|

An Instagrammer’s Guide to EPCOT

If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I am a huge Disney Parks fan. Anyone who travels to Disney with me instantly finds me becoming their personal guide and historian the moment we step onto Disney property. (No need for a map when I’m around!) To add frosting to the top of the cake, I spend a lot of my free time in the parks, especially my favorite park—EPCOT—which essentially means that I have the park memorized like the back of my hand. In fact, I can even tell you where the best bathrooms are around the park, including which are always the most crowded and which of the sinks work the best.

Whether that shows a high-level of knowledge or a strange sense of memory, I’m not sure… You choose.

Either way, it’s needless to say that I’m quite knowledgeable about EPCOT, especially when it comes to the best photo spots around the park. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, here is the ultimate photo guide around EPCOT to help you plan your next photoshoot around the park!

Photo by Jason Ryan on Unsplash

A Brief Introduction to EPCOT

EPCOT (short for Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow) opened on October 1, 1982 and was originally divided into two distinct “lands”: Future World and World Showcase. Future World was dedicated to innovation and technology, featuring pavilions that explored topics such as outer space, the ocean, the land, the imagination, and much more. The other half of the park—World Showcase—is comprised of 11 pavilions featuring different countries from around the world, each one filled to the brim with numerous details, authentic foods, fun activities, and cultural representatives of the actual country to teach you more about their language(s), customs, and traditions.

However, Future World came to an end on September 30, 2021 and was essentially divided up into 3 new “neighborhoods”: World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature. When paired with the fourth neighborhood (World Showcase), EPCOT’s transformation is projected to be completed in late 2023.

Photo by Sean Nufer on Unsplash

A Photoshoot Plan for EPCOT

Like many tourist destinations, the best time to do a photoshoot at EPCOT is early in the morning at park opening, when there are fewer people and the lighting is in your favor. I personally recommend doing an EPCOT photoshoot on a weekday morning (to avoid weekend crowds). However, it’s important to note that Disney Resort hotel guests receive 30 minutes of early theme park entry, so if you’re staying off-site, it will be harder to get early morning photos at EPCOT.

Once in EPCOT, I recommend taking photos in World Showcase first as it offers some of the best spots for photos in the park! In the early morning, most guests in World Showcase will be heading towards the Norway pavilion (for Frozen Ever After) or to the France pavilion (for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure), meaning that you can get low or no-crowd photos in other areas that are otherwise packed later in the day. 

After photos in World Showcase, I recommend heading back towards the front of the park for photos in World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature, as these neighborhoods have more space in the pavilions and the connecting areas, making it much easier to take photos in these areas throughout the day, as the crowds will be much more spread out. (Except, of course, for busy times of the year, when the crowds are at a higher volume, such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, etc.).

Along with visiting the different neighborhoods around EPCOT for photo opportunities, EPCOT hosts 4 festivals throughout the year. Each of these festivals offer their own unique photo opportunities!

A Brief Introduction to the EPCOT Festivals

EPCOT has four festivals occurring around the year, each of which can last anywhere from weeks to months at a time. These festivals not only offer limited-time foods, festivities, and activities throughout the park, but also provide additional limited-time backdrops and photo opportunities.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts first debuted in 2017, making it the newest of the park’s recurring festivals. This festival is also one of the shortest; in 2023, the International Festival of the Arts ran from January 13 to February 20. Those who do visit EPCOT during the International Festival of the Arts are greeted with a plethora of artistic photo opportunities throughout the park, including murals, sidewalk art, larger-than-life paintings, and more.

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is the second festival of the calendar year and is the oldest of Epcot’s recurring festivals, launched in 1994; it is also one of the longest festivals of the year. (In 2023, the festival ran from March 1st to July 5th). The International Flower and Garden Festival is also when EPCOT looks most beautiful, as the park is adorned with flowers and dozens of topiaries featuring characters from popular Disney movies. Both the flowers and the topiaries provide guests with many more photo opportunities throughout the park, especially if you are looking for a floral or colorful theme.

Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival first launched in 1996 and is perhaps the most popular of all EPCOT’s festivals. In 2023, this festival runs from July 27th to November 18th. If you’re planning on doing a photoshoot during this festival, I recommend only coming during the weekdays and watching the crowd calendar to avoid peak times which have more crowds, which would make it harder to do a photo session. However, unlike other EPCOT festivals, this festival does not offer as many photo opportunities.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Although one of Epcot’s smaller festivals, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays (which began as “Holidays around the World” in 1996 with a name change in 2016) is not one to be looked over. In 2023, this festival will be held from November 24th to December 30th. With this festival, EPCOT is decked out to celebrate the holidays and provides not only a great opportunity to explore each of the 11 represented countries’ way of celebrating the holiday season, but there are also some great photo opportunities, as well. This includes are Christmas trees scattered throughout the park, festive topiaries, and so much more.

Where to Take Photos in EPCOT’s World Celebration

World Celebration (officially opening in December 2023) is one of the new neighborhoods of EPCOT and was previously part of Future World. This area of the park includes EPCOT’s most iconic structure, Spaceship Earth, along with the Imagination Pavilion, which is home to Journey Into Imagination with Figment and Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival. Some of the best spots to take photos within World Celebration include…

Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth is the iconic structure that EPCOT is best recognized by. Did you know that it is 180 feet tall and made up of 11,324 triangles?! Due to its enormous height, you can get photos in front of Spaceship Earth from multiple spots throughout the park, so this is one where you can get creative! EPCOT’s Entrance Plaza is, of course, one of the primary locations (where you can also get the recently reimagined fountain in your photo). Of course, there are plenty of PhotoPass photographers around to help! Other photo locations include some of the walkways throughout the park and the view of Spaceship Earth from certain pavilions; both photo spots will be touched on later on.

Photo by Park Troopers on Unsplash

Raised Garden Beds at Park Entrance

In 2019, the Leave a Legacy displays were removed from inside the park entrance (and later moved to the outside of the park entrance) and were replaced with gorgeous raised garden beds! These garden beds feature everything from a beautiful festival display to trees and flowers. The garden bed closest to the park entrance (featuring the display of the current Epcot festival) is always the most popular and a must-do photo spot!

Photo by David Guerrero

Imagination Pavilion

The Imagination Pavilion is an iconic glass pyramid that offers a stunning background for photos! Also in this area is the “waterfall” outside the pavilion (although this one falls up!) and the “Imagination Institute” sign outside of the pavilion. If you walk up the ramp towards the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival, you can also take photos with the water feature and pyramid statue (which mimics the look of the Imagination pavilion) on top of the water feature and get Spaceship Earth in the background. Time your photo right and you’ll also get the monorail going by!

A Figment-inspired outfit outside the Imagination pavilion at EPCOT

Bonus Tip: There are several spots around the pavilion and in the walkways around the pavilion to grab these photos. There may also be PhotoPass photographers in some spots to help!

Photo by Nicholas Fuentes on Unsplash

Odyssey Pavilion Walkways

The path that winds around the Odyssey pavilion (near World Showcase) provides a perfect backdrop of the waterways that go through EPCOT, as well as the perfect view of the monorail as it goes by!

Additional Photo Spots in EPCOT’s World Celebration

While the main photo spots for EPCOT’s World Celebration are listed above, here are some additional photo spots to consider during your visit!

  • Bubblegum Wall: No, this is not an actual wall made of bubblegum, but rather a wall with a beautiful shade of bubblegum pink that became quite popular Instagram wall with guests! (The wall design was even featured on an official pair of Disney Parks ears!) This photo spot can be found along the backside of Spaceship Earth, which is also the entrance to Project Tomorrow and the exit for the Spaceship Earth attraction.
  • Spaceship Earth Mural: As you’re entering the park from the front entrance (not the back entrance in International Gateway), there is a mural to the right of Spaceship Earth that has a bit of a watercolor look. This area is usually used for character meet-and-greets, but if you can catch it during a time when characters are not meeting, it provides an amazing photo spot!
The Bubblegum Wall at EPCOT
The Bubblegum Wall at EPCOT

Where to Take Photos in EPCOT’s World Discovery

EPCOT’s World Discovery is another new neighborhood that was formerly part of Future World. This area of the park features some of the park’s most exciting rides, including Test Track, Mission: Space, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout. (One of Walt Disney World’s newest roller coasters and EPCOT’s newest ride!) Some of the best spots to take photos within EPCOT’s World Celebration include…

Guardians of the Galaxy Star Blaster

This is one of the only Marvel photo spots in Walt Disney World: a Xandarian Star Blaster! Located outside one of EPCOT’s newest attractions–Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind–it has proven to be a popular photo spot, so you should expect there to be a line.

Mission: Space Pavilion

The unique architecture of EPCOT’s Mission: Space pavilion makes it a stunning backdrop for out of this world photos! While the pavilion’s design offers some great daytime photos, this is one case where nighttime photos are even better due to the pavilion’s lighting leading way to a futuristic feel.

Where to Take Photos in EPCOT’s World Nature

EPCOT’s World Nature is another new neighborhood that was formerly part of Future World. This area of the park features all of the park’s nature-inspired attractions and rides, including The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Living with the Land, Awesome Planet, Soarin’, and Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Some of the best spots to take photos within EPCOT’s World Nature include…

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is EPCOT’s newest attraction and opened in October 2023. Photo spots for this newest attraction coming soon!

The Land Pavilion

EPCOT’s Land pavilion is one of the most popular pavilions in Future World, as it is home to three attractions (Soarin’, Living with the Land, and Awesome Planet) and two dining locations (Sunshine Seasons and The Garden Grill Restaurant). There are multiple photo spots outside of and within the pavilion, including:

  • Pavilion Exterior: The exterior of EPCOT’s Land pavilion mimics the structure of a volcano and offers a cool photo opportunity!
  • Entrance Mosaics: While entering the Land pavilion, both sides of the walkway are lined with mosaics that mimic layers of earth. It’s a constantly changing pattern up and down the wall, so it’s something you can play around and have fun with in each photo.
The mosaics at the entrance of the Land pavilion at EPCOT.
The mosaics at the entrance of the Land pavilion at EPCOT

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

This pavilion is focused on the oceans and marine wildlife, featuring some of our favorite pals from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. Not only does this pavilion hold the 2nd largest aquarium in North America, but it features a ride (The Seas with Nemo and Friends), a show (Turtle Talk with Crush), and a full-service restaurant (Coral Reef Restaurant).

One of the first photo spots is outside the pavilion, with the sign and seagulls that advertise the pavilion and ride inside. It’s a cute photo opportunity for all of us Pixar kids-at-heart. Around the side of the pavilion, towards the entrance of Coral Reef Restaurant, is another photo spot: a blue wall with wave patterns.

The entrance to The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT

Where to take Photos in EPCOT’s World Showcase

EPCOT’s World Showcase is made up of pavilions featuring 11 countries from around the world: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, American Adventure, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada. Within World Showcase, you can also find two additional locations: Outpost and International Gateway. Each pavilion within World Showcase offers not only the great opportunity to try new foods and learn about each country’s history and traditions, but also unique photo opportunities!

The Mexico Pavilion

The Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT

As you walk across the bridge to enter World Showcase, you will be greeted by the first of the 11 pavilions: Mexico.

Photo spots around the Mexico pavilion include:

  • Step-Pyramid: Modeled after the Mesoamerican step-pyramid, El Castillo, there are multiple locations around the pavilion to catch a photo with the iconic 36-foot-tall step-pyramid in the background, including along the sides (entering and exiting the pavilion) and with directly in front.
  • Open Air Market: Step inside the step-pyramid and you’ll find yourself in an open air market at twilight. Photos in this area of the pavilion can be more difficult due to the low light, but they will prove to be no less stunning. In this are, the best photo spots will be at the top of the ramp (to catch the entire market in the background) and the fountain at the base of the ramp.
  • Carved Stone Wall: An additional photo spot is Donald Duck’s meeting spot, a carved stone wall, which is located to the right of the step-pyramid, towards the Norway pavilion.

The Norway Pavilion

The Norway Pavilion in EPCOT

The next pavilion within World Showcase is the Norway pavilion. This pavilion has received multiple updates in recent years due to the popularity of Frozen, leading to the creation of the Royal Sommerhus (a dedicated meet-and-greet area for Anna and Elsa) and the reimagining of Maelstrom into Frozen Ever After; both of these attractions opened in 2016. 

The Norway pavilion is one of two pavilions that I have found to be difficult for early morning photos due to the large number of guests that head here for the popular Frozen Ever After ride. However, by identifying specific photo locations ahead of time and heading to this pavilion first (if the Norway pavilion is your top choice for photos), you should be able to get some good photos with the pavilion’s scenery before it gets busy. 

Photo spots around the Norway pavilion include:

  • Stave Church Gallery: The exterior of Stave Church Gallery is perhaps the most iconic structure of the Norway pavilion. Photos with Stave Church Gallery can be captured from many angles around the church, which is helpful if there are large crowds gathered in certain areas. However, taking photos on the side closest to Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe will also give you the statue of King Olaf II Haraldsson in the background. 
  • Royal Sommerhus: Completed in 2016, the Royal Sommerhus is the designated meet-and-greet area for Anna and Elsa. The exterior of the building provides a great spot for photos. 
  • Waterfall: A small waterfall located near the entrance of Frozen Ever After provides a picturesque backdrop for photos!
  • Storefronts: The many storefronts of the Norway pavilion offer a beautiful backdrop for photos around the pavilion.
The Royal Sommerhus in the Norway pavilion at EPCOT

The China Pavilion

The entrance to the China pavilion at EPCOT
Gate of the Golden Sun in the China pavilion at EPCOT

Following the Norway pavilion in EPCOT is the China pavilion, which is home to three dining locations, a 360° film, two gift shops, and a gallery. The China pavilion features replicas of China’s architecture, along with a beautiful pond and garden.

A photo spot in the China pavilion at EPCOT.
A photo spot in the China pavilion at EPCOT

Photo spots around the China pavilion include:

  • Gate of the Golden Sun: The Gate of the Golden Sun, which is based off of a gate from the Summer Palace in Beijing, is the gate that guests pass under to enter the China pavilion. It is important to note that due to its location, it will be difficult or impossible to get photos in this location without other people in the background, unless you are one of the first guests in this area.
  • Temple of Heaven: After passing under the Gate of the Golden Sun, guests are greeted with a half-sized representation of the Temple of Heaven, the original of which is located in Beijing and was built in the 15th century. Photos can be taken along the main path leading into the building (which houses a 360° film), but I recommend taking photos from a path to the left, so as to also capture the pond in your photo. Photos from this path will also eliminate other people from being in the immediate background of your photo.
  • Street of Good Fortune: Alongside the House of Good Fortune (the larger gift shop within the China pavilion) is the Street of Good Fortune, where you will find a series of building facades. I have found that timing at the right time of the day, not just in the morning, can allow you to have this area to yourself.
The Street of Good Fortune in the China pavilion at EPCOT

Outpost

Outpost photo spot at EPCOT
Outpost photo spot at EPCOT

Although the Outpost is not technically one of World Showcase’s pavilions, it is a small area between the China pavilion and the Germany pavilion. There’s not much in this area: just a quick-service location, a small outdoor gift shop, and a shaded drum area. However, this drum area does provide some cool photo opportunities, not just with the drums, but with the vintage car nearby.

The Germany Pavilion

The Germany pavilion is one of the smaller pavilions at EPCOT, with its outside space being primarily a single courtyard. However, this courtyard provides some great photo opportunities. To get the best photos in the Germany pavilion, try to head here as early as possible to avoid the crowds, as it is a smaller space and the outdoor seating causes it to get crowded quite quickly.

The Germany pavilion in EPCOT
The Germany pavilion in EPCOT

Photo spots around the Germany pavilion include:

  • Wishing Well: The wishing well can be found outside to the left of Karamell-Küche. It is important to note that this is a designated meeting spot for Snow White, so if you’re wanting just a photo with the wishing well, you will have to take photos when there is not a character meet-and-greet happening.
  • Building Facades: The picturesque architecture of the Germany pavilion offers a stunning backdrop for photos! Try photos with the entire pavilion as a whole (early in the morning, before it gets crowded), before moving onto the individual buildings and archways throughout the pavilion.
  • Courtyard Fountain: The fountain in the courtyard (in front of Sommerfest) offers a great place to sit and take photos!
  • Model Train Village: There is a small model train village that can be found near the bathrooms in the Germany pavilion. The area in front of or the small path leading through the model train village is a great opportunity for some candid shots of looking at the trains, especially if you have little ones in your photo group!
The wishing well in the Germany pavilion at EPCOT
The wishing well in the Germany pavilion at EPCOT

The Italy Pavilion

The Italy pavilion at EPCOT
The Italy pavilion at EPCOT

The Italy pavilion is yet another expansive pavilion and is styled after St. Mark’s Square in Venice. Filled with wide courtyards, towering columns, and soaring archways, EPCOT’s Italy pavilion is full of photo locations that are sure to make taking the perfect photo a breeze.

A small corner of the Italy pavilion at EPCOT

Photo spots around the Italy pavilion include:

  • Bell Tower: The bell tower in the Italy pavilion is an 83-foot representation of St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice. There are multiple spots around the pavilion to capture this 1/5th scale version in your photo.
  • Building Facades: The Italy pavilion offers a wide range of gorgeous architecture to capture in the background of your photos, ranging from archways to columns to brickwork. One of my personal favorites is the small alleyway behind and to the left of the bell tower. (Photo found below!)
  • Garden Walls: Garden walls line a portion of the Italy pavilion alongside the Neptune fountain, but the best spot (in my opinion) along the garden wall for photos is near the Kidcot station, where there is a statue, foliage, and decorated columns.
  • Bridges: In front of the Italy pavilion, on the other side of the World Showcase Promenade, are two bridges. Step onto these bridges and you can angle your photos multiple ways, including having the Italy pavilion in the background or Spaceship Earth and World Showcase Lagoon.
  • Gondolas: On the edge of World Showcase Lagoon, just after going over the bridges, you can find a few gondolas in the water. They make the perfect backdrops for photos!
  • Mini Courtyard: On the edge of the Italy pavilion, next to Gelateria Toscana, is a small courtyard that is perfect for photos!
A small courtyard in the Italy pavilion at EPCOT
A small courtyard in the Italy pavilion at EPCOT
Bridge in the Italy pavilion at EPCOT overlooking World Showcase and Spaceship Earth.
Bridge in the Italy pavilion at EPCOT

The American Adventure

The American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT
The American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT

This central spot in World Showcase is home to The American Adventure, featuring a colonial-style building that holds a large theater, quick-service restaurant, and gift shop.

Photo spots around The American Adventure pavilion include:

  • Fountain: Sit along the large fountain in front of The American Adventure for some great photos with the fountain and building in the background!
  • The American Adventure: Referring to the Georgian-style building itself, the architecture offers a stunning backdrop for photos, along with the rotunda within.

The Japan Pavilion

The Japan pavilion in EPCOT

The Japan pavilion always surprises me with just how big it is, although it doesn’t look like it at first sight. Multiple winding paths behind the towering pagoda not only offer a scenic and relaxing walk, but also make for great photo opportunities, in addition to the large castle that provides some stunning architecture.

The Torii Gate in the Japan pavilion at EPCOT with Spaceship Earth in the background.
The Torii Gate in the Japan pavilion at EPCOT

Photo spots around the Japan pavilion include:

  • Torii Gate: The torii gate can be found alongside the World Showcase Promenade in front of the Japan pavilion. There are multiple angles you can take photos here to have the gate in the background, but a straight-on shot will center Spaceship Earth inside of the gate.
  • Pagoda: This five-story tall pagoda, styled after the pagoda at the Horyuji Temple, is one of the key architectural features of the Japan pavilion. There are multiple places around the Japan pavilion to capture photos with the pagoda in the background, but I recommend the winding garden paths behind the pagoda, where you will not only have a beautiful garden in your photo, but also less crowds.
  • Gardens and Koi Pond: The beautiful gardens and koi pond offer a stunning backdrop for photos. There are multiple paths that lead into the garden, where you can walk along the path and over a bamboo bridge for photos. You can also take garden photos along the main path in the pavilion, which will also put the small waterfall, koi pond, and bamboo bridge in the background.
  • Castle: The castle at the back of the Japan pavilion is styled after the Himeji Castle and offers a stunning backdrop for photos.
  • Mitsukoshi Department Store: Styled after an Imperial Ceremonial Hall, there are multiple spots around the pavilion where you can capture the building’s architecture in the background of your photo. One key spot is the Japanese dry garden, where you can take a photo with the garden in the background or go behind the garden (where there is a small path) to get a photo with just the building in the background. 
Views along the garden paths in EPCOT’s Japan pavilion

The Morocco Pavilion

The Morocco pavilion at EPCOT
The Morocco pavilion at EPCOT

The Morocco pavilion is one of the most gorgeous spots within EPCOT for photos due to its attention to detail and various architectural details.

Photo spots around the Morocco pavilion include:

  • Main Courtyard: The main courtyard of the Morocco pavilion is one of the most stunning spots in EPCOT. (At least, in my opinion.) In the central portion of the courtyard is a large tiled fountain, where you can sit for photos. Some gorgeous architecture, including a replica of the Koutoubia Minaret and an archway designed after Bab Boujouloud, frames the fountain on three sides, so you can angle your photos for different backdrops.
  • Fez House: Pass under the large archway and you will see the Fez House to your left. This tiled courtyard and fountain offers not only a stunning attention to detail, but also a great place to take photos. 
  • Nejjarine Fountain Replica: Towards the back of the Morocco pavilion, near Restaurant Marrakesh, is a replica of Nejjarine Fountain, which is a popular spot to take photos. 
  • Pavilion Pathways: The pavilion’s attention to detail and stunning architecture offers many spots for general photos. My favorite spot is a simple set of table and chairs that can be found within the pavilion. 
A replica of Nejjarine Fountain in the Morocco pavilion at EPCOT

The France Pavilion

The France pavilion in EPCOT

The France pavilion might just be the largest pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase due to its expansion in 2021, which nearly doubled the size of the pavilion. Filled with a large courtyard, side streets, and gorgeous architecture, it will make you feel like you’ve stepped off a plane into the heart of Paris. The France pavilion is the reason why I truly believe you should arrive at World Showcase for photos so early, as this pavilion gets so crowded later in the day that it’s almost impossible to get photos without a ton of people in the background.

Photo spots around the France pavilion include:

  • Courtyard Fountain: One of the first photos you should take in the France pavilion is by the fountain in the central courtyard. Later in the day, this area gets crowded and a PhotoPass photographer will be stationed at this spot, meaning a large line for everyone to get their photo here. In the morning, however, it’s deserted and gives you a great opportunity to take advantage of the spot, not only to get as many photos as you want, but photos with hardly anyone in the background. (If at all!) This spot also features the fountain and showcases the pavilion’s Parisian architecture and the Eiffel Tower in the background.
  • Bouquinistes: An often overlooked photo spot in the France pavilion is the display of postcards, art, and maps within the green metal boxes (known as bouquinistes) near the bridge. This area also features some suitcases, an old-fashioned camera, an artist’s palette, and much more.
  • French Garden: Towards the right-side of the pavilion (near the new area) is a French garden. Photos here not only offer a great view of the garden, but you can also get the Parisian architecture in the background. 
  • Allée des Marchands: This beautiful area is one of the new areas of the France pavilion and is lined with street lamps and trees, culminating into the beautiful fountain that sits outside of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. In this area, you’ll also find 2 motorbikes–belonging to Chef Skinner and Chef Colette from the movie Ratatouille–next to the exit of the ride that are sure to offer some great photo opportunities.
  • Side Path: As you pass over the first of two bridges going from the France pavilion to the United Kingdom pavilion, go to the small path on your right. This spot offers photo opportunities of the France pavilion in the background, while also catching small details like boats and crates that sit along World Showcase Lagoon. 
  • Terrace des Fleurs: Continue to follow the side path or take the stairs down from the halfway point between the two bridges and you’ll reach the Terrace des Fleurs. This photo spot offers raised flower beds and beautiful views of World Showcase Lagoon. 
  • Bridge: On the 2nd bridge from the France pavilion to the UK pavilion are gorgeous views of the water and the France pavilion in the background. Similar to the side path near the first bridge, this spot will also offer the opportunity to capture the boats and crates that line World Showcase Lagoon along the France pavilion. A Photopass photographer is also often here to help take photos
Examples of  some photo locations in the France Pavilion in EPCOT.
The France pavilion at EPCOT
The 2nd bridge between the France and United Kingdom pavilions offer a cityscape backdrop with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

(Psst… for more info, be sure to check out my post on 8 Enchanting Photo Spots in EPCOT’s France pavilion!)

International Gateway

As you cross the 2nd bridge from the France pavilion, you’ll reach the halfway point between the United Kingdom pavilion (to your right) or International Gateway (to your left). International Gateway is the back entrance/exit of EPCOT, where you can leave to take the skyliner or boat to Hollywood Studios, one of the few resorts in the area, or visit Disney’s Boardwalk. This small area of EPCOT doesn’t offer much beyond the entrance/exit and a small gift shop, but there are sometimes pop-up character meet-and-greets in this area, so it’s worth checking out as you’re walking by, as the lines for these characters are often much shorter. In addition to the characters that may appear here, it is another spot to grab photos with the France pavilion in the background

The United Kingdom Pavilion

The United Kingdom pavilion in EPCOT

The United Kingdom pavilion features multiple architectural styles, ranging from Tudor to Elizabethean to Regency. Featuring quaint gardens and cottages to the iconic red telephone booths, there are multiple opportunities for photos around the United Kingdom pavilion!

Photo spots around the United Kingdom pavilion include:

  • English Garden: One of the first spots for photos within the United Kingdom pavilion is the quaint English garden that is framed by buildings of various architecture styles. There are multiple paths into the garden, with the first one being under a small garden archway as you enter the UK pavilion from the International Gateway/France area. 
  • Courtyard: At the back of the United Kingdom pavilion is a large courtyard. Buildings of different architectural styles accompanied by light posts and trees frame the courtyard, making it feel like you are on a real UK street.
  • Telephone Boxes: The iconic red telephone booths are always the perfect opportunity for a photo! Find one near Rose & Crown and two more near the bathrooms.
The United Kingdom pavilion at EPCOT has buildings with various architecture styles.

The Canada Pavilion

The Canada pavilion at EPCOT

The last pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase is the Canada pavilion. This pavilion features various architecture styles, totem poles, gardens, and even has a large waterfall. The Canada pavilion is usually one of the least crowded in World Showcase, making it an easier spot for photos.

Photo spots around the Canada pavilion include:

  • Telephone Box: A red telephone box can be found at the top of the stairs as you walk towards the back of the pavilion (towards the Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 attraction).
  • Waterfall: At the back of the pavilion (near the steps leading down to Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360) is a waterfall that you can take photos in front of. You can take this photo at the top of the stairs or walk to the bottom of the stairs, where you will also get some crates in your photo.
  • Victoria Gardens: Walk under the sign labeled Le Cellier Steakhouse and you’ll find yourself on a winding garden path through Victoria Gardens, complete with gorgeous flowers, a cottage, and Hotel du Canada in the background. There are multiple spots along this path for photos, including at the end of the path next to the Kidcot Fun Stop.

How to Take Great Photos at EPCOT

EPCOT is perhaps the best park at Walt Disney World for photos due to its various pavilions and neighborhoods that lend way to a wide range of photo backgrounds. Add in the additional photo opportunities that rotate throughout the year due to EPCOT’s four festivals, and you’re sure to always find something new!

Visiting other parks at Walt Disney World? Be sure to check out my Magic Kingdom Photo Guide, Hollywood Studios Photo Guide, and Animal Kingdom Photo Guide.

Similar Posts

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

3 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments