Disney has not unveiled  a lot about what they plan to do with the space that the closed Pleasure Island occupies in Downtown Disney, but whatever they do come up with is set to open in 2012. Pleasure Island was the home to 6 alcohol serving nightclubs that did not cater to the [...]]]>

Downtown Disney

Disney has not unveiled  a lot about what they plan to do with the space that the closed Pleasure Island occupies in Downtown Disney, but whatever they do come up with is set to open in 2012. Pleasure Island was the home to 6 alcohol serving nightclubs that did not cater to the whole family and it closed on Sept. 27, 2008. It’s can of odd thinking that Disney World would try to go after this kind of audience when they are so family centered. I am not quite sure what Disney’s marketing team was thinking, and I think that this is something that was doomed from the beginning. That really is more of Universal’s market and not Disney World’s market. Now, the space will be used to appeal to families rather than clubbers with dining and shopping for the whole family.

Since Pleasure Island closed, only one restaurant, Paradiso 37, has opened there in the last two years. They serve South American and Mexican dishes, and they are quite good too. Disney has opened one other attraction in Downtown Disney and that was there Characters in Flight attraction which allows guests to get a birds eye view of the Disney Resort for a small fee.

Disney has a new attraction in Orlando- a hot air balloon ride! It’s called Characters in Flight and it can be experienced at Downtown Disney. At first thought, it doesn’t sound all that exciting because it basically goes straight up and then comes straight back down to the ground again. It’s [...]]]>

Disney's Characters in Flight

Disney has a new attraction in Orlando- a hot air balloon ride! It’s called Characters in Flight and it can be experienced at Downtown Disney. At first thought, it doesn’t sound all that exciting because it basically goes straight up and then comes straight back down to the ground again. It’s not like a true hot air balloon ride that travels miles from one destination to another. But I have a coworker who went on it with her niece and said it was surprisingly good.

First of all, most of us have never experienced a hot air balloon ride and most of us wish we could. So in a way, this ride gives you that experience. Sure, you’re not actually “going” anywhere, but it is still a ride in a hot air balloon. The best part of all of it according to my coworker, and others who have reported going on it, are the amazing views from the top. Obviously, you can see all of Downtown Disney, but you can also see all four of Disney’s theme parks from the balloon. I’m told it’s breathtaking.

You can ride Characters in Flight during the day or at night, both providing spectacular views. Each ride can hold about 30 people and lasts approximately ten minutes. The cost is $16 for adults and $10 for children. Since it’s free to get into Downtown Disney, if you go for the day and only spend money on the balloon ride, it’s not a lot of money for a day’s worth of entertainment.