We love reminiscing through old Disney World photos. Especially through old ride photos.
It never gets old seeing your family and friends’ faces in photos they were not expecting at all! We are definitely looking at you, Tower of Terror, and Space Mountain.
While it is always fun seeing candid photos from rides, it can also be a lot of fun to plan poses for the various ride photos. So, I am here today to describe where EVERY single ride photo is located in ALL four Disney World parks. I am getting you prepared so you can have some awesome ride photos on your next Disney World trip.
Magic Kingdom
We are starting in Magic Kingdom, which has the MOST rides with photos. As well, a lot of the rides have no height requirements, so even the kiddos can get in the picture.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
On Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, you will want to keep an eye out for the long tunnel which has a video screen in it. As soon as you leave that tunnel, your picture will be taken in the next room. You may also notice that you don’t have control of your ride vehicle at this time either.
You may notice a flashing going on in this room, and that is the camera taking pictures. Hold your pose for a bit to make sure your vehicle has passed the camera, and then you can resume your shooting. The photo is a fair bit into the ride, so many people are very focused on shooting by the time they get to the photo.
Haunted Mansion
The picture in Haunted Mansion is near the beginning of the ride. You will pass a long corridor and then start down a hallway with lighted paintings on the side.
The camera takes your picture from the last portrait. The flash gives the effect of lightning, so sometimes it is hard to realize it is taking your photo. Once you start seeing the portraits that is your time to make your pose.
Space Mountain
No matter how aware I am of the photo on Space Mountain, I always manage to look awful in it. This photo is also toward the beginning of the ride, and it happens right after you ride through the narrow tunnel.
The ride picks up a bit of speed and then turns to the left or right (depending on which side you are on), and then the photo is taken. The camera is on different sides depending on which side of the ride you are on. If your vehicle turns to the right, the camera is on the right. But, if your vehicle turns to the left, the camera is on the left. The picture happens pretty quickly after the turn, so it is often hard to pose the right way.
Pirates of the Caribbean
This photo will photograph the entire ride vehicle at once, so be strategic if you are hoping to be seen in the photo. This picture is also toward the beginning of the attraction and will happen right before the drop.
You will see a Jolly Roger on the left that is speaking to you. The camera is located inside the skull, and it will take your picture right before the drop. You will see the flash, and then you will enter the drop.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train actually has TWOÂ cameras! The first photo will be taken after you go down the first hill. You will turn to the right twice, and then you will make a turn back to the left. The photo will be taken as you are curving to the left.Â
The next picture is actually a picture AND a video. It will be taken on the drop after you see the Dwarfs mining. There is a slight fake-out, and then the vehicle will get to the bigger drop.
TRON Lightcycle / Run
The newest ride in Magic Kingdom also has a ride photo. On TRON Lightcycle / Run your photo will be taken right at the beginning of the attraction. When you pull out of the station, you will enter into the room you saw in the queue.
The photo will be taken right as you are being launched out of this room, so be prepared! When you are walking through the queue you will be able to see this area, so you can see ahead of time where the photo is being taken.
We also want to add that Splash Mountain previously had a ride photo on the big drop. Therefore, it is possible that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will also utilize this camera.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Now we are heading over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for some more ride photo locations.
Tower of Terror
This photo will also be of your whole vehicle, so again, place yourself strategically if you want to be seen in the photo. This ride has a couple of different sequences, and it will affect where you photo is taken a bit.
However, the photo is always taken when you reach the top and the doors open, revealing the outside. The photo will be taken at different times depending on the sequence though. It may get taken right as you are coming up to the top or it might be taken as you are getting dropped from the top.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (currently under refurbishment)
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is currently closed for refurbishment, but this ride also has a photo. This one is pretty easy to prepare for and pose for.
The photo will be taken right as you take off down the launch tunnel. You will turn the corner from load, and then stop in front of a “road sign.” Steven Tyler will count down, and once you are launched the photo will be taken from the right side of the tunnel.
Slinky Dog Dash
You will have to wait a bit to get to the photo in Slinky Dog Dash. You may think it would be on the initial launch, but it’s actually somewhere else. Once you go through a series of small up and down hills, it is time to get ready.
After those bumps, you will begin downhill and that is where the photo is going to be taken. This one is a little bit sneaky for sure!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
We are off to park #3! Let’s head over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This park only has two rides with photos, so let’s make them count!
Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest is going to make you wait for the ride photo. This photo is toward the end of your ride. You won’t get your time in the spotlight until you have already escaped the Yeti.
The picture happens on the final drop after you see the Yeti roar and rip up the track overhead. As you move forward, the photo will be taken as you drop outside.
DINOSAUR
The photo for this ride is going to be located toward the end. This photo is also a picture of your whole ride vehicle. You will do some evasive maneuvers, and then there will be a Carnotaurus on the right-side of the vehicle. Right as you come up to it and realize that it is indeed a very big dino, your photo will be taken.
This is always one of our favorite ride photos to look at, as you see your whole vehicle, and there are usually quite a few surprised faces!
EPCOT
We are moving on toward our last park of this adventure. We have just three more ride photos to go through, so let’s get to them.
Frozen Ever After
The photo for Frozen Ever After will take place near the end of the ride, and this one is pretty easy to prepare for. This photo will be your entire boat, but it is pretty easy to know when it will be coming up.
It will be taken on the drop after you see Marshmallow and a bunch of adorable Snowgies.Â
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
This ride photo will take a bit of endurance to get a good one. You will know you are coming up to the ride photo when your vehicle turns so you are facing backwards. This will be towards the beginning of the ride.
You will see a flash and then get launched backwards. During the backwards launch, your vehicle will turn around again, and while it is turning you will see some red and white circles on the ceiling. This is where your photo is being taken. Not only are you being launched, but you are also turning as the photo is being taken. Don’t worry if you end up with a funny photo, it has happened to all of us.
Test Track
And now we are to our final ride: Test Track. This photo will be taken during the final “test” of the ride, the power test. This is the part of the ride that will take you outside and this is where you will need to pose for your picture.
You will go through the doors and to test your vehicle’s power. You will go down a slight hill, and then the camera will be on your right.Â
We have made it through all the ride photos! Now you will know when you need to strike your pose. But if you are anything like us, even with knowing where the cameras are, you will probably still get some very unflattering shots. It is all part of the fun!
Also, before you head to Disney World, make sure you check out our video for 50 Disney World tips for 2024:
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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Which ride photo do you like the most? Let us know in the comments!
Shari says
Don’t forget about your picture being taken on Spaceship Earth at the beginning of the ride. You’re prompted, but sometimes I still seem to miss it. 😃
Arizona Sunshine says
Thank you for this list! I will print this up for my next trip.