Visit Harry Potter World (and other attractions) with your DSLR in tow.

So maybe you were like me, and you can’t wait for your upcoming trip to Universal Studios in Orlando, especially the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Your tickets are purchased, your bags are packed and you’re left asking one question: should you bring your camera? Is it worth it?

Personally, my answer was YES! I didn’t regret bringing it one bit. I will say, however, that I did a little research before I went to see if Universal was camera-friendly. And the good news is, since I looked into it, you don’t have to! Whether you’re bringing a DSLR, point and shoot or your iPhone, these tips will help you capture memories AND have a great time.

1. Pack light. If you’re bringing a point and shoot or just your phone, all you need to do is slip it inside a small bag or in a pocket (preferably a zippered pocket if you’re taking it on intense rides.) If you’re traveling with a DSLR, I recommend bringing the least amount of gear possible. During my trip, I brought only one lens (my 35mm), one camera body and a small, lightweight backpack to carry them in. Ideally it should fit everything you need, including the little essentials like a wristlet, ticket and sunglasses. Because if you have the fast past – which I highly recommend – you definitely don’t want to lose that!

2. Check the map – and ride restrictions. Before beginning the day, ask yourself these questions: do you want to carry your camera all day or do you only want it for a few specific moments? If you only want to capture a couple portraits – a quick shot at the park entrance or a photo in Diagon Alley, for example – it might make sense to make those stops early on and store your camera for the remainder of the day. At Universal Studios in Orlando, you can get an all-day locker rental for $10-12 at the main entrances.*

If you want to have your camera with you all day (the option I took during this trip), keep an eye out for rides that won’t allow ANY bags to board with you, even if you don’t have a camera. The good news is these rides have free lockers right outside the entrance. The majority of them had an easy-to-use thumbprint system, ensuring only you could access your locker. The others required your ticket to lock them. Either way, it was an easy way to keep my gear safe while enjoying the ride! One note: remember to go back and get your bag right after the ride! They’re only free for a certain amount of time. Also, if you do have that fast pass, don’t accidentally leave it in your bag in your rush to get a locker.

These lockers do tend to be a  bit crowded, but by knowing the rides before you get to the entrance, you’ll be one step ahead.  Here’s the list:

• The Incredible Hulk Coaster®
• Dragon Challenge™
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit®
• Revenge of the Mummy®
• MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™

*Double check the prices and rides at the Universal Studios website. It’s possible it has been updated since this has been published.

3. Embrace the art of photojournalism. When you’re planning your trip, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that every photo you take will be perfect. You imagine the light will fall just right, the crowds will part for your perfect view of the castle and everyone in your group will be all smiles, all day. The truth is, this isn’t reality. Theme parks can be so much fun, but they can also be overwhelming, and lighting conditions might be less than ideal.

So what can you do? Curb your expectations. Instead of looking for perfection, capture the moment as it unfolds. Don’t get me wrong, you can definitely get a few posed photos in the spots you really want. But you can also look for those little moments that aren’t perfect. Because to be completely honest, sometimes those end up being the very best memories.

4. Don’t forget to HAVE FUN! In my opinion this is the most important point. Make sure you take the time to really enjoy the day instead of seeing everything through your viewfinder. Trust me – you’ll have better memories if you make time to actually live through them! And there are so many fun things to do there, you won’t want to miss them. I highly recommend the butterbeer, chocolate frogs and a trip on the Hogwarts Express. See my favorite stops below!