Aerophile, the hot air balloon ride at Disney Springs, closed without warning Thursday for unexpected maintenance as construction crews moved heavy equipment onto the loading platform.
The attraction failed to open alongside the rest of Disney Springs on February 19. The ticket booth remained shuttered, an electronic sign informed guests the balloon was down for “maintenance,” and rolling planters blocked the walkway to the loading area.
Construction Underway at Disney Springs
On Thursday, WDWNT posted a photo on Facebook showing construction crews working on the Aerophile platform. A crane and other heavy equipment have been positioned in the area. The entire hot air balloon and rider basket are missing, with a ladder, wooden pallet, and building materials sitting where the attraction normally rests.
Walt Disney World Resort has not announced any refurbishments or provided a reopening timeline for the hot air balloon ride. The resort’s website still lists Aerophile as operating 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and the official calendar shows no planned closures or maintenance for the attraction.
The unannounced closure leaves guests with Disney Springs plans unable to book the attraction. The absence of the balloon from the skyline—normally a visible landmark across Disney Springs—makes the maintenance work impossible to miss for visitors familiar with the area.
About the Attraction
Paris-based Aérophile S.A. custom-built the balloon for Walt Disney World Resort. It’s the world’s largest hand-painted hot air balloon, filled with 210,000 cubic feet of helium. The basket holds 29 riders, plus one certified pilot, and rises to 400 feet during the eight-minute journey, offering visibility up to 10 miles on clear days.
Single rides cost $29.99 for adults and $24.99 for children ages three to nine. The balloon won’t fly if the winds exceed 22 mph.
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