Balloon Race
1999

Balloon Race is a Zamperla Samba Balloon ride located in the Camp Snoopy section of Cedar Point.

On Friday, November 13, 1998, Cedar Point announced that it would open Camp Snoopy for the 1999 season. The new kids’ area would feature seven rides, a food stand, a new outdoor theater, and a new roller coaster.
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The area would be themed to the Peanuts franchise.

Balloon Race opened on Sunday, May 9, 1999.

Balloon Race is located between the Coca-Cola Refresh Station in Camp Snoopy and the former Snake River Expedition loading station. It is also located across from Charlie Brown’s Wind Up.

Balloon Race is a Samba Balloon ride built by Zamperla. Zamperla is known for manufacturing high-quality rides for children and families.

Balloon Race is a great ride that the entire family can enjoy together.

Camp Bus is very similar to Flying Ace Balloon Race, which is located in Planet Snoopy. Flying Ace Balloon Race opened in 2008. The two rides are the same model and feature similar themes.

Balloon Ride Facts:
Opened: May 9, 1999
Location: Camp Snoopy
Manufacturer: Zamperla
Model: Samba Balloon
Number of Balloons: 8

Balloon Race is a fun ride that the whole family can enjoy together.

Theming

Balloon Race is a lightly themed ride, painted in bright colors including blue, red, purple, and yellow.

The ride features a fun centerpiece with Charlie Brown and Lucy riding in their own hot air balloon.

Balloon Race features balloons in different colors, allowing riders to choose the one they want to ride.

Balloon Race is a visually appealing ride that looks fun and inviting for the entire family.

Ride Experience 

The ride experience for Balloon Race begins when guests get in line.

The wait is usually 5–10 minutes, but during busy times, it can extend to around 15 minutes.

Riders are loaded into one of the eight balloons. Once all riders are seated, the ride begins.

Balloon Race begins by spinning in a clockwise circle. Riders can control their balloons and spin them as fast as they like.

The ride gradually begins to rise into the air.

The entire ride begins to tilt, lifting one side into the air, creating a unique and exciting sensation.

The more you spin your balloon, the dizzier you may get. Balloon Race provides a fun view of Camp Snoopy from above.

Families really enjoy this ride. It’s fun and sure to make everyone laugh and giggle.

The ride begins to slow down and stops tilting. 

Balloon Race then gradually spins riders to a stop. Once the ride comes to a complete stop, riders exit.

A Great Fit For Cedar Point 

Balloon Race is a wonderful family ride, giving children the chance to enjoy a ride with their parents for the first time.

Riders laugh and giggle as they enjoy Balloon Race together, making it a special experience for the whole family.

Balloon Race is a great stepping-stone ride, bridging the gap between the smaller Kiddy Kingdom rides and the more thrilling Matterhorn and Atomic Scrambler style experiences.

Balloon Race was a welcome addition to Cedar Point, helping to round out the park’s collection of family-friendly rides.

Balloon Race has been delighting guests at Cedar Point for 27 years and remains a favorite among visitors.

Zamperla has built many Samba Balloon rides over the years, and they remain popular attractions at every park where they are located.

Riders must be at least 36 inches tall to ride Balloon Race alone. Guests under 36 inches tall may ride with a supervising companion. Hand-held infants are not permitted on this ride.

Last Updated: 05/01/2026

Phots by Jake Hamons. Map and Concept Art by: Cedar Point.