Mickey Ears On, Camera Ready: Capture the most beautiful memories in the Happiest Place on Earth!
It was my daughter’s 3rd birthday.
She was a die hard fan of Frozen.
We had taken her to see the Disney on Ice show a few months ago and that was all she could talk about… ALL THE TIME!!
It was obvious, the third birthday deserved a very first trip to Disney!
I have always been a Disney fan but it's an out-worldly experience to see Disney all over again with a child’s magic stricken eyes!!
When my little girl screamed “Ana” “Ana” during the Disney parade, I joined her screams and lived the time of my life.
The pictures from Disney, of my little girl, filled with awe and wonder are my most favorite pictures ever!
So here are my personal favorite tips to capture some wonderful memories at Disneyland, the happiest place on earth!
Pre-Park Prep:
Plan your shots: Decide what stories you want to tell. Rollercoaster screams? Character hugs? Family selfies? The twinkle in your little ones eyes? Knowing what you value the most will help you not get overwhelmed with memory making. It is so important to actually live those happy moments in the present, isn’t it?
Pack smart: Bring a small camera bag that won't weigh you down. Invest in a portable charger, extra batteries, and a memory card with enough space for all the grinning selfies! By all means, leave your professional, heavy DSLR home. Trust me, you will be carrying enough stuff and will be so thankful you left your bulky camera home.
Go app-tastic: Download the Disneyland app for wait times, show schedules, and (bonus!) fun photo filters and augmented reality experiences.
And now for the Insider Tip: Buy your Disney gear before you reach Disney. The $10 mickey mouse hat at Target will become $30 once you cross the Disney Gates!
In the Park, capturing memories at Disneyland:
Ditch the "say cheese": Forget forced smiles! Capture genuine laughter, surprised faces during unexpected encounters, and those "must-have" poses organically. Get down to their level, be silly, and let the joy unfold naturally. Witnessing a tantrum? Well, guess what? Lying down on the floor, face down will be a hilarious memory to share a few years down the line!
Details matter: Zoom in on Mickey balloons floating against the sky, tiny hands clutching popcorn buckets, or the dripping, melting ice cream on a hot summer day. These little moments tell a deeper story.
Embrace the unexpected: As much fun and magical Disney sounds, it can also be overwhelming. Long lines, crowds and believe it or not, cranky kids! Embrace the crazy that comes with Disney and capture your family with or without the crowd!
Go beyond the usual suspects: Yes the Disney Castle and other iconic landmarks are gorgeous and of course you want to photograph your little ones there. But don’t forget the ordinary, whimsical places. Like the Disney merchandise shops or the candy shops. The joy in a little child’s eyes at a candy shop is a sight to behold!
Let it go: Sounds like counter advice to capturing memories, isn't it? But don’t forget to enjoy and be in the moment. Sometimes, the most beautiful images are the ones we did not take because we were so busy living those moments.
Bonus Tips:
Invest in a Disney PhotoPass+: Unlimited downloads of professional park photos and ride pictures can be a lifesaver, especially for capturing those fleeting moments on rides. These especially come in handy in places where you can’t operate your camera.
Set aside "no-phone zones": Designate certain moments (character meets, fireworks) as phone-free zones to truly be present and soak it all in. Like I said, live the moments!
Create a dedicated photo album: Print your favorites and create a special album to relive the magic years later. Add handwritten notes, ticket stubs, or fun souvenirs to personalize it.
I sincerely hope, pictures or no pictures, you will come home with memories you and your little ones will cherish for the rest of your lives.
Happy Disney Trip!!
