On a trip to Disneyland with a friend, while in line for Space Mountain, we saw a woman holding a Mickey balloon. You know the one - mouse ears, sold on Main Street, larger and more stunning (as well as more pricey) than an average balloon.
We were getting close to the loading area, and I pulled out my phone to start recording, because I was curious about what was going to happen. Was she going to try and take it on the coaster?
As someone who doesn't have children, I've never bought a Disney balloon myself. I've mostly seen them attached to strollers, and I'd never wondered about what happens if someone who purchases one doesn't have a stroller and wants to ride an attraction.
What happened with the woman's balloon on Space Mountain, truly surprised me. (Watch this video!)
The Cast Members took the balloon and placed it around a railing in the exit area! I was worried someone would steal it, but no one did.
I had to share this video, and when I did, some former Cast Members commented that if I was surprised by the balloons being held, I'd REALLY be surprised by the Balloon Daycare at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
I NEEDED to see this. Thankfully, I was only two months away from a runDisney trip to Walt Disney World, and I planned a visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom as soon as I could. Sure enough, the Balloon Daycare exists!
As it turns out, (again, not a mom, so it never occurred to me) Disney's Animal Kingdom does not sell OR allow balloons in the park for the safety of the animals. If people park hop or show up with a balloon, the Cast Members will check it into Guest Relations at the turnstyles.
However, some kids get sad to part with their balloons, so Cast Members explain the balloon will be going to "daycare" to watch TV with all of their balloon friends. They'll even sometimes give them back with a note from the balloon telling the kids about all the fun they had. How adorable!
Obviously, I couldn't see Balloon Daycare because it was "backstage" but the Cast Members I spoke with told me there are sometimes over 100 balloons in daycare!
Did YOU know all this about Disney balloons?