Abstract: The balloon support apparatus for a hot air balloon ride comprises a doughnut shaped sleeve engaged within a crown area of an envelope of the hot air balloon. The sleeve contains a lighter than air substance, such as helium, in an amount sufficient to elevate the balloon envelope, the sleeve having a volume which will accommodate expansion of the lighter than air substance when heated to approximately 350.degree. F.

Abstract: The hot air balloon ride includes a balloon envelope having a basket attached thereto. The balloon is engaged by tether lines extending from grounded weights, the tether lines limiting extent of rise of the balloon. The basket includes an entryway and has further been modified to allow a gas tank for same to be engaged thereto, outside the basket. Further, the bottom surface of the basket is cushioned, and a pair of rip panels have been incorporated into the crown of the balloon, one of which is manually operable and the other of which would operate automatically if the balloon becomes disengaged from the tether lines.