Disney World Photo Ideas for Your Family Vacation
DISNEY WORLD PHOTO IDEAS FOR YOUR NEXT FAMILY VACATION
So you spent a bunch of money on a trip to Disney World, and you want to make sure you walk away with something to show for it. You want tangible memories that are FREE, and that won’t clutter up your house. I’m talking about family photos at Disney!
Here’s the thing, though. Disney is bustling and busy. You’re rushing from one ride to the next, dealing with hot and whining kids, intermittent rainstorms, and groups of people in matching shirts. If you don’t have an idea of the photos you want ahead of time, all you may end up with a few blurry cell phone photos and shaky videos at the end of your trip.
I love to look up Disney photo ideas before my trip. I get up early or wait until after the kids go to bed when I have a quiet moment and a cup of coffee or tea in my hand to research and plan the best photo ops and where they are. I write them down, along with where they’re located so I can build the Disney World photo opportunities into our plans.
When everyone knows ahead of time which photos Mom is asking for, they’re more likely to comply.
As Florida residents, we’ve been to each Disney Park multiple times, and I’ve researched and scouted out the best photo spots at Disney World. Besides the typical photos with characters, I’d love to share some suggestions for where to take beautiful and unique pictures at Disney. Whether you’re curating an Instagram account or simply filling the family photo albums, here are the best spots at Disney World for photos according to park.
Related: 50 Disney World Hacks to Make Your Trip Easier, Cheaper, and More Magical
Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram at @amomexplores to see more Disney and Florida photo ideas!
MAGIC KINGDOM PHOTO SPOTS & INSTAGRAM WALLS
What’s a trip to Disney World without Magic Kingdom? The castle, the characters everywhere, Main Street, and the sheer number of ride options make this the most popular park for families by far.
These Magic Kingdom photo spots will bring the memories and magic of your vacation flooding back.
Related: Insider Tips for Doing Magic Kingdom with a Toddler
PURPLE WALL
The famous purple wall is a wonderful photo spot at Disney. Whether you’re taking a family photo or Instagramming your mouse ears or adorable snack, the purple wall makes for a great background.
The purple wall is located near the entrance of Tomorrowland next to Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. You’ll likely see other people taking pictures there, too. I’ve found most people are willing to snap a photo for you if you ask.
Make sure to use the #purplewall hashtag on Instagram to share your photo and gather inspiration for your wall photo poses!
FAMILY PHOTO IN FRONT OF CINDERELLA’S CASTLE
This is an obvious photo spot, but over the course of several Magic Kingdom visits, I’ve found that some ways are better than others to get this shot.
This particular photo was taken in the Plaza Garden to the right if you’re looking at the castle. There was a cast member taking photo pass photos there. Did you know you can ask them to take a picture with your camera for free? That’s how we got our whole family in this shot with no one else in the picture!
Related: Wnat to look good in family photos even when it’s sweltering in Central Florida? Here’s What to Wear for Disney World when it’s Hot Out
KIDS LOOKING AT CINDERELLA’S CASTLE
My sister, who is very talented with her Cricut, made these shirts for my kids and their cousins, each receiving a number for wherever they fall in age order.
We turned to the Plaza Garden on the left if you’re walking up Main Street toward the castle, and found this spot to be pretty empty first thing in the morning. (It’s the one on the way to Adventureland).
I was ready and waiting with the camera while the other adults got the kids set up in age order and told them to look at the castle. I love how this one turned out!
We, of course, did this with kids, but I think this would also make an adorable shot for adults wearing mouse ears or shirts with cute sayings on the back.
TRAIN STATION BALCONY PHOTO OVERLOOKING MAIN STREET
When we did our VIP Tour, we got to watch the Magic Kingdom parade from the train station balcony. It was amazing to watch the parade from a bird’s eye view, and the kids were right at eye level with the characters on top of the floats.
I loved snapping pictures of the kids watching the parade with Main Street as the background. This would be a great spot for a photo whether the parade is going on or not.
CHARACTER MEET-AND-GREETS
You don’t just have to stand back and watch the cast members take photo pass pictures! You can also take your own photos while your kids meet their favorite characters.
Sometimes interactions are just so special you can’t help but capture them. I prefer the candid moments when they’re talking rather than the poses with forced smiles.
In this photo, Aladdin really seemed to love our squirmy 1-year-old who seemed quite indifferent. I thought it was adorable and hilarious at the same time.
BALLOONS ON MAIN STREET
The giant Mickey balloons the cast members carry on Main Street have turned into a super popular photo opportunity for Instagram.
Many people stop the cast members to ask if they can take a picture holding the balloons (while the cast member holds on to the end and steps out of the frame).
I like to use the balloons as the main subject with the castle in the background.
Either way, this makes for a great photo to help capture the magic of your trip.
MAKING A WISH AT CINDERELLA’S WISHING WELL
If you take the path to the right of the castle toward Tomorrowland, you’ll stumble upon a quiet nook with Cinderella’s Wishing Well. I think this makes such a fun photo spot with the castle in the background, and there are hardly ever crowds nearby.
I really think this is unique spot that’s not already over popular on Instagram. You could get some really creative shots of your family making magical Disney wishes!
EPCOT INSTAGRAM SPOTS PHOTO SPOTS & INSTAGRAM WALLS
Epcot might be one of the most photo-rich parks at DIsney World. With the variety of backgrounds in the World Showcase, the iconic Spaceship Earth ride, and multiple “Instagram walls” hidden around the park, you’d have to dedicate a whole day to taking pictures to get everything!
Not to worry! You’re not there to pose for Instagram - you’re there to make memories with your family! Just see which of these photo ops fit into your day and if you can get to some of them while your family is in a good mood- great! Otherwise, just relax and enjoy the park.
P.S. The park is EXTRA photogenic during the springtime Flower and Garden Festival. Read all about what to do with kids at the Flower and Garden Festival.
FUTURE WORLD OVERLOOKING THE LAKE AND SPACESHIP EARTH
As you enter the World Showcase at Epcot, you’ll pass the lakes in Future World that overlook Spaceship earth (or the giant golf ball as my kids call it). You’ll see Disney Cast Members taking photo pass pictures around here, but there are plenty of spots along the lake to take your own version. This spot is especially beautiful during the Flower and Garden Festival in spring.
There are so many fun variations of this photo you could use. Simply have your family smile and face the camera, have them overlooking the lake wearing mouse ears, or use props like we did here with our Mickey and Minnie stuffed animals.
BLUEBERRY WALL
Epcot has so many great hidden photo spots if you just take the time to look for them! The Blueberry wall is located just outside the exit of Spaceship Earth (the ride in the giant golf ball) and I love how the vibrant colors make your subject pop!
Go in for the closeup, or take a step back to get the whole wall in the shot. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your poses! Jump, twirl, hold your mouse ears, or just stand and smile. You can’t go wrong with the Blueberry Wall! Check out #blueberrywall on Instagram for more photo inspiration.
THE FOUNTAIN IN THE MOROCCO PAVILION
Don’t sleep on the pavilions in the World Showcase for creative photo spots! I think sometimes when we’re at Disney we limit our thinking to classic spots like Cinderella’s Castle and Spaceship Earth. But there are so many Instagram-worthy alcoves around the world in Epcot.
If you wander through Morocco you’ll end up at the fountain in the very back of the pavilion. The colorful tile makes for a perfect backdrop for a family photo. I like that the fountain also has a ledge wide enough to use as a seat for little ones.
THE BRIDGE OVERLOOKING THE FRANCE PAVILION
As you leave the United Kingdom and head to France, you’ll cross a bridge where you’ll get the absolute best view of the France Pavilion. I was actually by myself at a media event for the Flower and Garden festival when I took this shot, and the vista stopped me dead in my tracks because I couldn’t even tell it was Disney World.
The colorful blossoms on the trees, the beautiful buildings in the foreground of the replica of the Eiffel tower, and the water beneath the bridge made this such a perfect spot for a photo. Grab a shot of your family here and pretend you took a trip to Paris!
ENTRANCE OF THE PARK
Photo opportunities at Epcot begin before you even set foot inside the park! There’s a beautiful fountain just past the ticket booths where you can get a great picture in front of Spaceship Earth. You can sit on the ledge, which always helps when you’re trying to get young children to pose for a picture.
I love the idea of capturing everyone’s excitement before the heat, the crowds, and all the walking make for a hungry, tired, and crabby crew.
BUBBLEGUM WALL
Yet another Instagrammable wall at Epcot! The Bubblegum Wall (#bubblegumwall on Instagram) is also located near the exit of the Spaceship Earth ride. The bright pink with blue accents is so much fun, and honestly I’m feeling major regret for not bringing some bubblegum so I could blow a bubble just for this picture.
THE SEAS - NEMO RIDE
Right outside The Seas where the aquarium and Finding Nemo ride are located is a beautiful sign with all of the colorful characters from the Nemo franchise. My kids are obsessed with Finding Nemo, so it didn’t take much convincing to have them pose with the fish.
There was a cast member taking photos here, but you can go off to the side or just wait in line and hand them your camera to grab your own fishy photo!
THE MONORAIL
In my opinion, there’s nothing more iconic than capturing a photo of the monorail pulling into Epcot as it passes Spaceship Earth. I imagine all the happy families going from their Disney resort to get ready for a day of fun at Epcot.
This shot isn’t necessarily easy to grab, but if you’re like me and always have your camera out and ready to go, just make sure to keep an eye out for the perfect moment. I waited until my kids were happy and pacified with snacks, then I only had to wait a minute or two before the next monorail rode past.
BLUE DOOR IN THE FRANCE PAVILION
Naturally when you go through the France Pavilion, you’ll stop at Les Halles Boulangerie and Patisserie for your favorite bakery treats. When you exit the bakery, you’ll see a building with a bright blue door to your right. I thought it was the cutest spot to showcase your delicious selections or our favorite Mickey-shaped treats.
ANIMAL KINGDOM PHOTO SPOTS & INSTAGRAM WALLS
One thing I love about Animal Kingdom is that it’s just so different from the other 3 parks. Animal Kingdom focuses on how humans interact with nature in different parts of the world, and it makes for some really cool attractions and, of course, photo backdrops.
I think this is my kids’ favorite park apart from Magic Kingdom! Between the animals on Kilimanjaro Safari, the fun shows, and the toddler-friendly Dinosaur Land, you’ll want to capture some awesome memories here.
TREE OF LIFE
The Tree of Life is the Animal Kingdom icon that also happens to make a great photo spot. Like the castle at Magic Kingdom, it’s almost mandatory to pose in front of the 125-foot tree.
If you look closely, there are 325 species of animals carved into the trunk. You can usually find cast members taking photos here, so you can hand them your camera to get the whole family in the shot if you want.
If you want to do it yourself there are plenty of places around the tree to grab your own photo.
ANIMALS ON THE KILIMANJARO SAFARI
One of our favorite attractions at this wild and wonderful Disney Park is the Kilimanjaro Safari. We try to make this our first “ride” of the day before it gets too hot so that the animals are out and about.
The entire ride was rich in photo opportunities with beautiful wild animals going about their day. You’re likely to encounter giraffes, lions, rhinos, hippos, flamingos and more, so have that camera out and ready to go.
FICHWA WALL IN HARAMBE MARKET
Harambe Market in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom is rich in photo opportunities. I love the Fichwa Fellow wall with the adorable Mickey Mouse drawing on it, and it’s pretty popular on Instagram, too! (Look up #fichwafellow or #fichwawall)
You can find this wall on the left side of the entrance to Harambe Market. I would have missed it, but my daughter spotted the hidden Mickey right away and wanted a picture by it. So cute!
ADVENTURER’S OUTPOST
Adventurer’s Outpost is the building where you can find the Mickey and Minnie character meet-and-greet. They’re dressed in their safari outfits - it’s very Animal Kingdom!
Other than the photo op with Mickey and Minnie, you can also get some unique shots outside the building. While waiting for our Fast Pass time to roll around, we found this wall with the green shutters in the packground. I thought it was a fun spot to post the kids.
KILIMANJARO SAFARI SELFIE
Our tram got stopped for a few minutes during the safari, and it was the perfect time to stop and capture our whole family! The benches are long, so you can likely fit your whole family in one row, making it easy to get a family selfie during the ride!
If you plan it well, you might even be able to get some animals in the background of your selfie!
YELLOW MOTORBIKE IN HARAMBE’S MARKET
The yellow motorbike is to the right of the entrance of Harambe’s Market, and is such a fun photo op for kids! It didn’t take much convincing to get my 4-year-old to climb on and take a picture!
I love the lush greenery in the background of this shot, and the yellow and blue of the bike really pop!
PANDORA - WORLD OF AVATAR
There are SO many beautiful photo spots in Pandora - World of Avatar. With the rocks, moss, and exotic flowers, it really is an other-worldly background for your photos.
Whether you’re taking an Instagram wall shot on the moss wall or getting the perfect photo of your Night Blossom frozen drink, you’re sure to get some unique pictures in this section of Animal Kingdom!
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS PHOTO SPOTS & INSTAGRAM WALLS
I used to think of Hollywood Studios as kind of a boring park to visit with kids, but lately, a lot has been added to this park to make it perfect for families. Toy Story Land, Pixar Place, Star Wars Land, and the new Cars attraction have made this a can’t-miss park.
THE HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS STAR
Before you enter the park you’ll find the Hollywood Studios side on the right side before you get to the ticket booths.
You might have to wait a few minutes in line, but I love the color of the star and it’s nice to have the name of the park in the shot.
HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD
With the tall swaying palm trees and neon art deco building gracing Hollywood Studio’s main thoroughfare, you might think you’re actually in Hollywood.
This street makes a beautiful background for photos!
CARS WALL BY LIGHTNING MCQUEEN RACING ACADEMY
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is one of the newer additions to Hollywood Studios, and one my Cars loving boys were so excited to visit.
After we enjoyed the show, we loved walking around the courtyard where we found this awesome Cars wall. The boys wanted a picture in front of Lightning McQueen, but you can also move slightly to the right or left for a red, yellow, and blueish-gray wall that’s perfect for Instagram.
CRUZ RAMIREZ INTERACTIVE CAR
This was a fun “meet-and-greet” for the kids, but it also made for a wonderful photo. The boys were excited to interact with Cruz Ramirez, and there were plenty of cast members around to take a photo of our whole group for us. This wasn’t necessarily the most “Instagram-worthy” spot in the park, but it certainly made for a fun memory!
BLOCK WALL IN TOY STORY LAND
The block wall is such a fun and colorful backdrop for your #wallsofDisney photos, but there’s one catch: the wall is the entrance to the restrooms.
Yes, you are going to feel a little weird posing for a picture while people are passing you on their way to the bathroom, but if you want the photo it’s totally worth it!
I promise you you’ll see other people doing it throughout the day, so you won’t feel too crazy.
POPSICLE WALL
If you want a photo by the pastel-colored popsicle wall, you have to ride Toy Story Midway Mania because the wall is located at the exit. It’s the only way to access the wall.
The nice thing is that it’s never too busy here, since there are only people who just completed the ride, and they’re all usually walking quickly to get to their next attraction.
ROUTE 66 SIGN
This photo spot at Hollywood Studios is hidden in plain sight. The Route 66 Sign and luggage set are located on Sunset Boulevard across from the Beauty and the Beast show.
The hardest part about getting this shot is backing up into the street the get the photo. People are hustling and bustling by, so have your pose ready and be quick!
TOY STORY LAND ENTRANCE
There’s nothing more exciting to a little kid than seeing the giant toy cowboy leaning against the Toy Story Land sign. There’s always a line for photos here, but it’s totally worth it!
if you don’t want to wait in line for one more thing, just back up and get the sign in the background a little further away from the more popular spots.
TIPS FOR GETTING GREAT PHOTOS AT DISNEY WORLD
1. Posed is great. Candid is fun!
I like a mixture of both posed and candid photos. The wonderful Disney Cast members can help you capture those classically posed photos of your whole family, while any member of your family capable of holding a camera can help capture candid photos. On rides, eating snacks, waiting in line, and impromptu character interactions are great moments to capture the magic.
2. Look for details
Are the Mickey Mouse balloons framing the castle just so? Are there seasonal decorations gracing the light posts or rides? Are there crazy crowds or a rare moment with no crowds in sight? Is your food Mickey-shaped or especially photogenic? Snap a photo! (I like to call this “B-roll.” Photos without my family, but just capturing the details and the story of our trip).
3. Take more photos than you think you’ll need.
We live in the golden age of digital and cell phone photography. We can take as many photos as we want and delete the terrible ones later when we have a chance to sit down and look. Sometimes you think you got the perfect shot, but someone was blinking. Or a stranger wandered into the frame. Or your camera was out of focus. Take a bunch and delete later.
4. Bring the right camera gear.
By that I mean, bring the camera you’re comfortable using so you’ll actually remember to pull it out of your bag and use it.
Right now I’m saving up for a high-quality mirrorless point-and-shoot because my DSLR gets heavy to carry around the parks, but in the meantime, I simply cannot leave my Nikon at home. I’ve tried, and I just don’t LOVE my iPhone photos as much. The Nikon photos are brighter and crisper, and I can’t achieve the same look with a phone, even with editing. (By the way, if you’re curious, I use a fixed lens with f/1.8 - this lens to be exact)
You don’t need to use a giant Nikon or Canon DSLR. Maybe you love your point-and-shoot photos, or maybe you’ve nailed mobile photo photography. Maybe you love the look of polaroids. Whatever camera will make you happy that you’ll actually USE, bring that.
5. Keep your camera handy at all times
I bring my camera on rides and strapped around my body when walking around the park because you never know when a magical moment is going to happen. I don’t want to miss a thing, like the time Princess Jasmine was leaving a character meet-and-greet, saw my daughter, and decided to stop for a special impromptu moment with her. So sweet. I was glad I had my phone handy!
6. But try to be present
Yes, I’m the mom who’s constantly snapping candids and asking my kids to pose and smile, but I also know when it’s time to put the camera down and live in the moment. I can tell when the kids are getting weary of photos, too. That’s why I try to get the posed photos out of the way as early as possible, then grab some candids and detail shots as the day goes on. That’s why planning ahead is so important!
THE IMPORTANCE OF DISNEY WORLD PHOTOS
So all that to say, I think photos are an important part of travel. My kids and I constantly page through our family photo yearbooks that I print from Shutterfly or Chatbooks. Even if they’re too young to technically remember the trip, they still treasure it thanks to the many photos and videos we have.
I hope these Disney World photos ideas and tips help to make your trip more memorable and magical!
If you’re planning a trip to Disney soon, I hope you can use these posts to help you plan:
50 Disney Hacks to Make Your Trip Easier, Cheaper, and More Magical
13 Easy Day Trips from Disney for Your Day Off from the Parks
…or if you’re attending a seasonal event
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