© 2009 Thommy Sandvick
Here are perhaps the first photos on the internet of the new tethered balloon ride located at Downtown Disney Westside. Installation began late last night after nearly everyone had departed DTD. Large helium tanks on a flatbed truck were involved. The lower picture in the dark shows the balloon just partially inflated.
We're told that testing will take at least 2 weeks but no opening date has been announced as of yet. The middle picture was also taken last night; the top photo was taken earlier this evening and shows that the passenger gondola is now installed.. This one can be clicked on to see more detail. Rides will cost $16 for adults, $10 for children. The ride is operated by Aerophile, not by Disney. In other words, this is outsourced too.
Thanks to our roving reporter Thommy for getting this for the Save PI Blog.
The sentinnel is reporting an April 1st grand opening, but that contradicts what I was told last night. Maybe Disney is pushing harder than the balloon ppl want.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that this will be a popular attraction depending on how much they're going to charge people to ride it.
ReplyDeleteWill it bring people out to DTD that would not have otherwise gone? I'm thinking that it probably will.
Is this part of the bold new vision for Pleasure Island? Of course not, since it's not even on PI.
The orlando sentinel blog is saying the prices are going to be $16 for an adult and $10 for a child. I think its a bit steep, but seems to be in line with Disney pricing.
ReplyDeletehttp://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/03/downtown-disney-walt-disney-world-characters-in-flight-pleasure-island-baloon.html
Yes, I've added the prices to the main Blog entry; thanks. The ticket booth already has the prices posted too.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how long they will keep you up in the air for $16? If it's just up and down, that price seems a little steep to me.
ReplyDeleteHey, that's a good question. I've not heard anything.
ReplyDelete