There’s no doubt that Disney World has a lot of great photo spots. The bright installments, colorful architecture, and intricate details make it a playground for visitors—especially photographers. One such spot that’s perfect for photos is Liberty Square, which is patterned after colonial America. The detailed architecture of the buildings both make for a great subject or a background. Even the Ticket Office is a charming place that makes for a great photo because of its arched windows and Doric columns.
While Disney World is already picture-perfect, you need to be photoshoot-ready behind the camera, too! Here are a few things to keep in mind as a photographer on your next Disney World trip:
Be cautious of where you can take photos
While taking photos within the park is allowed, keep in mind that these cannot be used for commercial purposes. Upon entry, you may be asked by security—especially if you have a lot of gear with you—whether you’re taking commercial photos or not. Don’t get defensive—they’re just doing their jobs. If you can, pack as little gear as possible as well. Some rides will allow cameras on board, but others will not for safety reasons. Be sure to stow it in your bag or a locker before getting on. This keeps your equipment safe and prevents you from getting into trouble.
Bring the right camera
While there are many photography cameras you can bring, such as a film camera or an instant camera, it is only recommended that you bring either one of the two: a full-frame camera or a DSLR camera. A full-frame camera, like the Canon EOS R, is a type of mirrorless camera with a CMOS sensor. It provides images with great precision, perfect for capturing intricate details like those on Cinderella’s Castle. Accurate focusing features will let you zoom in on these without losing quality.
On the other hand, a DSLR camera is ideal for both photography veterans and amateurs alike due to its auto focus function and interchangeable lenses. Look for models like the Nikon D7500, which has a 20.9-megapixel image sensor and EXPEED 5 image processing engine. This makes it great for the nighttime parade as it captures sharp photos even in low-light situations. Both of these are great options because they provide the best quality images, so take your pick!
Remember where the Camera Center is
The Camera Center is a place in Disney theme parks where you can purchase memory cards and batteries in case you run out. Just be sure to buy the right type for your needs. For instance, if you run out of memory in the morning, buy a memory card with a high capacity like the Kingston 512 GB or Lexar 512 GB. These large capacity cards ensure that you'll have enough space for even more photos.
In Disney World Orlando, the Camera Center is located in EPCOT, in the Main Entrance Plaza and it's usually open from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM. While you’re in EPCOT, you might as well take a picture of it or with the iconic ball, too. If you’re going to be there during dusk, you’ll get to see the ball with the lights on so make sure to tweak your camera settings (if needed!) for that moment.
There’s no doubt that Disney’s not only the happiest place on earth, but also one of the best places to take photos in. Capture new memories on your next trip with these tips!