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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Great
Park Balloon Ride Irvine
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Great
Orange Balloon was first attraction to open at the Great
Park in Irvine, California. Balloon riders climb aboard
the 30 passenger gondola and float 400 feet in the air.
The birds eye view of the Irvine Valley give visitors a
chance to see the 4,700 acres park as it is being built.
Admission is free and the balloon operates from Thursday
through Sunday. If wind kicks up the balloon will fly lower
or will be grounded until conditions are favorable. The
balloon is attached to the ground by a steel cable which
is used to raise and lower the giant orange orb. In the
event that the cable would break the pilot can free-fly
the balloon to the ground.
The Great Park Balloon is a great way to watch the park
being constructed from the old El Toro base. Another park
attraction near the balloon ride is the Great Park Carousel.
Like the balloon, the carousel is free. Up to 36 passengers
can ride the Carousel and its also wheelchair-accessible.
Kids Rock is a climbing structure at the 27.5-acre Balloon
Park. Children can play on rocks or squeeze through underground
tunnels on this environmentally friendly area of the park.
Finally each Sunday from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. a Farmers
Market is held at the Balloon Park. |
The Orange County Great Park is being built on what once
was Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. When complete the
1,300 acres will be transformed into a master planned
park that will include a Botanic Garden, Veterans Memorial,
Wildlife Corridor and a huge canyon two miles long and
up to 60 feet deep.
The western sector of the park is being developed first
and covers 200 acres of the Orange County Great Park including
the 27 acre balloon park. Under construction is the great
lawn and coming soon will be a 14-acre picnic meadow and
a 100-acre great park farm.
The free Orange Balloon ride in Irvine is open Thursday–Friday:
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. and in the evening 7:00 p.m.–10:00
p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. with
evening hours from 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
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Directions to the Irvine
Balloon Ride:exit the 5 freeway at Sand Canyon and enter
the old El Toro base on Marine Way. follow the signs to
the Great Balloon. Every passenger must sign a liability
waiver, and passengers under the age of 12 must be accompanied
by an adult.
Boarding passes are issued on a first come – first
serve basis. Flights may be delayed or cancelled due to
weather conditions. The Balloon is open 10:00am to 3:00pm,
Thursdays & Fridays. 9:00am to 3:00pm, Weekends.
Reservations for groups are available upon request. Call
ahead before you go and make sure the balloon ride is open
the day you plan on visiting. (866) 829-3829 |
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