Best Photo Spots: Magic Kingdom

First and foremost when heading into Magic Kingdom Park, keep in mind the same thing you should keep in mind when visiting ALL Disney parks!

1. Photopass Photographers are set up where they are for a reason! They are standing waiting to take pictures of your family in the best frames and most classic shots!

2.  Kodak Picture Spots are marked off for a reason! They are overlooked so much but they really set you up for a great pic!

Now, that you have your classic Castle pictures and have taken advantage of the best places to nab a pic outside major attractions, there is only one hint left on that matter-- there is a big different between night and day!

Also, don't forget all the attention to details imagineers have paid here at Magic Kingdom! From the signs in the Main Street Windows to the small little things lurking in the signage, look at things from a new angle to see Tinkerbell as you never had before or a small hidden gem.

While you are at it, join in the fun! I love pictures where my husband or I jumped into a queue area or positioned ourself in a play area (one of my faves is my husband with Brier Fox, Beer, and Rabbit).




Another reason to get to stage shows and parades early is the great photo spots!

You can get clear, professional quality photos with a steady hand and a clear spot!

And if I can get amazing parade and show photos at just over five feet tall, I think EVERYONE can! :)








I also think Disney is the best place to master the art of the self shot.  I take pictures of myself all the time (LOL) and if you have never noticed, I can take a picture that doesn't look like I am taking a bad bar or club picture pretty easily that includes nice angles and backgrounds and it really doesn't take that much effort.

Annnd if you need a little help, check out the article I wrote that gives you some tips on how to get a good self-shot everytime: The Art of the Self Shot.

Last put not least: NEVER DELETE YOUR PHOTOS! I swear, blurry tea party pictures might be my favorite ones ever and on a little touch screen they look so crappy! But on the computer they look like crazy spinning fuuuun!!! So, always always always bring a couple big memory cards and wait until you get home to hit 'delete'!

Wanna Win a $50 Disney Gift Card???!!

Remember that Facebook post last week telling you that you will have the chance to win up to $200 in Disney Gift Cards this holiday season?? Well, its time for the first giveaway! In between your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping head on over HERE to Mousekejournals for your chance to win! Or just click on the picture of the gift card below to be linked over! Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Big Balloon Blow Up!

With so many people traveling to the greatest city in the world during the most magical season of the year- the thought of finding a spot for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade drives some people crazy! Considering the weather and contemplating trying to get a hotel with a view can make or break people’s New York vacation planning!

Many people don’t know about the FREE event that anyone can come to the day before the big Thanksgiving Day parade! Macy’s hosts the Big Balloon Blow Up from roughly 3pm to 10pm the day before Thanksgiving in the Central Park West area. There is an entrance at 79th (at Columbus) and it wraps around to loop into a whole second block filled with balloons getting their big blow up for the big day! (And there is classic holiday music piped in as you take the short walk to the next block which is also laid out as a path for you.)

My husband and I headed down for the balloon blow up in 2010.  We arrived around 4pm so that there was some air in the balloons already but we still beat the bigger evening crowds of everyone grabbing their kids after work and heading down.  

We were able to see some of our Disney (like DCL Mickey and Buzz) & non-Disney (like Kermit and Spiderman) favorites! We got to see Kermit almost completely blown up so we managed to nab a pic in front of him as we made our way down. 

 

You can get pretty close, get lots of pictures and be in awe of the size of the monstrous balloons! It is sure to be the highlight of your New York City trip!  

And if you live within driving distance (or a train ride) I would say this is a MUST for an upcoming holiday season! We even had a tiny flurry of snow as we made our way down the second row of balloons! And they pipe Christmas music in as you are walking the short block to the 2nd row of balloons!

Remember if you get down there by 4 you can head out by 6 or 7 when the biggest crowds hit and grab some dinner or maybe some shopping at the Disney Store in Times Square! 

 

Crossroads

Rain or shine that little mickey makes me feel like I'm on top of the world. :)

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Picturing Disney!

Aloha! Today is Picturing Disney's 1 year anniversary!