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The Magic Secret Behind Disney’s Beloved Mickey Balloons

mickey-secret-balloon

Disney balloons are an iconic piece of the Walt Disney World magic.

They frame our photos of Main Street, U.S.A. with their beautiful bouquet arrangements. They give Instagram users a classic Disney Park shot in front of Cinderella Castle. And they bring joy to so many young Guests who are lucky enough to be allowed to purchase one.

With their creative designs, many Guests wonder what goes on behind the scenes of the talented Cast Members in charge of these perfect pieces of merchandise. And now, we have the backstage answer!

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Credit: Disney Tips

There are plenty of other souvenirs you can purchase at Walt Disney World for the costly price of one of these balloons. From collectibles, stuffed animals, magnets, and toys, there are so many merchandise items that would outlive a Mickey balloon at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

But for some reason, these expensive and temporary souvenirs are proving as popular now during Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration as they were back in 1971.

Current prices for a Disney balloon run from $13 to around $17 for a specialty balloon, enough to cover your dinner at somewhere like Pinocchio’s Village Haus in Fantasyland or Pecos Bill’s Tavern in Frontierland.

Guests don’t seem to care about the price, however, and why would you? The balloons’ iconic designs and magic-making properties often justify the purchase. And now, we have some insight into the skill behind being a balloon-seller at Walt Disney World.

Main Street USA

Credit: Disney Tips

Those Cast Members holding their amazing arrangement of balloons have a lot of work to do to get ready to sell to Guests.

Some may say that these Cast Members have one of the hardest jobs at a Disney theme park, inflating each balloon and making sure that their balloons don’t float away across Lake Buena Vista.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of these balloon sellers, we have a treat! Disney Parks shared a video on TikTok of their balloon makers and what goes on backstage at the Magic Kingdom Park:

Ever wonder how the Main Street USA balloons are made? ?✨ #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #MainStreetUSA #Balloon #Magic #MickeyBalloon

@disneyparks

Ever wonder how the Main Street USA balloons are made? ?✨ #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #MainStreetUSA #Balloon #Magic #MickeyBalloon

♬ original sound – Disney Parks

The video shows Cast Members blowing up the balloons, including those Mickey-shaped ones that actually contain two balloons! The inflating process seems time-consuming and begins to justify the cost of each Disney balloon.

There are so many Disney balloons in this backstage warehouse – and not just Mickey Mouse ones! There are Toy Story (1995) ones featuring Pixar’s Buzz and Woody, as well as Frozen (2013) sparkly balloons and some with Disney Princesses on. There are also special light-up balloons that glow in the dark, and the famous bubble balloons.

It definitely wants us to get a balloon on our next Disney World vacation! Many Guests actually try to keep their balloon long after it deflates, and are often creative when it comes to repurposing these iconic souvenirs.

Regardless of the type of balloon you buy while at a Disney Resort, they typically last for about two weeks. So as long as you ensure that your Mickey balloon does not get popped, it is generally guaranteed to last for the full duration of your trip.

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Credit: Disney Tips

Some Guests have been known to stretch out their deflated balloon and frame it in their children’s bedroom, while others fold up the balloon and keep it in a special Disney box.

Remember, if your balloon does get popped while you’re still in a theme park or if there is a defect, Disney will replace it, no questions asked! This is similar to their Cast Member policy of replacing fallen ice cream or spilled popcorn.

Disney balloons are only sold at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney’s Animal Kingdom does not sell balloons to keep its wildlife safe. If you’re staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the concierge will hold your balloons for you for the same reason. In California, balloons are sold at both theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure.

So, next time you pass a Cast Member down Main Street, U.S.A. carrying their collection of balloons, remember the amazing work that goes into making this little bit of Disney magic at Walt Disney World Resort.

About Melissa Cannioto

Melissa is an author, adventurer, and chatterbox, who has worked at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Adventures by Disney! A British native, she has traveled the world seeking new experiences, and now resides in Florida with her husband, an Air Force pilot. Find her children's book at @bear.hug.book