The Aerophile hot air balloon vanished from Disney Springs’ skyline on Thursday as the attraction closed without notice for maintenance, with no announced reopening date.
Guests arriving at Walt Disney World Resort‘s shopping, dining, and entertainment district on February 19 found the ticket booth shuttered, an electronic sign citing “maintenance,” and rolling planters blocking access to the loading area. The balloon, which typically dominates the shopping district’s skyline, was completely absent.
Heavy Equipment Moved In
On Thursday, WDWNT shared an image on Facebook showing construction crews on the Aerophile platform with a crane and heavy equipment. The entire balloon and rider basket have been removed, replaced by a ladder, wooden pallet, and building materials where the attraction normally sits.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t announced the refurbishment or provided a completion timeline for the project. The Central Florida vacation destination’s website still lists Aerophile operating 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. with no planned closures on the official calendar.
Disney Springs: Home to the World’s Largest Hand-Painted Balloon
Aérophile S.A. of Paris custom-built the balloon for Disney Springs. The structure holds 210,000 cubic feet of helium and carries 29 riders plus one certified pilot to 400 feet during eight-minute journeys. On clear days, visibility extends up to ten miles.
Rides cost $29.99 for adults and $24.99 for children ages three to nine. The attraction only operates when the wind speed stays below 22 mph.
The balloon’s absence dramatically alters the skyline at Disney Springs. The structure served as a visible landmark across the entertainment district, making its sudden disappearance immediately noticeable to regular Walt Disney World Resort visitors.
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