Getting High in Orlando – Part 1

How to Get High

In my beautiful, my beautiful balloon…

Orlando Balloon Rides

For both romance and adventure, go on a hot air balloon ride with Orlando Balloon Rides. This has been on our bucket list for many years, so up, up, and away we went soaring just above the treetops, over swamps, forests, farmland, and a few rooftops.  It’s exhilarating to fly high in the air with only the sound of the burners inflating the envelope (balloon) to climb even higher.

It takes a lot of manpower to unload and launch these balloons

Watching the weather to make sure we can fly

The size of the balloon was impressive

Inflating the balloons

This experience was one of the most exciting and memorable things we’ve ever done. From watching the balloon pilots and crew inflate the giant balloons with burners to the feeling of being lighter than air while gliding across the sky, a balloon ride is at the top of our list of suggested things to do in Orlando. The balloon ride crews depart very early in the morning (while it’s still dark), so get to bed early the night before your adventure. Experience the sunrise from the sky. You will never forget it.  If you click here, you can get a $35 discount, through December 31, 2015, on your own balloon adventure.  Just enter the code “Bucketlist” for the discount with Orlando Balloon Rides.

And we’re off!

Yes, we were this close

This is how we both landed – right between the houses and into an open field

The Orlando Eye

A new attraction to the city, The Orlando Eye, is another unique experience and a peaceful way to see Orlando and beyond from high in the sky. This 400-foot tall observation wheel slowly circles around and around as you climb to the pinnacle of the wheel. With individual capsules (and no crowds), we had a capsule all to ourselves and were able to look out and take photos in all directions over the city.

The Orlando Eye

Guests of the attraction ride in individual capsules

Take note of the impressive steel structure of the Orlando Eye as you soar high above the ground. On a clear day you can even see as far as Cape Canaveral. The Orlando Eye operates at various hours, depending on the season, but sunset or nighttime would be the best times to enjoy the views from above.  While you’re there, make it an evening out and visit the other attractions and dine at one of the many restaurants in the immediate area. There are a lot to choose from.

At the top of The Eye

View from The Orlando Eye