I had a balloon ride a few years ago - it was good fun. Forget the low-flying rule though, I reckon we were nearer 500' feet than 1500'. I wasn't too keen on the 4:00 am. start either. We went with an East Anglian company, but Virgin used to have a balloon-ride outfit too.
Are you going to go too? Its a great way to travel, very quiet, very peaceful but the landings are horrendous.