Ballooning in Walt Disney World Orlando

Bob's Balloons offers one-hour rides over protected marshland and will even fly over Disney World if wind and weather conditions are right. You meet in Lake Buena Vista at dawn, where Bob and his assistant take you by van to the launch site. It takes about 15 minutes to get the balloon in the air and then you're off on an adventure that definitely surpasses Peter Pan's Flight in the Magic Kingdom.

From the treetop view you'll see farm and forest land for miles, along with horses, deer, wild boar, cattle, and birds flying below you. Bob may take you as high as 1,000 feet, from which point you'll be able to see Disney's landmarks: the Expedition Everest mountain, the Epcot ball, and more. Several other balloons are likely to go up near you—there's a tight-knit community of ballooners in the Orlando area—so you'll view these colorful sky ornaments from a parallel level. There are seats in the basket, but you'll probably be too thrilled to sit down. example 407/466-6380 or 877/824-4606. www.bobsballoons.com. $175, $90 per child under 90 lbs or 12 yrs. D, MC, V.