Pilot captures stunning shots of Walt Disney World Resort
We think it’s safe to say that we’re all missing some aspect of Disney right now.
For most of us, the closest we can get is by car, and the view really isn't that spectacular.
But one Central Florida pilot was given the opportunity to fly over the happiest place on earth and gave us the view we’ve been waiting for.
MORE DISNEY NEWS: How much is Walt Disney World losing during the coronavirus pandemic?
“This may be a once in a lifetime occurrence,” Jonathan Michael Salazar, a Central Florida pilot said.
Disney parks have a temporary flight restriction that limits pilots from flying within 3,000 feet of any of the parks.
But with Disney parks in the U.S. being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, some pilots have been granted permission by local air traffic control to fly over the deserted theme parks.
“This past weekend, I was able to fly through the Disney TFR Airspace (with permission) as low as 1,500 feet AGL and capture these shots,” Salazar wrote on Facebook. “I hope this will bring some joy to everyone currently in quarantine and missing the beloved parks.”
Seeing an empty Disney World has become a common sight to most of us during the quarantine. However, Salazar ventured outside of the Magic Kingdom and explored all areas of Disney Property.
During his flight, he was able to take pictures of:
Magic Kingdom
EPCOT
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Disney's Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian
Disney's Swan and Dolphin Resorts
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Shades of Green Resort
EPCOT Resorts (Yacht & Beach Club, Boardwalk Villas)
Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Hotel
Disney Springs
Walt Disney World Entrance Sign
Mickey-shaped Solar Panel array
"This was a super fun and equally challenging project, but I’m so glad I was able to combine my skills as a Pilot and Photographer for this shoot," added.
For those who want to keep the magic alive, these pictures might not be what you’re looking for.
If you like seeing the ginormous buildings that house the attractions and the steel beams that support Black Spire Outpost, then, by all means, look away.
Photos provided by Jonathan Michael Salazar
Salazar is not the first pilot given access to fly over a Disney theme park.
On the west coast, Micah Muzio was granted access to fly over the Disneyland Resort.
During his flight, Muzio visited much of Orange County, CA which included stops at Angel Stadium, El Dorado Park and Long Beach Airport to name a few.
While these sights from above are amazing and truly breathtaking, nothing can replace the view from the ground.
How else are you going to smell the ice-cream and popcorn?
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