During our trip to Disney Springs today, we took a ride on the Aerophile helium balloon. Aerophile gives guests a view of Disney Springs and EPCOT from the sky. We also got a peek at some Disney Springs construction.
The balloon will sometimes be closed due to adverse weather like high wind speeds. Thankfully, the sky was clear and beautiful when we wanted to ride.
The basket that guests stand in is surrounded by netting.
Aerophile is right across the bridge from Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante on the West Side of Disney Springs.
Across the water is Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
The higher the balloon rises, the more of Disney Springs is revealed, including the Paddlefish boat.
The still shuttered Cirque Due Soleil tent is a focal point from the air.
We also got a look at the completely empty construction site across from the AMC. The entirety of Bongos Cuban Cafe has been demolished and this is the future site of Beatrix. Well, maybe. The lack of work here isn’t reassuring.
Past a parking lot, we can see Spaceship Earth and the show building for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT.
The Swan and Dolphin hotels are also clearly visible.
If guests look closely, they may be able to spot Magic Kingdom from the air. Disney’s Contemporary Resort is visible in the center of this photo.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa was soon laid out before us as we reached the peak of the balloon’s flight.
The balloon is attached to the dock and is not free-roaming.
Disney Springs and the neighboring resorts offered a dynamic view.
The spring in the center of the shopping center was of course one of the most eye-catching visuals.
Planet Hollywood also stands out as one of the tallest structures.
The Disney Springs water tower was also visible near the road.
And though not the prettiest sight, the empty parking garages assured us that there weren’t too many crowds waiting for us down below.
Guests can also look straight down through the center of the balloon’s basket, where the tether is.
An Aerophile flight is $20 for adults and $15 for kids age 3 to 9. Have you flown in the sky above Disney Springs? Let us know about your experience in the comments.