There are some forces in this world that we are powerless to stop. Gravity, for instance — or the weather. One such force is, of course, the need to take certain photographs at Walt Disney World.
It doesn’t matter that it’s one of the most photographed locations on planet earth, nor does it matter that many of the pictures you take have also been taken by thousands of people before you. Having a camera out and snapping photos is part of the magic when you’re at Walt Disney World — in part because it’s such a rich environment, and in part because it’s fun to play the, “Yes, I was really there” game.
Here are a handful of photos that have become something of a cliche in the theme park world, but which you will take no matter what. They are too fun not to.
Abstracted Spaceship Earth
Yes, everyone takes a straight-on picture of Spaceship Earth — its glorious geodesic sphere superstructure soaring into the sky above Epcot. But, there’s another photo of the iconic figure that has become even more ubiquitous. That is, the abstracted version of Spaceship Earth, shot from below with the blue sky as the background.
Both this shot, and its sibling — the nighttime edition with the beautiful lighting effects and a black night sky — have a kind of clever mischief to them. They are just different enough from the usual head-on shot that they feel more unique and personal — something everyone wants from their vacation photos. But, it’s still the most photographed object in the theme park, and it’s not such an original idea.
The result is a gorgeous composition contrasting the simple beauty of the natural sky and the complex engineering of humanity. And, as an added bonus, it makes a great phone wallpaper.
Driving Under the Walt Disney World Sign
When does your vacation to Walt Disney World officially begin? Is it when you disembark your flight at Orlando International Airport? Is it when you leave your house? Is it the first glimpse of Cinderella Castle?
Or, is it when you first pass beneath the main entry gate to Walt Disney World itself — complete with the iconic sign?
It is against Disney rules to slow down or stop to take a picture with the sign, but that doesn’t stop energized guests from snapping pics as they cruise on the highway beneath it. For that reason, it’s important for guests driving their own cars to remain alert — everyone in the area is distracted.
The photos themselves rarely turn out well, but that’s beside the point. It’s the official start to the trip: You have to take a picture to commemorate it.
Looking Up at the Millennium Falcon
The newest entry to the iconic Disney photo repertoire, the Millennium Falcon is something that millions of people have long dreamt of seeing in person. Disney’s imagineers gave them the privilege of seeing just that when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge finally opened to the public — and the result is every bit as astonishing as we all imagined it would be.
The key to this photo is, of course, the scale. Everything Disney has included in the frame reinforces the notion that this is the real Millennium Falcon. It is the right size, it is the right shape, we are the right distance away from it. And, the angle also helps remove the pesky fence keeping guests away from the actual facade of the Falcon.
This photo op is new, yes, but it has already become the Instagram humblebrag for a new generation of Disney Parks fans.
Spaceship Earth from Japan
There is another Spaceship Earth photo opportunity that is even less immediately obvious to Epcot guests than the abstracted edition. As such, when you do discover it, you will be so utterly delighted by its existence that your body will be physically incapable of restraining yourself from taking a photo.
It is the view of Spaceship Earth enclosed within the architecture on the lagoon side of the Japan Pavilion.
This piece is a recreation of the famed Itsukushima Shrine — a waterbound gate that is one of the most iconic constructions in Japan. Epcot’s version is placed in just such a way that as you walk through the Japan pavilion, Spaceship Earth becomes framed within the boundaries of the gate. This creates a must-have photo, and one which countless travelers are powerless to resist.
A poorly lit shot of San Angel Inn
Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion is one of the most incredible spots on Walt Disney World property. It contains a charming attraction, a beautiful water feature, an energetic night market, a bar, a restaurant, and the feeling of a truly magical Mexican evening. As such, guests are inclined to try to capture that feeling in a picture.
One section of the pavilion in particular just begs for this treatment — the waterside view of the San Angel Inn, with the boats of Gran Fiesta Tour floating by.
There is one problem with this picture, however: It is just way, way too dark to take it properly.
Now, yes, if you have professional photographic equipment, or if you’re a whiz with a digital camera, you can probably get a nice picture. But for those of us who love the convenience of a camera phone, we’re pretty much at the mercy of the gods as to whether our picture will come out. And, for the most part, it probably won’t. Inevitably, your picture will look noisy from the low-light conditions and dull the color and charm of the pavilion itself.
But hey, it’s worth a shot — especially when you realize you don’t have to pay for film anymore.
Tomorrowland … at Night!
For many, seeing the Disney Parks at night is more of a surprise than an important feature. To them, the Magic Kingdom is a place of sunshine and happiness and, yes, fireworks — but it’s something you picture during the daytime when you’re daydreaming at work.
For others, daytime at the Disney Parks is a necessary evil, simply biding time until they can show their true colors (literally) when the sun heads to the other side of the planet.
But sure enough, when you emerge from an attraction or restaurant only to discover the Magic Kingdom bathed in gorgeous light designed by the imagineers themselves — your phone will magically find itself in your hands and pointed toward the scenery. And nowhere is that urge stronger than in Tomorrowland.
Tomorrowland is somewhat flawed during the day, lacking major attractions and a cohesive story. But, at night, the incredible light show creates the feeling of a city of the future — one in which the energy never ceases. It can be a hard photo to capture, but when you pull it off, you’ll be proud.
Cinderella Castle at the End of Main Street USA
What is there to say about this photo that hasn’t already been said? It is one of the most iconic photo opportunities on planet earth, with one of the most photographed landmarks as its central focus.
The entrance to the most visited theme park in the world is designed specifically around this view, and it is tailored to create a filmic sensation that features you as the main character. The line of Main Street USA’s buildings draw the eye to the castle, which itself is the marker that this world isn’t quite meant to be realistic — but rather, a fantastic place of fun and joy.
Your version of this picture will have thousands of people in it. It will look crowded and utilitarian and a bit hectic. But, it will be the one you took — and that is all that truly matters.
