With Disney World being one of the most magical places on earth, most every trip is going to be filled with memories that last a lifetime. It’s no wonder that Disney World photography is such a popular topic of discussion. Many guests want to know what are the best photo spots in the Disney World parks.
But fear not, we’ve got you covered! We’ve reached out to a local Disney World photographer and got them to agree to share their absolute favorite locations inside the parks. Before we reveal these photograph hot spots, we’re going to quickly go over some of the criteria that makes an ideal location to snap a picture in the parks.
Crowd Control
In a perfect world, each picture will have the people you care most about and nothing else. It’s the purest way to capture a memory and it to reflect upon for years to come. There are certain areas of the park that have more traffic than others. Finding those nooks and crannies that aren’t as well known are going to make for better photographs.
One last thing is the timing you wish to take your photos, which is the next item we’ll cover.
Time of Day
The best time of day to capture those magical moments in Disney World is going to be the morning for a few reasons.
As we just mentioned, first thing in the morning is when crowd levels are naturally the lowest. If you can get your crew out of bed and into the parks in the early hours, once everyone makes it through the turnstiles, crowd levels will be at a lull.
It’s also when everyone is going to be the most fresh and the sunlight will be working in your favor. Taking pictures in the Disney parks in the middle of the day can be fun, but can also be tricky, as with any photograph taken in full sunlight.
With some background out of the way, hopefully you will love these photo spots in the Disney World parks even more! Crowd levels are often lesser than the busier areas of the park and perfectly compliment the morning sun.
Magic Kingdom – Back of Cinderella Castle
Photo courtesy of Wanderlust Portraits
Once you make your way down Main Street USA, you will find yourself in front of Cinderella Castle, a photograph Mecca for most vacationers. Instead of competing for prime real estate in the front of the castle, make your way up and around to the back of it for a just as stunning picture, with plenty of elbow room!
If you time it right, within the first hour of sunrise or so, you’ll be given the bonus of a perfectly complimenting sunlight reflection, right off the castle!
EPCOT – Front of Italy Pavilion
Photo Courtesy of Wanderlust Portraits
Almost smack dab in the middle of EPCOT’s World Showcase, is Italy’s country pavilion.
There is a large wide-open area directly across from Italy, right next to the lagoon. This location is a fantastic spot to give the feel that you have the park to yourselves.
If you point your camera towards Italy, you’ll be greeted with the gorgeous backdrop of the Italian architecture. Then if you swing around, the lagoon is another beautiful scene to capture a memory.
Bonus points if you can catch the ferry boat in action!
Hollywood Studios – Gerties & Echo Lake Area
Photo Courtesy of Wanderlust Portraits
In case you’re not a complete Disney nerd – the dinosaur in the middle of Echo Lake has a name. Meet Gertie!
The area that surrounds Gertie and the ice cream stand is another open area that is a prime candidate for minimal crowds and maximum fun!
If you’re around for the holidays, the decorations are a spectacular addition for your memory book or Christmas card.
Animal Kingdom – Dinoland
Photo Courtesy of Wanderlust Portraits
Animal Kingdom’s Dinoland is a favorite area for children, packed with super fun backdrops for a variety of pictures.
The picture shown above is near the gift shop as you exit the Dinosaur ride attraction.
However, another great spot while you’re over there is by staying on the road you came in from (assuming you came from the entrance of the park) and taking it past Chester and Hester’s and past the gift shops until what looks like a dead end.
At the end, you will see huge murals and backdrops which make for great photos and there’s almost never anyone around.
Wrapping Up
If you’re able to get to Disney World first thing in the morning, you’ll be primed to capture those coveted, “there’s nobody here but me” pictures in the park.
We hope you’ve found these tips valuable and capture many memories to cherish a lifetime. We wish you and yours a wonderful visit to Walt Disney World!
Our preferred travel agency is Click the Mouse. They specialize in Disney destinations and will help you plan out all the little details. Best part is that their services are FREE when you book your vacation with them. Personalized service at no extra cost to you! To get a quote from a Click the Mouse travel agent, simply click on the quote button below and they will be back in touch with you:
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I’ve been a natural light photographer for over 9 years now, having recently relocated to the Orlando area. I have been passionate about lifestyle photography for as long as I can remember. My style is minimal posing, and directives. The focus of every session is to capture moments in their truest state, with genuine smiles, laughter and love.
I have an abundance of experience shooting lifestyle sessions for family, engagement, events, maternity, newborn & weddings.
Whether you know exactly what you want or if you would like some suggestions, please feel free to always reach out.
Let’s make a beautiful memory.
