'The Happiest Balloon on Earth' Takes to the Skies Over Mexico for 11th Annual International Balloon Festival In Leon, Guanajuato

Mickey Mouse-shaped Hot Air Balloon Celebrates ‘Limited Time Magic’ Coming to Disneyland Resort in California

“The Happiest Balloon on Earth” (a twist on Disneyland’s famous designation as “The Happiest Place on Earth”) is coming to Leon, Guanajuato, to participate in the 11th annual International Balloon Festival, Nov. 16-19 in Metropolitan Ecological Park.

Mickey Mouse will appear in person during the festival’s Opening Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 16, and “The Happiest Balloon on Earth” will fly daily, throughout the festival.

Mickey and the Disneyland team are looking forward to 2013, when visitors to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, will discover ‘Limited Time Magic:” a different event, special show or other surprise each week throughout the year. “Limited Time Magic” in 2013 will be a fun reminder that there’s no time like the present to make lasting memories with family and friends at a Disney park.

“The Happiest Balloon on Earth” is designed as a giant representation of Mickey Mouse’s familiar smiling face. The balloon stands 98-feet tall and spans 53 feet from ear-to-ear. Mickey’s pupils are 6 feet across, his nose is 5.5 feet wide, and it took over nine miles of thread to sew together this special shape.

“It is indeed one of the most unique and specialized hot air balloons we have ever piloted,” says Scott Spencer, who along with his wife Laurie, serve as the balloon’s pilots. “When the balloon comes in for a landing it gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘ears to the ground!’”

The appearance of “The Happiest Balloon on Earth” at the 11th Annual International Balloon Festival in Leon is an invitation to everyone to visit Disneyland Resort and experience all the amazing entertainment, events and other surprises that will make “Limited Time Magic” in 2013. “The Happiest Balloon on Earth” last visited the festival in 2006 during the 18-month celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the opening of Disneyland.

For more information about Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com   For ticket and hotel offers, visit www.disneyland.com/offers.

About the Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and the recently expanded Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences.  The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent DVC units; the magical, newly renovated, 969-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties -  and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun. For information on attractions and vacations at Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.