AMAZING 1st time experience...08.10.13 was a very memorable One Year Wedding Anniversary!!!
I booked this place for my husband & I based upon fellow Yelper reviews. I came really close to getting one of those Groupon things but I'm glad that I didn't. The difference between them and California Dreamin is that they don't get your money ahead of time, they really wait to see the day before if the weather condition is cooperating in order to have a safe balloon flight.
Reservations is easy, just go online and send the requested information. Gail (or one of the representatives) will contact you and get additional info. Once you book your desired flight date and get that conformation email, make sure to call the day BEFORE to confirm.
We live in orange county, so my husband and I left around 3:30 a.m. in order to make our 5:15 a.m. appointment. We met at South Coast Winery to check-in, got some coffee and also used the bathroom before our flight. There was about 6 couples with us (12 people total) and we loaded up the van.
We didn't drive that far and the guys were quick to set up the balloon. It was awesome that while waiting, we took pictures of the other balloons around us. There was also a guy from the company who was volunteering to take pictures of each couple while we wait. Within 20 mins we were set to go and YES...ALL 12 people fit in that basket! Lol
Seeing the sunrise was SPECTACULAR!!! By the way, I am TERRIFIED of heights....and honestly it was really nice to conquer my fear. It was a smooth transition when we went up in the air. The weather was perfect, not to hot or too windy. DAVE our pilot/flight tour guide expertise was very calm and mellow...he gave us some interesting facts while up in the sky. It was exciting also as one couple got engaged! Totally made the balloon ride fun. 1 hour later we were done. Our landing was also nice not too turbulent or bumpy.
We walked over pass the vineyards back to South Coast Winery. We were greeted with a light breakfast (fresh fruits & cheese/crackers)...and of course best part was the mimosas! We also got our complimentary bottle of wine and celebrated with cake with those having a birthday.
THANKS California Dreamin...YOU GUYS ROCK! The staff is very nice and accommodating. Make sure to give gratuity because they really do work hard and we wished we had given more than we did. Overall, I would definitely recommend them to friends and family.