Welcome to this month’s Blogorail Red Loop. Today we are sharing the best photo spots at Disney – both inside the parks, and our favorite photos outside the parks!
We all know that there are countless opportunities to take magical photographs in each of the four Walt Disney World parks. Character interactions, Cinderella Castle, live animals on a savanna, reactions to spectacular parade floats, your children enjoying a Mickey bar as it melts all over their faces – in this era of digital and cell phone photography, you won’t be coming home without a plethora of captured memories.
What often gets overlooked, though, is the opportunity for amazing photos – and memories – outside the parks! I could probably just tell you to go to any and every resort, and you would be able to find beautiful options. Here are some (slightly) more specific places you should check out for your next family portraits, engagement pictures, or just some fun pictures of your kids taking in the magic that is abundant in all areas of the Walt Disney World resort.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
The colors at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge make for some really amazing portraits. You also can’t go wrong with the landscaping out along the savannas… and you may just get a giraffe in your family photo!
The colors at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge make for some really amazing portraits. You also can’t go wrong with the landscaping out along the savannas… and you may just get a giraffe in your family photo!
Art of Animation Resort
Whether you prefer to visit under the sea with Ariel, sing Hakuna Matata with Timon and Pumbaa, or stop for a breather in Radiator Springs, the Art of Animation Resort is so, so much fun for pictures of the kids – or the whole family!
If you prefer a different theme, larger-than-life icons are also available and super fun to photograph at each of the Value Resorts (Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, and All-Star Movies Resorts).
Beach & Yacht Club Resorts
The colors of the Boardwalk, Beach Club, and Yacht Club Resorts are especially stunning in the early and late hours of the day, but this area is one of our favorites no matter the time! The materials inside and throughout the Beach Club make excellent portrait backdrops.
When you find lush places like this one – located throughout most of the resort properties – you can get photographs that nobody will necessarily even know were taken at Walt Disney World. You’ll always know, though, and that will make them extra special.
Boardwalk (the Inn/Villas as well as the whole area)
The Boardwalk itself is a favorite spot for many photographers. There are so many wonderful colors and elements you can include in your photos!
Also along the Boardwalk, you can capture great memories with the picturesque Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in the background.
Coronado Springs Resort
Lots of people have their favorite moderate resort, and for the sake of full disclosure, this is the only one I’ve actually never stayed at. We have been to visit many times though, because it’s so beautiful! I especially love the fountains and courtyards for photos.
Disney Springs
“Downtown Disney” always had must-do photo locations for us, but those were always more about nostalgia and whimsy. Now, however, it is a legitimately gorgeous location for your shoot – especially the Town Center and Springs Overlook areas!
Epcot’s International Gateway
I realize this could have been lumped in with the Boardwalk Area, but I think it’s different. The International Gateway, headed into Epcot from the Beach Club Villas, gives you a really beautiful canal backdrop. The area is also spacious enough for groups, and always beautifully manicured.
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
All throughout the beautiful, sprawling grounds at the Grand Floridian Resort property are locations just perfect for photographs. Whether you opt for the grounds or the breathtaking lobbies though, you can’t go wrong!
Polynesian Village Resort
The entire Polynesian Village Resort exterior screams to be photographed. Lush greens, dark woods, tiki culture (done in a classy way)… it’s almost like being in Hawaii for a photoshoot. Almost.
Saratoga Springs
One of the reasons we love Saratoga Springs is for the upscale feel and, for lack of a better description, the materials used throughout the resort. Marble and granite, beautiful woods, large lakes, and fountains, make this perhaps the most overlooked area for family portraits.
BONUS!
Don’t forget about the beaches. Obviously beach photography is a popular choice for families, and for good reason. You can find beautiful beaches on which to take pictures at several of the resort hotels, including: Beach Club, Caribbean Beach, Contemporary, Coronado Springs, Dolphin, Fort Wilderness, Grand Floridian, Old Key West, Polynesian Village, Swan, and Yacht Club.
I know I’ve left off some of your favorites. Where do you like to take a few portraits when you’re at Walt Disney World?
Headed to Walt Disney World? Pin the list for later, and don’t forget your camera! 🙂
check out the other great posts from the Blogorail!
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Red | Best Disney Photo Spots Loop:
- 1st Stop – Disney Mamas | Favorite Disney Photo Spots ~ Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland
- 2nd Stop – Disney in Your Day | Best Spots for Character Photos at Disney World
- 3rd Stop – The Delightful Life | YOU ARE HERE 🙂
Becky @ Disney in your Day
So many of the resorts are beautiful! We did anniversary photos at Art of Animation and they were so fun.
Lin
I absolutely love photographing the resorts, especially during the holidays when the trees are up and decorated. We have some of our favorite family photos from Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge. I am super excited to see what Disney Springs has to offer now that it is ready!