Disneyland is one of the most photographed places on earth. With the popularity of photo sites like Instagram, travelers and locals alike are posting photos of the parks by the millions. However, it can still be difficult to pin down the perfect photo spot and then shoot it correctly. To help you out, below we share our top 5 most memorable spots for photos along with tips and tricks (especially for you budding photographers out there). Let’s make those photos as magical as the place they were taken. 

Photographing King Arthur’s Carousel 

The Carousel is one of the most beloved and more photogenic spots in Disneyland. Whirling lights, beautiful horses, surrounded by Fantasyland? Sign me up! But all those elements can also make taking a crisp photo difficult.  

If you’re riding the carousel, focus on taking close-ups portraits or selfies. This avoids any distracting details like other people while maximizing on the charm of the ride. 

Disneyland Photos, Top Tips for Taking Photos in 5 Memorable Places at Disneyland

Disneyland Photos, Top Tips for Taking Photos in 5 Memorable Places at Disneyland

If you’re taking pictures from off the ride, try to position yourself right by the ride’s exit. This way you can get an artistic angle without lots of other guests in your shot.

Disneyland Photos, Top Tips for Taking Photos in 5 Memorable Places at Disneyland

Photographing Disneyland Balloons

Big bunches of billowing balloons blowing in the breeze. They’re an irresistible fan favorite photo opportunity. Whimsical, eye-catching, and the perfect backdrop . . . if you shoot them just right.  

If you or your subject are able to hold the balloons, be sure to bring them in really close to block out the distractions in the background. You’ll also get the most powerful effect of color and texture variation by doing this. 

Disneyland Photos, Top Tips for Taking Photos in 5 Memorable Places at Disneyland

If you’re not able to hold the balloons, use a zoom lens 85mm or more and stand away from the balloons to allow them to become the background. When taking the picture, get down low so that you’re shooting at an angle pointing slightly up to avoid capturing other people.

Disneyland Photos, Top Tips for Taking Photos in 5 Memorable Places at Disneyland

How to Shoot the Sword in the Stone

Crowds are part of what to expect at any given time on a Disney day. However, no one wants a beautiful picture ruined by a sea of distractions and people. For places like the Sword in the Stone, you have to be creative to get the perfect shot.

For this shot, shoot from below and allow the sky to be the background. This way the image will come out cleaner with fewer people in it. You can even use the surroundings to your advantage and use Fantasyland structures as backgrounds as well. You can get the back side of the Castle, Snow White’s ride, the Carousel or Peter Pan. Just be mindful of the time of day so that you’re not facing the sun when you take the photo.

Disneyland Photos, Top Tips for Taking Photos in 5 Memorable Places at Disneyland

 

Photographing Splash Mountain

When people think of Splash Mountain photos, the first thing that comes to mind is the big drop. And while that can be memorable, there are also some other places to snag a great looking photo without needing to get soaked or taking the same shot everyone else has also posted.

One of the most overlooked aspects of this ride is the queue. There are several great locations throughout the queue (outside and inside) that are perfect for a quick photoshoot. If you’re in the park when it’s not crowded or if the ride is closed or has broken down (as it frequently does), it can be the perfect opportunity to get some amazing images of the attraction.

Disneyland Photos, Top Tips for Taking Photos in 5 Memorable Places at Disneyland

Also, did you know there’s a (somewhat) hidden walkway to get a clear view of Splash Mountain without fighting the crowd? Behind the Harbor Galley is a set of stairs at the back of the dining area. If you follow the walkway, you have the perfect viewing spot of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer’s Island, as well as a spectacular overlook of Splash.

Disneyland Photos, Top Tips for Taking Photos in 5 Memorable Places at Disneyland

Haunted Mansion Photos

The Haunted Mansion appeals to a lot of folks, both living and departed. The foreboding manor has a Victorian Gothic charm and an otherworldly allure to it. And the greenery is always changing throughout the year. You almost never see the same Mansion twice. This is a great spot to take some incredible photos.

Just in front of the ride exit is a common area that is often used to park wheelchairs and strollers. People often overlook it because of the abundance of vehicles, but it has one of the BEST views of the Mansion. This spot gives you an interesting angle of the Mansion as well as the carriage in the yard that blocks out the queue from the photo.

Disneyland Photos, Top Tips for Taking Photos in 5 Memorable Places at Disneyland

Disneyland Photos, Top Tips for Taking Photos in 5 Memorable Places at Disneyland
If you angle yourself just right, you can catch a reflection in the glass of the carriage from the ride exit.

Another great view is from the round park (sometimes referred to as Magnolia Gardens) between the French Market and the Mansion Fastpass distribution area. On a busy day, this area is often surging with people walking through and can be impossible to use for pictures. But if you’re able to use it on a slower day, it’s a great place to take a photo and enjoy the shade as well as the view.

Disneyland Photos, Top Tips for Taking Photos in 5 Memorable Places at Disneyland Disneyland Photos, Top Tips for Taking Photos in 5 Memorable Places at Disneyland Disneyland Photos, Top Tips for Taking Photos in 5 Memorable Places at Disneyland

Disneyland has a lot of scenic spots, We hope we’ve given you some good photo tips. Do you have tips for any of these attractions? Where are some other places you like to take a photo? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to let us know what photo help you’d like us to give in future columns! 


About Our Authors

Adam and Claudia Photography is a private portrait studio that specializes in theme park portraits. Over the last 5 years, we have captured more than 1,000+ magical photography sessions for families, engagements, proposals, maternity, senior portraits and other special projects! We create images that have a unique look and we love to capture the excitement and happiness that being at Disney has.

Trade an hour of your vacation with us, for a lifetime of amazing memories to hang on your walls. If you are interested in having a session of your own, click HERE for more information.

 

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