Orange County Great Park, Balloon Rides - Nov. 17 -20

They are free to everyone, Balloon Rides, and are the first major attraction to be put on by "The Great Park" in Irvine on Sand Canyon Rd.  Bring the family, any Thursday thru Sunday, to experience soaring 400 feet above the surrounding landscape, in the Great Park's development.

 

The Balloon stands 118 feet tall, and is one of the largest teethered "helium" baloons.  It can hold up to 30 passengers in it's 1810 pound Gondola and is the first of it';s kind in the United States. Environmentally safe; non-polluting; silent; and always teethered to the ground by a steel cable, with the strength of 99,000 pounds - it is fun and safe.

 

 The Great Parks, is at present a 27.5 acre Preview Park, being developed in the northern part of Irvine.  On Thursday and Friday the Park opens at 9:30am, allowing those wishing to ride the balloon time to register, before the first ride at 10:00AM; while Saturday and Sunday it opens at 9:00am with the first ride at 9:30am.  On all days the ride closes at 3:00pm, re-opening at 7:00pm for 3 hours, with registration starting one hour before the first ride. The evening rides are a wonderful way to see the city lights and the beautiful sunsets, for which southern California is well known.

 

While the Balloon rides are free, there is a charge for parking, and a few rules for everyone.  A parent or guarian must sign permission for anyone under 18 years, and childen under 12 years must be accompanied by an Adult. All passengers must sign a "registration waiver" - which is available at the visitors center -before receiving a "boarding pass".  Wanting more information call - (866) 829-3829.  Getting to the park from other cities in Orange County, or Los Angeles is via the 5 Freeway, exiting at Sand Canyon Road, then going north.