Best Places to Take Pictures at Disneyland
Fun fact: In 2017, Instagram was named one of the most Instagrammed places in the entire world. With its beautiful scenery and bold colors, it is totally understandable as to why!
As you embark on your magical trip, you of course have to hit the iconic photo locations (castle, Mainstreet and the Pixar Pal Around), but you should also check out a few of these unconventional places as well!
Understanding PhotoPass
As you are visiting Disneyland, keeping memories is important. You have the option to have a PhotoPass cast member take a photo on your own camera/phone and/or on their DLSR camera. The photos they take on “Mickey’s Camera” will be scanned onto your park ticket, which will go to your app, if you have it downloaded.
Don’t feel obligated to buy the photos. Cast members are more than willing to take pictures on your phone. They don’t make a commission or anything off pictures you take. They are simply there to help capture your amazing moments.
PhotoPass Cast Members are easy to find. They wear tan vests and they will always have a camera around their neck or on a tripod.
Insider Secret: Sometimes PhotoPass Cast Members are assigned to a “rover” position where they walk around and create magical moments for families. If you see a PhotoPass person walking around, kind of aimlessly, ask them to take your photo. Chances are they are in the position to do so if they aren’t heading off stage.
The Castle
We will get this one out of the way early. Did you even go to Disneyland if you didn’t take a picture with the castle?
As opposed to just taking a posed picture, you can also ask the Cast Member (they are called “PhotoPass” Cast Members and wear tan vests) for what is called a “Magic Shot.” With “Magic Shots” the PhotoPass Cast Member will tell you how to pose. Once your photo is uploaded to the Disneyland App, a character or object will be added to your shot!
During the holidays or certain promotions, you will see special Magic Shots. The balloons are very standard. You can also pretty much guarantee that you can take a picture holding Tinker Bell most days!
Insider Tip:
Is the front of the castle way, way too crowded? Go to either side of the castle and score a sweet picture. Take your pick between the side by Snow White’s wishing well, or the side by the Fantasy Faire (where you meet princesses). Not only is this a great alternative due to crowds, but it is also a great perspective on the castle that isn’t as standard as most pictures.
Fantasyland teaCups
There are many PhotoPass opportunities around the park. My favorite Fantasyland PhotoPass shot is in stationary teacup right outside of the MadHatter store across from Dumbo and adjacent to the teacups.
This one is great because you can fit a family in this photo op, which is awesome. It turns out to be a beautiful, bright photo that represents one of the classic rides at the resort!
There aren’t always PhotoPass cast members at this location, but that’s okay! Just ask the Cast Members in plaid at the stand across from this teacup, they will be so happy to help you!
Animation Building
So, I may be a little biased here because this is the building I worked in for 7 1/2 months…BUT I really think the Animation Building has one of the most Instagrammed walls in the park.
Hop on over to the Animation Building to see this beautiful “…And they lived happily ever after” wall. This is perfect for anyone who has recently gotten engaged or is in like or in love.
There is also a “Once upon a time…” wall right when you walk in. The “Happily Ever After” wall is when you exit the building. Ask a cast member, they will help you find it, and if you are extra nice, they may even take your picture for you!