When you go to Disney World, you want to come back with some of the most magical photos and believe me, you will. But that doesn’t mean you want all the same photos… I mean, everyone gets a shot in front of the castle, but does everyone get a shot of the sun setting behind it?! Or the Rapunzel lanterns lit up at night? There are definitely a few pictures you must have at Disney.
I’m a picture gal. While I don’t always print them out, I just like to have them. Every time I clear them off my phone, it’s around 3000 photos. While we were at WDW this time, I took over 2500 on my phone in those 6ish days! But next time, I’m hoping to have more focused photo-taking. Or maybe more strategic. Which is why I created this first shot list. I remember at my wedding, the photographer asked us if there were shots we wanted and anytime I worked on a styled shoot, we had a shot list to make sure we got what we needed.
Disney is no exception. Because I know that for some it’s a once in a lifetime trip, I decided to make a shot list that included everything one should hit on their first trip! So here’s my Disney Magical Shot List. Not all involve a Photo Pass photographer, but some do. You can always ask the photographer to take a photo with your phone too after you pose for them! Make sure to check out my tips for a great trip at Disney too!
Cinderella’s Castle.
Get your magical main street castle shot, but don’t just get a shot in FRONT of the castle… Take one from both sides, every closeness, and take your own! My favorite spot is to the right (when looking at the castle) while waiting in line for Merida as the sun sets. It’s GORGEOUS!
Watching a Parade.
Take shots of your shoes, yourselves, and the characters. I love taking photos of my kids sneakily to get their honest reactions. Just stick the phone out in front of them and snap that pic when their favorite character is riding by. Festival of Fantasy might be my most favorite parade ever – so many things to look at and great music!
Eating Mickey Shaped Treats.
There’s SO MANY MICKEYS around the park. Hidden and in plain sight. But the best ones might be those you can eat. Grab a mickey ice cream, donut, or macaroon and take a photo biting it, holding it, or with an iconic statue or castle in the background. Food is a huge part of vacations and these small moments are super memorable.
Holding the Balloons.
Did you know you can ask to hold the balloons on Main Street?! You sure can. And it’s another one of those must have disney pictures! So ask if you can get a picture. These turn out really cute. I also like it when they hold them behind you as a backdrop so it’s all balloons around you!
Rapunzel’s Sitting Area.
This area is great during the day as you feel like you are at the Lost Princess’s Festival with Rapunzel herself. The banners, lights and music are the best. BUT if you go back at night, you can get your photo taken with the glowing lanterns which is just about the most magical photo ever.
The Wishing Well.
Funny this is on my list and we’ve yet to hit it. However, throw a penny in with a wish and maybe someday your prince will come. But seriously, it’s a beautiful shot for kids and adults alike.
Epcot’s World Showcase.
My favorite spots here are Canada, the UK, and France. While all the countries allow for amazing photo-ops, those seem to be the most lush. Grab a photo in the gardens or in front of the Eiffel Tower. You are sure to love this spot.
With a Disney Starbucks Cup.
Because why not?! And we all know we love coffee. Yes, the line is always long here, but you could grab a spot for the parade and then go wait in line before it starts. Plus, the cups are so cute! Take a cheers photo or with the castle blurred in the background.
The Main Street Train Station.
This is an underutilized spot. We popped up here on our way out one night and could have spent a lot more time there. Plus, the view is beautiful. I really wish i had asked someone to take our picture hanging over the balcony. Next time. But you should really do this.
Prince Charming’s Carousel.
We are a carousel loving family so we are always riding them. But this one is special. The colors really pop and where else can you all ride a carousel together and not feel weird? Perfect for family fun and a family shot.
Spinning on the Teacups.
A classic you cannot miss. Make sure to take pictures before, during, and after. This one is fun for all ages. And if you miss others, make sure to get this one — it’s one of the BEST must have Disney pictures to look back on!
The Floating Mountains at Pandora.
A new favorite spot while at Animal Kingdom, the photo-ops here are endless. Grab a pic in front of the waterfall, the moss wall, the mountains, the drum show area… really anywhere in the Pandora area makes for beautiful natural light photos with vibrant plant life in the background.
The Sword in the Stone.
This is a fun spot for the whole family too and the last must have Disney pictures for this round! Will you be able to pull the sword from the stone? It’s been said to come out for some… Take a try and take a shot while doing it! Who knows… maybe you’ll see Merlin too!
That’s my suggestions for the first time! While we still haven’t hit all these, I do hope to make sure to get them next time. I will definitely have my shot list with me on our next trip so I don’t miss these Disney must have pictures!
Side note:
We always get the Memory Maker so that I don’t have to take my own camera. The memory maker is $199 and gives you access to each and every photo taken by a Photo Pass photographer in the parks. I think we had over 300 taken this way. That includes characters too, but still 300 photos in 6ish days seems like a lot to me! But we took advantage… One night on our way out, we waited at every line for every photographer on main street. Next time we will that early because the kids just wanted to go home, but my point is that the Memory Maker allows you to take as many photos as you want and get them all. I think they run like $17 per photo if you don’t have it too. Yikes!
Have a Magical Day!
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