The negative reviews are misleading, read the website before booking, even if you don't do that, all the information is relayed to you as soon as you get in the van. There are no surprises and the crew is super friendly and helpful.
First: the website specifically states you will not see the sunrise
Second: the website also says that the direction of the balloon cannot be controlled except by wind so they may have to drive around to a couple spots before picking a take-off location
We met in a Safeway parking lot where vans drove us to the first spot, immediately we were informed that we may have to stop at a couple spots before deciding on one.
We were lucky enough that the first spot was good, set up took about an hour (again we were informed of this first thing) due to the fact that it's the largest balloon in north America and thus takes longer than most others would take to set up.
Throughout the process the crew lets you get involved if wanted but does not require it but they are CONSTANTLY offering to take pictures of you with the balloon (I'm a photo freak so I really appreciated this)
Before it was fully set up they let you get inside the balloon part to see and take pictures (& they offer to take some of you of course!)
Flight was about 45-60 minutes which is exactly what the website says. & other balloons did go higher than us but not by much, again largest balloon in North America meaning a lot of extra weight meaning it can't go as high. A big baby like me was fine with that but if you're not then book with someone else
Beautiful to see and Randy kept us entertained the whole time and was even pointing out different land marks
Landing was rough but Randy made it fun and the crew was there waiting with vans and breakfast, we ate while they put the balloon away
The ceremony was weird but cute, if you don't want to participate in it then don't.
Vans drove us back to the parking lot and we left.
Great experience with a great crew, I really appreciated that the crew kept offering to take pictures of us & kept making us laugh.