Short Review: DO IT! Great company, staff, experience. Amazing views and wonderful camaraderie. Very safe!
Long Review: Riding in a hot air balloon has been a "bucket list" item for me for some time now. I was visiting a friend nearby and saw this listed as the top rated activity in Temecula outside of going to a vineyard (which Cal' Dreamin' owns and departs from as well!). So I was totally game.
I opted for the sunrise ride and arrived at the vineyard at 5:20a. After some quick paperwork and we were on our way out. The team tests the wind and evaluates where and when it is safe to depart. For all you first time riders, it is key to know this: you must be flexible with the circumstances. The team is working with Mother Nature which can be unpredictable. So you may have to change locations one or two times for YOUR SAFETY! We made two stops.
We were able to watch the process of the balloon being unpacked, filled with air, and further expanded with the flame. A ~3ft deep basket awaits you! We hopped in (there's super cushy padding for you to stand on). And then you just start...floating. It honestly felt like floating on a cloud through the sky. I was a little anxious at first, but after awhile I didn't want to come back down.
Afterwards we rode back to the vineyard for bread, fruit, cheese, crackers and mimosas. And because three people were celebrating birthdays, the company brought out a tasty chocolate cake for everyone to enjoy.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and highly encourage anyone that is curious to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to float amongst the clouds with California Dreamin'!