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Going Up: What to Expect on a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Kissimmee
Get an inside look at what it’s like to take a hot air balloon ride over Kissimmee, Florida. This first-person story explores the views, the experience, and the must-know tips for planning your own balloon adventure.
Morning skies over Kissimmee set the stage for a peaceful ascent into the clouds.
A hot air balloon ride is one of Kissimmee’s most unforgettable outdoor adventures. From panoramic views of theme parks and natural landscapes to the calm, weightless feeling of drifting above Central Florida, it’s an experience that stays with you long after you land. This first-person guide takes you through the full journey, offering insight into what to expect and why a balloon ride should be on your Kissimmee bucket list.
Expect an Early Morning
There aren't many things I will gladly do at 6 a.m. But getting up before the sun rises to go hot air ballooning in Kissimmee is worth the groggy eyes in my book.
Why the early wake-up call? Pilots tend to fly at the crack of dawn because the winds are calmer around that time and flow parallel to the earth, which allows for a smoother ride. I, for one, am all for that.
After meeting Bob Wilamoski, the owner of Bob's Balloon Charters, we drove to the launch location: a large grassy field on the outskirts of Kissimmee. As Bob filled up the balloon with air, the sun came up and provided a golden glow that started to wake things up.
I've been on two balloon rides before, so I knew exactly what to expect — a calm, peaceful ride at 500 feet or so.
One of the newbies asked me: "So, is it scary?"
I reassured her that it's no scarier than looking down from a balcony.
After that, she was all smiles as the six of us climbed into the basket one by one. For one rider from Boston, this was on his bucket list. For another, it was her birthday. Everyone was clearly giddy. With a whoosh of the burners to propel the balloon upward, away we went.
Seeing Kissimmee From Above
We flew high above lakes, untouched swamplands, 100-year-old oak trees, and fancy vacation homes. The bird's-eye view also gave us a new perspective of the area's iconic theme parks. We saw Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Them Park, Spaceship Earth at EPCOT®, and Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin hotels. Plus, we spotted Bok Tower in the distance and even the skyscrapers in downtown Orlando.
Throughout the flight, I kept my eyes peeled for wildlife. Wilamoski says he sees animals often on excursions, but we saw mostly birds on our flight. I will have to take his word for the deer, hog, turkey, coyote, fox, panther, bear, and gator sightings he's had. Better yet, he says he once landed in an area filled with colorful macaws flying around. In other words, you never know what exotic wildlife you're going to see in Central Florida.
Speaking of surprises, we witnessed a man on a nearby balloon flight propose to his girlfriend at 500 feet. Talk about romantic! It turns out this is common, so if you're looking to pop the question in an unusual way or simply celebrate a milestone, this might be the way to go (as long as the person you're surprising isn't afraid of heights).
A sunrise balloon flight offers a peaceful new perspective on Kissimmee’s wide-open beauty.
After Landing, It's Time for Breakfast
At the end of our journey, we had a brunch of flatbread pizzas, chocolate croissants, and fresh fruit salad, and a champagne toast, which is a 200-year-old tradition for ballooners.
Meanwhile, Wilamoski told us how he got started in 1984 when he built his own balloon. Since then, he's taken nearly 3,000 flights, hosting everyone from tourists to retired astronaut Story Musgrave.
Bob's Balloon Charters is one of many adventure outfitters that take visitors up into the sky and out on the water. Add thrilling outdoor adventures to your Kissimmee vacation.
A kaleidoscope of color marks the start of another sunrise adventure in Kissimmee.