This picture demonstrates yet another thing I love about Walt Disney World: those early morning bus rides, where the sun hits your face as it shines through the windows, that awesome music helps build your anticipation as you make your way to your destination, and you look around, seeing the smiles and joy in everyone's faces as they sit on the edge of their seats looking forward to their days, especially those kids who are clearly heading out for the first day of their trip--or perhaps even their first day ever at WDW.
While this morning at Fort Wilderness obviously didn't feature the last component, it did fill me with joy for quite another reason: the tranquility of being all by myself. I had walked all the way from our cabin to the Marina, which was easily a mile, at about 6:30 a.m. to get some pictures of the sunrise over the Contemporary only to discover that: a) you can't see the Contemporary from Fort Wilderness' Marina, and b) the sun does not rise in that direction (I swear I'm not really this stupid...). Still, it was a fun walk over there, and taking pictures of the Fort was fun, but I wasn't looking for another walk back. So when I saw this bus, I decided to take it back to our loop.
The relaxing ride was great, and although it's just a seemingly inconsequential thing, it's a thought that brings a little joy to my day whenever I look through my RAW files to process images. I guess often the memory behind an image makes it good to a person even if it has a lot of technical flaws. This is how I remember that morning, and because of that, I really like this image.
If you want tips for taking better photos at Disney, read this article! In it, I share advice applicable for everyone (from amateurs with iPhones to pros with DSLRS) heading to Disney!
View my Disney Photo Gallery for thousands of Disney photos that aren't on Flickr!
DisneyTouristBlog | Facebook | Twitter | Photo Gallery | Google+ | ISO 5571 - Podcast
Burnsland (Steve Burns), Ashlyn_Rose, Fusilli Amy, wastemanagementdude, and 66 other people added this photo to their favorites.
View 10 more comments
DugJax 40 months ago | reply
Sun flare extraordinaire!
David Hendershot 40 months ago | reply
I spent many hours on a Disney bus and never thought to get a shot like this. Awesome.
Larry White (Trying_to_Shine) 40 months ago | reply
Very cool shot. Love the tones and the light!
CodyWDWfan 40 months ago | reply
Wow this one really makes me remember that feeling! And I love the flare, I feel like I should be squinting.
I guess often the memory behind an image makes it good to a person even if it has a lot of technical flaws.
Well said!
Peter E. Lee 40 months ago | reply
I love the lens flare and the warm, golden light. Something about the color palette makes this look like a piece of old film to me. Nice work!
bridgy2008 40 months ago | reply
No doubt this is a World's Best Dazzling shot! We'd love to include it in our
collection! So here's your official invitation!
World's Best Dazzling Shots please add tag "WORLDBEST"
Abby Lanes 40 months ago | reply
Stunning flare.
Dr. Ilia 40 months ago | reply
great capture
Thank you for Sharing this simply beautiful image with us all =)
This Photo Was Seen in SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL-
SkyShaper 40 months ago | reply
Killer image
rabidash* 40 months ago | reply
~Beautiful wOrk~
~cOngrats~Seen in XplOr~
rabidash* 40 months ago | reply
~Have a niCe weekend, my dear friend:~O)))
Express Monorail 40 months ago | reply
Love it
Constant Creations 40 months ago | reply
this is magnificent!
evelyng23 40 months ago | reply
the flare gives it a nice touch. nicely done!
-Jamian- 40 months ago | reply
Those flares are ridiculous!
NO SE VENDE PHOTOGRAPHY 40 months ago | reply
Dude, I REALLY like this shot. Nice work!
Kevin Eddy 40 months ago | reply
Please tag your image DisneyPhotoChallengeWinner and submit your Winning photo to
Disney Photo Challenge Winner's Pool
Random Things (Jen C.) 40 months ago | reply
Wow!! This is totally awesome! I agree with everyone that is really draws you into that moment. The excitement to start a new "Disney Day"!
Congrats on winning the challenge!!!
Vanessa Guzan 40 months ago | reply
This photo is all sorts of awesomeness! Amazing!
Dis lady 5 months ago | reply
I love the shot....it's a rare occasion when one rides the bus alone!!!