You ever have one of those things at Walt Disney World you said you would do next vacation? For me it has been Characters In Flight, each visit to Downtown Disney since 2009 I would say “I’ll do it next time” well next time finally happened! For those of you not familiar with Characters In Flight, it is a helium ballon operated by Aérophile that can take up to 30 guests per trip to a hight of 400 feet for a 6 minute view of Walt Disney World that is like no other!
The main goal of todays trip was to get a look around Downtown Disney and the soon to be Disney Springs area. We just covered it from the ground last week, so this trip is from the air! First we take a look at the Westside where not a lot of change is happening but the Food Truck Park that is slated for “late summer” still looks like it has a bit more work and of course the massive work being done on the parking structure along with I-4 expansion ramp.
Next we move on to the heart of the expansion project for Downtown Disney, Disney Springs. The former Pleasure Island area since closing in 2008 has been waiting to rise from the ashes like a phoenix and it looks like this could be the time. With the expansion into the former parking lot area and addition of the Boat House, the most complete of the new construction you will see in the lower left of the first picture, this area should start to see some openings early next year.
This is what the Boat House currently looks like and the concept art of once it’s complete.
Our last view from the air is the Downtown Disney Marketplace with its brand new walking bridge to Saratoga Springs and boat dock.
The walking bridge has been something that has been needed for years to connect the DVC property and Downtown Disney, plus the boat dock is on the furthest end and gives a great opportunity for a nice boat ride back to the other side of DTD or to the Port Orleans hotels without the walk.
Before we sign off from our Disney Springs look it wouldn’t be complete without a look at it from the water.
If I can pass along one thing, don’t put off till next vacation what you can do this one! I look back and now kick myself for never doing Characters In Flight before…also if you do it before 10am it is only $10.00!