Magic Kingdom Skyline Photo
Aerial photography has always fascinated me, and I find aerial photos of Walt Disney World to be especially interesting, as they emphasize the exquisite urban planning and architecture found in the theme parks. Unfortunately, I’ve never had the opportunity to photograph Walt Disney World from an airplane, so I have had to settle for elevated ground-based alternatives (as I understand it, aerial photography technically requires photographing your subject from something that isn’t fixed to the ground–like an airplane or balloon).
This photo thus isn’t a true aerial shot, but I think it’s just as interesting. First, because it really demonstrates just how large Cinderella Castle is as it towers over every other structure in the park. Second, because not only can you see just how many trees line the Magic Kingdom, but off in the distance, you can see fields! It’s crazy to think that the cow pastures that once were so prevalent in central Florida do, in fact, still exist. It’s even crazier to think that, despite the growth that Walt Disney World has caused in central Florida, not too far off Walt Disney World property, these fields still exist.
Technical details: Nikon D7000
and Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens. See our Disney Photography Guide for more photography equipment recommendations. 
Only ~35% of WDW’s 47.7 square miles are developed, and 1/4 of the land is set aside as a preserve of sorts. Additionally there is lot of agricultural land around the property, some of which used to be owned by WDW, including the famous Mickey crop formation.
Today I learned Tom doesn’t read Lou’s books 😛
It would be pretty cool to be the farmer that works that feild in the distance. To be able to look over into the woods and see Cinderella’s Castle would be crazy. It’s like you are working in the kingdom and seeing the princess’s castle in the distance.
I don’t think I have ever really noticed how many trees are in the magic kingdom!
Isn’t that crazy?!
So, where did you take the picture from??
looks like it’s from the roof fo the contemporary – you can go up there… 🙂
That would make sense. The zoom is so good that it looks like it was taken from within the park, so I didn’t even think about the Contemporary!
It was taken from the Top of the World lounge at Bay Lake Tower.
If I remember correctly they actually do not allow the GP up there anymore. You need to make a reservation at the California Grill and take a special elevator to the roof. It’s really disappointing, as I remember being on the roof before as a little kid. It’s a nice view.