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If you have ever been to Disney World before, you probably have the obligatory family picture in front of the castle. At Animal Kingdom, you probably took a family picture in front of the Tree of Life. While these pictures are great, they are expected and kinda boring. To add some variety to your Disney World photos, here is our list of the 10 best places for photos at Animal Kingdom. Some of these places are popular, but others are more unusual.
My favorite Disney World pictures are those that are more unexpected. I especially love the photos where you can’t tell by looking that we are at Disney World.
And check out our lists of the best places for photos at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and outside of the parks too. (Updated July 14, 2021.)
#1: Pandora
Pandora is the newest land to be added to Animal Kingdom. It is filled to the brim with landscaping and unique features that are all great awesome places for photos at Animal Kingdom. From the interesting sculptures, like the one below, to the out-of-this-world plants, you will have a field day taking photos in Pandora!
#2: Animal Kingdom Sign
On the path from the bus stops to the entrance of the park, you will see an Animal Kingdom sign. This is another great spot for family photos. The best part of this location is that you can take your photo here while heading to the park or when leaving.
For a fun twist, take a picture of your family with this sign at the beginning of the day on your way into the park, and then take another picture with the sign at the end of your day. It will give you a unique “time-lapse” perspective!
#3: Expedition Everest
Another popular location for photos in Animal Kingdom is Expedition Everest. There are two primary places to get some great shots with the mountain in the background. The first is on the bridge between the Theater in the Wild and Asia.
The second is in a spot just to the right of the path between Africa and Asia just as you enter Asia. This is the place where you will see a small altar. If you stand in just the right spot, the top of the altar will line up exactly with the peaks on the mountain.
Many times, you will find one of Disney’s Photopass photographers in one or both of these places.
#4: Dinosaurs
In Dinoland USA, you will find several dinosaurs. Some are very cartoony, while others are more realistic. You will even find a few dinosaur skeletons in the area. Any of these would make for cute photos of your family, depending on the look you want.
Even the entrance to Dinoland USA from Discovery Island is a great spot for photos.
In Hester and Chester’s Dino-Rama, you will find a cutout photo booth with a car and dinosaurs in it. I love taking pictures of my son pretending to drive the car full of dinosaurs!
#5: Prayer Flags
In Asia, there are prayer flags stretched across the pathways. There are several places where you can get some good photos with the prayer flags in the background.
This is a great example of taking pictures without the background screaming Disney World.
#6: Rickshaws
Also in Asia, you will find a couple of rickshaws sitting about. These rickshaws are some of my favorite places to take pictures. Your kids can sit on the rickshaws for some really cute photos. This is another example of a photo opportunity that doesn’t give away that you are at Disney World.
#7: Port of Harambe
If you stop on the bridge from Discovery Island to Africa and look on the left side of the bridge, you will see the Port of Harambe with some boats and things. This spot on the bridge is another great spot to take photos. No one will ever know from looking at these photos that you were at Disney World!
#8: Harambe
Harambe Marketplace and Theater District is another area of Animal Kingdom that is rich in details. This entire area looks like an authentic African village. All of this makes for amazing photo opportunities. Everywhere you look in Harambe, you will find the makings of some fun photos.
#9: Harambe Wildlife Reserve Truck
As you exit Kilimanjaro Safaris, look for a Harambe Wildlife Reserve truck. This is another place I like taking pictures. The truck serves as a wonderful way to remember your rides on Kilimanjaro Safari. Plus, it is a picture that so many people never take.
#10: Rafiki’s Planet Watch
I am a big fan of Rafiki’s Planet Watch. It takes some effort to get there because you must take the Wildlife Express train, but it is worth it.
The entire area is a hidden gem that most people don’t bother with. There are much lower crowds here than in the rest of the park.
Several areas at Rafiki’s Planet Watch make for great photos. Along the path to Conservation Station, you will see several cutouts of Rafiki. Inside the main building, there are some animal cutouts that make for cute photos of little ones.
Another fun spot for photos is in the petting zoo with actual animals.
Conclusion
While this list is not exhaustive, it gives you some good ideas for great places for photos at Animal Kingdom. This list will definitely add some variety to your Disney World vacation photos. So, don’t stop after taking photos in front of the park icons. Seek out some of these less popular spots for your family pictures. They will help spark all of those wonderful memories of your trip.
For help planning your next Disney World trip, see our step-by-step guide, quick tips, and best resources. To book your trip, head over to Disney’s website.
Happy travels!
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