Thursday's Tip

It's easy on a Disney vacation to become so "in the moment" that you forget to document those precious moments on film. Today's tip: utilize Disney's PhotoPass. Perhaps you balk at the $150 price tag for the PhotoPass CD--I do, too! But if you don't have a reliable camera, or you want to be free from the baggage that comes with being the designated photographer, $150 isn't a bad price to keep your vacation memories alive. (Oh, and you can get a discount if you pre-purchase the CD.)

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!