Drifting silently thousands of feet above the lakes, swamps, and orange groves of Kissimmee in a hot air balloon offers a peaceful and absolutely breathtaking perspective of Central Florida. The adventure begins in the pre-dawn darkness, where you can watch the massive, colorful balloons slowly inflate on the ground. Once in the air, the balloon floats gently with the wind, offering uninterrupted, 36-degree panoramic views as the morning sun breaks over the horizon.
What makes this experience deeply memorable is the profound silence of balloon flight, interrupted only by the occasional roar of the burner. Looking down, you can see early-morning wildlife stirring in the swamps, watch the sunlight reflect off dozens of misty lakes, and spot the distant, miniature silhouettes of Disney’s iconic castles. The flight traditionally concludes with a festive champagne toast and a light breakfast, celebrating a classic, timeless aviation tradition.
One fun fact people love:
Hot air balloon pilots cannot steer the balloon laterally; they can only control the altitude by heating the air inside, relying entirely on different wind currents at various altitudes to change direction.
Where in Kissimmee is it?
Launch sites vary daily depending on wind direction, but flights typically meet at designated locations along US-192 or near the Davenport border.
How to reach:
Most operators require meeting at a central hotel or office location in Kissimmee, after which they transport you directly to the morning's chosen launch field in their company vans.
Best time to visit:
Year-round, though late autumn and winter offer the most stable morning wind patterns and the most comfortable pre-dawn temperatures.
Best time of day:
At dawn (typically meeting around 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM) as this is the only time of day when the winds are calm and cool enough for safe balloon operation.
Entry fee:
Prices generally range from 195 to 275 USD per person, which includes the flight, transportation, and post-flight champagne celebration.
Commute difficulty:
Moderate; passengers must be physically able to climb over the edge of a 4-foot-tall wicker basket to board and stand comfortably for the duration of the 1-hour flight.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- Balloon flights are highly dependent on the weather; if the pilot detects high winds or incoming rain, flights will be canceled at the last minute for safety, so book your flight early in your vacation to allow for rescheduling.
- The heat radiating down from the balloon’s massive burner can make the top of your head feel quite warm, so wearing a baseball cap or hat is a smart trick.
- There are no restrooms on board the basket, and because you are in the air for an hour, you should definitely avoid drinking too much coffee beforehand.
