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DPChallenge Forums >> Out and About >> Any Disney fans or experts out there?
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12/13/2011 10:23:30 PM · #1
My family is going to Disney in January (woohoooo).

Is anyone familiar with Disney's photopass option? (Basically, it is a card you swipe when the park photographers take your picture and you can look at them, buy them, download etc. after your vacation for a flat rate).

I know *I'll* be taking pictures, but would any of you in the know offer advice as to whether I should participate in this, or just let it be?
12/13/2011 10:37:56 PM · #2
There is no charge for a photo pass. You can obtain one from any photographer in the parks, and it is good at all the parks. There is no charge for the pass, and if you do not want any of the pictures, there is no charge. The photographers are all over the parks, set up in locations designed to give a good backdrop to the pictures. Many are willing to shoot you with your own camera, after they do the photo pass image. Often they are willing to tell you about good locations in the park for shooting. (depending on how busy they are.)
12/13/2011 10:43:57 PM · #3
Disney...January...my backyard????
12/13/2011 10:48:24 PM · #4
All I know about Disney and photos is that back in the late '80's I used to use Disneyland all the time for photo shoots. I'm sure they don't really allow that much anymore (at least not on a professional level). But I'd bring several models and we'd use all sorts of areas for backdrops.

I miss living within an 1.5 hours from Disney.
12/13/2011 10:49:02 PM · #5
PS...I don't know anything about the people they have on staff (other than I thought of doing it myself at one time, but my wife didn't want to move).
12/13/2011 11:12:56 PM · #6
My brother and sister-in-law went there a couple of years ago, and they had some photos taken of them and posted on the website where you can proof the shots you might want to buy. I wasn't impressed and neither where they. Really just snap shots that anyone could take, and the large majority of DPC'ers would be able to put them to shame.

The real convenience of the service is not having to lug your own camera around all day. Personally if I'm taking a trip to Disneyland or Disney World I want to get the best shots, and that means taking my camera. I would recommend doing the same.

Dave
12/14/2011 01:06:16 AM · #7
we were there in 2008 and the only thing you need to know is they shoot with.....NIKON!
12/14/2011 01:07:05 AM · #8
Originally posted by smardaz:

we were there in 2008 and the only thing you need to know is they shoot with.....NIKON!

aka "Mickey Mouse Camera" :P
12/14/2011 01:58:30 AM · #9
Which Disney are you going to?
12/14/2011 06:21:12 AM · #10
it's a great deal, even if you are a photographer. of course, if you are experienced, and especially if you know your subjects, you are probably going to get better candids; all the same, the disney shooters do a pretty good job in general. one thing not to take for granted is that they can do is include you in the photo.

there are no costs for the photopass service; you only pay for actual products. we've always had fun just treating their photographers as part of the experience. just like most shooters, they can be hit or miss on the candids; however, they are top-notch on the setup/portrait stuff. regardless of the situation, if you take advantage of their being around, you have a better opportunity of them getting something fun. it also helps if your family has grown accustomed to having cameras pointed at them.

the best deal is the cd. it's $150, but it includes everything that they shoot (you get a card with an account # and they register what they shoot on your account. you log in and can view everything associated with your account.) so, the more they shoot of you, the less the cost per image. the cd comes with a license for making prints, so you won't have any problems at costco, walmart, cvs, etc. even if you don't go for the cd, they have tons of other products and deals. my sister usually gets the cd; i'll usually end up getting something. we've never been disappointed in the quality.

also, they have a ton of borders and edits that you can use through the account. you can even upload your photos and use their borders, graphics, etc, and then get a disk for only $20. if your kids are so inclined, that's pretty cheap entertainment, letting them interact with the stuff you've shot.

have a blast!
12/14/2011 06:58:49 AM · #11
We utilized the photopass option 4 years ago when we went. While the shots weren't top notch they were pretty good and the photographers are setup in ALL of the prime locations. In January there likely won't be many lines waiting for them and it is quick and easy, just swipe the pass card get the shot and continue on. We ended up buying the entire cd of the images (it was 200+ photos) and cost a little over $200 Maybe it was 150 as Skip said, been awhile I forgot. That on top of what I took we came out with a ton of shots and as Skip stated, YOU get to be in the shot with the entire family. I will likely use it when I go back in April but not sure if I will buy the cd or not but like others have said there is no obligation to buy anything. I will post some of the photopass shots later when I can get home and upload a few of them on here.

Message edited by author 2011-12-14 06:59:46.
12/14/2011 08:39:13 AM · #12
Thanks guys!!

Disneyworld in Orlando (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Studios) for whoever it was that asked. :)

I was asking because if I buy the CD of all the pictures beforehand, I can save 50 or so dollars.
12/14/2011 09:35:50 AM · #13
The Disney photographers have always obliged by taking photos of us with my camera when asked, even when we weren't even doing the photopass thing. One thing to remember is that they won't change any camera settings, so be sure that your camera is set up for the conditions, including having the flash ready to fire for fill if you need it.

Most of them will good naturedly just take a couple if shots, but on our last trip one of the photogs had us stay in position for about 30 seconds while he took 5 or 6 shots. The last shot had fireworks from the end of a show in the background that he knew were about to go off. I thought that was pretty cool that he didn't just fire off a couple of quick shots and send us on our way.
12/14/2011 05:40:32 PM · #14
Here are several from my Disney Photo Pass 4 years ago.



Most of the photographers won't really do much for posing you, and I didn't know much about it so we just kind of lined up back then. Also, man have my kids grown, 4 years flies. Btw you could always hire me to tag along and be your personal photographer :)
12/14/2011 07:55:58 PM · #15
Just found out about Disney's professional portrait sessions they have. I may actually look into it, they seem to have some really nice images and some that I am surprised made it on the site. Here is the Link.
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