This was my very fist hot air balloon ride, and it was about as smooth as it could get! The crew are very professional and friendly, and the set-up/deflation of the balloon was incredibly efficient. The ride itself was as they say: like looking out an airplane window! If you're afraid of heights, it's something you can start out with because you don't feel the dizzying effects of being hundreds of feet off the ground. Nice views of the north valley as well, including Lake Pleasant.