Challenge accepted? Every once in a while life presents you with an opportunity you can either face head on, or run away screaming from. A chance to spread your wings and go for it, or curl into a ball and read a rock like a baby. Huh? Yup. These were the kind of whack a do thoughts that were running through my head as I looked my bloodshot eyes in the mirror one foggy morning at 4am, and tried to convince myself that I was going to get my butt into a Hot Air Balloon and float up up up into the stratosphere. Was I nuts?
Recently I was provided the opportunity to take a ride into the bright blue sky with Orlando Balloon Rides and to tell you I met this opportunity with open arms would be an outright lie. I was shaking in my boots. The idea of putting myself, my safety, my fate in the hands of stranger and climbing into a basket that would float sky high into the puffy clouds was paralyzing. I felt anxious, light headed, even a little queazy? I was on a media trip with people I had just met. It was a once in a life time kind of opportunity. I could not chicken out. I knuckled down, popped half a Gravol, and I decided I had to do it.
With a quick briefing from the very warm and comforting people at Orlando Ballon Rides we were prepared.
The balloons were fired up.
We climbed into our giant baskets, and headed into the sky. The basket rocket. I let out a pip squeak of a scream, I truly hope nobody heard me, and we left the earth.
Within moments we were floating high above the trees. Looking down on golf courses and ponds, familiar subdivisions, and a view of Disney World in the distance.
Finally I could let out a breath. The sun was coming up. I found myself smiling, laughing and just a little bit proud that I had forced myself out of my comfort zone and was now master of the sky. Okay, not so much master, but my knees were no longer knocking togehther and my hands had almost stopped shaking.
The views were astounding. The experience surreal. The people who managed and ran this experience; the sweetest ever. They knew I was a “wee” bit nervous and quietly checked in on me to make sure all was well. It was.
A sweet tour, an amazing flight. A fairly soft landing later. My first Hot Air Ballon ride under my belt and then a realization. I need to do it again. Next time with the kids and the SassyHubby. Riding in a Hot Air Ballon was unlike anything I’ve ever tried and I’m grateful to have checked something off my bucket list I didn’t even know should have been on it.
What you should know:
Flights are approximately one hour.
Flights take place early in the morning, just before sunrise.
Don’t forget your camera, the picture opportunities are amazing!
Prices range from $99.00 – $225 depending on age and day of the week
If travelling to Florida and this is something you really want to do, book it near the beginning of your trip. Flights can be delayed due to weather and you may need that extra morning to get your flight in. Orlando Ballon Rides puts your safety first and will only fly under the safest of conditions.
Disclosure: This experience was provided to me as part of a media trip, as always opinions on this site are my own.
I’ve often wondered if I could do this? Maybe, just maybe.
I sooooo want to do this! It’s for sure a bucket list item for me.
You would love it! You are once again reminded how much of the world we have to see, and all the things we have yet to do! Hope you get your Hot Air Balloon ride soon!
I loved this so much when I did it. Such a serene experience. Glad you loved it!
One of those once in a life time experiences you just have to go for! So happy I did it, and now I know I could do it with my girls 🙂
Going for it- even when scared is SO important. Glad you did it. I would love to experience an adventure like that once in my life. And the pics- WOW. Amazing !
Truly an incredible opportunity for pictures! So thankful there were other balloons up there at the same time, it gave us an amazing perspective on where we were….and opps for fabulous shots!
I am so impressed and proud of you! Looks like a wonderful adventure and your photos are gorgeous. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! I won’t even admit how many photos I took up there. I think I was coping at first by looking through that camera lens 🙂
How awesome was that???? I would love to take a ride in a hot air balloon although I may try one of those tethered ones first!
I didn’t know there were tethered rides! For me the scariest part was the take off and landing. Once you are up there it is really quite peaceful and you do feel very safe. You just have to go with a company like this that makes your safety their first priority.
Awesome, I took a balloon ride in Palm Springs. I was fantastic, only slightly ruined by a women who was shouting into her cell phone to her friend in a car following us. LOL
Oh no she didn’t! Was she all “can you hear me now?” LOL
That describes it pretty much. Hence the shouting. LOL
omg no you didn’t ?? i have a thing with heights where…well…i don’t like them lol. something i kinda wanna do because I fear it but not something i have to do lol
I just kept thinking about how proud my kids would be of me! That helped. Now I wasn’t to go back and do it with them!
I would buy a handbag, a ring, and some comfy slippers!
So brave of you! Looks so fun!! I would be really scared though
Oh make no mistake, I was scared. But the fear did pass and then I was a wee bit proud of myself for pushing through. So glad I didn’t miss this opportunity!
This does look like fun, I might get over my nerves! so many nice views to see!!!
It was incredible to see the world from an entirely different perspective!
This sounds incredible. I am desperately scared of heights and don’t think I could do it. Good for you!
It helped me to look through the lens of my camera. Maybe a trick like that would help?
I should try that the next time I’m freaked out! And then I’ll have proof I did it too.
Not that I would ever do this, but I’d probably have to pee just as we got into sky. Lol
HAHA There was a bathroom stop before we left ( and a line up of women taking full advantage of it!)
It was well worth it in the end eh? I admire your courage, I’m not sure I could have done it. 🙂
Completely worth the gamble! If you ever have the opportunity you must try it!
Good for you! I don’t think I could do it 🙁
It was touch and go for a minute there, but the staff at Orlando Ballon Rides, and the people I was travelling with, were quietly encouraging. Exactly what I needed and I am SO glad I did it!