"Say, Mickey!"
A trip to Walt Disney World is unlike anything else, and what better way to remember it than taking tons of photos! With four parks, there are lots of epic PhotoPass stops for your family portraits. We love looking back at our past photos, and even recreating them to show how much Tad and Lily have grown.
PhotoPass photographers make it so easy to get family photos. These cast members are stationed throughout the resort and are more than hoppy to capture these memories. Each park's icon (Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, Tree of Life and the Hollywood Tower Hotel) will have photographers stationed nearly the entire day, along with other fun spots throughout the parks. Some spots consistently have photographers, while others we hoppen upon randomly. Whenever we see a short line, we do a quick detour because you can never have too many photos!
We've compiled a list of our go-to PhotoPass stops (which are also the ones most likely to have a PhotoPass photographer stationed throughout the day). We hope these spots inspire you to take some magical photos on your trip!
PhotoPass Stops at Walt Disney World
There are so many PhotoPass photographers throughout Walt Disney World, which allows your whole frog family to be in the photo! Some locations vary, while the more popular places are almost guaranteed to have a photographer. The photographers now wear green shirts so be sure to keep an eye out. You can also check PhotoPass locations in the My Disney Experience app.
While anyone can have photos taken and linked to your account, you'll have to pay for either digital downloads or physical prints. Disney PhotoPass offers a service called Memory Maker, which allows for unlimited digital downloads. Memory Maker can be purchased for a day at $75 or your entire trip (valid for 30 days) at $210 — and you can save money by purchasing at least three days in advance at $185. Annual passholders can add-on Memory Maker (valid for one year) to their pass for $99. Check out our full PhotoPass guide for our tips and tricks!
Now, let's hop to it!
Magic Kingdom PhotoPass Locations
In Front of Cinderella Castle
We had to, OK? Nothing says "I went to Disney World" like a photo in front of Cinderella Castle! Disney knows this and always has multiple photographers throughout Main Street U.S.A. and the castle hub area to capture this iconic shot (holiday card worthy, anyone?). Sometimes lines can get long, especially for the first photographer that people see, so we recommend just hopping to the next one.
For the best PhotoPass stops, head to the Partners statue for the closest photo. Sometimes there are multiple photographers for a quick wait. Keep an eye out for photographers on the edges of the hub circle or even in the grassy area for another great photo opportunity.
On the Sides of Cinderella Castle
You can never have too many castle photos, and wouldn't you love a photo with no one else in the background? While Main Street provides the classic straight-on shot, you'll always have to deal with lots of people in the background of the photo. For another option, head to the Liberty Square bridge on the left, or the Fantasyland or Tomorrowland bridge to the right. We find these spots toadally worth it. There will often be photographers stationed there — the Liberty Square side especially offers a great angle, and is perfect for a royal portrait!
Tangled Lanterns
This one is extra special because it only hoppens at night. You get to hold one of the lanterns from "Tangled!" Occurring most nights at the "Tangled"-themed restroom area in Fantasyland, the backdrop of the hanging lanterns makes for a truly magical portrait. Keep in mind that this photo is typically available every night, but the time of year, weather and special events may affect it.
EPCOT PhotoPass Locations
Spaceship Earth
Another classic park icon you won't want to miss! This is another must-do PhotoPass stop to say "I went to Disney World!" There's almost always a photographer stationed in the courtyard to help capture this larger-than-life photo. Not just a fun photo-op by the entrance, you can also get a photo taken in the new World Celebration Gardens for another great angle of Spaceship Earth. With the park's beautiful new projections, the "EPCOT ball" at night has never looked better. Be sure to get a photo once it gets dark for a great contrast.
Around World Showcase
As you make your way through World Showcase, keep an eye out for PhotoPass stops. I always love the unique photos we can get in the different countries. You can go from the columns of Italy to the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Speaking of France, there are some exciting new photo opportunities by Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. Since there's almost always a festival going on at EPCOT, sometimes the photographers will even have fun, seasonal props.
Disney's Hollywood Studios PhotoPass Locations
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Time to make our way to a galaxy far, far away! We could spend a whole day getting photos taken in Batuu, as the world-building is just incredible. There's almost always a photographer stationed by the Millennium Falcon, along with various PhotoPass stops inside the land. Definitely have fun with poses, and have those lightsabers ready for action shots! Make sure to come back at night for even more incredible photos.
Toy Story Land
Frogs of all ages will love transforming down to a size of a toy to explore Andy's Backyard. The vibrant colors and fun Easter eggs make for great photo backdrops. There's usually one photographer at the main Toy Story Land entrance nearly all day. You've got a friend in me!
Disney's Animal Kingdom PhotoPass Locations
The Tree of Life
Of course, we have to get a photo with the iconic Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom! While we always get the classic shot at the front of the tree (there's almost always at least one photographer there), sometimes we're able to get another unique angle. At times, a photographer may be at this small overlook by the walkway between Africa and Asia. We love how lush and green it looks, plus no other people in the photo! The Tree of Life looks good at either angle so try for both if you can (one could say it's like the backside of water ... ).
Pandora
Just like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Pandora - The World of Avatar offers those incredible landscapes that transport you to another planet. Those floating mountains make quite the backdrop! With out-of-this-world plants and waterfalls, some photos in Pandora are a must-do. This is another one where you have to go back at night to see Pandora illuminated.
Lion King Backdrop
As forever fans of "The Lion King," I don't know who is more excited about this PhotoPass stop — me or Tad and Lily. Enjoy a problem-free philosophy with this delightful photo-op in Animal Kingdom, placed in 2019 to celebrate the film's 25th anniversary (I know, right?). The backdrop is located near Pizzafari, and it's to the left as you head toward Pandora or Africa. There's often a PhotoPass photographer there so that means no worries. We like to have fun poses with this one, such as walking along with the crew or raising up a stuffed animal or even your young tadpole (carefully) Simba-style. Hakuna Matata!
Other Disney PhotoPass Extras
Ride Photos
Reminisce your tadpoles first time riding Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or the launch of TRON Lightcycle Run with attraction photos. A variety of attractions offer in-ride photos capturing the action. Most rides will have your photos automatically appear in your My Disney Experience (detected from your MagicBand or MagicMobile). Some rides may still require you to tap your band or ticket to the corresponding touchpoint.
Magic Shots
Nearly every PhotoPass photographer offers Magic Shots, adding a fun surprise to your photo. It doesn't hurt to ask the photographer if there are any available, especially themed ones for holidays or exclusive special events. We like to get as many Magic Shots in as we can!
For extra fun, try out the Super Zoom Magic Shot, now available at all four parks. The video starts with a close-up of your family and then zooms way out to the exciting surroundings. Also, the new Tiny World Magic Shots offer unique 360-degree photos that make you look like you're on top of the world. The Tiny World Magic Shots are available at EPCOT in front of Spaceship Earth, near Star Tours at Hollywood Studios, and near the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom.
Disney's PhotoPass Studio
There are even PhotoPass Studios available to capture the perfect portrait with a professional indoor setting. With a variety of virtual backdrops and props, you can enjoy some high-quality photos. No reservations are required and all photos are included in Memory Maker. Current locations include the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs, Sir Mickeys at Magic Kingdom and Norway at EPCOT.
"Capture Your Moment" Photo Session
Want to remember an extra special celebration? Then book a Capture Your Moment photo session. For an additional cost, you'll have your own photographer for an individual 20-minute set. It's the perfect way to celebrate an engagement, reunion, graduation and more!
Disney PhotoPass Lenses
Even more photo extras are in the My Disney Experience app with Disney PhotoPass lenses. Enjoy creating magical photos from your phone with augmented reality. Our entire Frog Family laughs when we green frogs turn into a blue Genie. Some lenses are location-specific and only available with purchasing Disney Genie+.
What are your go-to PhotoPass stops at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: The Full Picture on Disney PhotoPass Service: Pros, Cons & Tips!
Keep hopping!