The Great park Balloon

April 18, 2014

The Great Park Balloon is the Orange County Great Park’s first major attraction. With the ability to hold up to 25 to 30 passengers at once, and soar up to 400 feet above the surrounding landscape, it also serves as a public observation deck for the Great Park’s development. The helium (not hot-air) balloon, which is located in the 27.5-acre Preview Park, provides a great view of Orange County.

The Great Park Balloon is one of the largest tethered helium (not hot air) balloons and the first of its kind in the United States. It is environmentally safe, non-polluting, and virtually silent.

Standing 118 feet tall with a volume of 210,000 cubic feet, the Balloon can hold up to 30 passengers in its 1,810-pound gondola. Flying at an altitude up to 400 feet, it is always tethered to the ground by a steel cable with the strength of 99,000 pounds, making it a safe and fun experience for everyone.

Parking opens 30 minutes before operating hours. Registration to fly opens 30 minutes before operating hours in the morning, and one hour before night flights resume in the evening. A registration waiver (available at the Visitors Center) must be signed by every potential passenger prior to getting a boarding pass. A parent or guardian must sign for children under 18. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Price:

Adults 17 and older: $10
Children age 6-16: $5
Children under 6 are free

Great Park Balloon Hours of Operation:

Thursday–Friday:

10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Saturday–Sunday:

9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

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