Top 10 Magical Places to Take Family Photos at Disney World
My Top 10 Secret spots to take great photos at Walt Disney World!
Everyone wants to capture that perfect Disney World moment or an Instagram-worthy scene, but it’s not easy coming up with something unique. Lighting, crowds, and background clutter—they all make a difference.
I share all 10 of my secret photo spots at Walt Disney World in my YouTube Video but here’s a quick list you can use if you’re visiting the parks. I’ll sort this list by park to make it easy. You can bookmark this page on your phone and take it with you:
Animal Kingdom
Expedition Everest from Flame Tree Barbecue
Expedition Everest is one of Animal Kingdom’s most iconic backdrops, and while the bridge and queue offer good shots, my favorite photo spot is the outdoor seating area behind Flame Tree Barbecue. Here, the mountain reflects perfectly in the lagoon below, offering one of the most picturesque and symmetrical views in the park.
It’s surprisingly peaceful here, especially in the morning when the restaurant hasn’t filled up yet. The mountain, sky, and water combine for a beautifully layered composition.
But the best time to visit is in late afternoon, when the sun is making everything look golden. Avoid peak dining hours, as the area gets more crowded, which can make it harder to maneuver around to get the best angle. If you're using a phone, switch to wide-angle mode or step back and zoom out to get the entire mountain in the frame. Make sure to include the reflection—it adds symmetry and interest to your shot.
Watch my YouTube video where I show you all the best photo locations in detail:
Tree of Life on Discovery Island Trail and Upcountry Landing
One of the most overlooked yet incredible photo locations in all of Animal Kingdom is along the Discovery Island Trail near the base of the Tree of Life. Most guests snap their Tree of Life photos from the bridge leading into the park or the central hub—but if you take the path that winds around the tree’s roots, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with its intricate carvings and textured bark. The walkway is shaded and quiet, with far fewer people than the main walkways, giving you the freedom to compose a family shot without distractions in the background. Even on the busiest days, there’s usually no one down here.
This is the best place to appreciate the full detail of the Tree of Life. The trail winds close to the tree itself, and depending on your angle, you can position your family in front of carvings of animals. It’s a completely different view than what most people see and makes for a more personal, intimate photo.
Another excellent location is Upcountry Landing, on the trail between Africa and Asia - just across from the Feathered Friends in Flight show. From this dock, you get a wider view of the Tree of Life with the river in the foreground. It’s especially striking in the morning or just before sunset, when the warm light hits the tree’s carved details and the water reflects the image beautifully.
Both of these spots provide not just quieter environments for photography, but angles that bring out the artistry of Animal Kingdom’s centerpiece. These areas might require a little exploring—but the payoff is a one-of-a-kind family photo you won’t get anywhere else.
EPCOT
Morocco Pavilion and the Fez House
The Morocco Pavilion is one of EPCOT’s most detailed and immersive environments, and it offers some of the most unique photo opportunities in all of World Showcase. What makes this pavilion stand out is the level of theming—it's filled with intricate architecture, authentic tile work, and winding pathways that transport you to another place entirely. Whether you're visiting during the day or at night, this pavilion delivers stunning backdrops for family photos.
One hidden gem within the pavilion is the Fez House, located just to the left as you enter deeper into the pavilion. It’s easy to miss, but step through the archway and you'll find yourself in a peaceful, tiled room with a gorgeous central fountain. The vibrant mosaics and arched entryways provide a richly textured setting that feels worlds away from the rest of the park.
This area is shaded and often very quiet, which makes it perfect for portraits and group photos without a lot of foot traffic. The natural lighting from the open-air ceiling softly illuminates the space, highlighting the detailed tile work and providing a warm glow.
Outside the Fez House, the pavilion's narrow alleys and courtyards are full of visual interest—from lanterns and carved wooden doors to decorative pottery and colorful textiles. These winding paths are fun to explore and ideal for capturing candid moments. At night, the area takes on a romantic, softly lit atmosphere with glowing lanterns and warm tones that make evening photos just as magical.
Whether you’re posing in front of the ornate archways or simply strolling the side streets with your family, Morocco is a pavilion that turns every corner into a beautiful photo backdrop. Don’t rush through it—take the time to explore and you’ll find countless opportunities for memorable shots.
Japan Pavilion Second Floor by Teppan Edo
For an elevated perspective at EPCOT, I always head to the second floor of the Japan Pavilion. Up the stairs near Mitsukoshi, right outside Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining, there’s a terrace that offers a stunning view over the World Showcase Lagoon.
From here, you can line up Spaceship Earth directly in the background. That is a great shot and not too many people make the trek upstairs to get it. The combination of traditional Japanese architectural elements like the bright red Tori Gate, in the foreground and EPCOT’s futuristic sphere in the distance gives your photo a unique contrast.
But I want to draw your attention to something even better. Instead of facing the lagoon from up here, turn the other way toward the white Japanese castle instead. It’s modeled after the White Egret Castle in Japan.
You can take photos anytime here but Sunset is the ideal time to visit this location. Just as the sun sets, and the lights come on, but before the sky is completely dark. And you can catch Spaceship Earth lit up during this time, reflecting the light beautifully in the distance.
While in Japan pavilion, try experimenting with elements like lanterns or water features in your photo. This terrace provides a unique view with minimal foot traffic.
Spaceship Earth from Inside Journey of Water
Journey of Water has quickly become one of my favorite new additions to EPCOT—and not just for the attraction itself. As you move through the exhibit, several openings reveal fantastic framed views of Spaceship Earth through the mist and greenery.
These natural frames—waterfalls, archways, and foliage—add depth to the photo and help isolate Spaceship Earth in a way that feels both modern and organic. It’s an ideal location for a unique EPCOT family shot that doesn’t look like the typical entrance photo. But there is one problem here - it’s going to be difficult to get this shot without other people in them.
So I recommend coming back at night when both Journey of Water and Spaceship earth are lit up. And this attraction is usually less crowded at night, so it’s a great time to explore it anyway.
And if you want a great shot of Spaceship Earth without others int he background, there’s a secret spot I found. You’ll find it on the walkway that passes between Spaceship Earth and Journey of Water. It’s a little service area that everyone walks by. But you’ll get a very unique photo of the geodesic sphere framed with a beautiful mix of EPCOT’s natural and futuristic theming – a moment worth capturing for sure.
China Pavilion Gardens
The China Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase offers one of the most tranquil and visually stunning backdrops for family photos—especially when you head into the side gardens rather than staying in the main thoroughfare. Tucked away from the crowds, the gardens feature winding paths, ornate bridges, koi ponds, and traditional Chinese architecture that combine to create a peaceful and photogenic setting.
One of the best angles is near the moon gate or across the small pond, where the reflections of the red pagoda and rock formations add visual interest. The side gardens are especially beautiful during the golden hour, when the sun casts warm light across the lanterns and tiled rooftops. This soft lighting flatters skin tones and adds natural vibrance to your shots.
What I like most about this spot is the serenity. It’s often overlooked, which means fewer people walking through your frame and more time to set up your shot. It’s a peaceful oasis that captures both the beauty of the World Showcase and the personal joy of your trip—and one of recommended spots for a photo that feels authentically Disney without being overly obvious.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Sunset Boulevard Near Tower of Terror (Hollywood Studios)
Tower of Terror might be the most dramatic icon in any Disney park, and you’ll find one of the best photo locations just outside the Beverly Sunset Boutique, facing down Sunset Boulevard. From this spot, you can capture the towering hotel framed by palm trees and vintage streetlamps, giving your photo both scale and atmosphere. And while this is a great photo, it’s been done.
But I have a few great photo spots that few people know about. The first, head to the courtyard by Rock n Roller Coaster - specifically over by the exit to the ride. There, you’ll catch Tower of Terror rising out of the tree line and you may even catch the elevator doors open if you time it right. Now it might be harder to take a family photo here, this is more about just taking a great picture of the tower itself. Dusk or Nightime would be best for this shot while the tower is lit up. I would use Sunset Boulevard for the family photo and this location for a great photo of the tower.
Another unique spot is the in the courtyard just as you exit Tower of Terror. Turn around and look up, you’ll see a new side of Tower, that most people never notice. I mean who would think to stop and look up here? But for those who do, you get a unique photo.
YOu can also get some great photos of Tower of Terror right from the outside queue area. You’ll capture just how tall it is from here, and you’ll get a great mix of natural elements like plants and trees with the tower rising up out of them.
In the late afternoon or even at dusk, the lighting turns golden, casting a beautiful glow across the façade and down the boulevard. It’s a cinematic look that matches the attraction’s Hollywood theme perfectly. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the elevator doors opening at the top, adding a dynamic touch to your shot.
Avoid midday when the area is brightest unless you’re shooting during a cloudy day. The moody skies just add to the Hollywood horror vibe.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the Millennium Falcon at Night (Hollywood Studios)
For one of the most awe-inspiring and cinematic backdrops in all of Walt Disney World, head to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge after sunset. The Millennium Falcon, parked in front of Ohnaka Transport Solutions, becomes even more impressive at night. With its glowing lights, steam effects, and ambient sounds, it feels like stepping into a movie—and your photos will show it.
What makes this photo spot special is how immersive the setting becomes once the sun goes down. The lighting highlights every detail on the Falcon, from its weathered panels to the blinking lights on its engines. Position your family in the center of the courtyard just in front of the ship, keeping some distance so you can capture the entire starship in frame. You’ll want to take a wide-angle shot here if possible.
Even though Galaxy’s Edge gets crowded, nighttime tends to thin out the traffic a bit. Wait a few minutes between groups to grab a shot with fewer people. Night mode on phones works well here, or you can stabilize your camera on a trash can or bench to keep things sharp.
This is also one of the few spots where candid photos work just as well as posed ones. Let your family interact naturally—pretend to inspect the ship, talk to a cast member, or look up at the spires around Black Spire Outpost. You’ll come away with images that feel less like theme park photos and more like a real Star Wars adventure.
Magic Kingdom
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure from the Adventureland Side (Magic Kingdom)
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is the latest attraction at Magic Kingdom, and it brings a refreshing change to the park’s landscape. Most guests crowd around the front entrance, but one of my favorite angles is from the Adventureland side. As you walk from the Jungle Cruise or Magic Carpets of Aladdin toward Frontierland, you’ll find a spot where Tiana’s Foods water tower peeks above the trees.
This view is cleaner, less crowded, and includes beautiful foliage that naturally frames the scene. Depending on the time of day, you might even catch a log flume coming down the drop. What I love about this angle is that it feels like a true discovery, not something everyone else is capturing.
If you visit in the morning, you’ll benefit from warm, golden lighting that filters through the trees. This not only adds a natural glow to your photo but also softens shadows on faces, making it perfect for portraits. Experiment with portrait mode on your phone to create a slight blur effect in the background—this draws the eye toward your family. For the best composition, try shooting from a lower angle so you can include more of the sky and the upper portion of the attraction, giving your photo more visual depth.
Main Street USA with Cinderella Castle (Magic Kingdom)
It doesn’t get more iconic than a family photo on Main Street USA with Cinderella Castle in the background. But instead of stopping right in the middle of the street like everyone else, I recommend finding one of the quieter alcoves—like the sides of the Castle. There are quite a few unique ways to shoot the castle, without having a ton of people in them.
The first is on the Tomorrowland Bridge, just off the hub. If you’re here in the morning, the sun will be rising behind you if you’re facing the castle. This also a great spot after the sun goes down.
Second, try the other side over by the entrance to Liberty Sqaure, right next to Sleepy Hollow.
You can try both locations during the day and at night. You’ll need to work around the rising or setting sun here.
If you really want to try something different, go to the front of the castle and look for the castle archways. Take a lower position, maybe crouch down and angle your camera up. You’ll get the arch in the foreground with the castle behind it, creating a very dramatic and unique shot and hopefully not to many people in it.
These spots give you fewer crowds and an off-center view of the castle that feels more unique. Early morning rope drop or the last hour before park close are your best bets for clean shots.
And if you want that Main Street Shot, You can even ask a PhotoPass photographer to use your own camera for free. Ask them to shoot from a low angle to get the full castle and sky behind you—just be clear about the framing you want. Although they are pretty about coming up with ideas of their own as well. You may also want to have them take a few with their camera. This is the quintessential Disney photo, so it might be worth it to purchase a one or two here.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
Search articles
Recent Articles
Orlando Travel Guides
▸ History of Disney World Offers
See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
Easy Guide to Memory Maker and PhotoPass at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World photo packages explained
Walt Disney World offers a myriad of photo products to help capture your memories while on vacation. In this guide, I’ll explain the difference between Disney Memory Maker and PhotoPass plus share the different options that are available such as Capture Your Moment sessions and Magic Shots.
What is the difference between PhotoPass and Memory Maker? Great question!
PhotoPass refers to all photo and video-related products and services offered throughout Walt Disney World.
Memory Maker is the product you purchase that allows you to download your photos and videos.
Memory Maker at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World PhotoPass
You’ll find Disney PhotoPass photographers throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. At select attractions and iconic park locations, Disney’s professional photographers are on hand to capture your unforgettable vacation moments with one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.
Minutes later, your pictures are ready to view in your gallery—online or on the My Disney Experience app.
To enjoy the value and convenience of downloading all your vacation photos for one price, purchase Memory Maker.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Walt Disney World Memory Maker
Enjoy all the Disney PhotoPass photos and videos from your vacation—plus special extras—for one price.
How much is Memory Maker?
Currently, the advance purchase price is $185. You can purchase Memory Maker for $210 once you arrive at Walt Disney World.
If you would like to include Memory Maker as part of your vacation package, let me know so you can get the advance purchase price.
Memory Maker Tip: If you’re traveling with friends or family who have their own reservations, you can both share one Memory Maker account. Just link your Disney accounts together using the Family and Friends tool.
Memory Maker includes unique photos taken at iconic park locations (like in front of Cinderella Castle), Magic Shots and attraction photos.
Magic Shots – A Disney World PhotoPass Exclusive
Tiny World Magic Shots - Take photos to a new dimension with this 360-degree capture experience. You can find this right in front of Spaceship Earth at Epcot.
Super Zoom Magic Shots - A burst of photos comes together as a dynamic video of you and your family in iconic locations. My favorite location is at Magic Kingdom - go to the end of Main Street USA, to the hub in front of the Castle. Turn right, heading towards Tomorrowland, and look for the photographer.
Classic & Animated Magic Shots - Enhance your photos with whimsical effects to create a magical memento.
Classic and Animated Magic Shots
Walt Disney World Capture your Moment Photo Sessions
This personalized 20-minute private photo session was so popular at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney's Animal Kingdom, that Capture Your Moment is now offered at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Disney’s Capture Your Moment is a great way to remember your:
Engagement
Honeymoon
Anniversary
Child’s Birth or Adoption
Birthday
First Walt Disney World Visit
Family Reunion
Family Portraits
Graduation
And more!
See more on Disney World’s Capture Your Moment professional photography sessions in my guide here.
Disney World Memory Maker One Day
Memory Maker One Day is available for $69 in the My Disney Experience mobile app once you’ve linked at least one Disney PhotoPass photo to your account from the day to which you plan to apply the entitlement.
You’ll also find Memory Maker One Day at Walt Disney World Resort theme park ticket windows and Disney PhotoPass Centers.
Trying to decide between Memory Maker and Memory Maker One Day?
Memory Maker is a good option if you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort for three or more days. If you’ll be visiting for one or two days (or only attending a special event such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party), purchasing Memory Maker One Day for each day of your visit is the better option for you.
Memory Maker One Day costs $69 per day.
Related to Memory Maker
Guide to Capture Your Moment Photo Package
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
Search articles
Recent Articles
See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
Guide to 'Capture Your Moment' Photo Sessions at Walt Disney World
Private photoshoots at Walt Disney World
Disney PhotoPass Service is the best way to capture photos of a Disney experience, but now you can also purchase a Capture Your Moment photo session at Walt Disney World Resort.
This personalized 20-minute private photo session was so popular at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney's Animal Kingdom, that Capture Your Moment is now offered at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Disney’s Capture Your Moment is a great way to remember your:
Engagement
Honeymoon
Anniversary
Child’s Birth or Adoption
Birthday
First Walt Disney World Visit
Family Reunion
Family Portraits
Graduation
And more!
Magic Kingdom
With Magic Kingdom park as a backdrop, you and your Disney PhotoPass photographer will create a picture-perfect way to remember your special occasion.
All Capture Your Moment photo sessions offer an iconic Magic Kingdom park setting including a view of Cinderella Castle. Your photographer will tell you which locations are available at the start of your session.
EPCOT
Photoshoots at EPCOT will be in World Showcase. You can choose one of the following pavilions for your photo shoot:
Germany
Italy
The American Adventure
Japan
Morocco
Capture Your Moment | Walt Disney World
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
You can head down to the Tower of Terror to take photos around its eerie grounds, capture playful photos with Gertie (Echo Lake’s resident dinosaur), get up close with the incredible details of the Chinese Theatre’s façade, or use the colorful neon signs and art deco architecture of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard to evoke the golden age of Tinseltown.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
All Capture Your Moment photo sessions offer iconic views of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park settings and attractions, including a view of The Tree of Life. Your photographer will tell you which locations are available at the start of your session.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
How much does Capture Your Moment cost?
At all four theme parks, each Capture Your Moment session is $79 (at presstime) and can include up to eight guests.
Are photo downloads included?
While prints and digital downloads are not included, those who purchased Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day can download the photos at no extra cost. I recommend that you purchase Memory Maker, it’s a much better value than purchasing your photos individually.
When Can you book Disney Capture Your Moment?
You can book your session up to 60 days in advance on the Disney World website.
How long is a Capture Your Moment session?
Each session is 20 minutes. You may purchase additional time however you must do so in advance.
Tips for Capture Your Moment
Wedding attire is not permitted.
Locations are subject to change based on inclement weather.
If you would like to book more time with a photographer you must book in advance, each additional session is priced at $99 for 20 minutes.
Theme park admission and park reservations are required.
Pricing is subject to change.
Related to Capture Your Moment
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
Search articles
Recent Articles
See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
Disney World to Offer FREE Attraction Photos with Disney Genie+
On-ride photos will be FREE to guests who purchase Disney Genie+
Previously, Disney World announced a few enhancements being made to the Disney Genie+ service. I now have more details and a starting date.
Starting on March 20, 2023, guests will receive free access to attraction photos when they purchase Disney Genie+ service.
This is for on-ride photos only and does not include, for example, photos in front of Cinderella Castle or with your favorite character.
For these types of photo downloads, you will still need to purchase Memory Maker.
Starts on March 20, 2023
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Also starting on March 20, 2023, Annual Passholders with a My Disney Experience account will receive access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses and, one “Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories” experience (for Annual Passholders over the age of 18 who consent to use of their photos and this technology).
Additionally, Passholders will receive a new offering where you can create and share short Disney-themed video slideshows with favorite photos from your theme park visits.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
Search articles
Recent Articles
See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
How to wait less in line at Epic Universe (when you don’t have Early Park Admission)