Lets be honest, taking family photos in Disney can be exhausting. It is hot, you have to wrangle the kids, often you are bribing for smiles and all in the back of your mind, your fingers are crossed that you are getting a good photo. I used to laugh at influencers that brought their own tripod until I realized it was the most genius thing of life and started doing it myself and never looked back.
There are obviously typical ‘spots’ that a lot of people want for their picture that are considered non-negotiables especially for first-timers; in front of Cinderella’s castle (the best photopass is where the Mickey and Walt bronze statue is), Spaceship Earth (Epcot ball/golfball, discoball, whatever you call it), Grauman’s Chinese Theater or in front of the Millenium Falcon at MGM (IYKYK) and of course the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. I get the importance of these photos as this tends to be a non-negotiable for me too no matter how many times we go.
However, I will say that these photo locations can also be the most stressful. I do not always want a slew of people in my photo. Nor do I want too much happening around the kiddos as they tend to be distracted really easily which can cause for an awful picture. Not to mention people for some reason love to be a space invader (watch the Bluey episode) and have no qualms about moving into your photo space so that they can get the photo of them and/or their family. Apparently waiting ones turn as an adult is no longer a courtesy. You will find that this happens A LOT directly in front of the castle particularly with influencers that find it necessary to take 20-30 pictures of themselves with no courtesy to those around them. I had some fitness girl next to us that kept moving over into my shot until I finally had to say something because the first thirty takes of her throwing her arms into the air apparently were not good enough. Learn to use your ‘motion picture’ option on your phone as it will help you loads in this arena and cause me from having to become vocal to you (thanks for coming to my TEDtalk). Again, I get it a 100%, but really Disney etiquette and courtesy should be a thing. Maybe my next ebook?!
I basically had to crop all the way into EV to get ‘Gidget’ out of the picture…and her flailing arms.
For this reason alone, finding other amazing photospot opportunities will keep you from being stressed out and having unnecessary run-ins that could spoil your day. Although there was small interaction (which NEVER happens), I can tell you that going directly in front of the castle can often be free and clear and truly is a great way to get some amazing shots (particularly if you are a fan of the gazing longily that your kiddos can do).
Although I forgot to get a photo here, one great spot (if you are facing the castle) is to walk to the right of the castle, go up the ramp where the Merida show traditionally is and follow it back up the castle. To your left will be the Cinderella wishing well. It is beautiful here, there are so many intricacies on the fountation, you will still get a great side shot of the castle and during golden hour, it is breathtaking as you can get a photo of both the castle and some of mainstreet. I highly recommend taking a photo here as there is barely ever a lot of people. Plus, there is no where to linger so typically people get their photo and move on.
Keep following that ramp up and to your right is Sir Mickey’s where you can go inside and take advantage of their photoroom (similar to the one at Disney Springs).
I suggest doing this either first thing or if your kids are nap takers, after naptime. I did the castle photos first (it was incredibly hot) and then this and they were just a hot mess. Plus, you have to walk through the store to do this and already their heads were on swivels. Honestly, I do not see us taking advantage of this too much…maybe for birthdays!
Pass the castle to go down the opposite ramp towards Liberty Square (to your right the evil stepsisters hang out which is super cool since there is barely anyone ever over here), follow the ramp down and there is often several Photopass Photographers that are placed here and again barely any people. Liberty Square is a great place in general that has tons of really great hidden spots for pictures that are never saturated with people.
Again, while facing the front of the castle on either side there are columns (basically to the left and right side of the stage) that have overhangs (it looks like there are Cinderalla paintings on them made to look like banners). If you are near a parade time or fireworks, it is quite busy here and it is also shady (definitely a coveted area), so during peak this may not be the best place, but if you are lucky to snag an empty spot it is a great one for pictures that not a lot of people use, your kids will not be blinded by the sun, and again you can get some really beautiful shots during golden hour. I think this area is positively perfect!
The left column pictures look like the above
From the right side
Another sometimes busy area, but again worth it, is the oh so infamous hub grass. If it is not too busy, you can grab the fam and get some great shots here or even if you are solo or with a partner, use your tripod. It is a perfect spot to get pictures of the castle, the parade and/or even Casey’s Corner/Mainstreet behind you. We often will get lunch at Caseys Corner and just sit here for the views and to let the kids run around. The unfortunate circumstance of the hub grass area is that it is not shaded, so on those hot days I would go here as the sun is setting, but with enough time before the fireworks. People will park here about two hours before the fireworks begin so keep that in mind.
And of course there are the awesome Rapunzel bathrooms. I mean what is this anyway?! It is glorious, but strange, so strange and I miss the nightime lantern pictures. Obviously, with this being a bathroom area and lots of seating it can be a smidge busy back here, but people are constantly moving since #bathroom, but you should be able to get some really cute pictures back here.
Moving on…
Epcot is amazing for pictures….and honestly we could just leave it at that.
As I am sure you are aware, in Epcot there are sooooooo many secluded spots that you can take photos at. Some of my favorites that never seem overrun by people are Morocco (if your kids are in bright color clothing they come out beautiful against the neutral and jeweled tone colors of this area).
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is another fan favorite of our family. I love this area for the shaded trees when it is hot and the fact that you can just sit and watch the Skyliners or the boats from the Swan and Dolphin (with a cocktail is nice too). Again, pictures taken back here always come out beautiful.
Japan has a beautiful shaded area that is behind their fast-serve that is also great for picture taking and never seems to have a lot of people frequenting the area.
And of course it goes without saying, but in the back of England. There is a maze, often Mary Poppins and Alice can be found here and during specialty events there is live music, which can make it a little more busy. But, when these happenings are not going on, it is really secluded and you will be able to get some great photos of the kids playing (maybe the adults too) in the maze or just in the area altogether. Plus, you can take a break, wind down from the picture taking, let the kiddos run rampant in the maze and relax with a beer from Rose & Crown. Win:Win.
I will say that my Photopass goal for Flower and Garden was the specialty magicshots that involved Encanto and boy did they deliver! I suggest if there are magicshots that you want in specific parks to make a list of them (I am always forgetting to do this) and do not be afraid to ask for them as they will not always be automatic and some magicshots are in specific places, so asking is always worth it.
And on to Animal Kingdom…
Yes, you definitely want a shot in front of the Tree of Life, it is magnificient and there is normally a Photopass photographer all the way at the bottom and almost directly in front, so I suggest meandering down there and using one of them. However, there are some amazing off the grid Tree of Life shots you can get without all the people walking leisurely in and out of your photo. If you follow the ‘Its A Bugs Life’ exit you can actual wander a good distance around and up the tree and get shots like the one below. It is wonderful and there are so many ‘low’ carvings that you have plenty of awesome picture opportunities.
If you go behind the otter exhibit (following the path to Africa) there is another great Tree of Life picture that you can get.
In addition, to the left is beautiful foliage, waterfalls, the awesome water calvacades carrying the characters and steel band (which would make for awesome backdrop photos).
As you follow this path you can go underneath the tree where the waterfall is, but right before on the right there is a small alcove with some amazing animal carvings that are low, make for fantastic pictures and there is never anyone behind here. It is a hidden gem and PERFECT for no interference pictures. Plus, with no one ever really back here you can take your time getting the perfect shot and not feel rushed.
Also, there are GIANT tortoises back here…real ones at that lol.
Also, as you both walk in and out of the park underneath the tree that leads you into Animal Kingdom there is a rope bridge that is directly underneath. My kiddos love it…
It goes without saying that much like Epcot and Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios also has a bunch of hidden areas that make for amazing photos.
Grauman hand prints with kids for photos is always a good idea….
In pure Star Wars loving fashion, a lot of this is going to focus on Batuu so if you are not a Galaxys Edge or Star Wars fan, I get it. So feel free to just skip this part. To stay on target with the traditional shots, obviously there is the Millenium Falcon and the Imperial ship.
I have said it before and I will say it again that the Photopass Photographers in front of the Falcon are bar none. But if you are taking your own, the best way to get a shot of the Millenium is going to the right side of it where there are not a lot of people.
I also suggest waiting until the sun goes down because there is nothing better in my opinion than a lit up Galaxy’s Edge and for some reason when this occurs it is a ghost town around so the world will be your oyster when it comes to all the pictures you can take. There is often a line to the ride back here, but there are tons of fun little alcoves and hidden spots to get some great pictures and below the Falcon you can sometimes find Rey and Chewie. Just take your time here and explore.
There is a bevvy of amazing places to take advantage of, including; what appears to be a gigantic hanger next to the Imperial ship which is actually the exit for guests aboard the StarCruiser. With no one really in here, I was able to get some really great pictures of the kids, let them run around a little and cool down from the sweltering sun. I imagine if it rains, this is the place to be.
Right before Oga’s Cantina is this fun spot below. It is for Cast Members so try not to linger.
And you can never go wrong with all of the droids…
If you want to maximize the amazing photospots all over MGM at night, I highly suggest making an after hours Oga’s Cantina reservation and leisurely strolling out of the park while it is all closed up (but the lights will still be on), but not before taking in all of the nighttime lightsaber goodness transpiring by the Millenium Falcon. It is truly worth it and a sight to behold. During the stroll back I suggest walking the route of the Batuu ‘market’ and as you exit the market there is often an alcove (are we going to need an drinking game for everytime I say/write the word alcove) to the right that has a Photopass Photographer, but if not, it is a super great spot to take photos especially if you purchased a lightsaber. It is literally all the way to the right and basically a rockwall.
I just love taking the traditional and expected photos, but there is always something so special about taking photos in areas that are not the norm, but still come out so perfect and depictive of your trip and what you did while there.
Do you have favorite Disney photospots off the beaten path that are your must do’s when in the park?!
