Disneyland - Best way to get picture of castle?

[lourodrigis]

My family is going to DL for our first trip next week. We have been to WDW 4 times in the past 5 years but this is our first DL trip.

One of our favorite things to do at WDW is to get a picture of our family in front of the castle. We usually schedule an early breakfast ADR just to get into MK to take the shot without a lot of people. This is my wife's #1 thing to do and she is SO worried we won't be able to do this at DL.

What is the best way to take a pic in front of the DL castle on a Friday (our only day that we can get in early)?
Can you make an early breakfast reservation at DL?


Any help would be appreciated.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

You could try for one at Minnie's Breakfast at the Plaza. Not really sure of the details on that - one of the other posters can probably tell you better.

Another time we've found is good is that they clear the area in front of the castle for a show at 10 am or so. No one is there and if you are really nice to the security guys they will let you photo. Key is that you have to be there exactly when they start to rope it off for the best chance. Basically. hang out and watch for them to show up. The photopass guys down there might be able to give you the best idea of when they are coming, as they guards clear them out, too.

 

[ter-moo]

Just getting in for early entry will be a good time, too. There are rarely very many people at the very beginning. Many of them scatter to other areas of the park.

If you look at the picture below of my DD and me, you can see that hardly anyone is around. This was just a random morning in January. We had the photopass guy take it with our camera--they're good at blocking out the people.

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

I agree with the early entry thing.......my we were the only ones in front of the castle for a good 10 mintues or so. But that is only on Tu, Th, Sat, Sun.

 

[cheshiregirl]

Even if you don't have MM, Sunday mornings in the park are my favorite time. Typically you can get a great castle shot and then hit the FL rides with little to no wait time!

 

[lourodrigis]

Thanks for the good tips. The reason I am limited to Friday in because we arrive on Thursday (after the park opens), and we are running races on Saturday (5K) and Sunday (DL 1/2 marathon).

I think the plan will be to get to the gate at least 30 minutes before opening and bee line to the front of the castle when we get in.

 

[DangerMouse]

This is the type of castle shot you can get if you are first in line at the turnstiles (which means getting there 30-45 minutes prior to opening).

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

Oh DangerMouse.....that is a BEAUTIFUL shot. I love mornings in DL!!!

 

[pinktink83]

I just made that picture my background, I hope you dont mind!!! Its so pretty!!!!

 

[hikingblondie]

I just made that picture my background, I hope you dont mind!!! Its so pretty!!!!

Me too!! I love it.

 

[DangerMouse]

Thanks everyone for the compliments! For even more gorgeous desktop photos, make sure you visit the picture of the day thread. There are some very talented photographers there.

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

Thanks for the tip. I have never checked out the pic of the day thread before.......