So you’re headed to Disney World and you are looking for all of the insider tips for disney world so your vacation will be amazing! The Secrets to the BEST Disney World Trip Ever are here to make your Disney World 2018 trip the BEST.
A magical trip that will provide you and yours with memories that are sure to last a lifetime. If you’re anything like me, you’ll walk around with a sense of wonder, but that’s only part of the magic. Seeing your children experience that wonder makes putting up with the heat, the lines, and the work it was to get there, well worth the effort. And of course you’ll want photos to commemorate the special trip.
Here are just a few suggestions on what to pack, tips, and tricks to get great photos!
Gear:
Beyond the body and your standard lenses…
• A wide angle lens: A wide angle allows you to get nice and close to your subject and include all the magic going on behind them. I find wide angles to be crucial in documenting the story…capturing the context of your subject.
• An external flash. 
Secrets to the BEST Disney World Trip Ever
• Camera bag – waterproof is a good idea.
Tips:
• Learn how to shoot in direct light! If you’ve been toying with photography for any length of time you know lighting really matters. Ideally, you shoot during the golden hour, but at Disney, you just don’t wait for the perfect lighting. Practice shooting in direct light before you go! You’ll be glad you did. 
• Document the big stuff, but don’t overlook the sweet details either. There is so much going on at the park, your family will have no shortage of things grabbing their attention and naturally you’ll capture all of those, but be sure to capture all those little details than can easily be overlooked. Any good story carefully describes the main characters, it’s what endears you to them. I find this to be true in photography as well, details make the story that much sweeter.
• For the rides that aren’t so gear-friendly, I recommend having some sort of padded, waterproof bag for safe keeping.
Capture the park through your child’s eyes. Lower yourself to their level and grab a few shots from their point of view. When taking shots of them, do the same, don’t always angle the camera down towards them, you’ll be amazed at what a little angle change can do for your shots!
• Don’t expect a poised smile every time and be prepared to capture moments leading up to the big events. I know it’s the most magical place on earth, but despite my expectations, kids still don’t eagerly smile for each and every photo. They may at times be slightly overstimulated 😉 So, document the “real” stuff that is attraction park attending. Waiting in line for a ride; take some shots of the kiddos goofing off. Walking up to meet the characters; get a shot or two of their eager or not-so-eager introductions. Watching a show; grab a quick capture of their expressions.
The entire experience at times will be overwhelming without demands for a perfect photo! Chronicle the trip as it happens. I can assure you, when the trip is over and you’re looking at your documented memories, the candid shots will be among your favourites.
• Get in the shot. You’re there too, after all! We’ve all heard this, but that’s because it needs to be said.
Photo Opportunities to watch for:
• Character meals! If you are taking advantage of the dining plan and have booked a few character meals, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the characters throughout your meal. There is an order to their table visits, so you’ll have some time anticipating your turn. If possible, request a table by a window for some lovely light or be sure to bring a flash as some of the restaurants have low lighting. Your kiddos will have an array of reactions to each special visitor and you’ll want to capture all of them!
Once you have your settings just so, hand your camera to the character’s assistant, who is always more than willing to snap a shot of the entire family. 
• Nightly Shows – the firework display and nightly shows at the various parks are breathtaking! Crank your ISO and don’t worry about the grain, you’ll want to capture that magic for sure.
• Rides – The majority of the rides you are able to safely use your camera on, so take advantage of that! You’ll find a lot of them are pretty dark, so adjust your settings much like you would for the fireworks display.
• Entertainment – many shows have a surprise element near the end, once again, adjust your settings so you’re ready to capture at a moments notice. Want some more family secrets for the best Disney World trip see the insider info!
• The entrances of each park – take a shot of all your kiddos as soon as you arrive. They’ll be eager and so excited for what lies ahead. You’ll be inclined to want to run to the first ride or show, but take that extra 60 seconds. Each park entrance has it’s own element of magic that makes for a great photo backdrop. Ask someone to get a shot of your entire bunch before that park’s adventure begins.
And lastly, take a break from shooting. I know this seems to defeat the purpose of this post, so bare with me. I think I have F.O.M.O. (fear of missing out) or more specifically F.O.M.P. (fear of missing photo). I have to assume I’m not alone in this so I want to make a point of encouraging you to take breaks too. I’ve spent the last little bit encouraging you to get great photos but I’d also like to remind you that sometimes we just have to be in the moment and not try to capture it. Your kids want to remember having a wonderful time WITH you.
Enjoy your trip!
Samantha is a photographer and graphic designer and is passionate about telling the story of each client she has the pleasure of meeting. She’s a wife and mother and especially enjoys capturing life with her growing boys as it unfolds.
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