Characters in Flight Balloon Removed from Downtown Disney

[Wendy]

The Characters in Flight balloon has been removed for inspection and is no longer operating at Downtown Disney, following an accident involving a similar balloon at a park in Hong Kong.

The Standard, an English-language news Web site in Hong Kong, reports that five people were injured when a balloon sprang a leak and plunged to the ground from a height of more than 60 yards on Thursday. None of the injuries was serious.

A Disney spokeswoman confirmed that Paris-based Aerophile, the company that owns and runs the balloon ride, suspended operations until further notice and all balloons from the Aerophile company that are found on Disney properties are being inspected. The balloon at Disneyland Paris has also been closed for inspection.

There is no word yet on when or if the balloon will return to the skies above Downtown Disney and interestingly the attraction has been removed from Disney’s website, with the page requested not being able to be found.

[Tink]

I thought something was missing when we were down there this past Sunday. One of those things that you just can't put your finger on.

It's too bad if they don't bring it back. It was a fun way to get a pretty good view! However, if it isn't safe, then it should stay "gone."