How to Get Perfect Photos During Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Disney Parks Blog just released an article listing how guests can get the best pictures at Disney World. I think it’s helpful information that everyone should know before visiting. So let’s dive in and see what they had to say and if I agree.
Let’s start with my unofficial first tip: Knowing what Capture Your Moment is!
Now available at all four Walt Disney World theme parks, Capture Your Moment is an experience offering dedicated time with a Disney PhotoPass photographer. Following a consultation with your photographer (which usually lasts around 10 minutes or so), your party of up to eight guests can enjoy a 20-minute personalized photo shoot with some pretty unbeatable backdrops.
I’ve enjoyed a few Capture Your Moment sessions (my profile photo seen here on the blog was actually captured during a session at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!), so I’d love to share my top five tips about this experience, whether you’ve already booked a session, are thinking about booking a session, or have just learned what Capture Your Moment is.
I have heard so much about Capture Your Moment and seen fantastic photos from sessions. I highly recommend this for special moments like proposals, graduation photos, or anniversary shots. There are a few things you need to know before booking one of these sessions.
1. Ask about available photo locations
When picturing your photo shoot location, backdrops like Cinderella Castle or the Tree of Life probably come to mind. And these are great photo spots you can enjoy during a Capture Your Moment session!
Our photographers are happy to help you pick a great location. While you’re guaranteed one photo location per session, most sessions end up visiting a few locations to take photos.
Before booking, note where Capture Your Moment sessions can go within each park:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: on and nearby Discovery Island (including Africa, Asia, DinoLand U.S.A., and the Tree of Life Trails)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: near the entrance of the park (including Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and Echo Lake)
EPCOT: select World Showcase pavilions (Germany, Italy, the American Adventure, Japan, and Morocco)
Magic Kingdom: around Cinderella Castle (including Main Street, U.S.A. and all four sides of Cinderella Castle)
If I had to pick a location, it would be EPCOT, but once they remove the barges from the lagoon because I would not want those in the background. Another location I’d pick would be Animal Kingdom because that park is picture-perfect.
2. Arrive on time
Stay with me here, I know this one seems obvious, but it’s really important.
Make the most of your session by arriving at your check-in location at least 10 minutes prior to your start time. Because this experience is very popular with photo shoots running continuously for much of the day, sessions cannot be extended due to a late arrival.
Pay close attention to where the Capture Your Moment check-in locations are in each of the parks:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: the kiosk located outside of Island Mercantile
EPCOT: At the podium outside Art of Disney – located in the American Adventure pavilion (note, this location is about a 20-minute walk from the main entrance of the park)
Arriving on time is very important because you only get a certain amount of time for the session, and you don’t want to cut into that. Make sure you give yourself enough time by getting to the park 45 minutes to an hour before the session because of parking, security, and walking to the check-in location.
3. Have fun with props
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or achievement like an engagement or birthday, taking family photos, or just excited to be at Disney, we’ve created props specifically for these sessions and uniquely themed to each park. Let your photographer know what you want to celebrate or capture so they can help pick the best props.
If you’ll be orchestrating a surprise moment during your session – such as a proposal – we know that keeping the secret until you’re ready is crucial, but we also want to be prepared with the right props. If you fall into this category, I recommend letting us know in advance by calling 407-939-7758 so we can make a note about the surprise on your reservation. Or, you can visit the check in location the day of your session to ensure your photographer is in on the surprise.
You’re welcome to bring your own props, but please make sure they comply with the Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules, found by clicking here. That webpage is also great for reviewing the Attire Policies. An important one to note is clothing that drags on the ground is prohibited in the theme parks.
I’m not the biggest fan of the props they use in the parks, but they have nicer ones for these private sessions. For example, I love the chalkboards because it’s a cute way to personalize the moment instead of using generic props. I am unsure if I love the ‘&’ sign or hate it; let me know your thoughts on that one.
4. Don’t give up on finding an opening
As I mentioned before, these sessions are very popular. Reservations open 60 days in advance, but even then, some sessions, especially those in the morning, can book up very fast. If you can’t find the session time you wanted, don’t give up!
Check online or in the My Disney Experience app the day before and day of for reservations that could open at the last minute. No guarantees, but I know this has worked out well for some guests.
Also, don’t forget Capture Your Moment is available at all four theme parks. If one park is fully booked, I highly recommend checking the others for openings. I’ve experienced a session at all four parks, and my favorite wasn’t the one I thought it would be.
5. Know how to download your photos
While photos are not included in the price of your session, those who have Memory Maker, Memory Maker One Day, or a Walt Disney World Annual Pass with the Disney PhotoPass Downloads add-on can download Capture Your Moment photos at no extra cost.
You can purchase Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day in the My Disney Experience app or online before, during, or after your visit. Click here for more information.
No matter how you download your photos, be sure to do so before they expire.
Treat this like a dining reservation; keep trying until you find an opening. I have always wanted to do a Capture Your Moment session, so I’m glad Disney Parks Blog released this article explaining how it works and how to have a successful appointment. Have you ever done one of these sessions? If so, how was your experience?
