While any trip to Walt Disney World is truly magical, there is no doubt that the atmosphere during the holiday season is extra special. The decorations, festive snacks, attraction overlays, and after-hours parties add more possibilities for unforgettable moments and make the purchase of the Memory Maker photo package even more worth its cost. For those looking for that signature holiday card family photo, there are ample opportunities inside of all 4 Walt Disney World Parks, but did you know there are also PhotoPass photographers located outside of the parks waiting to capture your moment?
As Magic Kingdom is known for its towering tree and Mickey-shaped wreaths that line Main Street U.S.A., and EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom add their own holiday flair, the Walt Disney World Resorts also dress themselves up for this special time of year. Beginning in early November, holiday trees, gingerbread displays, and twinkle lights begin to make their appearance in the lobbies and common areas of Walt Disney World Resorts creating not only a homey atmosphere, but also the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos. In some locations, you are likely to find PhotoPass photographers and props most hours of the day. If you’re looking for some fun things to do on a non-park day, consider visiting one of these places for additional Walt Disney World holiday PhotoPass opportunities.
1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian draws big crowds during the holiday season not only to view its towering holiday tree in the already stunning lobby, but to also visit the life-sized functional gingerbread house that sells freshly baked and packaged holiday treats! Before jumping into line to stock up on snacks and souvenirs, find your way to the back side of the gingerbread house where a PhotoPass photographer will likely be waiting to capture your moment. You may also find PhotoPass near the holiday tree.
2. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Another highly sought-after Disney Resort during the holiday season is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The already cozy feel of the lobby is amplified with its sparkling holiday tree. You may find fun signs to pose with at this location, but that’s not all. During the 2023 holiday season, we found a 2nd PhotoPass opportunity that offered a Magic Shot featuring snow! If you need another reason to visit Wilderness Lodge, in 2023 they also featured a holiday pop-up shop selling fresh baked goods. We hope to see this return in 2024!
3. Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House
If you have ever been inside of the lobby of Animal Kingdom Lodge, the details, beauty, and spectacular view of the back wall of windows will stop you in your tracks! Add holiday décor, and you have one fancy lobby. With another towering tree among the wooden tones and African-inspired aesthetic, you will find a Disney PhotoPass photographer who will capture you and your group in this picturesque place.
4. Disney Springs
Disney Springs hosts year-round PhotoPass opportunities that change with the seasons at its own indoor studio located in the Marketplace section of this popular retail center. During the holiday season, snap your photo among holiday décor and a green screen with the ability to show a variety of festive backdrops and even produce Magic Shots. The studio is open daily from 11AM-9PM, so after you complete the Christmas Tree Stroll, stop in for some festive photos!
While these spots offer amazing holiday photo opportunities, keep in mind that locations and times of PhotoPass photographers can vary daily, are not guaranteed, and are based on need and availability for all photographers across the Walt Disney World Resort. If you arrive at a location in or outside of Disney Parks hoping to find an PhotoPass photographer and there is not one present, remember you can always ask another cast member to take photos on your own device.
Where is your favorite location to take holiday photos in Walt Disney World? Is it at one of the above-mentioned locations that offer a seasonal PhotoPass photographer? Let us know in the comments below!
Written by
Shelley Wehler
Contributing Writer
Shelley is a stay-at-home mother of two girls living outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Her love of all things Disney has grown even more as she sees the magic come alive through the lens of her young daughters. She spends her free time keeping up with the latest in Disney news and daydreaming of her next trip to the parks!
