As a repeat Walt Disney World visitor, I frequently get asked, “Why go there again? Don’t you get bored?” Any Disney Parks fan knows that the answer to this question is always a definitive NO! I am always looking for new experiences or adventures to make each visit more exciting than the last. I have always loved taking photos at Walt Disney World (I sometimes wonder just how many shots I have taken of Cinderella Castle) but always went for the standard “Kodak Spot” touristy photos. In the past year, however, I found that shooting Walt Disney World in a more comprehensive way has brought a whole new level of enjoyment and appreciation for the parks. Finding that perfectly unique shot or unusual angle has become my new challenge. Looking at the World through the eye of my camera has helped me focus on the incredible detail that the imagineers have so lovingly placed there for us to find.
My favorite event to photograph is definitely the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom Park. This parade is truly an incredible display of vibrant color, imagineering brilliance, and first rate showmanship and is my favorite Walt Disney World parade to date by far. The amazing colors and abundance of cast member performers make this parade the perfect opportunity for some outstanding pictures. The costuming is a work of art itself. Although I love to shoot the floats (especially the Brave and Tangled floats which are incredible), my favorite photos are up-close shots of the ground performers in their magnificent costumes.
I must admit I am truly an amateur photographer. At first, I was using my Iphone 5 to photograph the parade (I greatly prefer the Camera+ app to the built in camera) and got some really great photos this way. However, I wanted to take the quality of my Walt Disney World photos a little farther, so I invested in my first DSLR camera. My Nikon D3200 isn’t a first-rate camera, but for this relative beginner it is the perfect way to elevate my photographs without being overly complicated. I have found that the only downside to using this particular DSLR is that it is much more difficult to post my photos quickly to social media. Therefore, I have been trying recently to mix it up… taking some photos with each camera.
I love this parade so much that I shoot it twice- during the same parade! I have found that my preferred first spot for shooting is in Frontierland, somewhere on the Country Bear Jamboree side of the road which gives a great view as the parade heads towards me. As the last float passes, I grab my stuff and head through the passageway to Adventureland. I walk quickly (ok… I might run a bit..) out of Adventureland and towards Main Street, U.S.A. I typically duck into the first shop on the right as I hit Main Street, U.S.A. and head through each shop down the length of the street until I exit the Emporium at Town Square. I head to the right and typically can find a decent spot near the Car Barn. I typically make it with plenty of time. Now I can shoot the whole show all over again, but this time with different angles and backgrounds!
My new found love of photography has definitely enhanced my recent trips to Walt Disney World. I love finding new details to shoot and the editing time needed when I get home just seems to extend my vacation- I get to live it all over again! I have also enjoyed becoming more involved in social media, especially Instagram. Following awesome Disney Instragram accounts and posting my own photos to my Instagram account (@disneyluv4life) has become a new pastime and a great way of staying connected to Walt Disney World when I can’t physically be there. Photography has become the perfect way for me to add a new dimension to my Walt Disney World travel, and has allowed me to see my favorite place in an entirely new light!
