Hot Air Balloon

Hot air balloons are objects that have appeared in a few Mario and Donkey Kong games. Hot air balloons made their first appearance in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, in which they are helpful in allowing the Kongs traverse across pools of lava, but they are accessible by friend and foe alike. They originally only appeared in Red Hot Ride, but they appear in another level, Fiery Furnace, in Donkey Kong Land 2 as well.

One hot air balloon made an appearance in Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2, in which it is shown as the mode of transportation to Dinosaur Land chosen by Mario, Luigi and Princess Toadstool. It is also used once Mario and Luigi complete all levels, changing the world theme to autumn. This balloon has an emblem of an "M" similar to that of Mario's Castle. Another large hot air balloon appears in the Test for the Best minigame of Mario Party 8.

Two hot air balloons make an appearance in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, when Princess Peach is rescued. Mario escorts Peach out of the castle and onto a balloon, having alone time as they quickly lift off before Luigi is able to board. Yellow Toad and Blue Toad then offer the fallen Luigi a ride in their balloon, which he sheepishly accepts. The balloons bear Bowser's insignia, likely making it property of the Koopa Troop.