A Disney cruise is packed with moments you’ll want to remember forever — capturing precious family memories, sharing dreamy beach pics on Instagram (and making your friends just a little jealous) or reliving the magic once you’re back home. We still love looking back at photos of Lily and Tad from our first Disney Cruise, from their huge smiles meeting Mickey to sitting side by side in the ship's porthole windows. From the ship’s theming to character meet-and-greets and Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, we've rounded up the best spots to get those unfrogettable shots. Grab your camera (or your phone) and let's get snappin'!
Disney Cruise Photos — Top Photo Spots on Every Disney Cruise Line Ship
At the Cruise Port
Believe it or not, you'll find some of the best (and most exciting) photo ops before you even step foot on the ship. At the cruise port, multiple places make for a really great photo. You'll find a couple of DCL-themed backdrops in the terminal. While you wait for your boarding group to be called, ask a neighboring guest to snap your family's photo in front of one of these.
Also, just before you board the ship, the Disney cruise professional photographers will take your family's photo in front of another DCL-themed backdrop. They even have a few props and signs that make these fun and a great way to kick off your trip. Don't froget to say, "MICKEY!!" These photos can be purchased as part of a photo package or individually at Shutter's Photography Shop onboard.
If you'll be cruising out of Port Canaveral or Port Everglades, just before heading up the gangway, you'll pass through a Mickey-shaped tunnel. If it's not too crowded, snap a quick photo here too!
The Atrium Lobby or Grand Hall
Aboard every Disney cruise ship, you’ll find the Atrium Lobby. On the Triton ships, it's referred to as the Grand Hall. It’s one of the most beautiful locations onboard. In the Grand Hall, you'll find the ship's chandelier, decorative accents and a sweeping staircase leading to the second and third levels of the atrium.
During the holidays, it's where you'll find the Pumpkin Tree for Halloween on the High Seas, the Christmas Tree for the Very Merrytime Cruises and Marvel photo ops for the Marvel Day at Sea sailings. It’s a must-do photo spot for your cruise, especially for the Formal Night or Pirate Night portraits. Each ship's Grand Hall has a unique bronze character statue, such as Cinderella on the Disney Wish, Admiral Donald Duck on the Disney Dream and Aladdin and Jasmine on the Disney Treasure. And most of the time, you’ll find professional photographers ready to snap photos of your entire crew.
The Ship’s Stern
Another can’t-miss photo location is the ship’s stern. Every ship features favorite Disney characters on the back of the ship. These characters and details vary by ship from Dumbo soaring on the Disney Fantasy to Rapunzel adding her artwork on the Disney Wish. The best place to capture this is from the dock while the ship is in port. Here, you can get a full unobstructed view of the stern characters.
Porthole Windows
For another fun photo location on any ship, check out the portholes. These windows double as seats and create a cute and fun frame, especially for your tadpoles! It’s a classic Disney Cruise Line shot.
The Red Mickey Funnels
@undercovertourist Hello from the Disney Magic! Today we’re sailing out of Fort Lauderdale on a 3-night cruise to The Bahamas! Tomorrow, we will be one of the first froggies to experience Disney’s new island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point!! We’re so FROGCITED! #disneycruise #disneycruiseline ♬ original sound - Undercover Tourist
On the upper open-air decks check out the classic red Mickey funnels (there are two on every ship!). This favorite location is an iconic Disney Cruise Line photo op, perfect for selfies and family pictures. This is a common photo shared across social media before guests sail away, letting everyone know, "I'M ON A DISNEY CRUISE!"
Disney Cruise Pool Deck
One of the best photo spots on a Disney cruise is on the pool deck with the Funnel Vision screen in the background. Bonus points if you catch a Mickey-shaped pool in the shot!
Character Meets
Character meets are also some of the most popular photo ops aboard any Disney cruise ship. You’ll find favorites like Mickey, Minnie, the Disney Princesses and more throughout your sailing. Don’t be surprised to see many of these characters dressed in cruise-exclusive outfits that you won’t see in the parks. Hop on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for the daily schedule so you never miss a chance to smile with your favorite Disney pals.
Must-Get Disney Cruise Photos by Ship
Each Disney ship has its own unique theming. Depending on what ship you're on, you'll want to know where to go to get that ship-specific shot.
The Disney Magic (the first ship in the fleet) has one of the most iconic Disney Cruise Line photo spots. Found in the atrium is the Helmsman Mickey statue, which captures the ship’s timeless nautical charm. Another fan-favorite location is Rapunzel's Royal Table restaurant on Deck 3. The inside of this Rotational Dining location is themed to the movie and features many iconic photo spots that are not to be missed. Those lanterns — so dreamy!
The Disney Wonder is the sister ship to the Disney Magic and the Lobby Atrium features a statue of Ariel. On Deck 3, you’ll find another great photo spot; Tiana’s Place. The atmosphere is New Orleans-themed, so there are several swanky photo opportunities. The Route 66 entertainment district, with its retro road-trip theming and neon signs, provides a fun and nostalgic setting for snapshots, especially for adults. It’s also located on Deck 3.
The Disney Dream has many great photo locations. Some of our favorites include the Admiral Donald Duck statue in the atrium and the Enchanted Garden restaurant on Deck 2. This restaurant features trees, a fountain, flower lights and a twinkling ceiling that transitions from day to night. For adults, Pink the champagne bar on Deck 4 is a beautiful spot, with soft lighting and decor in multiple shades of pink making for a sophisticated cruise photo.
The Disney Fantasy, a sister ship to the Dream, brings royal elegance to its photo locations. The Mademoiselle Minnie Mouse statue in the atrium is a great spot for a vintage-inspired centerpiece. The Royal Court restaurant on Deck 3 is decorated with chandeliers and mosaics inspired by Disney princesses, making it another beautiful photo setting. At night, the Europa nightlife district on Deck 4 transforms into one of the most upbeat areas on any Disney ship, featuring themed bars and lounges styled after London, Paris and Italy. Our favorite place to strike a pose is the La Piazza Bar, shaped like a carousel with an Italian theme!
The Disney Wish is one of the most beautiful Disney Cruise Line ships, with fairytale theming. Plus, there are more photogenic bars and lounges than any of its predecessors. The Cinderella statue in the Grand Hall and its golden chandelier make for a stunning photo.
Keep your eyes open as you enter Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure on Deck 5. The hallway leading up to this restaurant is themed to look similar to the hallways inside Arendelle Castle. Look closely and you might even see Anna’s “portrait friend” Joan. The Disney Wish has many bars and lounges that are great for photo ops but our favorite is the Star Wars: Hyperspace lounge on Deck 3 due to its immersive theming. This guest favorite is so well designed that you’ll be convinced you’re in a galaxy far, far away.
The Disney Treasure is the newest ship to Disney Cruise Line and is by far the most detailed in theming of all the ships. As the sister ship to the Disney Wish, it carries the same number of bars and lounges each with its own Disney theme and all are a great opportunity to capture photos.
The Grand Hall statue of Aladdin and Jasmine on a magic carpet is one of the most iconic and sought-after photo spots onboard. As for the best lounges for photo ops, we recommend the Skipper Society on Deck 3, inspired by the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disneyland and Disney World. It features travel-themed props and decor with a tiki vibe.
For a sweet photo, check out Jumbeaux’s Sweets on Deck 11. The dessert shop is themed after the movie "Zootopia." You'll find a photo opportunity with great lighting and characters from the movie.
Disney Cruise Photos at Castaway Cay
Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay has both natural beauty and Disney details. Just as you get off the ship, you’ll find several photographers with fun photo props and signs welcoming you to Castaway Cay. There is even a sign where you can snap a photo with the ship in the background.
A short walk from the ship, you’ll find Mount Rustmore, a sculpture resembling buoys featuring Mickey, Goofy, Donald and Pluto painted onto its surface. This is a classic Castaway Cay photo op and a great place to snap a fun vacation memory.
You’ll also find another favorite photo spot nearby. Catch Mickey and Minnie posing in front of their beach cruiser waiting for you to come say hello. This is an excellent place to take a photo with your favorite characters, the beach and your ship all in the shot! Be sure to check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and arrive early as this is a popular location.
Looking for a scenic beach shot? Serenity Bay is the place to go. This adults-only beach offers crystal-clear waters and a stretch of white sand. To take it up a notch, wade into the shallow water and capture a picture with the open ocean stretching behind you.
Disney Cruise Photos at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Disney’s newest private island Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is colorful, beautiful and full of Bahamian culture. When you arrive, you’ll see the colorful Lookout Cay sign. This is a great spot to capture the excitement of stepping onto Lookout Cay for the first time.
Throughout Mabrika Cove, you’ll notice five colorful photo ops that combine Disney characters and Junkanoo design elements. There's Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto.
More Tips for Capturing the Best Disney Cruise Photos
Here are a few more tips and tricks to help you capture those perfect Disney cruise photos:
- Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App – Find character meet-and-greet times, deck parties and other special events for great photo ops.
- Look for the Ship Photographers – Disney photographers are stationed around the ship, including in the atrium, at character meet-ups and even come around in the dining rooms.
- Consider a Photo Package – Purchase photo packages or digital keepsakes from Shutters before or during your cruise for professional pictures. Single photos are also available for purchase.
- Visit the Portrait Studio – Book a session at the onboard Shutters Portrait Studio for professional family or solo portraits (additional fee).
- Use the Sun to Your Advantage – Morning and sunset lighting work best for outdoor photos, so plan your timing for those gorgeous "magic hour" shots.
- Take Advantage of Port Days – Snap photos with the ship in the background before heading off for adventures.
- Ask Crew Members for Help – Most crew members are happy to take a photo for you with your own camera or phone.
- Have Fun with Candid Shots – Some of the best pictures are unposed. Capture moments of your crew singing karaoke, dancing at the Sail Away Party or lounging by the pool.
And there ya have it, all our tips on how to get the best Disney cruise photos on your cruise vacation! Know any other great photo spots on Disney Cruise Line? Share it in the comments below!
Related: Disney Cruise Door Decorations — How to Personalize Your Stateroom Door
Keep hopping!
