By the time I got this shot, it was just me, two other photographers, and the occasional guest wandering back from a late dinner at Be Our Guest. Main Street U.S.A., usually shoulder-to-shoulder with guests trying to get their own photo with Walt and Mickey, was empty. That's the only reason a shot like this is possible: no crowd to dodge, no rush to clear the frame, just time to wait for the composition to feel right.

I framed the shot from behind the statue on purpose, watching Walt and Mickey looking out over the Christmas tree glowing between them, with Main Street's storefronts lit up gold in the distance. The contrast between the dark bronze figures and that warm, illuminated backdrop is what makes this one special, and it's exactly why it prints so well on metal, where the glossy finish really lets the lights pop against the silhouette.

If you've ever wished you could see Magic Kingdom without a single crowd in your photo, this is about as close as it gets.

With that deep bronze silhouette set against a warm, glowing Main Street, this piece was made for metal; the high-gloss finish sharpens the contrast and makes every string of lights shine.

FAQ

Was Main Street really this empty?
Yes, this was shot late at night, well after most guests had left. Only a couple of other photographers and a few late diners from Be Our Guest were still around.

Is this Magic Kingdom or Disneyland?
This is the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, looking down Main Street U.S.A. toward the Christmas tree with the Partners Statue in the foreground.

What size works best for this piece?
Given the vertical figures and horizontal Main Street backdrop, this holds up well at larger sizes; a 24x36" or bigger metal print gives the lights and detail plenty of room to breathe.