How to Get the Perfect Magic Kingdom Ride Photos

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Guests at Walt Disney World encounter PhotoPass photographers throughout the park. This makes the  Memory Maker package a great investment if you are willing to take the time to stop and pose. But, did you know that the Memory Maker package also includes on-ride photos?  It’s a great way to get those action photos that you would otherwise miss out on. However, the secret to a great photo is knowing where the camera is. Luckily, with some research (both online and in-person), I’ve come up with a list of where the cameras are so you can get the best Magic Kingdom ride photos.

Getting the Best Magic Kingdom Ride Photos

To get the best Magic Kingdom ride photos, you’ll need to know which attractions have on-ride photos and have an active Magic band. You’ll also need to know where and when to “Say Cheese!”

First, Which Attractions Have Magic Kingdom Ride Photos?

In the Magic Kingdom, the following attractions offer on-ride photos:

• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Splash Mountain
• Haunted Mansion
• Enchanted Tales with Belle (interactive show)
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

When Should You Say Cheese!

Pirates of the Caribbean

The camera on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride is located at the beginning of the ride, right before the drop. After you board your ship, you’ll pass through a misty waterfall where Davy Jones and Blackbeard issue dire warnings of the danger to come. When you see beached ship with the skeleton at the ship’s wheel, look to your left. The camera is located inside the talking skull and crossbones. Smile and say cheese because right after that your ship with take a short plunge down the waterfall.

There is no preview of this Magic Kingdom ride photo in the Plaza del Sol Bazaar as you exit, so be sure to wear a Magic band and check your My Disney Experience account to view the photo.

Splash Mountain

The location of Splash Mountain’s camera is probably the best known in all of the parks. You’ll find all sorts of great photos by doing an online search, including those of people reading newspapers, playing board games, and even proposing to their significant others. The most famous photo is probably that of the angry woman who had to ride alone after her husband refused to go.

After you pass the two vultures, get ready for your photo.   The camera is located on the left about a third of the way down the big drop into the briar patch.  If you don’t have an active magic band, never fear. This ride has photo previews as you exit though its small gift shop.

Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion on-ride picture is one of the newest Magic Kingdom ride photos. And, the good news is, if you know where to look, you can get an awesome photo there. So, where is that camera located?

The camera is located near the beginning of the ride. After boarding your doom buggy,  your ghost host will warn you not to take flash photos as you enter the portrait gallery.  Lightning coming though the windows will illuminate the paintings with chilling effects. The final two paintings are those of the horseman and Medusa. That’s where the cameras are located. Don’t be surprised when a “grim, grinning ghost materializes” in your on-ride photo!

The Haunted Mansion does have a gift shop, but it is not at the ride’s exit. Memento Mori is a great place for Haunted Mansion lovers to find unique souvenirs and gifts. However, you won’t find your Haunted Mansion on-ride photo or even a preview there. These Magic Kingdom ride photos are only available if you are wearing an active magic band on the ride.

 

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Although technically not a ride, the Enchanted Tales with Belle interactive show has an assigned PhotoPass photographer and does offer photos. And, you don’t need a magic band. Each family will receive a PhotoPass card at the end of the show, and you just enter the numbers on the card on the website. If you have a part in the retelling of the story, you’ll be in even more photos.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Some of my favorite Walt Disney World photos have been taken on this ride–and that’s before I had any idea where the cameras were located. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is special because you’ll get two different photos and a video.  Both photos are taken after you go through the jewel-laden mine. The first camera is located towards the left as you go down the first big hill. As you turn at the bottom of the hill, there will be another camera on your left. It’s easier to find the cameras at night–watch for the flash!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train does not offer photo previews on sight, so there’s no way to purchase your photo without a magic band. Videos can only be downloaded if you have the Memory Maker package or are an annual passholder.  Unfortunately, you can’t purchase the ride video as a stand-alone item.  The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride photo is my favorite of all the Magic Kingdom ride photos.

To view this ride’s video, check out the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train video on the ClelandClan.com Facebook page.

Space Mountain

On Space Mountain, the camera is near the beginning of the ride, less than a minute in. It’s at the end of the star tunnel, when your rocket turns. You’ll turn right or left, depending on which track you are on.  The camera is on the inside of the turn. Watch for the flash–you can’t miss it!

There is a touch point inside the gift shop at the ride exit. You’ll be able to view and purchase your ride photo there if you do not have a magic band.

 

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

The photo opp on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is at the end of the ride. It’s in the room with the giant Emperor Zurg. The camera is actually mounted on Zurg. Watch for the flash right when your ride vehicle is directly in front of Zurg. As you can tell from our photo, I’ve given up on trying to beat my husband’s score–he has much better aim!

This ride also exits into a small gift shop. You will be able to view and purchase your photo here if you do not have a magic band.

Final Thoughts about Magic Kingdom Ride Photos

Many people ask if Disney’s PhotoPass Memory Maker package is worth the price. For us, it is.  I appreciate that everyone can be in the photo and that the person taking the pictures is trained and has the appropriate camera settings. As long as you are willing to take the time to seek out the photographers and stand in line for a few minutes, you’ll get great pictures of your vacation. Those photos, along with your on-ride photos, capture the memories of your vacation for years to come.

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