Disney's parks have been awash with official photographers since Disney's PhotoPass hit the scene. PhotoPass has added new convenience to having professional photos taken in the parks, and its popularity has multiplied the ways you can enjoy (and purchase) those photos when you return home.

When you have your photo taken by an official Disney's PhotoPass photographer, you show either your PhotoPass card (or are given a one) or your Annual Pass. There's no cost for the photographer to take your photo and code it to your card, and generally the photographers know the best spots, angles, and lighting for great pictures, so there's no reason not to give this a try. At the next photo op, show your card and the photographer will scan the barcode. Later, whether at a photo shop in the park or at the PhotoPass website (https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass/gallery), all your photos will be together in one place. You can order prints with some or all of the shots from your vacation, or buy the PhotoPass+ (see below). If you use a card, you may continue using the same card on every visit, or combine the photos from several people's cards into a single online account. The best thing, as far as we're concerned, is that you don't have to wait any longer in long lines at the park's photo shop to get your pictures. Just be sure to login and view new photos online within 30 days of when your first picture was taken—you'll then have 30 days from that login date to make modifications to your pictures (such as adding borders, cropping, etc.) and to order prints or gifts.

You'll find PhotoPass photographers nearly everywhere—at the most popular locations, at many character meet-and-greets, and just roaming the park. While park guests used to have (maybe) one "official" shot taken each day, some now seek out the PhotoPass photographers throughout the day. Tip: if you think you won't buy a PhotoPass package, or just want a picture you can send to other folks, you can ask the official photographer to take photos with your own camera or phone; we've never seen one refuse! If you purchase the photo package offered at a character mal, those photos will be sent to PhotoPass, too. Even some official ride photos can be added to PhotoPass. Some Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique packages include PhotoPass portraits, as well. You can also upload your own photos to the PhotoPass site. They can be combined with with PhotoPass shots in your online albums for family and friends to view, professionally printed (4"x6" prints are $0.19 each), and added to PhotoPass merchandise. Not satisfied with your own shots and/or shots featuring your family? PhotoPass has a gallery of photos you can use in your online PhotoPass album and/or have printed on PhotoPass merchandise.

PhotoPass photos can be downloaded in JPG format for $14.95 each. If you think you'll downloads four or more, consider purchasing PhotoPass+, which gives you download access to all photos from one day for $39, or up to a week's worth for $69—an amazing deal! You can purchase your PhotoPass+ online before, during, or after your visit at http://Disneyland.com/PhotoPass or on the Disneyland mobile app, available free from most app stores. The PhotoPass website lets you crop and add Disney-themed borders and character autographs to the photos, too. Plus, you can add attraction photos from Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, California Screamin', Tower of Terror, and Radiator Springs Racers, if you have your PhotoPass card. Use the mobile app or go to the PhotoPass website and enter the 8-character Photo ID on the preview screen. Link photos from your character meals the same way. PhotoPass+ pictures and downloads are included for those holding Disney Signature, Disney Signature Plus or Disney Premier Annual Passports. Note that photos expire 45 days from the date the photo was taken. Find more details at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass.