The Happiest Balloon on Earth | DISNEY THIS DAY

The Happiest Balloon on Earth | DISNEY THIS DAY | March 30, 2006

March 30, 2026

On this day in 2006, “The Happiest Balloon on Earth” began an 11-week tour across western North America in honor of the Disneyland Resort’s 50th anniversary. The Mickey Mouse-shaped hot air balloon was dressed in a golden ear hat for the occasion. It stood 98 feet tall, weighed 410 pounds, and was made up of over 4,700 square feet of fabric. The tour began in Tucson, Arizona, and stopped at landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It even became the first hot air balloon to fly over the Grand Canyon! [20 years ago in 2026]

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Mr. Daps

Mr. Daps is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Daps Magic! Find Mr. Daps regularly at Disneyland with his trilby and bow tie taking pictures and simply enjoying the Happiest Place on Earth. He is the weekly host of Geeks Corner and your reporter for all that Disney And Positive Stuff. Find videos of all of that one the Daps Magic YouTube channel. Mr. Daps is also a Brand Ambassador with Her Universe! Find Mr. Daps on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads! If you see Mr. Daps in the parks, be sure and say hi!