[anaheimboy]

So, is the 50th Anniversary Mickey Hot-Air Balloon going to be visiting your city? Its passing through mine of the 17th of this month! I want to see it very much but I may be hiking the Pennicles that day so Im not sure if I will make it, but what about everyone else? I know mouseinfo.com had some info on it, so go check it out. I do know it is only visiting the west coast area states.

[Amelia's Man]

Aaaaarrrrggghhhhhh!!!!

I guess us "East Coasters" will just have to watch it on TV! Unless someone can post pics of it if it passes by!

[Pixie]

hmmm Where could we find more info about this!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

[twist1980]

I read about this somewhere before...in any case, it will be in the Seattle area May 9-10. I'm just curious where exactly it will be!

Here is the rest of the info!

THE HAPPIEST BALLOON ON EARTH
Fun Facts & Statistics

Fun Facts

· The Happiest Balloon On Earth will be the first hot air balloon to ever to rise over the Grand Canyon.
· 2,000 average-sized children could easily fit inside the balloon
· Mickey’s nose is 5.5 ft diameter..... a child could easily stand up inside it.
· If Mickey’s body were added to the balloon he would stand over 200 feet tall!
· The pupils of Mickey’s eyes are over 6 ft in diameter
· If Mickey’s hat was made from real gold it would require more gold than the total mined by the Roman Empire.
· The Happiest Balloon on Earth can fit into a bag which is 1,400 times smaller than the fully inflated balloon.
· On a good weather day, The Happiest Balloon On Earth can fly two miles high!
· Laurie Spencer is the first female pilot of a Disney hot air balloon (her husband Scott is co-pilot)

Balloon Statistics

· Height: 98 ft from ground to top of ears
· Weight: Estimate 410lbs
· Circumference: 168 ft
· Diameter: 53 ft
· Volume: 90,000 cu. ft (body) - 113,000 total
· Lift capacity: 1800lb max gross lift
· Thread Used: Approximately 9 miles of thread!
· Gold Fabric for Mouse Ears: Approximately 750 Sq Yards
· Fabric: Approximately 4744


General Hot Air Balloon Info

· Launch locations are variable and dependant on weather, balloon safety and FAA restrictions
· Weather permitting the balloon can potentially be utilized for thirty minutes to an hour
maximum in the early morning (Sunrise to 10am on a perfect day) or prior to sunset in the summer and potentially mid-day in the fall. In most cases, mid day weather is completely unpredictable due to the heat of the atmosphere
· Once the balloon is inflated there are three ways to operate it
- Static inflation (ground)
- Tethered (Just off the ground)
- Free flight
· The Happiest Balloon On Earth balloon requires a 150' x 150' of an unobstructed footprint and preferably grass
· Two vehicles and a trailer are required to the support tour:
- Chase vehicle and a trailer
- Motor home to use for all ground support, radio and TV remote backdrop etc.
· Manufacturer: Cameron Balloons US (Ann Arbor Michigan)
· Balloon Pilots: Scott and Laurie Spencer, Lighter Than Air America, Inc.

Balloon Tour Locations & Dates

· Tucson, AZ March 30-31
· Phoenix, AZ April 3-4
· San Diego, CA April 6-7
· Fresno, CA April 17
· San Francisco, CA April 19-20
· Sacramento, CA April 25-26
· Vancouver, BC May 2-3
· Seattle, WA May 9-10
· Portland, OR May 15-16
· Salt Lake City, UT May 22-23
· Albuquerque, NM May 25 - 26

[Pixie]

hmmmm well i'll be at 6th grade camp then so i'll miss it!! Cool infor though

[twist1980]

Heres the link to the DL page on it, including a picture of the balloon!
50th Hot Air Balloon

Originally Posted by Pixie

hmmmm well i'll be at 6th grade camp then so i'll miss it!! Cool infor though

By the way Pixie, did you ever decide on a theme for your cabin?

[Pixie]

ummmm not exactly but i'm leaning towards beach!!

[twist1980]

Originally Posted by Amelia's Man

Aaaaarrrrggghhhhhh!!!!

I guess us "East Coasters" will just have to watch it on TV! Unless someone can post pics of it if it passes by!

I just realized that I'll be at the Mariners game on May 10th, so hopefully I'll be able to see it where ever it is and get a picture for everyone!

[Pixie]

oh have fun at the game!!! i love mariner games but haven't gone for a while!! i don't think i'll be able to see the balloon!!!

[The Goof Father]

Very cool... I am going to have to oggle that baloon for sure!

[c-palace]

Not passing through mine :(

[Pixie]

yeah goof you go and oggle it all you want

[Amelia's Man]

Originally Posted by twist1980

I just realized that I'll be at the Mariners game on May 10th, so hopefully I'll be able to see it where ever it is and get a picture for everyone!

Hey, Thanks twist!! I would appreciate that very much!!

[The Goof Father]

Anyone know if the pilot of the baloon is named Henry Gale??? Just checking...

[quartz7]

Originally Posted by The Goof Father

Anyone know if the pilot of the baloon is named Henry Gale??? Just checking...

LOL, you Lost nut!!!

The thing is, I knew exactly who you were talking about!!!!