There Are 4 Secrets Spots at Disney World That Will Give You the Best Family Photos
There are plenty of factors to consider when planning your Walt Disney World vacation — like where to stay, what to eat and which parks to visit on any given day — but thinking ahead about your photos is one aspect that should absolutely be a part of this process. After all, it's the best way to capture your memories from the trip and have something to look back on when you return home. Whether you're looking to share them right away with friends and family or frame them to look at for years to come, there are ways to ensure you get the best possible snapshots.
Good Housekeeping recently interviewed Jeff Harmon, Manager of Marketing, Communications, and Sales with Disney PhotoPass. After 15 years of working at Disney, Jeff has learned a thing or two about how to take the best photos when visiting the parks. Here, we break down the top 10 tips and tricks to make sure you get the best possible pictures — some of which surprised even frequent Walt Disney World visitors.
1. Find hidden spots for unobstructed backgrounds
It may be tempting to take your photo with the iconic backdrops as soon as you enter the parks, but you'll get a shot without crowds in the background if you approach them from a different angle. Here are four of the "hidden gems" that Harmon and his team recommend at each park, so you can get a frame-worthy photo wherever you are at Walt Disney World.
2. Visit Disney's photo studios
This service is lesser known at Walt Disney World yet one of the funnest experiences you can do. There's no reservation required, no long lines, and no charge for the session itself.
The Royal Portrait Studio inside of Sir Mickey's at Magic Kingdom Park (located right behind Cinderella Castle) has backdrops and props, plus you can use Magic Shots to enhance your images. Outside the parks, Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs has unique virtual backdrops and classic portrait backdrops. The virtual backdrops change throughout your session and can include images like theme parks or favorite movies.
3. Take advantage of Magic Shots
These enhancements add characters and other fun surprises into your photos. There are more than 70 classic Magic Shots available year round, along with seasonal options depending on festivals, holidays or other events. While your PhotoPass photographer may surprise you with a Magic Shot, you can also ask them which ones are available at their location.
4. Don't be shy around your photographer
Harmon stresses that the PhotoPass photographers are their best assets. Each photographer undergoes extensive training, knowing that every guest may have different wants and needs for their specific photos. If you have something specific in mind, speak up and ask!
5. Think about how you'll use the photos
There's a notable difference between a candid shot that's posted on social media and a posed photo that'll get enlarged and framed. It's a matter of personal preference, but it's important to think about whether you want all of your photos to be smiling at the camera or whether you want any fun poses or action shots to add more personality. This also comes into play when you're meeting the characters — some of the best photos are the big hugs.
6. Prioritize "golden hours" for photos
The PhotoPass photographer cameras are all professional quality with settings that adjust as the light changes throughout the day. That being said, the best photos are taken as close as possible to dusk or dawn. So if there's a special shot you want to take, try to capture it in the mornings or early evenings.
7. Put your bags down
Even if there's a line (which usually goes by pretty quickly!), don't feel rushed to jump in and out of the shot as fast as possible. If you carry bags and accessories throughout the parks, place them by your PhotoPass photographer for a less-cluttered photo.
8. Consider a Capture Your Moment session
Did you know you can have a personalized photo session within the parks? This service is ideal for special occasions or family photos and can be taken at select locations throughout all four theme parks. Each session is 20-minutes long, can accommodate up to eight guests, and costs $79. We recommend booking as quickly as possible because there are limited spots available.
9. Look for themed props from favorite movies
Disney's all about storytelling, and one way they layer this into guest photos is by adding unique props that make it look like you're right in the films. Two popular options are Rapunzel's "Tangled" lantern in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park and Mace Windu's lightsaber in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
10. Follow Disney PhotoPass on social media
Disney PhotoPass has its own handle on all social platforms — separate from other Disney park accounts — where you can get inspiration and first access to new offerings. Harmon says they stay up-to-date with all the latest and greatest available shots and any changes, so it's a great resource to check before your trip.
How to buy your Walt Disney World photos
When it comes to purchasing the images from Disney PhotoPass, there are plenty of options to maximize your value. If you prefer to buy just a single photo, it costs $16.95 per download. If you're going to want multiple images, it's worth investing in a Memory Maker package. You get unlimited photo downloads, and it costs $69 for one day or $169 for your entire vacation if you purchase it in advance (the price goes up to $199 if you wait to buy).
Memory Maker includes all the photos you take with PhotoPass photographers (including ones at the portrait studios) along with onboard ride shots from 14 popular attractions. You can also purchase photo prints and gifts from your Disney account. Regardless of which package you choose, your Walt Disney World memories will be timeless with your new insider knowledge that'll have you taking the best possible photos during your visit.
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