The Characters in Flight attraction at Downtown Disney – the big yellow and red balloon – has been temporarily grounded after a safety incident at a theme park in Hong Kong.
The balloon ride in Hong Kong, at Ocean Park, developed a leak, causing it to drop quickly from about 60-yards. Four people in the balloon and one on the ground were hurt, though none of the injuries are considered serious.
However, dropping from a height of nearly 180 feet is serious enough for me.
The Disney balloons – at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World, and at the Disney Village in Disneyland Paris – are run by Aerophile. The company has shut down the attractions for safety checks in light of the Hong Kong incident. Aerophile does not own the Hong Kong attraction.
Here’s a look at the amazing ascent and views from the Downtown Disney version of the attraction:
No word on when the balloon will once again take flight over Downtown Disney.
Characters in Flight opened in Spring 2009 and features a giant tethered balloon that soars at 400 feet, providing a 360-degree view of the Walt Disney World Resort.
When contacted, Mousejunkies representatives were said to have wet their pants, screamed, “I’m never going on that stupid ride anyway,” and hid under the couch.
Our preferred lighter-than-air mode of transport, Balloony:
Have you been on Characters in Flight? Were you nervous? Tell us about your experience.
Haven’t been on it, but despite the news… I still want to! Call me crazy.
I honestly can’t think of it as being unsafe. I always figure Disney is on top of that for the insurance premiums alone. I’m just a big chicken.
I’ve been on it. It was a smooth ride both up and down, and the views were incredible. I would not hesitate to do it again. The cost was minimal in comparison to the experience. I hope it doesn’t stay grounded for long!!!