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Disney PhotoPass Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Capture the Magic at Walt Disney World

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There is a moment that happens on almost every Disney World vacation and almost no one talks about it until they get home.

You’re standing in front of Cinderella Castle. The light is perfect. Your family is together, everyone is smiling, and the castle is glowing behind you exactly the way you imagined it would when you first started planning this trip. You reach for your phone.

And the photo is fine. A little crooked. The exposure is off. Someone’s thumb is in the corner.

Meanwhile, 20 feet away, a Disney PhotoPass photographer was watching it happen and they could have taken the shot that ends up in a frame on your wall for the next 20 years.

This is the part of Disney World planning that most families think about last and it’s one of the parts that makes the biggest difference in what you take home from the trip. This complete Disney PhotoPass guide covers everything you need to know, from where to find photographers across all four parks to how to book a private resort portrait session, so you arrive prepared and come home with images worth keeping forever.

What Is Disney PhotoPass?

Disney PhotoPass is a team of professional photographers stationed throughout Walt Disney World and when I say throughout, I mean it. There are over 175 PhotoPass locations across the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Photographers are positioned at the most iconic spots in every park, at character greetings, on attractions, and at special events like runDisney races.

Every photo they take is automatically linked to your Disney account and added to your PhotoPass gallery in the My Disney Experience app. You can review your photos throughout the trip, purchase individual favorites, or download your entire gallery through Memory Maker. With Disney PhotoPass, there’s no chasing photographers down afterward and no hoping that a stranger got the angle right, just beautifully framed, professionally captured memories waiting for you at the end of every day.

The photographers themselves are genuinely skilled at what they do. They know the best angles at every location, they know how to position families of every size and configuration, and they know how to capture genuine emotion rather than stiff posed smiles. That expertise is available to every guest who walks up and says hello.

Where to Find PhotoPass Photographers in the Parks

With over 175 locations across Walt Disney World, PhotoPass photographers are practically everywhere, but knowing the best spots in advance helps you make the most of every opportunity.

Magic Kingdom
The most iconic PhotoPass location in all of Walt Disney World is the hub in front of Cinderella Castle and for good reason. The castle provides one of the most recognizable and beautiful backdrops in the world, and the PhotoPass photographers stationed here know exactly how to frame the shot so the castle appears at its most dramatic behind your family. Main Street U.S.A. offers additional photo opportunities, and photographers are positioned throughout Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and near the major character greeting locations.

EPCOT
Spaceship Earth, the park’s iconic geodesic sphere, provides the signature EPCOT backdrop, and photographers near the entrance capture some of the most beautiful family photos available anywhere in the resort. Throughout World Showcase, photographers are stationed at each pavilion, capturing the architectural beauty of the international settings alongside your family.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The Tree of Life is the park’s signature PhotoPass location, with its extraordinary hand-carved surface providing a backdrop unlike anything else at Walt Disney World. Photographers throughout the park are positioned near major attractions, character greetings, and the immersive themed areas of Pandora: The World of Avatar and Africa.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is one of the most popular PhotoPass locations in the entire resort and the resulting photos have a cinematic quality that is genuinely extraordinary. Photographers are also stationed near the Chinese Theater, throughout Toy Story Land, and at the major character greeting locations throughout the park.

Magic Shots: The PhotoPass Secret Most Families Don’t Know About

Here is the single most important piece of information in this Disney PhotoPass guide, and the detail that most families discover too late: Magic Shots.

When you’re being photographed by a PhotoPass photographer, always ask about Magic Shots. These are PhotoPass-exclusive photos that include over 100 special effects digitally added to your image after the fact. You may find Disney characters appearing alongside your family, pixie dust swirling through the frame, seasonal overlays, event-specific effects, and whimsical surprises that make the photos look genuinely magical rather than simply well-framed.

Magic Shots are completely unique to Disney PhotoPass. You cannot recreate them independently, you cannot purchase them separately, and although sometimes they are automatically offered you, sometimes you have to ask. When you take Magic Shots, the results are consistently some of the most memorable photos guests take home from their entire trip. Children are absolutely delighted by them, and adults are often equally surprised by how much they love them.

The variety of Magic Shots changes seasonally and by park location, and new effects are regularly added. Ask your photographer at every session what Magic Shots are currently available at that specific location. The options may be broader than most guests realize.

PhotoPass on Attractions: The Ride Photos That Tell the Story

One of the most creative and evolving areas of the Disney PhotoPass experience is the on-ride photo program, and recent developments have made these photos more personal and more fun than ever before.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Your attraction photo at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin includes your mission score and galactic rank. It becomes a personalized memento that captures not just your expression, but your actual performance in the game. For competitive families, these photos become both a keepsake and a challenge to do better on the next ride.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
The on-ride photos from Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster are designed as concert-inspired posters featuring the Muppets alongside your screaming, laughing family. These are genuinely creative and fun, not generic roller coaster photos, but thoughtfully designed keepsakes that reflect the show’s theatrical personality.

On-ride photos are available at over a dozen attractions throughout Walt Disney World, and Disney has confirmed that additional PhotoPass attraction experiences are in development. This ongoing expansion means that each visit to the parks offers new photographic opportunities that may not have existed on a previous trip.

Capture Your Moment: The 20-Minute Private Session That Changes Everything

If there is one PhotoPass experience that I recommend to every single client planning a Disney World vacation, regardless of whether they’re celebrating a milestone or simply want beautiful photos, it is Capture Your Moment.

Capture Your Moment is a personalized 20-minute PhotoPass session available at all four Walt Disney World theme parks. A dedicated photographer focuses entirely on your family for those 20 minutes, guiding you through the best locations, angles, and poses to capture images that look nothing like anything you’d get from a quick stop at a standard PhotoPass location.

The park itself is your backdrop from the castle to the trees and the magical environments that make Disney World what it is. Your photographer brings genuine expertise in how to use each setting to its maximum visual potential. The result is a gallery of professional-quality images that feel personal, spontaneous, and completely authentic to your family’s experience.

Capture Your Moment is ideal for:

  • First-time Disney visits deserving of proper documentation
  • Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and family celebrations
  • Graduation trips
  • Proposals because Disney World is one of the most magical places on earth to ask the question, and a Capture Your Moment session ensures the moment is beautifully documented
  • Families who simply want to come home with photos they’re genuinely proud of

Separate Capture Your Moment sessions are also available in Batuu inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for families who want their galactic adventure captured with the same professional care.

Capture Your Moment sessions book up, particularly during peak periods. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, and as your travel advisor I can help you plan around the session to make sure it happens at exactly the right time during your visit.

Signature Portrait Sessions at Disney Resort Hotels

For guests celebrating a truly special occasion or simply wanting the most elevated PhotoPass experience available, Disney recently launched Signature Portrait Sessions at two of Walt Disney World’s most beautiful resort properties.

Available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, these private sessions represent a significant step up from the standard Capture Your Moment experience. Here’s what’s included:

  • Up to 40 minutes of photo capture and consultation time with a lead photographer and photo assistant
  • Access to special props curated for each resort location
  • Professional photo retouching applied to your images
  • Full digital downloads of all photos taken during your session
  • Guidance from specially trained photographers who treat this as the professional portrait session it is

The Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village Resort locations were specifically chosen for their extraordinary visual environments. Guests love the Grand Floridian’s Victorian elegance, manicured grounds, and stunning main building provide a backdrop of genuine grandeur, while the Polynesian’s lush tropical setting and direct views of Cinderella Castle across the Seven Seas Lagoon create an atmosphere of extraordinary beauty.

Sessions can be booked up to 60 days in advance online or through the My Disney Experience app. They fill up quickly, particularly for evening sessions when the resort lighting is most beautiful. If this experience is on your radar for an upcoming Disney World trip, early booking is essential.

Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs

One of the most underutilized PhotoPass experiences at Walt Disney World is also one of the most accessible: the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs.

Located in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs, this indoor studio offers a complimentary photoshoot with no reservation required. Guests choose from fun props, virtual backdrops, and seasonal sets that change throughout the year to reflect Disney’s current storytelling and seasonal celebrations.

The Disney PhotoPass Studio is particularly valuable for several reasons. It requires no theme park admission, making it accessible to guests who are spending a day at Disney Springs between park days. It’s indoors and climate-controlled, making it a comfortable option during Florida’s summer heat. And because no reservation is required, it’s an easy addition to any Disney Springs visit without advance planning.

Disney has also indicated that additional experiences are coming to the studio soon, including new ways to step into favorite Disney stories so this already-excellent experience is only going to become more extraordinary.

Memory Maker: The Investment That Pays for Itself

Every PhotoPass photo taken during your Walt Disney World vacation, whether by photographers in the parks, on attractions, at character greetings, or during Capture Your Moment sessions, is automatically added to your Disney PhotoPass gallery and held for 45 days. You can purchase individual photos you love, or you can purchase Memory Maker for unlimited access to everything.

Memory Maker includes:

  • Unlimited downloads of all PhotoPass photos from your vacation
  • All attraction and ride photos and videos
  • All Magic Shots
  • All character greeting photos
  • Photos from Capture Your Moment sessions

For a family spending four or five days in the parks, visiting multiple attractions, attending character greetings, and stopping at PhotoPass locations throughout each day, the number of photos accumulates quickly. Memory Maker turns all of that into an unrestricted digital library of your entire vacation with every moment, professionally captured, and yours to keep forever.

The most important practical detail about Memory Maker: you save $25 when you purchase it in advance before your vacation rather than after you arrive. Given that most families decide they want it once they see how many beautiful photos are accumulating in their gallery, purchasing it before your trip is simply the smarter financial decision.

Memory Maker can be purchased online through the Walt Disney World website or through the My Disney Experience app and is linked directly to your account, automatically collecting all photos taken by PhotoPass photographers who scan your MagicBand or card.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Disney PhotoPass

After years of helping clients plan Disney World vacations and hearing what they report back about the PhotoPass experience, here are the practical tips that make the biggest difference:

Download the My Disney Experience app before you arrive. Your PhotoPass gallery lives here, and being comfortable with the app before your trip means you can check your photos throughout the day and know exactly what you have.

Always ask about Magic Shots. Every single time and at every location. The effects vary by location and season, and the question takes two seconds to ask. Don’t assume a photographer will offer them automatically.

Book Capture Your Moment in advance. These sessions book up especially quickly during peak periods like holiday season, spring break, and summer. Knowing you have a session scheduled removes the stress of trying to arrange it once you’re already in the parks.

Visit PhotoPass locations at off-peak times. The most popular locations like in front of Cinderella Castle or near Spaceship Earth have shorter waits in the early morning and evening. Planning your PhotoPass stops around off-peak times means more relaxed, unhurried sessions and often better light.

Check for seasonal and event-specific Magic Shots. During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, EPCOT Festival of the Holidays, and other special events, exclusive Magic Shots are available that are only offered during those events and no other time.

Scan your MagicBand or card at every attraction. On-ride photos are only linked to your account if you scan at the designated station before boarding. Missing this step means missing the photos.

Why This All Matters

Disney World is one of the most photogenic places on earth and the memories made there deserve to be documented at the same level of quality as the experience itself. The right photos are the ones that your family pulls up years from now and immediately feels transported back. The ones that capture not just where you were but how you felt. The ones that become the images your children show their own children someday.

Getting those photos requires knowing where to be, what to ask for, and how to prepare and that is exactly the kind of knowledge that working with a Disney-specialist travel advisor provides.

As your travel advisor, I don’t just book the resort and the park tickets. I make sure you arrive knowing every detail that makes the difference between a good Disney World vacation and an extraordinary one, including every PhotoPass opportunity worth knowing about.

Ready to Start Planning Your Disney World Vacation?

Whether this is your family’s first visit or a return to a place that already holds a special place in your hearts, I would love to help you plan every detail, including making sure you come home with the photos to prove it.

Schedule your complimentary consultation today and let’s start building the Disney World vacation your family has been dreaming of.

New Capture Your Moment Experience Available with Disney PhotoPass

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From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney

Disney PhotoPass photographers are ready to capture your vacation memories all around Walt Disney World Resort. From picture-perfect scenic spots to popular dining experiences, these are great opportunities to take beautiful photos that include the entire family. 

For those celebrating something special who want a bit more time in front of the camera, we are piloting a new experience at Magic Kingdom Park called “Capture Your Moment,” a perfect add-on to your visit.

Capture Your Moment lets you book time with a Disney PhotoPass photographer for a personalized photo session during regular park hours at Magic Kingdom Park to capture celebrations and milestones, such as a proposal, baby announcement, graduation, anniversary, family reunion, first visit, birthday, and more! 

Photo: Disney

All Capture Your Moment photo session locations will offer an iconic view of Magic Kingdom Park, to include a view of Cinderella Castle. At the start of your session, your photographer will share available photo shoot locations and discuss what you’d like to capture before escorting you to your photo shoot location. Once you arrive at your photo shoot location, you will have the opportunity to capture photos there with your photographer for up to 20 minutes. 

Each Capture Your Moment session is $50. Want more time in front of the camera? When you book two Capture Your Moment sessions back-to-back for $100, you can spend up to 40 minutes with your photographer capturing photos. During your 40 minutes, you’ll have the option to visit at least two photo locations. 

Your Disney PhotoPass photographer will customize your photo shoot to your needs while using their creativity and personal style to take stunning photos.  

Photo: Disney

Starting today, you can call 407-939-7758 to book a Capture Your Moment session. Capture Your Moment photo sessions are available starting February 10, 2020. A limited number of same-day reservations may be available starting February 10, but you must call 407-939-7758 to inquire. 

Prints and digital downloads are not included with the price of a Capture Your Moment session. However, those with a Disney PhotoPass entitlement like Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day, as well as qualifying Annual Passholders with a Disney PhotoPass download benefit, can download the photos captured during Capture Your Moment from their Disney accounts at no extra cost.

Photo: Disney

If you’re coming to Magic Kingdom Park at Disney World to celebrate, let Disney PhotoPass Service capture your special moment so you can cherish it for a lifetime! 

No refund will apply for no-shows or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the session start time. Gratuity is not necessary. Prices and services offered are subject to change. Full payment is due at time of booking. Those who wish to capture photos with a photographer for longer than 20 minutes can book additional 20-minute sessions, with each session priced at $50. Additional time must be booked in advance. Capture Your Moment is only available during regular park hours. Available session locations will be provided by your photographer at the start of your session and are subject to change based on inclement weather and park operations. Because of other Guest appointments, Guests arriving late to their session cannot have their session extended beyond the stated end time. Guests under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult (18 or older). Maximum party size is 8 per session. No wedding attire is permitted. Any Guest-supplied props need to abide by the Park Policies found here. Valid Theme Park admission required and not included in the session price. Photos are not included with the price of session. Prints and digital downloads can be purchased separately at Town Square Theater or online at Disneyworld.com/PhotoPass. 

Top 5 Things to Know About Memory Maker at Disney World

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

When planning your Walt Disney World Resort vacation, you’re probably focused on selecting your accommodations, adding your park tickets, and then determining which experiences you absolutely have to fit in during your visit. But one other important aspect of your vacation you’ll want to consider before arriving is how you’ll capture and preserve the memories you’ll make at Walt Disney World Resort. For many, Memory Maker is a great option. There are usually a lot of questions about Memory Maker and how it works so here are the top five things you’ll need to know about Memory Maker so you can decide if you need it during your Disney World vacation.

How is Memory Maker related to Disney PhotoPass Service? 
Disney PhotoPass Service has photographers stationed throughout Walt Disney World Resort ready to get your entire family in the photo and cameras ready to capture your experience at select attractions.

Memory Maker is a product offered by Disney PhotoPass Service. PhotoPass photos can be purchased individually, but when you purchase Memory Maker, you receive unlimited digital downloads of all your PhotoPass photos taken during your Memory Maker window for one price. So the more photos you take, the more value you receive!

Which Disney PhotoPass photos are included with Memory Maker? 
Anywhere Disney PhotoPass captures your photo during your Memory Maker window, you’re entitled to download that image as part of your active Memory Maker entitlement.

This includes PhotoPass photos taken at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Character Experiences, either Disney PhotoPass Studio, iconic locations such as in front of Cinderella Castle, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, Enchanted Tales with Belle, and all attraction and dining locations with PhotoPass capture.

Magic Shots, which add Disney Characters and other fun surprises to your photos after they’re taken, are also included with Memory Maker!

Does Memory Maker offer any exclusive photo opportunities?
While all guests can view attraction videos from Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror as well as Animated Magic Shots in their account, an active Memory Maker entitlement is required to download, save and share them. (And, remember that a MagicBand linked to your account is required for you to collect and view attraction videos)

Can my Memory Maker entitlement include my travel party’s photos? 
Absolutely! If you’re linked to others in your party through My Disney Experience Family & Friends and they choose to share their photos taken during your Memory Maker window with you, you’ll have the ability to download them. So, if you’re traveling with friends and family, only one party needs to purchase Memory Maker and then you can all share it!

When should I purchase Memory Maker?
Memory Maker can be purchased before, during or after your Walt Disney World Resort vacation. But when you buy early, you save: When you purchase three or more days prior to the start of your vacation, the price is $169. If you purchase during or after your vacation, the price is $199.

If you think Memory Maker is right for you, I would encourage you to purchase it prior to your vacation, as the less time you spend figuring out which photos you’re going to buy, the more time you have to make the memories, take another ride on Space Mountain, or enjoy a Dole Whip! Plus, that $30 discount leaves you a little extra spending money!

Have other questions? Let me know in the comments, or give the Disney PhotoPass Guest Support Team a call at 407-560-4300!

Memory Maker is subject to the applicable terms and policies available here. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for the One Day product or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy available here. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Exclusive Props, Magic Shots, and Character Experiences for PhotoPass Day 2018

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From the Disney Parks Blog:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney PhotoPass Day is returning to Walt Disney World Resort on August 19, 2018, and today we’re thrilled to share all of the photo opportunities you’ll find at Disney Springs and each of the four theme parks!

We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s jump right in! Below are all of the special photos you can take during the event on August 19 with Disney PhotoPass photographers.

Disney Springs

  • Peter Pan Shadow Magic Shot: between the LEGO® Store and World of Disney®
  • Original Selfie Magic Shot: outside of the Disney PhotoPass Studio
  • Special balloons virtual background: at the Disney PhotoPass Studio

Both Disney Springs Magic Shots are available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Virtual background at the Disney PhotoPass Studio is available from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Character Experiences:

  • Meet Bolt: Discovery Island Trails from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Meet Baloo and King Louie: Upcountry Landing in Asia from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Additional photo opportunities:*

  • Huey, Dewey and Louie Magic Shot: DinoLand U.S.A.
  • Kevin Magic Shot: near “UP! A Great Bird Adventure”
  • Russell’s grape soda bottlecap pin prop: near “UP! A Great Bird Adventure”
  • Finding Nemo prop: near “Finding Nemo – The Musical”
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris prop: near the attraction entrance

*These additional photo opportunities at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Character Experience:

  • Meet Jawas: Star Wars Launch Bay Cantina from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additional photo opportunities:*

  • Rizzo Magic Shot: near Muppet★Vision 3D
  • Green Army Man Magic Shot: near the entrance to Slinky Dog Dash
  • Hollywood Tower Hotel luggage prop: Sunset Boulevard
  • Beauty and the Beast light painting next to Theater of the Stars (available from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.)

*These additional photo opportunities at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Epcot

Character Experiences:

  • Meet Cruella de Vil: United Kingdom Pavilion from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Meet Jafar: Morocco Pavilion from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Additional photo opportunities:*

  • Original Selfie Magic Shot: France Pavilion (available from noon to 8 p.m.)
  • World Traveler Magic Shots: available at all 11 countries in World Showcase (available from noon to 8 p.m.)
  • Baby Groot Magic Shot: Future World East at the galaxy-themed wall
  • Finding Nemo prop: near The Seas with Nemo & Friends
  • Spaceship Earth prop: near the attraction entrance

*These additional photo opportunities at Epcot are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Magic Kingdom Park

Character Experience:

  • Meet Pinocchio and Geppetto: near Pinocchio Village Haus from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Additional photo opportunities:*

  • Dole Whip Magic Shot: across from Sunshine Tree Terrace
  • Dumbo Magic Shot: near Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Mickey Mouse Magic Shot: on the bridge near Fairytale Garden
  • Jungle Cruise prop: near the attraction entrance
  • Pretzel prop: Purple Wall near Tomorrowland Terrace (available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

*These additional photo opportunities at Magic Kingdom Park are available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

And here’s the grand finale: You can take home digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos from the day for one price with Memory Maker One Day!* Memory Maker One Day will be available at the Disney PhotoPass Centers located in each of the four parks and at Disney Springs for the special price of $39, only on August 19, 2018, and only at these five locations.**

Whether you’re celebrating with us August 19 at Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, smile big and be sure to share your photos using #DisneyPhotoPassDay!

Parks, attractions, entertainment or character experiences may change operating hours; close due to refurbishing, capacity, weather, special events, character availability or other reasons; and otherwise change or be discontinued without notice and without liability to the owners of the Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney PhotoPass Service at Walt Disney World Resort is subject to the PhotoPass terms and expiration policy found at https://mydisneyphotopass.disney.go.com/help-and-support/policies. Online registration required. Downloads are restricted to personal use by Disney account holder only and may not be used for a commercial purpose. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate theme park admission required for certain photo locations.

*Memory Maker is subject to the applicable terms and policies available here. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for the One Day product or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy available here.

**Not available for online or in-app purchases. Cannot be combined with any other promotion and discount. No adjustments to prior purchases.

Stop by the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs for Virtual Backgrounds

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Disney PhotoPass Studio located in the Disney Springs Marketplace is a favorite among princesses and knights who have visited Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but you don’t have to be on your way to the ball to have your photo taken here!

You can take a classic – or goofy – family or individual portrait on one of our standard backdrops.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

If you’re looking for a slightly more specialized photo experience, this studio also offers those of all ages the opportunity to pose in front of virtual backdrops using a green-screen technique.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Here are just a few of the numerous virtual backdrop themes currently available: “Aladdin;” “Beauty and the Beast;” “Brave;” “Cars;” “Cinderella;” “Elena of Avalor;” “Inside Out;” “Jake and the Never Land Pirates;” “The Lion Guard;” “The Little Mermaid;” “Mickey and the Roadster Racers;” “Moana;” “Monsters, Inc.;” “Mulan;” “Peter Pan;” “Pirates of the Caribbean;” “The Princess and the Frog;” “Sleeping Beauty;” “Snow White;” Star Wars; “Tangled;” “Toy Story” and more!

So smile and say cheese, arrr, Agrabah, McQueen or Mickey – the choices are endless! Your photographer will make sure you have the best backdrop for your photo.

These photos can be linked to your My Disney Experience account and downloaded as part of an active Memory Maker entitlement or purchased individually.

If you’re looking for an even more customized offering that allows your little princess to step right into a classic Disney story, be sure to ask a photographer at the studio about a Personalized Storybook!

No reservations are needed to visit the studio, so stop by for your photo shoot whenever it fits into your day at Disney Springs!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Don’t Miss Rare Characters at Disney PhotoPass Day 2017 at Disney World

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Disney PhotoPass Day 2017

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

August 19 marks World Photo Day, and we’re excited to celebrate the occasion with the return of Disney PhotoPass Day 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort! During this event, Disney PhotoPass Service will offer a number of exclusive photo opportunities that will let you take home even more picture-perfect memories of your visit.

You can also celebrate Disney Princesses during Disney PhotoPass Day! In honor of Disney’s “Dream Big, Princess” campaign, you’ll find photo opportunities focused on some of your favorite Disney Princesses.

Check out all of the special opportunities that are planned in each of the four theme parks and Disney Springs on August 19 for Disney PhotoPass Day 2017:

Entertainment and photo opportunities are subject to change. Some locations could be affected by inclement weather.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Character Experiences:

  • Meeko joins Pocahontas at Character Landing on Discovery Island
  • Timon joins Rafiki at Rafiki’s Planet Watch
  • Princess Atta joins Flik at Discovery Island near Creature Comforts

Photo opportunities:

  • Dream Big Princess photo backdrop before the park entrance (daylight hours only)
  • Jungle Book Magic Shot near Yak & Yeti Restaurant
  • Visit the PhotoPass photographer in DinoLand U.S.A. from 9-10 p.m. to have magical Mickey light effects added to your photo (example below)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Character Experiences:

  • The Queen from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” Maleficent, and Cruella de Vil will meet with guests at Sunset Showcase. This opportunity will be available from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Photo opportunities:

  • Dream Big Princess photo backdrop outside the Theater of the Stars (daylight hours only)
  • Poison Apple Magic Shot on Sunset Boulevard
  • Fisheye lens in the Chinese Theatre Courtyard area

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Epcot

Character Experiences:

  • Genie will join Princess Jasmine in the Morocco Pavilion
  • Mushu will join Mulan in the China Pavilion

Photo opportunities:

  • Dream Big Princess photo backdrop near Epcot Character Spot (daylight hours only)
  • Baymax Animated Magic Shot with the PhotoPass photographer located near Mouse Gear and the Fountain of Nations
  • Fisheye lens near the fountain close to the entrance to Spaceship Earth

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Magic Kingdom Park
Character Experiences:

  • Dopey joins Snow White at Town Square Courtyard
  • Captain Hook joins Peter Pan in Fantasyland

Photo opportunities:

  • Dream Big Princess photo backdrop in Fantasyland (daylight hours only)
  • Cinderella’s Coach in Fantasyland
  • “Tangled” light painting photo opportunity near Ariel’s Grotto (available after dark)
  • Mickey Mouse Magic Shot on the bridge near Fairytale Garden
  • Main Street Vehicle near the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (available in the morning and early afternoon)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney Springs 
Photo opportunities:

  • Dream Big Princess photo backdrop next to the Marketplace Stage
  • Fairy Wings Magic Shot from the PhotoPass photographer roaming around the Marketplace near Tren-D (available from 1-10:30 p.m.)
  • You can also visit the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs to enjoy special $99.95 plus shipping pricing on a Personalized Storybook now through August 20!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Don’t forget to share your photos from Disney PhotoPass Day 2017 on social media using #DisneyPhotoPassDay and #DreamBigPrincess, and if you want access to all of your PhotoPass photos from Disney PhotoPass Day 2017, purchase Memory Maker One Day for $59 in the My Disney Experience mobile app during or after your visit!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Incredible Photo Opportunities and Magic Shots in Pandora- The World of Avatar

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Incredible Photo Opportunities and Magic Shots in Pandora- The World of Avatar

Expeditions to Pandora – The World of Avatar have begun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

When you’re not trekking among mountains, drifting down a Pandoran River deep into the bioluminescent rainforest, or soaring on the back of a mountain banshee, you’ll find the striking beauty of Pandora offers many locations to take photos of your interplanetary travel.

Disney PhotoPass Service photographers are placed in the best locations in Pandora – The World of Avatar to capture your entire group’s adventure into this exotic world. There are some incredible photo opportunities and magic shots in Pandora – The World of Avatar that you won’t want to miss on your visit!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Disney PhotoPass photographers are also able to capture a number of Magic Shots and Animated Magic Shots in Pandora featuring some of your favorite Pandoran inhabitants. Check them out below!

When you visit a PhotoPass photographer in front of the floating mountains during daylight hours, you’ll have the opportunity to include a banshee in your photo.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

In the evening, PhotoPass photographers can capture a woodsprite floating into your photos in both a Magic Shot and Animated Magic Shot:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Remember, Animated Magic Shots can only be downloaded as part of an active Memory Maker entitlement, which allows you to take home all of your Disney PhotoPass photos and videos from your Walt Disney World Resort vacation for one price.

Enjoy your adventure!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 15, 2016

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 15, 2016

What’s New This Week?

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Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! Limited-time Character Experience for Memory Maker Guests: In addition to receiving all your Disney PhotoPass vacation photos with Memory Maker, from August 7 through August 31, your Memory Maker purchase will also include access to a private Disney Character Experience with a Disney Princess located at Magic Kingdom Park – Heritage House. Only one person in your party needs to have purchased Memory Maker in order for your group to enjoy this Character Experience. This limited-time opportunity will be available for Memory Maker guests and their parties from 11 a.m. – 5:40 p.m., August 7 to 31.

Epcot

New! Build Your Own Lightsaber at Mouse Gear: Guests can now build their own Lightsaber at Mouse Gear at Epcot. This experience is just like those available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. 

New! Enter for a Chance to Win a Trip to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival from ABC’s The Chew: ABC’s Emmy Award-winning show “The Chew” is giving a lucky winner the chance to join them when it returns to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this fall. The Chew’s Magical Culinary Adventure Sweepstakes will send one winner and their three guests to stay in the middle of the magic at Walt Disney World Resort between October 5-9, 2016, and experience the 21st annual appetizing event. The winner and their guests will get to attend a live taping of the ABC lifestyle show, sip and savor food and drink from more than 30 global marketplaces, including one inspired by the show: The Chew Collective in the Next Eats area of Future World. To enter, visit https://magicalculinaryadventure.com. You have until 11:59 p.m. on September 2 to enter.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

New! Celebrate Pete’s Dragon at Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Guests at Rafiki’s Planet Watch can stop by the “Pete’s Dragon” activity table in front of Conservation Station this week to learn more about national parks and pick up a “Pete’s Dragon” activity guide developed by Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment and a movie button. Guests can participate in a puzzle game about the national parks in each of the 50 states. “Pete’s Dragon” debuts in theaters Aug. 12, and is set in a national park in the Pacific Northwest.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

New! Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza Now Open: Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, the newest fast-casual restaurant in Town Center at Disney Springs, is now open! It features scratch-made dough and artisanal toppings – and two blazing hot ovens that turn out thin-crisp pies in 180 seconds. The menu centers around custom-built pizzas (you pick the toppings) all for one price, with an interactive assembly line that lets you customize a pizza (or pick one of their Signature Pizzas). The 11-inch pizzas go into the blazing hot, open-flame oven and emerge with a light-as-air, crisp crust. Beverages include lemonades, aguas frescas, real cane sugar sodas plus beer and wine. The spacious, 5,000-square-foot eatery features two open hearth ovens and seating for 200 (and accepts the Disney Dining Plan).  Gluten-free dough and vegan cheese are also offered.

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New! Origins Now Open at Disney Springs: Origins, a high-performance skincare retailer, is now open in Town Center at Disney Springs. Featuring products formulated with certified organic ingredients and 100 percent natural essential oils, Origins offers products for bath and body, hair, makeup and more. Origins is a socially-conscious brand that employs earth-friendly practices. The new Origins store is located near MAC Cosmetics.

New! Limited Time Offer at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: As part of the Grand Opening Celebration this summer, Disney Springs is introducing a limited time offer at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Marketplace. Beginning Aug. 7, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, Disney Visa Card members, and Walt Disney World Resort Guests will receive a 10% discount at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for guests age 3-12. This discount is available only at the Disney Springs location and applies to all reservations through Sept. 5.

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Reminder! Art in August at Disney Springs: “Art in August” kicked off Thursday, August 4, 2016, at Disney Springs Marketplace. With tents set up throughout the promenade, guests can expect to find Disney artists, handmade treasures including jewelry and stationery, and unique keepsakes. “Art in August” is a vibrant, open-air art stroll that celebrates the diversity of art, featuring a little something for everyone. In addition, Guests may participate in interactive demonstrations on the promenade such as chalk drawing and meet the artists behind the Disney magic. “Art in August” is another way Guests can enjoy Disney Springs Grand Opening Summer Celebration – an event that combines new venues, added entertainment and special retail promotions, all happening through Labor Day.

New! Tables in Wonderland Accepted at New Locations: Four new food & beverage locations have been added to the Tables in Wonderland program! Effective immediately, Tables in Wonderland members will receive the 20 percent discount at the following: Jungle Skipper at Magic Kingdom Park, Tiffins Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs.

Reminder! The Beat the Heat DJ Party Continues to Make a Splash at Disney Springs: The “Beat the Heat DJ Party” offers visitors the chance to chill out and cool down. With a lively DJ, always-on fountains, and a playful combo of bubbles, hula hoops and beach balls, the party is a huge hit with guests of all ages. During this daily extravaganza, kids and adults are encouraged to dance, splash and simply take a break. Here, bathing suits are encouraged, but not required, and sunglasses and sunscreen are always in style! If you haven’t had a chance to enjoy the Beat the Heat DJ Dance Party yet, don’t fret; it happens daily from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. and continues through September 5th.

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Merchandise Events

Disney Springs

August 4-28 – Two new Precious Moments dolls will be released in August at Marketplace Fun Finds in Disney Springs Marketplace. The dolls were inspired by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Guests can meet Precious Moments doll designer Linda Rick on August 12-13 at the location.

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August 20 – We are releasing a figurine and ornament from the Disney Showcase Collection by Precious Moments at The Art of Disney. These items will only be released in select locations at Disney Parks. The ornament is titled “Faith, Trust And Pixie Dust,” and the figurine is titled “Imagination Has No Age.” Guests can meet Precious Moments Master Sculptor Hiko Maeda from noon to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

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August 20 – Artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith returns to WonderGround Gallery inside the Marketplace Co-Op from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Epcot

August 12-14 & 26-29 – 12-7pm – Guests can check out the latest Yardley fragrance and beauty products and meet representatives from noon to 7:00 p.m., each day at The Queen’s Table. We will be offering bottle painting and personalization on August 13-14, 27-28.

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August 17-20 – Meet Fragrance designer Geir Ness from noon to 6:00 p.m. in The Puffin’s Roost at Norway Pavilion in World Showcase. Geir will showcase the latest items from his Laila fragrance and beauty collection.

August 19 – Precious Moments Master Sculptor Hiko Maeda will meet guests at The Art of Disney in Future World from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Closures and Refurbishments

Click here to view the latest renovations and closures at Walt Disney World Resort.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Purchase a One Day Memory Maker for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

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Disney has introduced a new one day Memory Maker, exclusively for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. You can purchase the one day Memory Maker for just $39 which will allow you to capture all of your photos from the party, including those beloved magic shots, and then download all of them afterwards!

Disney is using Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party as the perfect opportunity to test the one day Memory Maker. Memory Maker is normally available for $149 (when purchased in advance) and includes digital downloads of all of the photos throughout your vacation.

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Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is the perfect time to use Memory Maker to capture your family’s photos with everyone dressed up in costumes and enjoying the special events and activities of the party. Did you know that you can get a picture with all Seven Dwarfs during the party? Many of your favorite Disney characters are there in their favorite Halloween costumes, too! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is also a great time to ride your favorite attractions with short wait times. The one day Memory Maker includes select attraction photos, too!

You can purchase the one day Memory Maker through October 31 at any ticket booth at the Transportation and Ticket Center. The one day Memory Maker can be added directly to your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party ticket. Plus, the one day Memory Maker will include your photos from the entire day, even before the party starts!

If you won’t be able to attend one of this year’s parties, you can use the PhotoPass ID COMEJOINTHEPARTY in your My Disney Experience account to get a unique bonus shot of some happy haunts!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney vacation planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information. 

New Disney World Discount for Florida Residents in Summer 2014

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Disney has just released  a new Disney World discount for Florida residents in summer 2014. With your kids out of school, the summer is the perfect time of the year to experience all of the new and exciting attractions and experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort! And this summer, Florida residents have a special discount, just for them!

Florida Residents can save on a Magic Your Way® Package at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels and receive a FREE Memory Maker with their stay! Memory Maker includes digital downloads of all of the photos from your vacation. Best of all, Memory Maker allows the whole family to be in all of your pictures while Disney PhotoPass photographers capture your magical moments!

This Florida resident discount is available for travel between June 3 and August 2, 2014.

Please note that this offer is subject to availability. This offer requires a minimum two-night stay and does exclude Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid standard rooms, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – Campsites, 3-bedroom villas at all Resort hotels and Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Proof of Florida residency is required at check-in.

Are you planning to take advantage of the new Disney World discount for Florida residents in summer 2014?

Siera is a Disney travel specialist. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information.