Spaceship Earth from Japan

There is another Spaceship Earth photo opportunity that is even less immediately obvious to Epcot guests than the abstracted edition. As such, when you do discover it, you will be so utterly delighted by its existence that your body will be physically incapable of restraining yourself from taking a photo.

It is the view of Spaceship Earth enclosed within the architecture on the lagoon side of the Japan Pavilion.

This piece is a recreation of the famed Itsukushima Shrine — a waterbound gate that is one of the most iconic constructions in Japan. Epcot’s version is placed in just such a way that as you walk through the Japan pavilion, Spaceship Earth becomes framed within the boundaries of the gate. This creates a must-have photo, and one which countless travelers are powerless to resist.

A poorly lit shot of San Angel Inn

Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion is one of the most incredible spots on Walt Disney World property. It contains a charming attraction, a beautiful water feature, an energetic night market, a bar, a restaurant, and the feeling of a truly magical Mexican evening. As such, guests are inclined to try to capture that feeling in a picture.

One section of the pavilion in particular just begs for this treatment — the waterside view of the San Angel Inn, with the boats of Gran Fiesta Tour floating by.

There is one problem with this picture, however: It is just way, way too dark to take it properly.

Now, yes, if you have professional photographic equipment, or if you’re a whiz with a digital camera, you can probably get a nice picture. But for those of us who love the convenience of a camera phone, we’re pretty much at the mercy of the gods as to whether our picture will come out. And, for the most part, it probably won’t. Inevitably, your picture will look noisy from the low-light conditions and dull the color and charm of the pavilion itself.

But hey, it’s worth a shot — especially when you realize you don’t have to pay for film anymore.