The Disney PhotoPass allows visitors at Disneyland Resort to prepay a flat fee that includes all the photos taken during your visit. With this service, you’ll capture a myriad of moments without worrying about missing out on any family photo opportunities.
How the Disney Photo Pass Works
Disney PhotoPass Service, introduced in 2012, permits guests to collect high-quality photos taken by park photographers throughout their visit. As an avid photographer myself, I often return home with countless photos from Disneyland, yet I’m rarely in them. Therefore, I seized the chance to utilize the PhotoPass and had my picture taken at various locations in Disney California Adventure.
The Disney PhotoPass is a plastic card equipped with a chip, allowing it to be scanned by official photographers and on rides where photos are captured in real-time. For a single, all-inclusive rate, you can get family photos from every photographer in the park, culminating in a CD of your memories sent directly to you. Considering the park charges about $15 for a singular photo download or two 4×6 prints, this Photo CD emerges as an excellent value.
Furthermore, one of the primary benefits of using the photo pass is the opportunity to have numerous high-quality photos of your group without the inconvenience of one person always being behind the camera. If you plan on exploring different areas of the park separately, you may acquire multiple cards and conveniently link them online before placing your order. This feature is particularly advantageous for solo visitors, especially since selfie sticks are not permitted at Disneyland.
Aside from receiving the physical CD or a downloadable version, you can order various photo souvenirs from the website, ranging from mugs to scrapbooks that include your PhotoPass images, park photos, and any of your own photos you may wish to upload.
Where to Get the Disney PhotoPass
To take full advantage of the PhotoPass, obtain yours from the first photographer you encounter upon entering either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure. This ensures maximum opportunities to capture memorable moments. Additionally, PhotoPasses can also be obtained from Guest Relations if you need assistance while in the park.
How It Worked for Me
During my visit, I joyfully posed for photos with beloved characters like Pluto, Chip & Dale, Red the Fire Truck, and Mickey Mouse, all while exploring various captivating locations. A few days later, I easily registered my card online and accessed my photos. Following the provided instructions, I opted for the download feature using a promotional code, as I was eager to see the results.
Upon downloading the files, I faced a minor hiccup; I received only a single photo along with a limited license agreement. After digging deeper, I discovered that the pre-order confirmation indicated all photos were indeed available. I attempted to contact support but initially encountered a busy signal. Consequently, I chose to email them instead. To my surprise, an automated response stated someone would address my inquiry within 24-48 hours. However, I received assistance just 2.5 hours later with a link to download the complete collection of photos, which included a couple of generic park images as well. Each file was of sufficient quality, allowing for 8×10 prints.
My adventure took place solely in California Adventure, meaning I didn’t fully exploit all the available photo opportunities. Remember, if you’re visiting with a large group, ensure that the photographer takes several shots to guarantee that everyone appears with their eyes open in at least one of the photos.
Tip: Ask your photographer for multiple takes to maximize the chances of getting the perfect group photo!
