LOOKS LIKE RAIN
A photo journal of a trip to the Magic Kingdom
August 7, 2004
The weatherman said a cool front was passing through. We should expect clear, sunny skies and crisp, cool temperatures. Perhaps the conditions along I-95 should have indicated that the weatherman might be wrong. Ever optimistic, we pressed ahead, believing that Mickey would not allow a little rain to dampen the joy of a day in the Magic Kingdom. 


And just look at how right we were. The Magic Kingdom was beautiful. So it wasn't crisp and clear yet,
more like muggy and overcast, but it wouldn't be long until everything would be perfect.


We forgot one small detail. Lisa has long been known as the "Rain Princess." We all know it. So when she stepped into the Merchant of Venus shop and tried on the magic hat, her powers were unleashed. There nothing to do after that happens, but ride out the storm.

The rain began to fall, in what we thought would be a typical Florida passing shower.
While some people huddled under small shelters, this little girl seemed determined to make the most of the surprise.





This was not a typical Florida shower. The rain kept coming down and the puddles got deeper.
Disney cast members began pushing the water off the pathways toward the drains.
The shops did a brisk business in ponchos. Soon the whole park smelled like wet vinyl.






As the rain continued, we made our way completely across the park, from Space Mountain to Pirates of the Caribbean by slipping through connected shops, food outlets, and little back passages between buildings.
Eventually, I decided to follow that little girl's cue and become one with the rain.


All over the park, the building began lighting up.
It all became very photogenic. Obviously, there would be no electric parade or fireworks. The crowds continued to thin out until ...


... the park assumed a surreal appearance.
I had a great time snapping these interesting photos. To me, they look almost like impressionistic paintings.


Look what you can get by shooting at night, standing in the rain, and not holding the camera steady.


Just look at these happy revelers. Their spirits weren't dampened by the rain.




I've taken lots of photos under perfect conditions at the Magic Kingdom, but these are some of  the best I have.

Okay, let's just go home.