Is Characters in Flight at Downtown Disney Loosing Steam?

The newest attraction at Downtown Disney West Side is called Characters in Flight. It is a tethered balloon ride that goes up about 400 feet above Downtown Disney. It is an incredible view, but many of us locals are wondering if it is worth it. Since the recent opening of this new attraction, our agents have tried many times to go ride this new attraction. Being locals, it is just a quick drive up the road. However, all of the times we have tried to ride this attraction we have never been able to do so. The reason...the ride will not operate due to wind or rain. This is Florida and it certainly does get windy and rainy around here, so that can be quite an issue for this new attraction.

We got lucky last Friday when some of our agents were visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios for the 20th Anniversary. We saw the balloon floating in the air and had to go ride it. We just left Disney's Hollywood Studios where Tower of Terror (one of the most popular rides at Disney) only had a 20 minute wait. We got to the Characters in Flight and got really excited. There were a few people on the dock waiting for their ride (maybe around 20 people) and then 10 people in line to purchase tickets. We actually thought we got there before the crowds for a quick ride. I know, I know, being locals we should have known better.

We spent 30 minutes waiting in line just to buy the tickets. I know you would think that 10 people in line should go a little bit faster, what happened? With this ride, they only allow a certain number of people on the dock or as they call it "on deck" to ride. Once they reach a certain number, they stop selling tickets. While we waited, they stopped selling tickets twice.

Once we got the opportunity to purchase the tickets, we headed down to the dock. We waited for two balloon rides and then it was out turn. The whole experience from getting in line to riding the Characters in Flight balloon took 1 hour and 15 minutes. It was quite funny to us, since it really looked like no line for this attraction. We talked with one of the Cast Members after the ride to get some more details on the wait. This is a balloon ride and the number of people riding vary depend on the weather conditions. Since it was a little windy, they only allowed 10 people at a time instead of the usual 20 people. This caused what seemed to be a "short line" into a very long wait.

If this looks like a ride that you want to try during your Disney World vacation, we have some tips to better your experience. First, call Disney Guest Services (from your resort phone) before heading to Downtown Disney to make sure the Characters in Flight is operational. Second, get to the ride at opening to avoid any lines at all.

Happy Flying!