Mickey Mouse balloon to star at Walla Walla Stampede

The Happiest Balloon on Earth is coming to Walla Walla, Washington, USA.

The Mickey Mouse balloon is making its only appearance of 2014 in North America in Walla Walla.

The Mickey Mouse hot air balloon will make its way from the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., for its first-ever appearance at the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede this weekend, pilot and Balloon Stampede coordinator Scott Spencer said.

The special visit is intended to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the community’s hot air balloon rally with a rare appearance from one of the most beloved character balloons.

To give an idea of how special it is, this is the aircraft’s only appearance at a balloon rally in the continental United States for all of 2014.

Spencer, who pilots the balloon for Disney with his wife Laurie, was able to negotiate the appearance.

“I want people to know we care about the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, he said. It’s a nod to Walla Walla as they celebrate the 40th anniversary.”

“It’s a real treat to get to take Mickey out and share that Disney magic with a community that never gets an opportunity to see him.”

The balloon typically launches just 25 to 30 flights a year, Spencer said. He and his wife, who travel for the company as pilots and also fly for Disney in films such as “Oz The Great and Powerful,” can plan their Mickey flights up to seven to 10 months in advance.

The balloon is typically used for the promotion of the Disney Theme Parks across the globe. It’s also used upon request for special “Disney” occasions.

The Spencers will have assistance from a crew chief and also a Disney balloon producer who handles the global appearances.

Although this will be the first launch in Walla Walla, the trip marks a homecoming of sorts for the balloon. A little-known fact about this Mickey balloon, constructed in 2006: Its maiden voyage was made from Wildhorse Resort & Casino on March 22 of that year. It was one of four pre-tour test flights originally planned. The other three were canceled due to bad weather, according to information from Spencer’s Lighter Than Air America company website.

That one flight from Pendleton lasted a little over an hour and was captured on video from the ground and a following helicopter.

The Mickey balloon is about 113,000 cubic feet in volume. The ears are each about 8,000 cubic feet.

via – Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.