Do you really go to Disney if you don’t have the pictures to prove it? There are so many different photo opportunities for you to choose from. You have characters, iconic walls, buildings, and so much more! This week I’m going to tell you about some of my favorite spots around the park.
The Basics
Billions of people have visited Walt Disney World since it has opened in 1971. People come from around the world to experience the magic that Disney World has to offer. Walt Disney Imagineers spent countless hours designing and building lands that provide unique themes that tell different stories for their guests to experience. Within these lands you will be able to tell stories of your own.
Photo Shoot Around the Kingdom
To get the best pictures, especially on Main Street, you should arrive at the parks as soon as possible. When you arrive early at the Magic Kingdom there is a chance you’ll be able to get into the parks before the “official” opening time. Occasionally, Cast Members will open Main Street early to guests waiting to see the welcome parade. By arriving early you will be able to it both Main Street and the Hub while battling smaller crowds of people for the best picture spots.
The best way to take as many pictures as possible is to plan out your photo path. All of the lands are connected to one another by the central Hub. I recommend starting at one end and working your way to the other. You should prioritize where you’d like to get the best pictures because those are the lands you’ll want to get to first then you’ll be able to follow
the lands around in order as they go.
As you walk around the parks, you’ll notice Disney has photographers placed at some of the most popular pictures destinations. But don’t let them fool you, you’ll still be able to take as many of your own pictures as possible. You should also take pictures before you enter the park. The first thing you see upon passing the gates is a beautiful flower bed under Main Street Station.
Main Street U.S.A
The first land you arrive in is Main Street U.S.A.. Themed after Walt’s own hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street will take you back in time to the 20th century. The best pictures to take on Main Street are in front of different buildings. Two of my favorite spots to take pictures are at Main Street Station with the train and in front of the Fire Station. Next, you’ll want to stop into the Confectionery to take picture with all the sweet treats you imagine. You should venture down the side street next to Uptown Jewelry to avoid crowd while getting some really cool shots. All down Main Street you’ll have great views of the Castle to take pictures as well.
At the end of Main Street you will enter the Hub. There you will be able to take a picture in front of the “Partners” statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. The Hub is also home to Cinderella’s Castle. Contrary to popular belief, the best place to take a picture is not directly in front of the castle, instead you should angle yourself off to the side.
Tomorrowland
Entering Tomorrowland over the bridge you can stop halfway to have a great angle to the Castle. Located along the walking path of Tomorrowland Plaza, you’ll find the famous Purple Wall and the Galactic Purple Wall. This wall has become so popular that it has its own Instagram Account, hashtag, and merchandise designed after it.
Fantasyland
Fantasyland is home to some of the most iconic rides such as Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, it’s a small world, and the Royal Carousel. This is also the largest land at the Magic Kingdom, so it is broken down into smaller “min-lands” themed after some of Disney’s classic and iconic princess movies.
Hidden behind the Castle off to the right, is the wishing well from Cinderella. You’ll not one get a good view of the Castle from here but also Tomorrowland. In this area you’ll also find a fountain of Cinderella right outside the shops. Fairy Godmother is also known to make a surprise appearance from time to time.
Just past Peter Pan’s Flight and it’s a small world, you’ll find a small village like area designed after the movie Tangled. This area is actually designed around some of the best bathrooms in the park. Featured is Rapunzel's Tower and a small waterfall with floating lanterns all around. You’ll be able to take great pictures during the day, but at night you can take a picture with a lantern. In addition to Cinderella and Rapunzel, you will also be able to take pictures in front of areas themed after The Little Mermaid and Belle.
If you’re looking for a place with a lot of color, Storybook Circus is the place for you. Dumbo the Flying Elephant is located in this section of Fantasyland. This is one of two rides that are the easiest to take pictures on. The second being the Mad Tea Party.
Liberty Square
Crossing over into Liberty Square is like stepping back to the Revolutionary War Era. There are not many rides in this part of the park but there are photo opportunities. You can simply pose in front of the different buildings, take a picture by their replica Liberty Bell, or you can grab a ride on the Liberty Bell Riverboat to get some cool pictures. The one ride that resides in this area of the park is The Haunted Mansion. You’ll be able to take pictures both before you enter the ride and while waiting in line.
Frontierland
In Frontierland, you’ll be thrown back into the wild, wild west. Here you’ll find more rides such as Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. Full of warm colors and wood accents you can pose in front of one of the rides or take a picture on the long wood porches. You can also take the Riverboat over to Tom Sawyer’s Island to take picture while you explore the different trails and bridges.
Adventureland
The last official land the Magic Kingdom has to offer. Some of the coolest photo locations lie here. You can venture through the Swiss Robinson Family Tree House, here you’ll get a great view of the whole park from the top. You can explore the Bazaars from Aladdin and the area outside the Pirates of the Caribbean. There are plenty of shops in these areas for different props such as telescopes, gems, jewels, and swords.
Here ends my breakdown of the Magic Kingdom’s best photo sights. These are just a couple of examples of different picture locations throughout the park. There are many, many more.
Remember, if you are looking for the best photo spots, just look for the Disney Photographers. They’re always more than willing to take as many photos as you’d like and they are able to add special effects to some shots. You should also consider purchasing the photopass so you will be able to edit and print all the pictures Cast Members take.