Colorful Sunset at Disney Springs

Under a Colorful Sky

The setting sun lights up the sky and the clouds at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World, as the Aerophile balloon soars above Village Lake and the Paddlefish restaurant.

Before we left on our 2018 Christmas Disney Cruise, we stopped off for an evening at Walt Disney World. I like to make sure that we have plenty of time to make it to the ship, so we decided that a night at Walt Disney World would be a fun way to accomplish that.

We did not visit any of the theme parks while we were there. No sense trying to cram in too much before our cruise. But we did spend the afternoon and evening at Disney Springs, doing some shopping and just generally hanging out. The weather was pleasant enough while we were there. It was not as warm as we thought it might be, but it was definitely much warmer than the weather we had left back home.

When the evening came, the setting sun really lit up the clouds that had gathered overhead, creating this wonderful scene. I was a little surprised that the balloon was flying, because it was somewhat breezy out, but it was up, and I liked what it added to the view.

Disney Springs might not have all of the thrills and adventure that the theme parks have, unless you are visiting Disney Springs at one of the peak times, and then it is definitely an adventure. But Disney Springs does have some pretty cool views sometimes, and a nice sunset makes that even better.

Relaxation Vacation

We could have tried to work in some theme park time for this trip if we had really wanted to, but we were fine without it. After a busy semester at school, including Jaylin’s football season and Laura’s school program, we were ready to slow down as much as we could. Of course, staying home for the week would have been slowing down even more, but it doesn’t hurt to have a little fun, right?

We were happy to be there, even without going to any theme parks. It was nice to just get away from everything and enjoy something different for a little while. Although there did seem to be lots of people in the World of Disney store, one of the cast members told us it was actually not all that busy compared to how it sometimes gets. But it was fine for us, because we always expect a crowd when we go in there anyway.

So our quick visit to Walt Disney World and Disney Springs served as a nice buffer between the real world stuff that we had left behind and the wonderful time that we always have on a Disney Cruise. It was a great way to start our fun, relaxing vacation.

In these days of over-stimulation, it is good to remember that sometimes you need relaxation much more than you need stimulation.

Bible Verse

Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

About the Photo

As is the case with many of the photos that I take, this one was completely unplanned. I did not spend lots of time calculating the exact time of sunset or looking to see what might be the best angle. Some people do that, and that is perfectly fine. But that somewhat goes against all that stuff in the paragraphs above about relaxing.

We were walking along between stores at Disney Springs when Laura got a phone call. So we stopped for a minute in a place with not all that many people around. While she was talking, I noticed the colors in the sky and thought it would make a nice photo. So I walked over by the railing at the edge of the lake, because I wanted to get the water in the photo. And my being right up by the rail would keep there from being lots of people in the foreground, too.

Sometimes, nice photos come from being in the right place at the right time, and also from knowing how to set your camera when you find yourself in those situations. Be on the lookout, and be prepared. Even if you don’t plan ahead.

Photo: A single Raw exposure, processed in Photoshop. Read more about photography tips, photo software, camera gear, and more at Steve’s Photography Tips.
Camera: Sony Alpha A7 II
Lens: Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens
Date: December 16, 2018
Location: Disney Springs, Walt Disney World, Florida