As Walt Disney World remains closed for the longest period in the resort’s history, aerial photographers have been able to capture just what the Most Magical Place on Earth looks like without guests. Thanks to pilot Jonathan Michael Salazar on Facebook (also @ColombianPilot on Instagram), we’re able to share these photos Disney’s Animal Kingdom as it awaits its next adventurers.
![PHOTOS: See Breathtaking Aerial Photos of Disney's Animal Kingdom During the Extended Parks Closure 1 disneys animal kingdom aerial photos may 2020 jonathan michael salazar c 7](https://wdwnt-buzzy.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/05/disneys-animal-kingdom-aerial-photos-may-2020-jonathan-michael-salazar-c_7-1000x667.jpg)
In this photo, the parking lots are completely empty, a rare sight to see (at least in the daytime).
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I think it’s absolutely shocking to see how completely nondescript the Tree of Life looks from above. It’s an eye-catching wonder from ground level, but aside from the color of the leaves, it seems to blend in completely with the surrounding foliage.
![PHOTOS: See Breathtaking Aerial Photos of Disney's Animal Kingdom During the Extended Parks Closure 3 disneys animal kingdom aerial photos may 2020 jonathan michael salazar c 5](https://wdwnt-buzzy.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/05/disneys-animal-kingdom-aerial-photos-may-2020-jonathan-michael-salazar-c_5-1000x667.jpg)
Above, you can see Pandora – The World of Avatar, and the massive show building for Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.
![PHOTOS: See Breathtaking Aerial Photos of Disney's Animal Kingdom During the Extended Parks Closure 4 disneys animal kingdom aerial photos may 2020 jonathan michael salazar c 2](https://wdwnt-buzzy.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/05/disneys-animal-kingdom-aerial-photos-may-2020-jonathan-michael-salazar-c_2-1000x667.jpg)
While guests may be kept away from Kilimanjaro Safaris, the animals still enjoy the savanna under the supervision of the essential cast members that take care of them.
![PHOTOS: See Breathtaking Aerial Photos of Disney's Animal Kingdom During the Extended Parks Closure 5 disneys animal kingdom aerial photos may 2020 jonathan michael salazar c 4](https://wdwnt-buzzy.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/05/disneys-animal-kingdom-aerial-photos-may-2020-jonathan-michael-salazar-c_4-1000x667.jpg)
Meanwhile, the safari trucks remain parked backstage.
![PHOTOS: See Breathtaking Aerial Photos of Disney's Animal Kingdom During the Extended Parks Closure 6 disneys animal kingdom aerial photos may 2020 jonathan michael salazar c 3](https://wdwnt-buzzy.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/05/disneys-animal-kingdom-aerial-photos-may-2020-jonathan-michael-salazar-c_3-1000x667.jpg)
As we head to Asia, we see the foreboding presence of Expedition Everest and the Yeti that dwells there.
![PHOTOS: See Breathtaking Aerial Photos of Disney's Animal Kingdom During the Extended Parks Closure 7 disneys animal kingdom aerial photos may 2020 jonathan michael salazar c 1](https://wdwnt-buzzy.s3.amazonaws.com/2020/05/disneys-animal-kingdom-aerial-photos-may-2020-jonathan-michael-salazar-c_1-1000x667.jpg)
Much like a day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’re closing out with a look at the seating along Discovery River that hosts guests for Rivers of Light: We Are One. Here’s hoping that people will be able to witness the spectacle and wonder of the park very soon.
Once again, we’d like to thank Jonathan Michael Salazar (who you can also find on Instagram at @TheDisneyPilot) for his photos!
Featured Image: Jonathan Michael Salazar
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Really enjoyed this look at the park. Wonder if anyone is working on fixing that Yeti while Everest lies quiet all these weeks. The look at Pandora from above was fascinating!