- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
The Great Park Balloon
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Thu-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thu-Fri. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
31 reviews for The Great Park Balloon
Surprised my girlfriend with a trip to the Great Park Balloon. Typically, the wait is lengthy, as it's a free ride. Plus, it's very busy on friday nites, weekends, and can easily be canceled due to weather conditions(booo!, Santa Ana winds)
What I like:
-unique chance to ride aboard a helium balloon
-incredible view(day or nite) of Irvine
-it's free!!!
-assistant pilot took pics(at least she wasn't asleep like those NW Airlines pilots!)
I wanted to give a special thanks to the staff, and especially manager Kristofer, who was helpful and extremely sneaky in making sure my girlfriend and I would be the only two up in the balloon on a Friday nite. The result: an incredible view of the Irvine skyline and city, and the opportunity to propose to my girlfriend. Couldn't have picked a better place and I'll forever remember the Orange Balloon as where we became engaged!!!
Definitely check it out with family, friends, or that special someone. And for guys wanting to pop the question, call in advance!!!
I agree with Kathleen's review, I think this will likely be a future landmark/icon of the OC. Will remember this nite forever. And I agree with Kathleen B., as this will become an icon of Orange County. This place is already a landmark to us!
3 times I tried to ride that balloon and 3 times I was turned away because somehow it was full for the day, even though I got there early. 2 of those times I had my daughters family with me, along with my 2 small grandchildren who were so disappointed to be right there and be turned away. The next day when I got there with my daughter and her family we were turned away because of a school bus full of kids had somehow got there before us, even though (once again) we were there early.
I live in Irvine, pay the taxes on this thing and I can't even ride it?? Also they don't even have sign ups on-line, which could have saved my grand kids the huge disappointment of standing right there under the balloon and not be able to ride it.
Irvine, let's get smart and allow website ride sign ups so people don't have to constantly run down there and be turned away.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
Definitely an 'icon' (or soon to be icon) of Orange County. I had seen this thing from the freeway for a whole 2 years before I stepped on board.
It was a nice way to spend a Sunday morning :) and great preview of the soon to be 'Great Park'
I overheard one of the other passengers saying the park is funded in large part by builders (Lennar, I think) who in turn received permission to build tracks of homes in Irvine.
I'm sorry that I have to give this two stars but I was angry and disappointed that we drove an hour to get there and didn't even get to ride the balloon!!! i was excited to come here and when we got there, we signed up, signed the waiver and waited...and waited...and waited. the balloon went up a couple times but then they had to cancel the whole thing after that due to the windy weather. it actually looked kind of fun in the wind! and the thing is tethered, so what's the problem?! I'm giving it two stars instead of one because they were kind enough to put on the Angels/Yankees game on the back TV (sucks the Angels lost!!). I don't know if we're coming back here because it's so far, but if we do, I'll update my review...
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (1)
I've been wanting to ride in this big orange Balloon for forever, and I finally went tonight! Every time I'm driving on the freeway and I see this balloon, I think "Sometime soon I have to take a ride on that balloon." Then I forget about it until the next time I see it in the air as I'm driving down the freeway.
One of my good friends and I are in this "going cheap" phase for entertainment, so I googled The Great Park Balloon to see if it was still free...and it was! Every Thursday-Sunday they have night rides from 7-10pm. The website recommended that you arrive around 6:30pm to "register" for a ride in the balloon and then your wait won't be so long to go up.
We got to the park around 6:25pm and registered. An hour later we were in the balloon! You have the most amazing view from the balloon! It goes up about 400 feet...and at 7:30pm it's right around sunset and it was spectacular seeing around Irvine (well, what you could see of Irvine) at sunset 400 feet up in the air.
It does get a little cold at night, so bring a jacket. And when the balloon was going up, my stomach did start to turn...so if you're not good with heights, I don't recommend eating before going up either.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (4)
As many yelpers have said, the best thing about this place is that it's FREE. Aside from that, this place doesn't have much of a draw.
Apparently if you come back in 20 years, the great park will finally be completed. See you then.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Only in Irvine you can go on a Helium Balloon ride for free in an AMAZING park.... yes, the park is not complete, but it's still beautiful. I've been here 2 times, the first time was in December during the day time.. the second was just last week at night. Both times it was really chill! When I went at night, there was quite a wait...I came at 715 and didn't come on until 945. However, you get a pager that tells you when it's your turn! You can rent sports equipment to kill the time, or walk around the area. It's perfect during the summer nights, it kind of feels magical once the sunsets... Overall the ride is about 10 minutes, you get an amazing view of the 5 and 405 freeway and of Irivine Spectrum. For me, this is a must do when you're broke and bored!
Recommendations:
Always call ahead of time, if it's to windy, they don't go up.
Bring food and blankets... have a picnic!
Be there around 7 so that you can enjoy the sunset and go up when it's dark.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
Finally got around to riding the balloon and it was "GREAT!" Arriving there around 7-730pm, we waited for about an hour and half for our turn. The sun had set and it was our turn at last!! Though the max capacity for the balloon is 30, they took about 12 of us up. Irvine at night is sort of cool to look at. You can see the Spectrum, but the rest is just whatevers. I recommend bringing a jacket or blanket up as it gets chilly when you're in a balloon ride. I think the ride itself gets 4 stars... but the service is a solid 5 stars.
Funny story! I locked my keys in my trunk and called AAA for some road side assistance. They needed an address of where we were at... So I call into the orange balloon front desk for more info.. However they tell me THERE IS NO ADDRESS! It's just a marine base!! So the only way AAA can get to us is by turn by turn directions. The balloon worker tries giving directions from a nearby Denny's or gas station but Irvine is already confusing to me as is, so I give up and tell the AAA guy the intersection. Should be enough right? We have now waited for about 2 hours and the great park is closing... The balloon worker actually comes out and helps us with the whole situation. Such great service. Seriously! He tells the front gate people to keep the gates open. Some more time goes by...and in the dark horizon, I see this beautiful white nonmarked van driving our way. We are saved. We are saved..
Lesson: 1) carry a spare key around. 2) don't lock your keys in your car.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Sorry balloon, I'm going to be a hater.
I came here when it was free, and we only waited 5 minutes to get on. Having this be my first balloon ride ever, perhaps I was unreasonably excited with what happened to be far, far, faaaar exaggerated hopes.
Basically, you get in this huge metal ring-like basket around that big "orange" balloon (get it haha) and
then ....
you go up. And THEN...........
you come down.
That's it.
One thing is that It's so gentle, you almost don't feel like anything is happening. And the problem is that IT'S SO GENTLE, YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE ANYTHING IS HAPPENING. While there are some great views of the hills and coasts of irvine, the romantic-ness just doesn't seem to match with the so-cal heat and that warm smell of fertilizer.
It was just so....boring. If they had an option where they would set the balloon free and fly you AROUND Irvine, now I would be down for that. Once I looked out my office window and saw the balloon start swaying because of those crazy winds that hit OC a couple months back. They took it down pretty quickly, but that must have been fun.
Free the balloon!!!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (2)
I enjoyed the FREE balloon ride! I wasn't expecting much after learning the balloon is tethered down by cable. Luckily the windy conditions made it exciting LOL. We were swaying so much so that they cute the ride short, and brought us down fast.
It was freezing up there, so if you go early in the morning, I suggest jackets!
I wouldn't rate the view "incredible." The view above Irvine is about as exciting as the view from the ground.
Even though I'm giving The Great Park Balloon 3 stars, I see a lot of potential. They have plans in the next 20-30 years to improve the park, and it sounds like it's going to be an amazing recreational facility with hiking trails, sporting fields, picnic areas, an Aviation type museum, and gardens upon gardens. I see the potential!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Free fun? Woohoo!
The ride is short and doesn't go too high up but its such a cute venue. They rent you frisbee's and other sport equipment for free and there is a large grass area to sit and enjoy the weather or run around and play sports. The view is beautiful at night and we were able to watch the sunset while waiting so it was a great opportunity to take some cool pictures.
All in all? Definitely worth checking out, a family friendly activity and it's free. Enjoy!
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
I AM LOVING IT!!! YOU KNOW WHY?? Because It's is FREE!!
I went twice and brought my friends here... they like it too!
Well I came here when no body was here except us so we didn't have to wait.. the people there were friendly too! Explained a lot of things. I don't really remember but I'm satisfied..
Oh make sure you call them before you get there because sometimes the balloon not in operation or register exceed, then you gonna waste your time and gas...
I think this is a cool ride for something that is free!! if you want more than what they over then I think you should pay more than $40 for a ticket and go to Disneyland.
I cannot wait until other thing build and open in that place.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
Good fun because it was free. If I have to pay more then $2 for the ride I would say its not worth it. 15 min ride in the air, you go up about 400 ft and you are tethered to the ground. You can walk around and get a view of irvine/tustin area.
when the great park develops (in 20yrs) then you will get an awesome view.
We went on a thursday morning. First flight is at 10am. There was only me and my boyfriend and 3 other ladies on our flight. Not too bad.
May 30th they have movie on the lawn at 8pm. The movie is Transformers.
I can't wait til the park completes in 20yrs (wildlife reserve center, sports center (tennis, badminton, beach volleyball, etc). Cool place to take kids or out of towners.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
The Balloon ride was cool. The wait was not. But you're at a park, and you don't have to wait in line, like an amusement park. They give you a pager, like at restaurants that works around the park. So you can hang out, toss the frisbee or football around or even have a picnic to kill the time. The balloon ride is really short, but its free. It isn't the smoothest ride. It gets a little iffy when you land and when going up the breeze can make you sway a little. But once you're up, its quiet. And you get an excellent view of the surrounding area. We went up at night, so we saw the Irvine spectrum lights (the Edwards sign and the ferris wheel) and the lights of the Irvine and Lake Forest and other surrounding cities. It was quite peaceful and awe inspiring.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
How can people give this place a bad review? This place is one of its kind. In Napa Valley, you have hot air balloon rides but they can run you a few hundred dollars. In Mountain View, you can ride a zeppelin and it would cost you $500 bucks. But with the Great Park Balloon in Irvine, parking and the balloon was all free. Just do your homework and you can have a very memorable experience. Some things you might want to know:
- Check the weather, they will not operate the balloon on story or windy days.
- The Balloon can be sold out or fully booked the whole day if you do not come early.
- The balloon can hold a max of 10-15 people.
- Go ride the balloon before everyone else hears about it and it will become much more popular in the months to come.
- Don't eat before you ride it or else the people who get sick easily will have a hard time.
- Finally, bring a camera and ride it during the daytime to see everything or ride it at night to see the twinkling lights.
I loved the Great Park Balloon and plan to come back during spring break for a daytime ride. Loved it!
Finally
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Cool (3)
I've always wanted to come here to ride the balloon but it was always closed due to weather. I was finally smart enough to call them to see if they were flying on a certain day, so be sure to call them if you plan to attend this ride.
My friend and I decided to go in the afternoon and guess what? They were booked for the afternoon. So we decided to come back later at night. We finally got our chance to get on. I was kinda freaking out when we were going up but I was fine after the balloon stopped in mid-air. One thing that kinda scares me is that the balloon can shift if everyone were to stand on one side of the balloon. Other than that, the ride was fun! Got to see all of Irvine, in the dark...
I'll have to come back in the morning to get a better look at everything.
1. Rides are free! So, how can you say no to free rides?
2. The wait can be long and the rides can be booked for the day, so arrive early or come at night time.
3. They're actually building more stuff around the area in the near future (ex: ice skating ring, etc.) and they're all free or so I heard.
4. Call to see if they are actually flying on the day.
5. Please don't jump while you're on the balloon, you're gonna freak people out. *cough* kids *cough*
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I thought I should update my review because of the free summer nights concerts which are going on at the Great Park Balloon from August through to end of Sept. Their website gives you the full details as to the acts who will be playing. We were lucky enough to catch Hapa, one of Hawaii's most influential bands at the free concert! I shudder to think how much this concert would've cost us had we been in Hawaii.
They lay out chairs and although it's not enough to accommodate everyone, people bring their own lawn chairs with them. The balloon rides go on through the night but it's hard to get a reservation as it is highly popular for the night flights.
They also provide shuttle buses to take you from the farther parking areas right up to the entrance of the park so you don't even have to walk. Everything is free including the parking.
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (5)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/2/2007 First to Review
We woke up early this morning to go take a ride on the Great Park Balloon. It's only a few minutes… Read more »
How do people work on Halloween? Especially when you're all dressed up at work? How can you look at an indian, a cop, raggedy ann and crap and take work seriously and be focused? No way, no way, you can't! Luckily, my roommate was feeling the same, so we bounced out and finally did a visit to this place while it's still free.
Not bad. I think the balloon needs more POWER. I don't know if it's because I watched too much of Tim Allen when I was younger, but I really think it does. If they take my suggestion there will be lines for days ha.
I see a lot of potential here, it's still in the development phase. I was reading the reviews of the summer concerts and that sounded pretty sweet.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
So there I was, at the start of a 5 day mini-break with the hubby and my plans for Friday night fall through. After a quick look online I find a backup plan that is: a) in Orange County and b) FREE! I could hardly believe it - you mean we don't have to drive all the way to LA?!? I was stoked.
Although we didn't make it in time to get a reservation for the balloon, everything else was awesome. The food was good, and felt very healthy. I'm pretty sure everything was organic and vegetarian if you're into that kind of thing. They were also serving one of my favorite kinds of champagne - Chandon. The band performing that night was Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite boys. We've seen them before and they were great. The dance floor was packed. It was good to see such a wide variety of people of every age out on a Friday night in the OC. If we had a community manager (ahem), this would have had Yelp written all over it. I am definitely going back before the summer is over to try to make it onto that balloon.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (2)
The baloon is only open a few days out of the week. Boo.
Why does this place have so many names? Really confused my GPS navigator. OC Great Park or former El Toro Military Base Park, etc. Pick one & stick w/it please. Finally figured it out after some street postings point to an open field. Look for Marine Way & Sand Canyon.
Any heck, first time visit was last night to check out their Live Evening Concert Series held onstage at a large outdoor seating area near the giant orange balloon ride & an onsite eatery.
Great performances for the price of FREE! Wonderful audience turn out. Parking is winding drive, but at least there's FREE shuttle to & back since the park is quite large, be prepared to use your foot-mobile plenty.
Only bummer: The Hangar Cafe nearby was cool & spacious but food a bit disappointing. Save your money from the pricey veggie humus burger that the counter girl promised was "so good". Her sales pitch clearly became questionable when I bit into the cold bread & bland oatmeal texture combo. Not satisfying & sad painful $10 lesson learned. =[
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I've been wanting to go for months. We were in the area, so we decided to give it a shot. It's awfully hard to find unless you've been there before. The sign from the street is a small propped up sign on the side of the road. We initially ended up at another entrance at the now defunct El Toro Military Base. Some kind person told it was off of Marine Way, right before the freeway.
We get to Marine Way and follow the signs to the great balloon. People keep waving us on, showing us where to park. However, once we get there, there's a small sign stating "NO FLIGHTS TODAY." Why wasn't this posted at the entrance instead of all the way inside the park?
I'll give it another shot someday, so 3 stars for now.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
Wanted to check out the night flights, but was disappointed when we arrive just before 9pm to find out they already stopped sign-ups. Tried again on Sunday, and caught the last hint of sunset.
I like that they loan out footballs and volleyballs to use in the picnic/lawn area. Even scored a couple of the inflatable balloons/beach balls.
Wish they had speakers outside of the sign-in area so it wouldn't be so difficult to hear numbers being called out. Props for having the best portable restrooms I've ever used.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/1/2008
The first attaction featured in the future Great Park, I have to say it was pretty cool. While I… Read more »
I went once a few months ago to the great park balloon. Thankfully, the lines were short, and in less than 20 mins. from arriving, I was able to ride on the balloon with some friends. The free part of the ride was the most enticing to the people I went with, so we came there with modest expectations. While the ride was free, It was still boring. The view was of wasteland and buildings- a shame because this balloon would have done great somewhere in Ireland or Nevada in the Grand Canyon. However, I can't complain much other than just try not to go here anymore.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
This place is a pretty fun way to spend an afternoon or evening....you get to go on a balloon! And it's free! And there's a lot of space to walk around...maybe bring a picnic lunch cause there are tables and such. And you can look at the plans they have for this place in the visitors center which sound pretty nifty.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I finally was able to make my way onto the balloon. The views were amazing and I was surprised at how intense the trip journey up was. I've been skydiving and bungee jumping, but for some reason I felt my knees tremble a bit as we climbed further and further up into the night sky.
Overall, it was great to finally see what all the commotion was about. Of course I'm a bit biased, but I loved the solar LED lighting accents. It made it all worth while when I saw a 4 year old excitedly running and hopping from one light to the next.
Can't wait to see the next build out as they're suggesting some 10-12 soccer fields and baseball/softball diamonds?
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/9/2008
I'm really excited to attend the grand opening as my company has been working with the GBP project… Read more »
I'm so glad that today, I met up with Seb and Anita and was reminded of my "ride" here.
I came with a bunch of co-workers several weeks ago. We were here at 10:00 a.m. on a Friday as part of our staff development day. I guess it's "bonding."
Finding the exact street to turn into off of Sand Canyon proved to be easier said than done. Literally, we four, in our car, blinked and missed it. We probably shouldn't have been joking about the delicate Irvine strawberries when we were looking for the big orange balloon.
The tourguide was incredibly enthusiastic and happily shared with us all his knowledge about Great Park and the balloon.
The balloon only goes up and down, much to my disappointment. I was hoping to disappear far into the horizon. That said, for a free attraction, it's pretty cool. I'm not scared of heights, but I do get motion sickness on occasions. So after we started walking around the "basket" of the balloon, the gentle swaying made me nauseous. Luckily, by the time I felt really queasy, we were heading back down to the ground.
Random supposed facts:
-You can supposedly see up to 20 miles around the balloon on a clear day.
-During the devastating wildfires, the ride was closed (for obvious reasons).
-They *may* charge for rides beginning 2008, but the board of directors is still thinking about it. They may start doing night rides and then just charging for those, but keeping the day ones free.
-Even little doggies have gone up in the balloon, but since I was at work when I went, my doggie has not.
Check out their website for more information, such as flight availability, hours, etc.
Some of us decided that it's a pretty cool attraction for being free, but we probably wouldn't pay much if it wasn't.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (4)
Make sure you go early, and not on the day of a concert, other event, etc. They often end sign-ups early because they're not allowed to send the balloon up after a certain time. Cool views, sorta, although there isn't really much to see around the boonies of Irvine. Well, it's free. You also get a cool buzzer while you're waiting.
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I love summer time and I love summer concerts so I was excited to get an email from Great Park Balloon to advertise night flights and concerts on Fri/Sat night beginning at 8PM through September. It was my gf first time so I was excited to take her on a balloon flight...unfortunately, at 8:30PM, they already had 350 reservations and weren't accepting any more..boo (make sure you get there early at around 7 to put your name down)! Nonetheless, I enjoyed the mid summer night of listening to an Indian brass band and comedian on stage as well as checking out their hangar cafe. Parking is free and great turn out! Alas, finally something fun to do in Irvine during the summertime- I'll be back!
-------------------------------------------------- ----------------
8/27/2008- Deserving of 5 stars. I've been back here 3x's already and it's been awesome- Vagabond Opera was fun with its cabaret feel and musical performances, Hapa was the talk of the town since over 3K people were there to watch them- two guys on guitar playing serene hawaiian music as well as renditions of artists like santana with a lovely girl doing the hula. Haven't checked out the friday night dance parties but hoping to catch one more concert before the end of September!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/29/2008
I've seen the giant orange as I rode in my car during lunch for the last couple months and finally… Read more »
the first time i came here they weren't flying becuz it was closed (they close during the day at 3), 2nd time I came they weren't flying becuz of wind and visibility sum'n.... FINALLY i came yesterday and they flew!! We didn't even have to wait that long, not a lot of ppl came thru so we waited perhaps a total of 15 to ride. and it was so cool!! i mean for what it is and why they do what they do (let you ride for free) is fresh to def mayn. can't beat that it's only one exit away either!
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
although i can't say i conquered my fear of heights yet, i didn't have to change into another pair of pants after the ride.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (11)
- Cool (5)
