Discovery Island Trails Photostop

At Disney's Animal Kingdom's Discovery Island you'll find a few trails that lead you around the base of the Tree of Life. This is a great way to get wonderful pictures of the beautiful carvings of the tree of life and for the most part it is not well-traveled so you can pose as many pictures as you'd like, there is also a waterfall close by. You'll find some exotic animals and lush scenery, so make sure your camera's ready!

Disney-MGM Studios Sorcerer Mickey Hat: Photostop

When you walk into Disney-MGM Studios, past the shops and trees you will see this well-known icon. It's hard to miss at 122 feet but it was not the original icon of the park. The original icon was the Earful tower (a water tower with Mickey Ears atop of it), which you can find now if you take the The Studios Backlot Tour.

This is a great opportunity for a photo. As you walk down Hollywood Boulevard the hat looms larger and you can actually make it seem as if the whole family were under the hat. You can even pose it so that it looks as if someone in the group has pulled it down slightly. If you'd prefer to be in the picture ask any cast member to take it for you, or get it done by the Photopass cast (they're trained in photography) who are always around with their cameras at hand.

Beneath the Hat is housed a little souvenir stop where you'll find autograph books, lanyards and of course pins. This is also the spot where character greeting occur, just check what time and which character.

Italy: Photospot

The photo above was taken at the Italian pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase. Although Italy does not have the traditional ride or movie that the other countries have it is very picturesque. The beautiful plaza is a replica of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Campanile and across the way you can look over a 'canal' and see the gondolas moored to posts.

Around the plaza are shops selling everything from clothing and perfume to wines, sweets and chocolates and handmade masks. There is a fountain with a statue of Neptune, where you can pose for photos or just sit in the shade to rest your legs.

Recently the L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante was closed and a new restaurant has was opened in its stead called, Tutto Italia. Haven't been to the new restaurant but I'll let you know how it is when I try it!

Overall the Italian pavilion is a great place to just sit, have a canoli or gelato and enjoy the view.

Asia at Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of my favorite theme parks because it is so photogenic. There are many hidden spots that lead to great photo opportunities, such as the wildlife trails. It's a safari to far-off lands without leaving the comforts of home, and without malaria. There are also great quick-service restaurants, like Flame Tree Barbeque and Tusker House.

This photo was taken by Asia's entrance way, and you would have missed it if you didn't hang over the side of the bridge and view it from there, but it was worth it. It really evoked that mysterious, not well-traveled feel.