Vintage Walt Disney World: The Flight of EARFORCE ONE

Everyone knows that President Obama flies on Air Force One, but do you remember the flight of EARFORCE ONE? In honor of the Walt Disney World Resort's 15th Anniversary in 1986, a gigantic 10-story hot-air balloon in the shape of Mickey Mouse took to the sky.

EARFORCE ONE came to life in Bristol, England, at Cameron Balloons Ltd. With ears 32-feet in diameter and a nose that stretches 30 feet, this one-of-a-kind creation was made from 500 pieces drawn from 50 different patterns.

And not to be outdone, in 1987 Donald Duck had a hot-air balloon created of his likeness dubbed the ZIP-A-DEE-DOO DUCK. Weighing 446 pounds and created by the same company, ZIP-A-DEE-DOO DUCK weighed 50 percent more than the EARFORCE ONE. Donald's bill was 21-feet long and 54-feet wide.

To kick off the New Year in 1988, the ZIP-A-DEE-DOO DUCK joined EARFORCE ONE on New Year's Day bringing two big Disney stars to the Magic Kingdom Park sky. Up, up and away.

Here’s a look back at more unique Disney history:

• Today in Disney History: Test Flights Begin at Mission: SPACE
• Josés of a Different Feather
• A Closer Look at the Progress City Model at Magic Kingdom Park

Vintage Walt Disney World: The Flight of EARFORCE ONE by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Via: Disney Parks Blog