How to Photograph a Disney World Vacation

Disneyworld is a wonderful place to go for a family vacation. I have been there on business, with my wife and with our whole family--and all have been positive experiences. It can be a very frustrating experience being a photographer at Disney World. You cannot take flash pictures at most of the best attractions and the attractions use very sophisticated lighting effects to achieve their magic. The laser light show at Epcot and various electrical parades can be very difficult to photograph, although they are events that should not be missed. There are, however, many great photo opportunities for you and your family. This article will provide you with some insight and tips on how to get some memorable photos on your visit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Digital Camera
• Patience
• Planning Ability

1. 
   The Boardwalk Villas

   Try to stay inside the park. There are good reasons for getting an in-park package. For instance, each day, hotel guests are granted a one hour early admission to the park. This allows you to take pictures when crowds are small. It also allows you to avoid long lines at the most popular attractions. Use your hour wisely; don’t upset the kids by doing all your photographs in one day.

2. 
   Disney Characters

   Try not to carry your camera all day. You will begin to resent it. The best time to take pictures is in early morning and at dusk. Take your camera on your early morning park excursions. When the park begins to really get full and the sun hot, go back to your hotel, drop off your gear and have a nice lunch. Pick up your camera again when you go out in the evening. If you have to have the camera with you all day, remember to turn it off when you are not using it. Heat drains batteries faster than cooler weather. Always carry an extra charged battery and media disk card.

3. 
   Group Photos

   Take group shots and solo shots with the Disney characters. People love these shots and kids will want to have their picture with almost every character. If you are staying in the park, some packages allow you to have a Disney Character Breakfast where the characters sit with you at the table and you can get as many shots as you want. The characters are all through the park; there is no reason to wait in line at a picture taking spot and make your kids irritable. You will be there for a few days, so you will see plenty of Disney characters.

4. 
   Visit the Shops

   Visit the Disney shops. Remember it is pictures of your family you want more then scenes or shots of a roller coaster. You can buy scenic shots of just about any location in Disney World, but not shots with family members. Take shots inside the themed stores; Disney personnel are pretty easy going when it comes to trying on hats and playing with light sabers.

5. 
   Minnie on a Coffee Break

   Get off the beaten path. It is very easy to just bob along with the crowd traveling from one line to another. If there is a large line you can get a ticket for a future time, and when you come back with your ticket, they cut you in to the front of the line. This allows you to walk around looking for photo ops. If you poke around a little you will find paths less traveled and might just get a picture of Minnie going on her coffee break.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your laptop with you and upload the pictures from your camera each night, allowing you to always have an empty storage card.
• Take an extra battery for your camera, your battery charger and have at least two media storage cards.
• Clean your lens and camera exterior each day you travel. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions.
• Plan your trip with Disney at the website in Resources below.
• Turn off your camera when not in use and never leave any camera in a car. The heat in Florida can be extreme, and digital cameras are susceptible to high heat and extreme cold

Resources

• Walt Disney World Resort

[sherryeam]

on 3/18/2009 This is great we are going there soon. Good information to know!

[AnneZ]

on 3/5/2009 We've had some fun inside the Disney shops posing with various Disney hats. Always good for some laughs! Thanks for the tips.

[coachmac4]

on 5/26/2008 Richard--I love the way you explain things! I am not a photographer but you give practical tips that make me want to try. I love Disneworld!

[AudreyBrown]

on 3/24/2008 Great tips! I whole heartedly agree with you on all of these, taking pictures in the park is one of the best parts of a Disney vacation!

[pdxbb]

on 3/15/2008 These are great tips Richard! Here's a great site with info on taking photos at Disney World: www.squidoo.com/WDWPhotos. It's loaded with photos, tips and resources.