Disney Photo & Video Tips (2024)

February 7, 2024

A visit to Disney parks is the perfect time to fill your photo albums with amazing pictures. We’ve got tips and tricks that’ll help you capture your treasured vacation memories, including photos taken by Disney PhotoPass Photographers. And when it comes to getting photo-ready during your getaway, don’t forget that you can redeem Disney Rewards Dollars toward snapshot-worthy treats and props for even more enchantment!¹ Now, here are our top pointers for taking the ultimate photos.

Purchase Memory Maker or Disney PhotoPass+ One Day

Consider taking advantage of Disney PhotoPass services, staffed by professionals stationed around the parks, Resort hotels and other destinations. There are some memories that only Disney PhotoPass can deliver, like shots of the family taking a ride on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Magic Shots featuring some favorite Disney Characters! Plus, without someone in your group having to take the photo, you can all be in the picture together.

At Walt Disney World® Resort, you can redeem Disney Rewards Dollars toward the purchase of Memory Maker, which gives you unlimited downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos, plus those of select Friends & Family members you’ve linked to your account. And at the Disneyland® Resort, you can use Disney Rewards Dollars for Disney Genie+ service or Disney PhotoPass+ One Day, both of which include downloads of the photos from your day.¹ Every option offers convenience and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities for your crew.

Scout out postcard-worthy locations

There are so many iconic spots where getting the perfect shot is a must. There’s nothing like the classic castle portrait, the geometric splendor of Spaceship Earth or capturing a memorable spin on the Mad Tea Party cups. And off the beaten path, there are even more unexpected backdrops for unique family photos, like the minty “Toothpaste Wall” at the Living Seas Pavilion in EPCOT® or the moss-covered environs of Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Or, check out the pastel shades and wrought iron balconies of New Orleans Square in Disneyland® Park and the Quinjet in Avengers Headquarters at Disney California Adventure® Park. The possibilities are endless when you let your imagination run wild!

Shoot in different locations at different times of day

Any time of day is great for a photo shoot at Disney—it just comes down to finding the right spot. In the soft light of the early morning hours, Main Street, U.S.A. is tranquil and breathtaking. And in the afternoon hours, the same spot bustles with festive activity, fit for high-energy shots or fun moments like posing with a bunch of Mickey Mouse-shaped balloons. And when the sun starts to set, the party is just getting started. At Disney California Adventure® Park, be sure to head to Cars Land at dusk for the evening neon spectacle or whimsical Pixar Pier, where the lights come to life at night. And don’t forget about the Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, when it’s all aglow after dark.

Capture the spirit when the parks are decorated for events and holidays

One of the most enchanting things about a Disney vacation is the way the parks transform for holidays and special events around the year. No one beats Disney when it comes to fantastic celebrations, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, where you can get seasonal Magic Shots with the spooky ghosts of The Haunted Mansion or photos with you and your family in bewitching costumes. In the winter, festivities abound, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom® Park and Disney Festival of the Holidays at Disney California Adventure® Park, with decked-out attractions and heartwarming holiday-themed photo backdrops.

Coordinate your look to match the scenery

There are so many ways to match your look with the beauty all around, whether you’re sporting Mickey Mouse ears in front of a castle or pairing your color choices with the eye-catching Disney Walls. As you plan your outfits, stock up on styles that show off your Disney flair with your Disney® Visa® Credit Card, which allows you to save 10% on select purchases at shopDisney.com.²

Photos are a phenomenal way to capture those Disney memories that you love. We hope these tips and tricks have you excited for your next getaway. And remember, you can redeem your Disney Rewards Dollars toward booking your vacation or toward treats and delights once you’ve arrived.¹ Get ready to say “cheese!”