Boardwalk and Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

I originally thought I would be posting an image of Cinderella Castle this morning. My first sunset at Disney was in the Magic Kingdom and obviously I captured the required castle view. It is written into the membership card for Disney photographers as a requirement on every visit. But, once I saw the images I captured yesterday morning, I needed to bring you for a walk around Crescent Lake.

One of the benefits of staying at the Beach Club while I’m at Disney is the opportunity to enjoy the mile long path around Crescent Lake. It allows me to get great views of the resorts as well as the Boardwalk area. Oh, and there is the benefit of me not being so sedentary. I’ve been coming to this resort/area since 2008 and I am always amazed at what I find. To be fair, some of the charm has left due to Disney’s policies, i.e., less performers on the Boardwalk, less activities, etc., but I can still enjoy the scenery.

OK, let’s go for a walk. It was a little less than ideal as the sky was full of clouds with a hint of fog in some areas. I wasn’t going to get any of those picturesque sunrises but maybe I could use some of that creativity I think I have… 🙂

Frequent readers will know this lighthouse as I have shown its many sides throughout the years. I would have loved some sunrise color but I could not be happier with the calm, glass-like water. A good reflection is a very close second to a sunrise. With most of the scene grey and white it was any easy choice to convert this one to monochrome.

I am definitely a creature of habit. I walk the path around the lake in a counter-clockwise direction. I’m not sure why I do it this way, but hey, it works for me. After the lighthouse my next great view was of the Swan and Dolphin resorts. Over in this area there was more morning fog (or maybe it was haze, unclear). I really liked how the Dolphin resort was crisp and clear, while the Swan Reserve resort was draped in mist. And who can resist the light reflections.

Working my around the lake brings me to the Boardwalk. I’ve stayed at the resort here a couple of times and really enjoy being in the middle of all the nighttime activity. It is also one of the areas I have photographed consistently over the years. This morning I wasn’t looking for the big, beautiful landscape, I wanted to see some of the details. The boat launch for the Friendship boats fit the bill. From here you can get a ride to Epcot, Hollywood Studios or the other resorts. Highly recommended as it is a great way to see unique views of the area.

The boardwalk is full of restaurants, stores and a few clubs. There have been changes over the years but the front facades are always photogenic. I haven’t eaten as this restaurant but you can’t deny the signage. Throw in a bench, with water still dripping, and we have a winner.

I have always enjoyed the Boardwalk Bakery. It is good for a morning coffee and croissant, or a sandwich for lunch. The red and white awnings have fascinated me, and have been the subject of more than one image. What did I find this time? Red and white umbrellas protecting white table and chairs. I practically ran as soon as I spied these treasures.

The hanging lights, the cloudy blue sky, the detail in the boardwalk itself… is giddy the right term? The darn tripod couldn’t get setup quick enough. Hey, other people out this early, pause your walking for a few minutes. I need to capture this.

Damn! This is the image that changed what I was going to post today.

The last third of the trail back to the Beach Club doesn’t have as many opportunities for images. I tried a few but they weren’t doing it for me. Luckily, the beach area still has the swings. Next time I walk the the trail I think I’ll stop and enjoy the view from this swing.

Interesting tip, well, I think it is interesting. This is two images blended in Lightroom. For one image I focused on the swing and the other I focused on the resort in the background. Blending the two gives me an image that is in focus front to back.

Just about time to go for another walk around the lake. Looks like another overcast, foggy morning so I’m not sure what I’ll find. Doesn’t matter… it’s the walk that counts.