You’ll have your head in the clouds with this rundown of the top five high-flying experiences in Orlando! From scenic tethered balloon flights, to a barrel-rolling fighter-plane adventure, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.

Aerophile Balloon at Disney Springs

You’ll feel perfectly safe as you gently rise 400ft in the air above Disney Springs, aboard the Aerophile Aéro30 balloon, which was custom-made for Disney. This is the world’s largest tethered helium balloon, with room for 29 guests as well as the balloon pilot. The massive ‘basket’ spans a diameter of 19 metres, and you can walk around the circumference taking in the sights during the flight which lasts around 10 minutes; from the top you will be able to see up to ten miles away, so make sure you have your camera at the ready!

Flights cost $20 per adult (ages 10+) and children (ages 3-9) cost $15. Although those aged 12 and over can take the flight on their own, guests under the age of 12 have to be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over. If you arrive before 10am (the site opens at 8:30am) tickets are $10 each, regardless of age. If you can’t arrive before 10.00am, there are a few options open to you to secure a discount: visit the official website for a $2 discount voucher, or look online for a Groupon voucher, but take note of all of the relevant Ts and Cs, as there are limitations on the hours that these tickets be used.

Remember, that all flights are weather permitting – the balloon won’t fly if the wind is faster than 28mph in the air or 18mph on the ground, or if there is a storm in the area; check the weather forecast before attending! You should also note that this is a popular attraction, and you may have to queue to get on board, though waiting times tend to be shorter earlier in the day.

www.charactersinflight.com

Address: Disney Springs, Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830

Orlando Balloon Rides

Once you have whetted your ballooning appetite at Disney Springs, then prepare for the flight of a lifetime at Orlando Balloon Rides! With balloons holding 16-20 passengers, this is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your loved ones away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.

As the flights travel only in the direction of the wind, each flight is unique; you might find yourself soaring around the edge of the Disney parks, over the beautiful blooming orange groves or even across the forests and swamps, which are teeming with alligators and other native Floridian animals! It is worth noting that the flights may be cancelled if there is adverse weather, though you will be given a voucher for a future visit or a full refund if your flight can’t be rescheduled.

Flying at between tree-top level and 3000ft above the ground in the company of a certified pilot, take in the stunning sights below, and remember to bring your camera to photo and film the occasion. The flight lasts around one hour, though the whole experience – including the pre-flight preparation and post-flight celebrations, may take around three to four hours. All passengers must be 6 years of age or older (Age 6-18 must be accompanied by an adult). Also if you are pregnant, unfortunately you will be unable to fly.

Make sure that you wear sensible shoes and dress in layers, as it’s an early start – you meet for the flight an hour before sunrise – so around 5.30am in the summer, and 6:00am in the autumn/winter – and the morning may be a little chilly!

www.orlandoballoonrides.com

Email: info@orlandoballoonrides.com

Address: 44294 US Highway 27, Davenport, FL 33897

Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding

Try your hand at hang gliding over at Wallaby Ranch, a secluded setting which is surrounded by Florida’s stunning woodland. This is the world’s first full-time aerotow flight park open seven days a week, where the hang glider is towed from ground level to launch! They offer the chance to take the flight of a lifetime in the company of an experienced hang gliding instructor, as you are towed 2000ft skywards, before beginning your smooth 15-minute descent back to the ground.

These Tandem Discovery Flights are suitable for guests of all ages and flights begin at 8am; you don’t even need to book – just arrive on the day! There are several booking packages available – though prices start at $175.

www.wallaby.com

Email: fly@wallaby.com

Address: 1805 Deen Still Road, Orlando, FL 33897

Orlando Heli-Tours

See the sights of Orlando in style with Orlando Heli-Tours – the premier provider of scenic helicopter flights over some of the most famous attractions in Florida! With a range of luxury, air-conditioned helicopter tours varying in price from the cheapest at $35/$30 (adult/child prices) to $350 per person, there is certainly something for all budgets!

The least expensive flight is the SeaWorld Adventure package, which is a great introduction to helicopter flights. This trip takes around five minutes and covers a six-mile journey around SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica. The most popular tour is the Celebrity Grand Tour – where you can revel in the VIP lifestyle and fly over the theme parks, the Butler Chain of Lakes, and the homes of some famous Florida residents including Tiger Woods. If you want to book on this tour you can depart from either Orlando or Kissimmee, though parties of four who want to fly together should book at the Orlando location. The 50-mile flight will last around 25 minutes, and costs $175 per adult and $125 per child (under 12).

An extra special flight that you might want to check out, if money is no object, is the Epcot Fireworks Tour, which costs $350 per passenger and lasts around 30 minutes. You will also fly across other popular theme parks, but the fireworks at Epcot are at the heart of the trip. Enjoy stunning one-of-a-kind views of the entire IllumiNations fireworks, which are scheduled to end for good this summer. This once an evening flight has to be booked at least four hours before the 8:50pm departure time.

www.orlandohelitours.com

Email: info@orlandohelitours.com

Stallion 51

Have you ever dreamed of getting behind the joystick of a P-51 Mustang? Then head over to Stallion 51, where you have the chance make that a reality, and take off in one of the legendary planes of WW2. Soar high in the air in a dual-control P-51, or even the T-6 Texan.

You’ll be given a pre-flight briefing, walk around the plane and look at the cockpit before taking off on a hands-on flight where you will do 95% of the flying! This is followed by a debrief and a look at the video that was captured during your flight, which you can take away with you as a memento to treasure, as well a certificate of your completion, log-book entry and photograph!

As you might expect, this won’t be the cheapest of days out – but it certainly would be one that you will remember in years to come! For full information on pricing get in touch with the company using the information below.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm

www.stallion51.com

Email: mustang@stallion51.com / texanops@stallion51.com

Address: 3951 Merlin Drive (Located at Kissimmee Gateway Airport), Kissimmee, FL 34741

Have you got a head for heights? Will you be flying up, up and away when you are next in Florida? We’d love to know if there are any other flight-related activities that you think we’ve missed – so get in touch!