Shoguns trip 2007 Tues/Wed Wk1

[Shogun]

Tuesday
Tuesday should have been Typhoon Lagoon but as one of the party was not well enough to make it the ladies of the party decided it was a good day for shopping so no photos today. Anyway is was to be an early start tomorrow so it was early to bed.

Wednesday
Up at 5am as we had to be at the pick-up point at 5.45am for a hot-air balloon ride. After a short briefing we were taken to the launch site where the balloons were unloaded. We were asked to assist "cold" inflating the balloons by holding open the mouth while fans blew air into the balloon.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007292600x400.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007295600x400.jpg

Soon it was inflated enough to light the burner.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007303600x400.jpg

And it was time to get into the basket - even Liz who is terrified of flying in a plane.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007-3022600x400.jpg

We took off just as dawn was breaking leaving some of the others still getting ready
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007309600x400.jpg

We were 30ft off the ground before Liz realized we had moved.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007312600x400.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007313600x400.jpg

There was one other balloon ahead of us
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007317600x400.jpg

But the others were not far behind.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007319600x400.jpg

For those who have never done this trip it is a fantastic experience. It is very peaceful and quiet except when the burner is on of course, and there are some fantastic views.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007329600x400.jpg

Even somebody out for an early morning swim
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007333600x400.jpg

The pilots took the balloons to various heights, sometimes low, sometimes high.http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007335600x400.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007338600x400.jpg

Saw some well known landmarks in the distance.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007340_0600x345.jpg

Mist still lingered in some places
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007348600x400.jpg

But we were still able to see some wild life
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007360_0600x353.jpg

An hour went all too quickly and it was time to land
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007363600x400.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007367600x400.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007374600x400.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007386600x400.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007394600x400.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007396600x400.jpg

All the hot air was then let out of the balloon
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007405600x400.jpg

And we all helped get it back into the bag.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/shogun249/Florida2007416600x400.jpg

Glass of champers then back to the hotel for a buffet breakfast.
The rest of the day was spent round the pool till Tea time then off to the Earl of Sandwich for a light tea and shopping in the Disney store.

[Isafari]

Another brilliant photo report....fantastic colours in the photos.
Our balloon flight was cancelled due to fog and I wasn't too concerned about rebooking but your photos have me wanting to go now.

What hotel did you leave from?

[lisaw]

Fantastic photos - reminds me of the balloon trip we did in '96. It's such an amazing experience. :p015:

[Shogun]

What hotel did you leave from?
Can't remember the name but it was the one at the top of Formosa Gardens on the 192.

[nannav]

those aireal shots are great :yes:dont know if i could do a balloon ride

[Disneybumble]

Wow. Those ballons look amazing. Was it very expensive for the flight.?

[Shogun]

Think it was about £80 each.

[Shogun]

those aireal shots are great :yes:dont know if i could do a balloon ride
Liz who hates going in a 747 jet had no trouble getting in the basket and loved every minute of the flight.