Airborne Artistry: The Greatest Add-on Special Shapes of All Time (Part 2 of 2)

Part two of our special shape blog series talking about the greatest add-on special shapes to ever grace the skies. Some loved and recognisable characters in this second part, but which balloon will take the number one spot? Let’s find out!

If you missed part 1, click here.

Welcome to Part 2. We hope you enjoyed the first part last week! Now, it’s time to reveal the top 10, featuring even more incredible add-on special shape designs.

Remember, this is purely about complexity of design and wow factor, not favourites.

10. Mickey Mouse

Reg: G-MIKY / N1989D (second version 1987 G-MOUS / N2071X)
Type: CAMERON MICKEY-90
Year: 1986

Hey everybody! It’s me, Mickey Mouse! Mickey is one of three Disney balloon designs, including the Disney Castle which came top of our previous special shape series. The original, referred to by some as “Ear Force One”, was built as part of Walt Disney World’s 15th birthday celebrations and toured a series of major cities across the US, starting in Florida and giving people the chance to see a little bit of Disney World in their own city. He stands 100 feet tall.

The first build was the plain Mickey Mouse design, followed a year later by the version with the multicoloured party hat. A Colt 1992 version was also built (G-BTRB), then the final Cameron US Mickey (N7525G) in 1993.

Credit: Ben Bläss

You can watch a short video on YouTube here about Mickey, which includes footage from the test inflation at Ashton Court, Bristol.

9. Hilda the Witch

Reg: G-WYCH
Type: CAMERON WITCH-90
Year: 1986

One for all the Halloween lovers out there - meet Hilda the Witch! Spooky, eh? Featuring red buckled shoes, classic witch’s pointy hat, wavy white hair, wart on nose and bloodshot eyes, she really would give you a scare flying overhead!

Also notice the incredible small details - a snake poking its head out of the handbag, spider hanging from the broom, skull and cross bones on finger, plus individual inflatable rotten teeth and tongue. As with all shapes, any parts hanging parallel or under the basket often struggle to inflate as the balloon ages, which Hilda was unfortunately a prime example of. After some years the broom and shoes became a bit floppy, but still looked great!

Along with Mickey, Hilda was one of the earliest add-on character shapes built. Some recent attempts have been made to try to replicate the Hilda balloon but not been able to match the detail.

Credits: Ballooning Pictures UK

8. Peacock

Reg: PH-AUW
Type: CAMERON PEACOCK-90
Year: 1993

At number 8 we have the Peacock from the Netherlands! A vibrant design that clearly originates from a traditional round balloon, enhanced with large add-ons to transform it into a shape. The peacock proudly sports a bright crown, embellished with red and green crystals, with its neck extending from the balloon alongside multicoloured tail feathers.

As heat rises and there’s no add-ons below the equator of the balloon, a high number of flight hours should have been possible with this shape, which is not the case with many others.

Credit: Ben Bläss

7. Blüemli

Reg: HB-QUU
Type: AF-SS-73
Year: 2022

The design for the Swiss Cow, a more recent creation in the world of special shapes, was dreamt up by Brazil’s AirFly Balloons but brought to life as a home-build project. Named Blüemli, this balloon is based on a racer but with many add-ons transforming the cow into a charming character shape, complete with gleaming gold earring and sunflower!

Image: MJ Ballooning

Check out Blüemli's take off at the 2024 Midlands Air Festival on YouTube here via MJ Ballooning.

6. Clown

Reg: G-GWIZ
Type: COLT CLOWN
Year: 1989

Even scarier than Hilda at number 9? Next up is the Clown, a beloved special shape balloon flown by renowned American pilot Frank Prell, who also operated the Wish Cake and Santa balloons featured in the previous blog series.

The vibrant design features a cheerful clown with a wide red smile, a bright red nose, and yellow star decorations on the cheeks. Its main add-ons are the head, striped arms which stretch outward, with one hand raised in a friendly wave, and oversized orange clown shoes. It even includes small details like a ruffled yellow collar and a tiny dog peeking out from its side.

Credits: Ben Bläss

5. Frog

Reg: PP-XXZ / N625FF
Type: AF-SS-14
Year: 2014

Ribbit, ribbit! It’s easy to forget that this balloon started as a racer, thanks to the large head, expressive eyes, and detailed legs that completely transform its appearance. Look closely, and you’ll spot wires carefully positioned to keep the frog’s webbed feet suspended at just the right angle and height. An ingenious creation by AirFly Balloons!

Is this the biggest frog you’ve ever seen?!

Credit: Ben Bläss

4. Rocket Man

Reg: N129LL
Type: RICHARDSON ROCKET MAN-110
Year: 2013

Ready for lift off?! We really love this one. Everyone, meet Rocket Man!

Designed to resemble a jetpack-powered aviator, the balloon features a red, white, and blue colour scheme, portraying a classic daredevil aesthetic. The pilot, complete with a sleek grey helmet, black visor, and sturdy gloves, grips onto handlebars as if steering through the sky.

It’s an impressive design with the internal structure allowing the pipes of the jetpack, and arms and legs dangling underneath the basket, to pressurize. A challenge of special shapes with parts below basket level is the landing - you can’t be flying too low over any trees, or you might need a very large new pair of shoes!

Credits: Rocket Man Balloon (Facebook)

3. Donald Duck

Reg: G-DNLD / N2054D
Type: CAMERON DONALD-97
Year: 1987

Say hello to Mickey’s best friend, it’s Donald Duck!

At number 3, this special shape is a perfect example of how round balloons can be used effectively to bring characters to life. Donald’s classic features are instantly recognisable, from his large yellow beak to his bright blue sailor hat, added to the standard round balloon shape. To enhance his expressive look, the fabric around his eyes is also slightly raised.

Donald Duck was built just after the original Mickey Mouse shape, in time to join in with Walt Disney World’s 15th birthday celebrations. The Disney balloons really do stand out as some of the greats in the world of unique balloon designs.

Credits: Ballooning Pictures UK

2. Simba the Lion

Reg: ZS-HBG / PH-HBG / N625LL
Type: LINDSTRAND LBL LION
Year: 2005

Roaaaaaaaaaarrrrr! Runner up is Simba; a Lindstrand Balloons creation depicting a cheerful lion character wearing a gold crown. The mane and facial details are huge add-ons, with tufts of fur extending from the back of its mane adding to the overall effect. Each one of these has a Velcro panel which must be secured prior to inflation. He weighs 290kg. A really cool shape!

Credit: Ben Bläss

1. Mister Bup

Reg: OO-BUP
Type: CAMERON TURTLE-120
Year: 2006

Drum roll… Mister Bup takes the top spot!

Mister Bup was born from Belgium pilot Lenny Cant's lifelong passion for special shapes. Growing up in Sint-Niklaas, Lenny was inspired by the city's annual balloon festival, where many different special shapes were displayed each year. After attending the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, he knew he wanted to fly a shape of his own one day.

After much thought about creating a child-friendly design, the idea of a turtle emerged and was sent to Cameron Balloons in 2005. The original concept featured purple, pink, dark green, and blue but went through two more revisions before the final colours were chosen. During a visit to the Bristol factory, additional details were added, including grey waves on the soles of the shoes and adjustments to the eye placement.

Mister Bup is the best example of how an add-on special shape with the right design can be just as impactful as other great special shapes not even close to resembling a round balloon, such as the T. Rex or Santa Claus.

Credit: Ben Bläss

Here are links to two great YouTube videos of Mister Bup - video 1 and video 2.

 So, Mister Bup leads the pack - slow and steady wins the race!

A big thank you to all our readers and supporters of the website; this final part brings the curtain down on both special shape blog series for this year. It’s been fascinating researching and writing about the greatest special shape balloons in history and I’m glad to be able to share my passion for this subject with like-minded readers!

It’s nearly time to get back out there and do some real ballooning once the UK weather sorts itself out, which we are so excited about! Oh, and I might have some “special” early season surprises…

See you in the skies - Matt