Top Ten DLP Photo Locations
With the increasing presence of photopass photographers now’s a great time to discuss those must take DLP pictures. While you’re unlikely to match the camera quality – unless you’ve got some pretty impressive camera equipment – Photopass can’t be everywhere. So, here are ten (usually non-photopass) locations to try out your skills and remember your trip with a perfect photo. I’ve included a few of my own photos to give you an idea of a few of the locations.
Sleeping Beauty Castle
This is arguably one of the most photogenic castle with some beautiful landscaping. A shot as you enter the park for the start of your holiday is an absolute must. You can also have a great time spotting all the little details – like the gold snails on the roof!
If you want
something a little different don’t take a shot head on. If you go to the left towards Adventureland and follow the path round towards the side entrance to La Tanière du Dragon it’s an amazing view. And often less crowded. While the castle always looks amazing a darker shot towards sunset when the crowds die down can be striking. This can also counter the fact that due to the weather the skies in DLP can be quite grey.
Empty Main Street USA
Of these photos this is probably the most commonly seen on social media. This means that you might have to wait! After illuminations head into one of the main street shops and do a little souvenir shopping for fifteen minutes or so. Or go and hide in the arcades. By the time you leave Main Street will be empty, and looking amazing. Head up towards the castle and find a spot, at a distance, with no one behind you. You can stand, but most people sit cross legged. The idea is to get a picture of yourself on an empty main street with the castle behind you. It makes a fantastic social media profile picture and can be fun to do. Especially if you put your own spin on it.
Adventureland Entrance at Night
The Adventureland entrance from Main street is stunning. The colour combinations and tiles are fantastic
stic and so well themed to the land. It also happens, because of the unique lighting, to look spectacular lit up. It’s practically tradition to take a shot of the lights as you enter Adventureland beneath the arch. Great for a photo with friends or to capture some lovely Disney detail in some vivid colours.
It’s A Small World
I’ve avoided putting any rides on here because taking photos during most rides can be disruptive to other guests. However, It’s A Small World is different. A well timed photo of yourself, or with your group, before you enter the inside of the ride properly is a fun way to remember your trip. Especially if you can get the front seat on the boat! The outside theming, as seen from the boat, is great fun. And will make a bright and colourful picture. The movement can make any photos a bit tricky though. I’d avoid taking a picture when you enter the ride properly, though. It’s best just to sit back and enjoy the show.
If a picture at the start of the ride doesn’t work there is another option. Just before you enter the ride queue there is a small balcony that overlooks the ride. This is also a great place for a photo – with the ride in the background. On a bright day especially this can look really striking.
La Place de Rémy
The Ratatouille mini land is one of the most unique area in the Studios and great for a photo shoot with the fun french theming of the area as a great reminder of your holiday. The fountain at the centre in particular is a great focal point for taking photos in the area. It’s great for group shots if some of you can perch on the edge of the fountain. It’s an obvious photo, sure, but there’s a reason for that. While the area is always crowded it’s worth the wait to get up close.The detailing reflects Ratatouille well and is spectacular at night.
On the Molly Brown towards Phantom Manor
The Molly Brown does a circle of the ‘Rivers of the far west’ around big thunder mountain. The soundtrack can fill in some background to Thunder Mesa while you take landscape shots. In warmer months you should make your way to the top deck. I usually stand at the barrier on the back of the ship so I’m facing away from the direction the ship is going. You’ll find people mainly crowd at the front. You’ll get some great shots of Frontierland and Big Thunder Mountain from here. My own particular favorite though is to try and capture Phantom Manor at a distance taking in it’s surroundings. It’s a totally different perspective from looking at it from the ground which can be fun. This is especially effective on dark or foggy days.
Queen Of Hearts in Alice’s Curious Labyrinth
Alice’s Curious Labyrinth is filled with a lot of amazing photo opportunities. As a unique walk round ride it really gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the environment. However, the queen of hearts is the best animatronic of the lot. A great photo is trying to capture her as she raises her head above the hedge. It almost looks like she’s glaring at the camera. The timing can be tricky but it’s worth it as a fun photo. It’s also fun to try and capture the maze castle behind her.
Partners Statue in Walt Disney Studios
The Partners statue is as essential to the studios as the castle is to Disneyland Parc. Surrounded by gorgeous flowers and towering backdrops this can be a great spot for a photo. And a great reminder of the reason the park even exists. I usually try and take it to showcase Tower of Terror in the background adding an extra element of place. Not a bad place for a group photo or selfie. The statue itself, close up, is also very rewarding. Strangely enough the area is often quiet so you can get two or three different photos.
Boothill (Phantom Manor Graveyard)
If you have a dark sense of humor (or love phantom manor as much as I do) Boothill is a great spot. Each individual gravestone is so well designed, and the inscriptions so funny, that they are worth the attention. Close up photos
of these can be quite fun and it’s great to explore the area. You also get an interesting perspective on Phantom Manor from Boothill that can lend itself to some great photos. As always with Phantom late at night or fog can really help with the atmosphere.
Fantasia Garden Fountains At Night
The fountains in Fantasia Gardens shine a gorgeous blue and purple at night. They also, if it’s working, move in time with the music. This is a great opportunity to capture the feeling of Disneyland Paris at night. Especially in one of the park’s most beautiful areas. As with La Place de Rémy it makes a lovely group shot, or just a chance to compose a great photo. If you can get the Disneyland Hotel in the background it can be especially effective. The fountains, understandably, are pretty popular. But if you’re willing to miss Illuminations one night that’s probably the best time. Or combine it with your Main Street photo and wait out the crowds.
Things to remember about taking a photo
Usually it’s always better to use a camera than a mobile but you can still get some great photos! Try to remember to put the camera down once in a while. It’s easy to get wrapped up in taking that perfect photo but you should enjoy your holiday. Don’t just live it through a screen, experience it properly. Get lost in un-photographed moments. You’ll still remember them. And as a final reminder that Selfie sticks are banned at Disneyland Paris.