Was there a reason they stopped doing Balloon Launches/Send off's at Disney? I remember seeing that it was common during celebrations or grand openings of some sort? Anyone know?
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Balloon Launch/Send Off's
- Thread starter Cmdr_Crimson
- Start date
Ouch! That's a lot of Red-Tape nonsense..Especially if one accidently get's let go from a kids hand in the parks...Yeesh!
EOD K9
Well-Known Member
The top line says a large number of balloons. A random few through the day doesn't make a huge difference.
dreamfinder
Well-Known Member
It also says intent in the second line. So even if a balloon seller accidentally let go of their entire bundle that had no weights on the bottom for some reason, they wouldn't be held legally responsible.
Phonedave
Well-Known Member
I dont know about that comment that they make "they waste helium, a finite resource". It's not as if there are helium mines that are running out. Helium is extracted from the atmosphere, and then it goes back into the atmosphere when a ballon deflates.
There actually is a helium shortage going on right now, but balloons have next to nothing to do with it. That is just the typical unnecessary stretching of the truth to further an actual worthwhile cause that makes my blood boil.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a4046/why-is-there-a-helium-shortage-10031229/
dreamfinder
Well-Known Member
There actually has been alot in the new lately about how the helium reserves are starting get pressed.
See a high level industry article here -> https://www.gasworld.com/global-helium-summit-20-supply-source-security-in-focus/2010982.article
Phonedave
Well-Known Member
Look at that - you never know where you are going to learn something. I never realized that helium released into the atmosphere vents into space. I though ti stayed withing the atmosphere and could be extracted again. Apparently it is finite, in the sense that when you let it go, it leaves the planet. Still, to Master Yoda's point, the amount of helium used in toy balloons is miniscule compared to the rest of it's uses.
-dave
Sonconato
Well-Known Member
There are numerous articles out there proving the impact on Wildlife (and humans), just Google "Balloons Effect on Wildlife". Even if it were legal, they (WDW) would be totally contradicting the message they are trying to send at AK. I applaud anybody who makes it a rule to not do a release. If you want to see more of where our human created debris ends up, Google "Pacific Garbage Island". It's so big now that it will be impossible to "ever" clean it up.
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
A single balloon is not a problem, but, if you release massive amounts it would mess with security radar watching the sky's for unusual traffic. It isn't your grandfathers world anymore. Many things have had to change just for us to have a small amount of security.
DManRightHere
Well-Known Member
Unless I read incorrectly, they could release as many biodegradable ballons as they like. I assume they need to be hand tied, and use a sheet/net like release system (as you can not use strings).
I would say the close proximity to AK could have influenced the decision. Even though the balloons could be biodegradable, you would hate to see them somehow in an animal preserve.
Another factor could be rising cost of helium (just my assumption, I have not researched), but I guess fireworks would likely be more expensive.
I would say the close proximity to AK could have influenced the decision. Even though the balloons could be biodegradable, you would hate to see them somehow in an animal preserve.
Another factor could be rising cost of helium (just my assumption, I have not researched), but I guess fireworks would likely be more expensive.
MaryJaneP
Well-Known Member
Biodegradable makes sense for the pollution concern. Filled with hydrogen instead of wasting a finite resource like helium. Can they make digestible balloons to address the AK concern? With photoshop being able to add balloons to any photo we need, can't we just put releases in the past, like cars without seatbelts.
OliveMcFly
Well-Known Member
Well that was terribly depressing.
Spikerdink
Well-Known Member
About 10 years ago, I worked to get a similar law passed in Suffolk County on Long Island.
The Balloon Council sent out a guy to defend the balloons and releases ("they degrade faster than leaves!"). But when we would walk along the shoreline of LI, I could fill a bag with balloon debris.
The bill passed, but unfortunately its key provision that stated the law at balloon retailers has not bee enforced.
Glad to see that Disney does not do balloon releases anymore. I cringe when I see balloons released because I know where they end up.
The Balloon Council sent out a guy to defend the balloons and releases ("they degrade faster than leaves!"). But when we would walk along the shoreline of LI, I could fill a bag with balloon debris.
The bill passed, but unfortunately its key provision that stated the law at balloon retailers has not bee enforced.
Glad to see that Disney does not do balloon releases anymore. I cringe when I see balloons released because I know where they end up.