Disney photo ops

Planning a trip to the happiest place on earth? Spending all that loot only to be surrounded by thousands of other sweaty people pushing and shoving for the best views and photos?! Have no fear, I have been in the hottest of times, and the busiest of times, and I KNOW how to get those memorable, crowdless photos.

First off I should say that you can buy the Disney photo package. I have done this in the past when my family was spending multiple days on property. I thought it was a pretty good bang for your buck, but still ended up taking some of the more artsy shots myself. Remember the photographers there are posted up in certain areas, and trained to snap and go. With the photo package you get all of your ride photos, which are hilarious and worth it, pictures taken with characters, and then any photo stop you see, you can snap a photo with a professional photographer. That doesn’t mean your back ground will not have strangers in it. It just means you are guaranteed a photo with your whole family.

Lets go park by park and talk about the spots I like to stop, drop, and snap.

Epcot.

If you want a picture with the ball, go later in the day. Not when the rush of people are flooding through the gates. You can stand on the edge of the fountain and get the ball in with no one in the back ground. Also there is a spot over by China in the world showcase where you can get a great view of the entire ball. I’ve also been able to time it right around the center of Epcot fountain to have few guests walking in the background.

My favorite spot in Epcot is the Spaceship earth wall, or bubblegum wall they are calling it now. It has it’s own instagram @bubblegumwallphotos and then the @blueberrywallphotos is just a few steps down. Its actually inside the ball like where you would exit the ride.

There are a few new popular walls now at Disneyworld Orlando that I will make sure and hit up next visit. The @rosegoldwall by the entrance to Mission Space, and the @toothpastewall over as you exit the seas with Nemo and Friends.

Animal Kingdom

The uninterrupted Tree of Life picture is over a little ways I believe as you loop around to your left. There will be a parting of the trees, and a clear opening to the tree of life. On your way to ride Expedition Everest you can get an awesome picture with Mt. Everest in the background. There is usually a Disney photographer posted up here, but even if there is they won’t mind you taking a picture with your own camera. I also love to snap some colorful pictures over in Dino land, keeping my Disney photo roll whimsical, and less earthy. And of course, lots of great photo ops on safari.

Avatar is a whole new world, and there are many different sides of buildings or wild plant spots to snap without crowds in your background.

The Magic Kingdom.

Some might say this is the toughest park because it is definitely the busiest, BUT I have my spots!!! The first place I go to get my Disney ootd (outfit of the day) shot is the purple wall. I know I know, most people see the castle and are mesmerized and feel the need to grab that epic Disney shot. But that’s exactly why I don’t go there first. The purple wall is close to the entrance and it’s not the first place most people go, so it will be a great spot to get that first snap before you are all sweaty or kids are cranky, just sayin. Right next to the bathrooms, after the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant on the wall leading to the Monsters Inc laugh floor is the purple wall. The most perfect shade and lighting in this spot. I just love it! @purplewallphotos

This princess carriage was rented from a company called @fantasystrollers. They are not affiliated with Disney, and you have to contact them separately and also pick up your stroller outside of the park. We’ve done it twice now because its so fun!

I like photos on the classic rides. The teacups, the carousel, and the dumbos. Since they have updated the dumbos they give you the perfect photo op. A stationary elephant just for snapping pics!! The dumbo ride is one of my favorites in general because it’s a place to cool off while you wait on your turn. (more of these nuggets in my tips and tricks post).

Castle photos. I have three favorite spots. My most favorite, and guaranteed without a crowd is along the left side of the castle towards Adventureland. If you’re coming from the Prince Charming carousel, take the path around the castle instead of through it. Head towards sleepy hollow refreshments and there are several nooks where you can snap a shot like this.

Mid day, or around sunset I’ve also headed directly up to the castle. Being so close that no one could really walk behind. You won’t be able to get the whole castle, but it makes a pretty picture. Especially at golden hour.

The last spot is Hub grass near Main Street. It’s like a garden of artificial grass and never busy. You can see the entire castle in the background, and if you need a second to escape the busyness, grab a Starbucks or an ice cream treat and relax here.

A new to me spot is Cinderella’s wishing well to the right of the castle. Ive never taken a picture here, but I can see how magical it could be!! Next time for sure!

Hollywood Studios

This is the park I’ve been to the least. By least, I’ve still been there about 6 or 7 times, but I have not yet been there with the complete toystory world or the new Star Wars area. I’ve always like to grab a photo down sunset blvd with the palm trees lining the street, and the tower of terror in the back ground, but I don’t know that I’ve even successfully gotten a crowd free shot. I also like photos over by the muppet theater with the faux buildings and pretty fountain.

This year I’m excited for the popsicle stick wall in Andy’s backyard. It is located in the exit queue for Toy Story Mania, right across f rom the checkerboard wall. Again, it has it’s own ig handle @thepopsiclestickwall also check out #toystorylandluxoball and @toystorylandcheckerboardwall. And of course the entire Star Wars world is going to blow my mind. I am a huge Star Wars fanatic so follow me on instagram @madeoverbymandy come April 4th, and you can see all of it’s glory!!!

Character Photos

The best way to get character photos without waiting in a long line is to use a fast pass, or book a character meal. If you book a meal you can check most of the princesses off your list in one swoop. Except Elsa and Anna, they are at Epcot. We’ve always been able to walk right in to seeing them there, and I’m going to tell you how. We typically don’t use a fast pass for the Frozen ride at Epcot. We like to stay at Disney’s Yacht club, which gives you access to the back entrance of Epcot. It’s so nice, you walk straight from your hotel to the park without even having to get on a bus. It’s my favorite hotel by far!! Anyways, when the gates open we book it straight to the Frozen ride, putting us towards the front of the line. Right after the ride is over we head next door to meet Elsa and Anna. Since most people are in line for rides at this point, there is rarely a long wait. If you really want to knock it all out, have a lunch or breakfast booked at Akershus right in that area. There you will see Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, and Ariel. Sometimes the princesses switch out and you will see Aurora or Mulan instead, but you are guaranteed 4-5 princesses.

If your child is dead set on meeting Mickey or Minnie. I suggest using a fast pass. The only way I’d wait in a character line is if it was raining out. There are several character meet ups in the magic kingdom that are indoors and air-conditioned. Disney Junior characters can be seen dining in Hollywood studios, Winnie the Pooh at the Crystal Palace meal in the Magic Kingdom, and of course Toystory and Starwars over in their worlds at Hollywood studios.

Mickey shaped food always makes for a good photo op, or Disneyworld starbucks. It’s all just so much more magical there. Turn your camera on portrait mode, hold that sucker up with the castle blurred behind, and you're sure to have a smile on your face!

Balloons…Have you seen the vendors holding the handful of beautiful Disney Balloons? At WDW if they aren’t too busy, they will let you pose with them. You have to get just the right angle to keep the cast member out, but it definitely makes for a cute shot. Also, if you buy one of the very adorable, very overpriced balloons, know that the Orlando airport will deflate it for you so you can keep it and travel home with it. Just re blow it up when you get home.