Are you looking for the BEST places to get Disney Christmas pictures on your Florida holiday vacation?
Don’t let the most holly jolly season go by without getting that priceless Christmas card photo!
I am going to share with you my favorite photo spots, as well as a few helpful tips along the way.
So, grab your Mickey ears and say… CHEESE!
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5 Best Disney World Christmas Photo Spots At a Glance:
Before we dive into this guide, I want to give you my top 5 spots for the best holiday pictures at Disney World below:
- In front of the Christmas Tree at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Next to the life-size gingerbread house in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
- In front of the Christmas Tree on Main Street U.S.A with the Cinderella Castle in the background
- Next to the multiple holiday trees on the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs
- In front of Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Keep reading to see more photo spots that are perfect for you!
1. Main Street, U.S.A.
There is nothing quite like Magic Kingdom at Christmastime, from the smiling faces of friends pacing by to the glowing lights that lead right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.
Why We Love Getting Disney Christmas Pictures Here
But before you travel too far, be sure to stop in the middle of the square.
Here, you will find an unforgettable Christmas tree with an iconic holiday-themed backdrop – perfect for that classic quintessential Christmas card.
Hipster Power Tip: Due to the high volume of passersby, it can prove rather difficult to capture the perfect photo here. But if you download an app called Focus, you can blur out the background a bit, which gives the standard iPhone photo a bit more of a professional look.
2. Cinderella Castle
Looking for a photo that screams “WE’RE CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AT DISNEY WORLD!!!”?
There is no better place than smack dab directly in front of the one… the only… Cinderella Castle.
Why We Love Getting Disney Christmas Pictures Here
It has been a few years since the castle has worn its beloved icicle lights. But icicle lights or not, there is no where else is the world I would rather be.
You just may need to amp of the Christmas vibes to really sell this picture by donning an ugly sweater or Santa hat!
Hipster Power Tip: Be sure to get this photo in the evening when castle is all aglow.
3. Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Display
Set your photo apart by posing in front of a true work of art.
The Grand Floridian gingerbread house at Disney has 1050 pounds of honey, 140 pints of egg whites, 600 pounds of powder sugar, 700 pounds of chocolate, 800 pounds of flour, and 35 pounds of spices.
Why We Love Getting Disney Christmas Pictures Here
Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House display is is so popular that it has been featured on the Travel Channel and Food Network!
Believe me, your photo will be good enough to eat!
Hipster Power Tip: By early-afternoon the masses are already up and out at the parks, making it the ideal time to grab the best Gingerbread House photos – free and clear of distraction.
4. Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Have yourself a merry little prehistoric Christmas! That’s right, cheese it up with everyone’s favorite Brontosaurus… GERTI!
Head on over to Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and get a shot beside this delightful dinosaur as she sports a Santa hat with a Christmas ball hanging out of her mouth.
Pretty darn cute, huh?
Why We Love Getting Disney Christmas Pictures Here
And as an added bonus, you’ll even be able to capture the Echo Lake Christmas Tree in the distance, vintage bright lights, classic tinsel, and all.
Hipster Power Tip: Unlike the Magic Kingdom Christmas Tree, this setting is far more relaxed and much less congested. If you’re traveling with the littles or a particularly large group, consider Echo Lake!
5. Disney Wilderness Lodge Bridge
Take a break from the tradition “in front of a tree” pose and try something a bit more rustic and romantic.
The cozy spot features a garland clad bridge over a babbling brook. You can thank me later!
Why We Love Getting Disney Christmas Pictures Here
One of my favorite parts about this location is the natural light your photo will possess, due to the floor to ceiling windows throughout. Just be cautious of too much backlighting!
Whether it is the crackling embers of the Grand Fireplace or the rocking chairs that nestle beside it, the lodge guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Hipster Power Tip: Don’t be afraid to grab a few extra photos in front of the 60-foot-tall Wilderness Lodge Christmas tree, while you’re at it.
6. EPCOT World Showcase
If your favorite park is EPCOT, this one is probably already on your list. The only real question is… where exactly?!
Sure, all World Showcase Pavilions don their own native ornamentation and décor. But why settle for a picture in one country when you can pose with all 11 at once?
Why We Love Getting Disney Christmas Pictures Here
Set up a shot in front of the Japan Pavilion in front of World Showcase Lagoon.
The Japan Pavilion is where I love hanging out when I’m visiting EPCOT during Christmastime.
This hotspot offers the largest walkway and unobstructed view… give or take a fireworks barge or two.
Hipster Power Tip: Head to the Japan Pavilion around sundown. By this time, Spaceship Earth will be lit – making for a breathtaking backdrop.
7. Toy Story Land
I mean, come on… this one already comes with giant Christmas lights!
Why We Love Getting Disney Christmas Pictures Here
The oversized toys really add to the playful innocence of the holiday. Not to mention, Woody and the gang have already did a little extra decorating.
Hipster Power Tip: If you’re trying to capture the whole land in your photo, try using a PhotoPass Photographer.
8. Jingle Cruise
Feeling a bit punny? Try snapping a few shots outside the Jingle Cruise signage.
Why We Love Getting Disney Christmas Pictures Here
It may not be as traditional as Cinderella Castle and Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread display, but it is sure to show off your adventurous side.
Just be sure to enjoy the actual ride and say hi to the Skipper for me.
Hipster Power Tip: Mix it up by throwing on a safari hat and some Adventureland gear!
9. Tower of Terror
Take your Christmas photo into the 5th dimension by posing in front of this scary yet festive monolith stamped with colorful projections.
Why We Love Getting Disney Christmas Pictures Here
It’s fun and goes great with the Tinsel Town holiday vibe at Hollywood Studios!
Keep in mind The Sunset Seasons Greetings is a projection show that features images that change one-after-another.
So, stick around for a few and grab a few different looks behind you while you’re at their Christmas event called Jollywood Nights.
10. Santa Claus at Disney Springs
Grab your own one-on-one interaction with the man, the myth, the legend… Santa Claus.
Why We Love Getting Disney Christmas Pictures Here
While you can pretty much find him at all four parks, Disney Springs is the best location.
Santa appears at Santa’s Chalet, located near the Christmas Tree Trail in the Marketplace section, daily through Christmas Eve. And get this… it is 100% FREE!
Last year, check-in was virtual and allowed guest to go spend some quality time around Disney Springs. That is, until it is time to return and meet old Kris Kringle.
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My Final Thoughts on Getting the Best Christmas Photos at Disney World
And there you have it, my favorite photo spots for the holidays. I hope this helps you land the perfect Christmas photo while at Walt Disney World.
Until next time, Happy Holidays Hipsters!
If you enjoy this article, then you’ll love these:
- Walt Disney World PhotoPass & Memory Maker (Everything You Need to Know)
- Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail (PHOTOS + Everything You Need to Know!)
- Best Disney Christmas Resorts YOU MUST STAY AT!
- Epcot Candlelight Processional Full Guide
- Disney Christmas Decorations You CAN’T MISS
- Epcot Festival of the Holidays COMPLETE GUIDE
- PRO Tips for Doing Christmas at Disney World
About the Author
Ted Wioncek III is a professional Show Director, who specializes in developing highly themed experiences with immersive live entertainment. His work has garnered him a reputation as a “master in storytelling.”
In addition, he is also a Walt Disney World Annual Passholdin’-D23 lovin’-DVC card carryin’-theme park enthusiast, specializing in theatrical review, food critique, and double-blind Dole Whip taste testing. Ted lives in sunny Florida with his beautiful wife, daughter, and their adorable rescue beagle, affectionately named, Professor Indiana Bones.
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(Original Article: November 13, 2022/Updated by Editor on October8, 2024)