The first year I ran Princess Half, I had a quest, the runDisney race castle photo. Yes, I wanted to remember the moment with that glorious photo that looked like I was running alone in the park. Call me a dork, but it was the ONE stop I always make. With that in mind I thought there might be others like me. Here are some tips for getting your best castle photo during a runDisney race at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
1. Work on your Pose
Yes this sounds vain, but it makes all the difference in a photo you love and one you say “Why did I stand that way?” With the professional photographers with Marathonfoto, you get ONE shot, make it count. Do you want a photo where you are jumping for joy? One where you have positioned yourself to your good side? Go to a mirror and practice what you want to look like. Remember to suck in that gut, OK that is for me. I heard at a photography workshop the most flattering photos are where you stand sideways, turn a the waist and then kind of lean towards the camera. Of course you can also have a friend or fellow runner behind you snap your shot on your own camera.
2. Know Where to Go To Get a Good Shot
As you enter Magic Kingdom you have many opportunities.
- Running down Main Street, remember to be a courteous and safe runner get over to the right if you think you will be stopping. DO NOT JUST STOP. There are people behind you, I usually try to jump up on the sidewalk. There are Cast Members aka Disney Park Employees cheering you on, you can ask them to snap a photo with your camera if you are alone – here is a group shot from 2012 with TinkerAmy from Moms Magical Miles.
Mulan, Pochohontas and TinkerAmy from Moms Magical Miles step to the sidewalk to get a Cast Member to take our photo on Main Street.
- This is NOT guaranteed, but at the Walt Disney World Marathon last month they had photographers stationed at the corner of the Hub JUST as you go to the right towards Tomorrowland. I have NOT noticed these guys before at the Princess Half, but worth a look as you run. I love the photo with the runners in the background. If the Pro’s are not there, see if you can get a friend or Cast member to capture the moment.
From 2015 WDW Marathon, Castle from the Hub. About 2.5 hours after the race had officially started with first corral.
- After you turn right off the hub (circle in front of castle with the Walt Disney and Mickey statue) running down towards Tommorowland, over on the LEFT side, you see Mickey and Minnie topiaries. There is a great photo op right here, a little alcove with a most magical view of Cinderellas Castle. I have not seen Marathonfoto here, so get a friend or a friendly princess behind you to capture the magic. Photo below, is from my friend Smitha, The Faux Runner.
Is this not an amazing shot or WHAT!
- As you approach the castle from the rear before you run through, look over on the right. The Marathon Photo photographers have been known to hang out here. If not find a cast member or friend to snap a photo.
Back Side of Castle 2015 Marathon Weekend with Anna, Elsa and Kristoff. For Princess Half Marathons past Royal Mickey and Minnie have been up there, Cinderella and Her Prince and the Royal Trumpeteers playing Theme from Rocky.
- Running through the castle, sometimes, there are photographers inside the castle or just as you exit, but be warned this area gets crowded and backed up so don’t count on it.
Yes, I know from Marathon NOT Princess. Personally I have never seen the tunnel in the castle this roomy, though I have seen photos from other princesses. Usually when I get there, its backed up and a walk through, but you speedy people…..
- Front of Castle facing entrance photo: You “run” through the castle, really its been a walk for me most years, get over to the left side of the ramp as you exit and head down. If you see a line or a group of non moving runners on the left THIS is the line for the photographers in front of the castle. Do not be discouraged by the line, there are many photographers and the line moves FAST. Keep in mind, they are on the ground and shoot UP. My first year, I got the solo photo, the past two years I got my photo with my BRF at No Guilt Life – the blogger formerly known as Margaritas, Miles and the Mouse.
2011 Princess Half Gorgeous Castle Light, red faced runner! I love this photo, so many memories.
2013 Princess with Patty as the Tremaine girls. I could have opened my eyes up! My favorite costume with my BRF.
2014 From Patty’s Race Recap, Zurg and Malificent take over the castle. Overcast day, lots of fog.
Castle photo op time is over, as you run off towards Liberty Square and mile 6. I LOVE my race photos as they have captured the memories of my magical runDisney miles.
Please keep in mind, these are tips…. runDisney does change things up. The past 4 years I have run the Princess Half there have always been Marathonfoto people in the front to capture the memory – I cannot imagine THAT will change. By no means does this post mean these photographers are guaranteed to be in the same spots, so keep your eyes open and if you spot a photo you want, BE SAFE when slowing down or stopping, be aware of those runners around you.
For more tips on getting a good race photo, I posted this How to Get a Good Race Photo at Tinkerbell Half or Any runDisney Race. While the post was written before the Tink half, Its NOT specific to the race or course, race specifically just some good general tips to get some fun photos with and without the characters.
AND for all my Princess race tips and race recaps, check out my runDisney page.
What is your must do photo on a runDisney course?
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Thanks John! I added it. I need to put your Monday link up on my calendar! I love the dapper dans by the way!
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Awesome tips for pictures during the race. I have plenty of practice getting good shots in the park, but not enough experience during a race. I do think I stopped in the exact same spot as your first side walk picture, haha.
If you’d like, you can come add your post to the #MagicalMickey linkup. I have it every Monday, but I’m trying to keep promoting the posts on it throughout the week. This would be a perfect fit. http://www.rungeekrundisney.com/2015/02/the-dapper-dans-magical-mickey.html
John @ run. geek. run(disney) recently posted…The Dapper Dans | Magical Mickey