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Top 10 Photo Spots At Walt Disney World

A camera is a must-bring item for any Walt Disney World vacation. There are so many great places to take pictures that you will be surprised by the final number that you end up with. Disney has taken some of the work out of the process with the Memory Maker system. At some of the special spots they will have photographers ready to take that perfect picture for you. If you see a Disney photographer, that’s a good sign that it’s a nice picture spot. Some people love Memory Maker because they can get the perfect picture without dragging around a heavy camera. Others don’t want to pay the extra expense. If you want the picture with your own camera ask the photographer to take it for you. Most will happily oblige, although occasionally you might find someone who won’t. If that’s the case, ask another guest or cast member to take it for you.

For some of the places on this list you’ll want to be in the picture. Others are just beautiful shots that you’ll be happy to have to remember your vacation by. I’ve purposely stayed away from the resort hotels on this list because then a Top 1,000 list would not be able to cover everything. With one exception these shots are all in the four main theme parks. I’ve also stayed away from the water parks because many guests don’t want to risk water damage to their cameras or phones. You also won’t see characters included here, everyone knows that character pictures are a Walt Disney World must.

What is arguably the best picture spot in all of Walt Disney World also did not make this list because it is a not an easy picture to get. For an incredible shot of Cinderella Castle make a reservation at the California Grill (located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort). The outside platform will give you an unbelievable view. Try to make your reservation near Happily Ever After for shots that you’ll still be amazed by in years to come.

10) Liberty Bell

Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom

There are several great spots for pictures in Liberty Square. One that many people rush by is a replica of the Liberty Bell. It is more than a copy of the original in Philadelphia. In 1976 there were 50 copies of the Liberty Bell made to celebrate America’s bicentennial. One was given to each state. Since Pennsylvania has the real Liberty Bell, the state donated its copy to Disney. It has been in Liberty Square since July 4, 1989. What makes the Liberty Bell such a great photo opportunity is the fact that most Disney guests do not even notice it. That means that you will be able to get fairly close to take a picture that you’ll be proud of.

9) LEGO Imagination Center Statues

Disney Springs

This is the one entry on this list that is not located in one of the four theme parks. Once you take a look at the LEGO statues and you’ll understand why. The statues change from time to time so you’ll want to spot by each trip that you take to Florida. You’ll be amazed by what they can do with LEGOS! The area gets quite crowded, especially later in the day, so if you want to get some great shots you might want to arrive early, especially if you want to be in the pictures. The statues are outside so the store does not need to be open. Make sure you look towards the water and have your camera ready for a favorite picture spot from many Disney vacations.

8) Canadian Gardens

Canada Pavilion, Epcot

You’re going to want to have your camera ready for special shots in all of the World Showcase countries. In the Canada Pavilion you will want to take many pictures of the gardens. They are incredible. There’s a 30 foot waterfall that you’re sure that want a photo of. You’ll also be happy if you snap some shots of the totem pole. Different Canadian influences are included in the pavilion and you’ll want to take your time exploring all of them. You might decide to be in some of the pictures yourself, while others you will want for the shear beauty of the area.

 

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7) Magic Kingdom Entrance

Magic Kingdom

Too many people are in such a rush to hit the rides when they arrive at the Magic Kingdom that they dash right past a perfect photo spot. Once you go through the turnstiles there’s a giant garden with Mickey’s smiling face. The train station is over it. Take a moment and pull out your camera. It’s a fantastic spot for a family picture or you might want to take it just to enjoy the display once you return home. Take a couple of pictures so that you can really get a feel for the atmosphere. When you look at the photos later you’ll feel like Mickey is welcoming you to the Magic Kingdom all over again.

6) Larger Than Life Rides

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Chances are that you’ll return home from your vacation with plenty of pictures of the attractions. If you want some great contradicting photos you’ll need to take plenty at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are three rides in particular at DHS that you’ll want to take pictures of. The first is The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Try taking the picture from several places along Sunset Boulevard. If you want a less crowded picture of the structure take it from outside the park. You can clearly see it as you approach the turnstiles and there will be fewer people in the shot. The second ride is not too far away. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith has an entrance that you’ll want to photograph from several different angles. Stand right under the limo for a unique shot, and don’t forget to take a picture of the guitar! The third ride, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, is located on Echo Lake. Where else can you take a picture of a giant piece of movie history? You don’t need to be a huge Star Wars fan to realize that a shot of the AT-AT is important. You’ll want to check the times for the Jedi Training Academy in order to get the perfect shot, the area gets quite crowded when the show is going on. It’s a great end of the day photo because there is a lot less traffic after some of the park performances are over for the day.

5) Pandora – World of Avatar

Animal Kingdom Theme Park

If you’ve had a chance to visit Animal Kingdom’s newest land, Pandora – The World of Avatar, chances are you were impressed with its sheer beauty! You were likely rushing to one of the two attractions held in this land known as Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. If you have a moment to stop and explore Pandora’s setting (the Valley of Mo’ara), you might want to look up at the unbelievable floating mountains. Get this – there are 22 floating mountains in total! Plus, look around at the lush landscape and be in awe of the 250 varieties of living plants that are integrated with Pandoran plants. Just amazing with endless photo opps!

4) Torii Gate

Japan Pavilion, Epcot

This is one of those places where you have an opportunity to grab a picture that will wow everyone who see it. Located in the Japan Pavilion on World Showcase Lagoon is a simple red gate. It’s too easy to walk right by. What is special about this photo opportunity is that you can get a great shot of Spaceship Earth in the background. Try shots from several different angles to get different perspectives. Take a picture or two with your family in it and then snap a couple more of the gate itself. It’s easy to get great pictures of this beautiful structure.

3) Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Asia, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

There is something about Expedition Everest that is simply beautiful. You’ll want to snap several photos of it while you’re visiting Animal Kingdom. There is an outdoor waiting area near the ride’s exit that provides some great views. It’s not too difficult to time your picture as the train speeds down the drop. You’ll have seen it go up the track already, watch for a couple of cycles so you’ll know when the best time to take the picture is. Although further away, the bridge between Asia and Discovery Island also offers a nice view of the “forbidden mountain”. If you’re heading on the ride itself make sure you take a few atmosphere shots, Disney Imagineers really went all out with the theme. The mountain looms over much of the park so you might want to photograph it from several places, including the parking lot.

2) Partners Statue

End of Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Kingdom

One of the most famous quotes from Walt Disney is “I only hope that we don’t lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.” The Partners Statue depicts that perfectly. Walt Disney and his friend Mickey Mouse stand hand in hand, almost welcoming guests to their creation. It is one of the most photographed places at Walt Disney World, for good reason. Head to the end of Main Street, U.S.A., towards Cinderella Castle, to the grassy plaza area. There you’ll find the statue. A PhotoPass photographer is usually on hand to capture the perfect shot with you and your party. The statue is also something that you might want to have a picture of by itself. Don’t try to get a picture around parade time or near the nightly fireworks, the area will be packed.

1) Park Icons

In the Parks

No photo album from a Disney vacation is complete without pictures of the three park icons. At the Magic Kingdom you can get plenty of great shots of Cinderella Castle as you walk down Main Street, U.S.A. The problem is that you’ll most likely end up with lots of other guests in the pictures. Take a picture instead from near the Crystal Palace. You’ll have a direct view with less people in the way. Another great place to get a picture of Cinderella Castle is from the Main Street, U.S.A. station of the Walt Disney World Railroad. Nighttime photos of the castle are also a must. Over at Epcot there are many great places to get pictures of Spaceship Earth. You might want to start while you are in the parking lot, approaching the park. One great place inside is past the Fountain of Nations. You can get both the icon and the dancing fountain in your picture if you time it right. When you’re at Disney’s Animal Kingdom you’ll want to take a picture or two of the Tree of Life after you pass the Oasis. You will also want to take some pictures up close, the queue line for It’s Tough to Be a Bug gives you great opportunities for shots of the incredible carvings.

About PaulaK

I grew up in Western Massachusetts. When I was nine my family went to Disneyland and I was hooked. I grew up, attended New England College in Henniker, NH and eventually moved to Virginia. I worked as a disc jockey, married and became a full time mom when our daughter was born. Fast forward several years. In 2010 we moved to Central Florida and my Disney obsession grew. I now work as a freelance writer and spend my spare time in the parks. Under the name Paula Brown I penned the novels Dream Wanderers and The Coffee Cruiser. I also am a co-author of Dining at Walt Disney World: The Definitive Guide. I'm obsessed with Star Wars, so this is a good time to live in Central Florida. I've been a vegetarian for well over a decade, a choice that my daughter eventually made as well. While my husband still hasn't joined us fully he has given up most meats except for seafood. I was relieved to find that vegetarian dining is not difficult at Walt Disney World.