought. It would have been awesome to get a chance to ride it, but during my week it was a no go.

In reality there could of been mechanical reasons why it was not operating. You also have to remember the ride went 400 feet up so while wind may of not been present at the ground, it could be quite windy up top.

GYK It was an up-charge attraction just like the mini carousel at DTD is as well.

Here is more info http://attractionsma...ersinflight.php

[Colonel_SoB_fan]

Characters in Flight will reopen with some changes after some testing.