DDW Pic 1279. Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle

As I was crossing Main Street yesterday, I quickly turned and got this shot of Cinderella Castle. It was just before the parade was about to arrive. This is the only time of day you can get this photo with nobody standing on Main Street. Even first thing in the morning, there will be cast members on the street.

DDW Pic 1278. Plaza Gardens East

Plaza Gardens East

Several new areas were revealed in the Magic Kingdom over the last few days, as part of the hub expansion project. They are referred to as Plaza Gardens East and West. They have added much needed walking paths and open space to     the area at the north end of Main Street,  USA. The additions will greatly relieve congestion around parade and fireworks times. There are also new spots that become designated FastPass fireworks viewing areas at night. The one seen in this photo is in front of the Plaza Restaurant.

DDW Pic 1277. Bay Lake

Bay Lake

This is the view from a fifth floor balcony on the north side of Bay Lake Tower. It is a great spot in the hotel, since you can see the Magic Kingdom and this lake view from the same villa. If you zoom in tight, you can make out a house on the shore across the lake. I'd love to know who lives there!

DDW Pic 1276. Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth

This would appear to be a typical night shot near the entrance to Epcot. However, it was actually taken last week just before sunrise. It is another photo from the morning of the Princess Half Marathon. We parked at Epcot and were headed to the monorail to go to the Magic Kingdom when I snapped this picture. 

DDW Pic 1275. Maleficent

Maleficent 

The Festival of Fantasy parade is nearly a year old and is a huge hit with Magic Kingdom park goers. The highlight for many is the fire breathing dragon version of Maleficent. This float is impressive to say the least. I took this shot near the hub last week. 

DDW Pic 1274. Mickey Floral

Mickey Floral

The area in front of the Mickey floral at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom is typically packed with people. It is the most photographed spot in the world. However, it was quiet at 6:30 am when we arrived to watch the Princess Half Marathon on Sunday morning. It is fun to see this park at sunrise.

DDW Pic 1273. Princess Half Marathon

Princess Half Marathon

This past weekend, the Princess Half Marathon was held at Walt Disney World. I had several friends running so I decided to cheer them on. This race starts and finishes at Epcot, but it passes through the Magic Kingdom around the halfway point. While on the arriving monorail, I snapped this shot of the "home stretch." The runners seen in this shot were only a few short minutes from finishing the race.