But I'm not here to convince you to purchase Disney's CD of all your pictures. I simply want you to know how to use this FREE service. Yep, that's right...free. Why bother? Well, I consider it a "just in case" plan. "Just in case" your camera is lost..."just in case" your camera isn't functioning properly..."just in case" you didn't get that perfect shot of the kids with Mickey. Don't worry, Disney's PhotoPass photographers did. As a bonus, it's a great way to share photos with friends and family too.
How does it work? From your first steps into the Magic Kingdom (or any of the Disney Parks), you will begin to see Cast Members in uniform. There are two things that set apart Disney Photopass photographer: large cameras (duh!) and utility vests with lots of pockets (for extra batteries, extra PhotoPass cards, etc.). Unless you're walking determinedly toward the castle, they will likely ask if you'd like a photo. Then they'll ask if you have a PhotoPass. If you don't, they'll give you one. It looks like this:
And then they'll take your picture. Any time you see one of these photographers and would like a photo, approach and request. Simple as that. Your photo will also be taken at all character meet-n-greets by PhotoPass photographers. They'll always ask for your card, just in case you forget. You might also have your photo taken on various attractions, such as Splash Mountain or Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. When this happens, you can scan your PhotoPass near your picture at the photo booth/kiosk, and those photos will be added to your account as well. AND, you can upload your own photos to the PhotoPass website too! Keep adding photos to the same PhotoPass throughout your vacation. When you return to your computer, visit http://www.disneyphotopass.com/ and plug in the code on the back of your PhotoPass card to view and/or purchase photos. In addition, the website gives you the opportunity to email the link to friends and family FREE! Since guests can purchase your photos also, this will eliminate Aunt June's incessant nagging for a picture of the kids with Goofy.
Be sure to take advantage of this free, reliable service on your next Disney vacation!
Thank you for posting about the Photo Pass! I'm new to the world of Disney. I've never gone and I (this is sad to say) just *really* realized what all Disney is and has about 3 weeks ago. I am so excited to take my 2 sons to Disney next August. They will be 2 and 4.
ReplyDeleteI've heard about the Photo Pass, but didn't know how it worked. It sounds GREAT and I will for sure be utilizing that feature of Disney.
Glad I could help, and thanks for your comment!
ReplyDeleteI pre-ordered the photo pass CD before our last trip, saving almost $50.
ReplyDeleteYes, if you're going to actually buy the PhotoPass CD, defintely pre-order! However, you really have to be vigilant to use it A LOT to make it worth the cost. For my family, we don't usually have enough photos on there to be worth it. (We don't like to stop a lot for photographers--we want to get on to the attractions!) But it's definitely worth if it you have, say, 200 photos on there. (We usually end up with about 20...so, not worth it.)
ReplyDeleteSo can you still order other products using the photos that were taken through Photo Pass or do you have to order the Photopass CD for $150? You said that you only amass about 20 photos, but do you still order any of those photos? I would love to be able to do that as you said, "just in case."
ReplyDeleteYes, you can order individual photos. They are quite expensive, but it's worth it if they have the perfect shot that you want to enlarge or frame. You can also add fun borders and embellishments!
ReplyDeleteI have actually never ordered a single photo. For one thing, as a Disney Visa Reward Member, we always get a free 5x7 from our members-only meet-n-greet at Epcot. And we have yet to have camera issues, so we usually have plenty of great pics of our own. However, I have definitely heard stories of how PhotoPass saved a family's vacation memories because of their camera malfunctioning!