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Day 10 – Top Ten Walt Disney World Family Photos

In the spirit of the well-known song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, our writers will be counting up from 1 to 12 as we bring you a numbered, Disney-themed subject on each day leading up to Christmas.


 

Christmas and Walt Disney World have two important themes in common: family and memory making.  One of the best ways to tie the two together is with photographs.  Whether you own a high-powered DSLR camera or you prefer to shoot selfies on a smartphone, there is no denying Walt Disney World is home to hundreds of amazing and unique backdrops for photo ops.  For WDW fans, what could be better than capturing a perfect family memory for your holiday cards?  Though it is likely too late to take advantage of the following suggestions this year; there is plenty of time between now and next year to plan for and obtain the ideal WDW photograph for your custom greetings.  In addition to being the focal point of your cards, perhaps, one of the holiday shots you snap will turn out to be perfect family photo for your living room wall, computer desktop, smartphone wallpaper, or wherever you choose to display your favorite family pictures.

 

A Frosty Castle in Florida

Though it is an obvious choice, no visit to the Magic Kingdom Park during Christmas would be complete without a family photo backed by the beautiful Cinderella Castle Dream Lights.  While you can have a Photopass photographer capture a shot in a number of locations, you will not find one stationed at this vantage point.  The patio seating areas of Tomorrowland Terrace and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe offer fantastic unobstructed views of the castle, and the restaurants provide enough light to keep your picture from looking blurred in lowlight.  Surrounding tables conveniently serve as a prop/stand for cameras during a timed shot.

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Vibrant Victoria Gardens

The Victoria Gardens found in the Canada pavilion at Epcot provide a beautiful and vivid backdrop for a family photo, and there is plenty of space for a group photo.

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Enjoying a Favorite Treat

Whether it is a row of little ones lickin’ up melty Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars or the foodie preparing to partake of a delicious pastry, every WDW Fan has a favorite treat and capturing the pure bliss that accompanies the long-awaited enjoyment makes for a great photo.

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A Christmas Set-up Just Waiting for You

Throughout the various WDW property at Christmastime, there are fun preset photo areas decked out with holiday topiaries and/or life-size figures that provide whimsical backdrops for a truly Disney-themed picture.

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An Exotic Bridge

For those who are known for being happy wanderers or world travelers, the many bridges at Disney’s Animal Kingdom provide exotic backdrops.  Depending upon the angle taken, one can capture beautiful scenes of the river, foliage or authentic architecture. (Note: During construction of the Rivers of Light nighttime show, views may be obstructed.)

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The Lonely Snowman

He is quite possibly the most-photographed snowman in the world. This kindly gentleman once had an adoring family, but now he stands alone waiting for yours to stop by for a snapshot with him.  If sunlight sensitive eyes have you squinting in most of the photos you take in the bright Florida sunshine, this location is perfect as it is shaded from all directions by the surrounding buildings.  A heads up about this photo op, you may want to capture yours as soon as possible because Disney’s Hollywood Studios is in a state of change, and this beloved old Christmas friend may have to hurry on his way.

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Being a Kid

Walt Disney World is known for its attractions, and nothing says kid-at-heart like a silly on-ride photo.  While you can plan ahead and time your pose for the photo taken by Disney, it is also fun to capture a candid shot while waiting in the load/unload area.

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 A Towering Fireplace

Whether you prefer a silly family photo donned with ugly Christmas sweaters or a more formal portrait, the immense fireplace in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge provides a truly homey feeling complete with rocking chairs.

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A Victorian Christmas

The grandeur of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Christmastime is unmatched!  A fantastic family photo can be taken in the Lobby near the life-size gingerbread house or ascend the staircase to the second floor where the entire enchanted scene is visible.

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The International Gateway

Keep your family and friends guessing as to whether you traveled domestically or internationally with a family photo taken at the International Gateway Bridge in Epcot‘s World Showcase.  Spanning the channel between the United Kingdom and France pavilions, this location is perfect for a large family and provides a picturesque backdrop both day and night.

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(All photos are from the author’s personal collection.)

 

Where are your favorite places to take family photos in Walt Disney World? Have you ever made a Walt Disney World themed photo card?  Let us know in the comments section below, and be sure to join us tomorrow for Day 11 of the WDW Radio Christmas Extravaganza!

 

Day 1 – Behind Walt Disney’s First Television Program, “One Hour in Wonderland”

Day 2 – Two New Ways to Experience Walt Disney World

Day 3 – Top Three Places to Buy Disney Décor in Your Hometown

Day 4 – Four Fantastic Walt Disney World Parades

Day 5 – The Five Best Golden (Onion) Rings in Walt Disney World

Day 6 – Six Favorite Local Stores to Purchase Disney Gifts

Day 7 – Seven Star Wars Items to Put on Your Christmas List

Day 8 – Eight Reasons to do the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Day 9 – Nine Disney Christmas Trees

 

 

KendallKendall is an editor and contributing writer for WDW Radio. She began visiting Walt Disney World in 1991 with her family and has continued to visit the resort with her husband. Her home-away-from-home is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and she believes a perfect day at WDW includes a dip in the Lava Pool, a ride on Splash Mountain and a Pineapple Dole Whip. Follow her on Twitter @kl_foreman.

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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