The Secret Spot to Get a Photo with the Disney World Gate

Driving onto Walt Disney World property to get to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme parks is one of the best moments of any road trip.

Approaching the Disney World entrance arch with its iconic Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse images and large “Walt Disney World” lettering is a magical moment for every Guest – the moment when your Disney vacation truly begins.

But getting a photo with the Walt Disney World Resort entrance arch is near impossible to get, especially as stopping the car is prohibited and unsafe. Here, we provide our best tip for getting a photo of the gate safely.

There are ways, of course, of getting a photo of the gate from your car with a good cellphone camera or quick reaction time. Many Guests know the Disney gate is approaching and get their cameras ready for the shot.

But often, this photo comes out blurry from the motion of driving or with windshield marks ruining the shot. Furthermore, Guests can’t actually be in the photo themselves.

There is a secret spot on property, though, where you can get out of the car safely and get a photo with the arch (albeit with a little obstruction)!

Located in the 70s parking lot at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, many Guests do not realize that the gate is that close to the hotel.

It may not be a clear view, but the spot provides Guests an opportunity to get a photo with the arch and zoom in on the magical details of the gateway to the theme parks.

Back in October 2020, Disney changed the beloved Walt Disney World Main Entrance arch, altering the slogan and the coloring. The Walt Disney World entrance gates stopped saying “Where Dreams Come True” and now officially display what has been the official slogan for Disney World: “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”

Disney’s Pop Century Resort in Lake Buena Vista opened back in December 2003 and is the fourth Value Resort following Disney’s All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, and All-Star Sports Resorts, all of which opened in the 1990s.

Guests love the Pop Century for its celebration of 20th-century American pop culture. The 1950s section includes bowling pin staircases, an iconic Lady and the Tramp statue, and a jukebox. In the fun 1960s area, Guests can find yo-yo staircases, the flower-shaped Hippie Dippy Pool, and a Goofy statue in front of a red 1964 Chevrolet Corvette. The 1970s buildings have a Big Wheel, Mickey Mouse phone, and Twister play areas, while the 1980s buildings have Rubik’s Cube staircases, a Roger Rabbit statue, and Pac-Man. The 1980s area shares the Computer Pool with the ’90s section, which also houses cell phone staircases and rollerblades.

So, next time you’re on your Disney vacation at Walt Disney World and want a photo in front of the classic Disney entrance gate, you know where to “Pop” to!