Disney’s parks have been awash in 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 either show your MagicBand or are given a free PhotoPass card. There is no cost for the photographer to take your photo and code it to your MagicBand or PhotoPass 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 MagicBand (or hand your PhotoPass card to the photographer and he/she will slide it through a card reader). Later, whether at a photo shop in the park or at the PhotoPass web site (http://www.disneyphotopass.com), all your photos will be together in one place. You can order prints or purchase a CD with some or all of the shots from your vacation. If you use a card, you may continue using the same card on every visit, or combine the photos from several cards into a single online account. The best thing, as far as we’re concerned, is that you don’t have to wait 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 a PhotoPass CD. Tip: You can view all your Disney PhotoPass photos and videos, including photos from select attraction and dining locations, in the My Disney Experience app.

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. If you purchase the photo package offered at your character meal, those photos will be sent to PhotoPass, too. Even some official ride photos can be added to PhotoPass. Private PhotoPass Portrait Sessions can be arranged at some Disney resorts, and PhotoPass portraits are part of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique packages. You can also upload your own photos to the PhotoPass site. They can be combined with PhotoPass shots in your online albums for family and friends to view, to be professionally printed (4”x6” prints are $0.19 each), or 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. For downloads of 10 or more images, consider purchasing Memory Maker, which gives you download access to all your photos for $199 (or $169 if purchased at least three days in advance). The Memory Maker web site lets you crop, and add Disney-themed borders and character autographs to the photos, too. You can even access your Family & Friends who share their photos with you! Plus, if you’ve purchased Memory Maker and are wearing a MagicBand, you’ll get certain ride photos added automatically to your account thanks to the long-range RFID readers (currently that’s Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Test Track, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, and DINOSAUR). Note that photos expire 45 days from the date the photo was taken. More details at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/memory-maker.

You can also purchase photo gift products, such as Disney’s Photo Book—this lets you customize an 11” x 8.75”, hard cover souvenir book, starting at $79.95. Select up to four photos per page, choose background styles, layout, and add captioning/text, etc.

Tip: PhotoPass photographers will also usually take a photo with your own camera, as well as their own. Just ask!

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