Character and Photopass Photographer Locations

[MadeToLove]

Photopass Photographers and Character Locations - Spotted in July 2015


Someone in a Photopass Plus thread asked if there was any "definitive" list of both character locations and Photopass photographer locations. I've been tracking down as many characters and photographers as I could find for my own Photopass Plus experience this July 2015, so I thought I would share what I've learned and whom I've found in the last couple of months. There are a few gaps in my information, so if any of you can help fill them, please add what you've found this summer (2015) below and I'll add it to this listing. (This list does not yet include Holiday characters or Character Dining.)


Outdoor characters generally work 30 minute shifts and tend to rotate with other characters (*cough* or other actors *cough*) or take 30 minute breaks before returning. When temperatures are really high, they may only be out for 15-20 minutes. Most of them disappear before the parades and then a few will come back out after (sometimes only Mickey and Minnie). Character handlers with the square buttons that say "Ask me about Characters" usually have schedules on hand if you want to know when and where a specific character will be. However, if a character gets stuck in traffic, calls in sick, or has a wardrobe malfunction, their information may not be accurate. Nobody is outside when it is raining (characters or Photopass photographers).


When I mention a character has a photographer, I'm speaking about a Photopass photographer. Handlers will graciously take pictures for you with your own camera device, when they are able.


Most of the Photopass photographers who are not assigned to characters can do Magic Shots (Magical items or characters are added to the photographs). Although most can do "balloons" (a bunch of Mickey-shaped balloons in your hand), a few (without tripods) can do some really special shots. However, many of these shots have to be taken in very specific locations and can only be done if there aren't other guests in the way. If you find a photographer who is willing to do multiple Magic Shots, they may drag you all over an area just to find the right people-free location, composition, and lighting. Just do whatever they say, you won't regret the results. You may need to specifically ask for the rarer magic shots like Chip, Stitch, Olaf, other Frozen characters, Pascal, etc. Just don't be upset if they tell you they can't do one. Not all of them are trained or set up to do all the shots. Magic Shots can only be done in the morning and early afternoon when the light is right.


Disneyland


Entrance plaza, in front of Mickey floral:

Two photographers: one with tripod (magic shot: balloons), one freestanding (magic shot: Tink)

Various princesses, always random, standing at the sides of the Mickey floral near the tunnels (never with photographers or handlers) : Mulan, Ariel, Cinderella, Belle, Aurora and Snow White.


Main Street Square:

Mickey - often with photographer, Minnie - often with photographer (These two are consistently present throughout the day, except during parade times. In the evenings they are often together. They are always on the right side as you enter Main St. Near the Opera House and shops.)

Goofy, Pluto, Chip & Dale, Donald, Daisy rotate with each other (these generally don't have photographers but usually have handlers) - Currently these characters are wearing 60th Anniversary outfits.

Cruella can be spotted during one of the Firehouse band's performances, but doesn't usually stop for photos.


The Hub and Partner's statue:

Two photographers, one with tripod and one free standing, both have different magic shots (Tink or Pascal)


Coke Corner:

Mad Hatter and Alice play musical chairs with the kids (usually around 2 or 3 pm, ask the piano player). They don't really pose for pics at this point.
Occasionally Bert and Mary Poppins can be found in the area between Coke Corner & Jolly Holiday after musical chairs


Inside Fantasy Faire:

Photographers with each of 3 princess. Usually Snow White, Cinderella, Belle or Aurora (sometimes Ariel, rarely Mulan).

Outside Fantasy Faire:

Merida and Rapunzel (or Aurora or Ariel when the others are off that day) - usually with photographer and handlers


Wishing Well, side of castle:

Fairy Godmother, Aurora, Peter Pan (occasionally Captain Hook will swing by). No photographers or handlers. (Note that Aurora is a floater and fills in at various spots throughout the day. FG & Peter are not every day.) Peter has also been spotted near the Alice bathrooms and other areas of Fantasyland


In front of Castle:

Two photographers, one tripod (magic shot: balloons), and one free standing (magic shot: Tink) (Note that sometimes the free standing photographer can do a Chip magic shot if they have the time - depends on photographer)


Inside castle back courtyard:

Wicked Queen (no photographer or handler) She's also been spotted near the Alice bathrooms & by Small World.


In the area, usually near Sword in the Stone:

Roving photographer, tons of location options and magic shot options (balloons, Olaf, others?)


Characters spotted in Fantasyland:

Hook near Dumbo, Mary and Bert (strolling - will do autographs and pics if asked politely, but they don't stop walking), Alice and Mad Hatter near Tea Cups or strolling.


60th Anniversary Photo spot: Climbing the Matterhorn (with Photographer, found across from Matterhorn entrance)


Pixie Hollow:

Tinker Bell with photographer. One or two of other fairies (with only a handler)


Tomorrowland:

Across from Innoventions:

Thor & Capt. America with photographers


?Stormtroopers (? Not sure where they are right now - possibly strolling around Tomorrowland where you can take pics but they won't stop.)


Toontown:

Mickey in Mickey's House (wearing a Steamboat Willie costume, with photographer and handler, until Toontown closes)

Minnie in Minnie's House (in her garden, with photographer and handlers until mid afternoon)

Pluto, Donald, Goofy, and others spotted occassionally.


Big Thunder Ranch:

Woody & Jessie (near goats, only a handler)


60th Anniversary Photo Spot: Riding Big Thunder (with photographer, found along Big Thunder Trail behind ride)


New Orleans Square, near fountain:

Tiana (no photographer, occasionally no handler)


60th Anniversary Photo Spot: Haunted Mansion Ghost Busts/Singing Heads (with photographer, near Haunted Mansion)


Critter Country at Pooh's Thoughtful Spot:

Always Pooh (often with photographer). Usually Tigger & Eeyore, occasionally Rabbit or Piglet will rotate with them (no photographers but usually have handlers to help)


Adventureland, near Aladdin's Oasis:

Aladdin, Jasmine & Genie (with handlers)



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California Adventure


Entry hub:

Oswald (with photographer and handler)


Partners Statue:

Photographer on tripod - no magic shot


Buena Vista Street:

Mickey, Minnie, Chip & Dale, and Goofy in 20s dress (usually with photographers and handlers, spots by Elias & Co., the nearby garden, and at Carthay Circle restaurant)


Near fountain with Cathay in background:

Photographer on tripod - no magic shot


If there is a free standing photographer in the area, they may be able to do a "magic shot" of you in black and white with Pete that is quite nice.


Hollywood Land:

Olaf (with photographer near Royal Crown Theatre)


Anna and Elsa (with photographer inside the Animation Building - Fastpass required)


Sully outside the Monster's Inc ride (usually with photographer)


The Incredibles (Mr., Mrs., and Frozone) usually near Hyperion Theatre or occasionally near Restrooms between Animation building and Playhouse Disney (often with photographer)


Playhouse Disney kids (Sophia, Doc McStuffins, or Jake) outside Playhouse Disney (?with photographer)


(Photographers in the area, when not needed for characters, can take your picture with various backdrops on the street (the Hollywood background or with the trolleys). If asked, and able to set it up properly, they may still be able do a Frozen themed magic shot near the Royal Theatre, but only if there is no one nearby. They can also do a Stitch magic shot. In the past, there was a Mike from Monster's Inc. magic shot.)


Grizzly Peak waterfall:

Photographer (magic shot: balloons)


GP Airfield Airplane:

Pluto (with photographer). Sometimes just the photographer (no magic shots)


Wilderness Trail:

Russell after the Ceremony (usually with photographer)

Dug by the entry map (usually with photographer)

?Carl (anyone see him this summer?)


60th Anniversary Photo Spot: Standing in Grizzly Mountain Peak Bear's Head (with photographer, near Ariel's Adventure)


Coming Soon to Bugs Land:

60th Anniversary photo spot

(?are there any characters in Bugs Land this summer?)


Carsland Entrance Postcard/Sign:

Photographer with tripod, no magic


Carsland:

Roaming photographers (free moving, lots of magic shot options if they can set it up properly: with Flo at Flo's, with Lizzie at the Curios shop, with Mater flying in the Dinoco helicopter along the side street of RSR)

Photographer with tripod at the end of the street (no magic shots)


Cozy Cone:

Lightning McQueen, Mater, Red the Fire Truck (with photographer)


On the Bridge to Paradise Pier:

Occasionally a photographer for shots with pier in background (may be able to do an Inside Out special border magic shot)


California Screamin:

60th Anniversary Photo Spot: Upside down on Screamin Over California (with photographer)


Along pier near Boardwalk Pizza:

Buzz, Woody, Jessie (usually with photographer)


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Have I missed anybody who has been present this summer?


A few notes about photopass borders:

There are several dozen standard borders, 60th borders & Holiday borders that can be added to any picture. Some areas also have Inside Out borders. Carsland has special borders. Each of the 60th Anniversary photo ops has a special border. Most characters will have a signature you can overlay onto pics, and many also have special borders (especially the princesses).

 

[DizneyLover]

Good information, thank you! This will definitely help during our September trip.

 

[Meemoo]

I'd love a photo with Carl from 'Up' , could anyone confirm if this is still available?

 

[tzeitel]

Does anyone know if the Haunted Mansion still has the Hitchhiking ghosts magic shot? Or is this one during the Halloween party?

 

[MadeToLove]

Does anyone know if the Haunted Mansion still has the Hitchhiking ghosts magic shot? Or is this one during the Halloween party?

That's one of the 60th Anniversary photo ops that should be around for a while.

 

[SMD]

In addition to the 60th backdrop there used to be a hitchhiking ghost magic shot. I think it was one of the ones that got discontinued. It required a lot of empty space and there were always too many people around for the CMs to do it.

I have not consistently seen PP with Mickey or Minnie in Main St, especially Minnie. I'd put an asterisks on those. During slower times you'll only find 1 PP at the Mickey floral. In the afternoon they'll usually only have the tripod PP at the floral, Partners and castle. Also, I've seen Evil Queen and Peter Pan by the Alice bathrooms, and Evil Queen by the wishing week, but never Peter there. I've seen Mary and Bert doing photo ops between Coke Corner and Jolly Holiday. It's usually after musical chairs, like 3pm. The character attendant CMs usually know. And you can get Tink, balloons, Olaf and Pascal magic shots almost anywhere in DL. I think they got rid of the ones that had more requirements and went with ones they they can do in more places. But magic shots are only before mid afternoon due to lighting. The best bet is to hit up photo ops early before it starts getting darker and the CMs have to use a tripod.

 

[figment_jii]

Wicked Queen (no photographer or handler)

I also saw her on Small World Mall, on the raised area to the right as you head towards IaSW, in mid-July (it was a hot(ish) day, and she was heading towards the shaded area).

?Stormtroopers (? Not sure where they are right now.)

I didn't see them in July either, but I did see them in March. They were walking through Tomorrowland, from somewhere towards the back up past Buzz Lightyear and then back towards Space Mtn. Like some of the other free roaming characters, they don't stop for photos (or sign autographs), so you have to walk with them to get a photo. No visible handler or photographer with them.

 

[MadeToLove]

In addition to the 60th backdrop there used to be a hitchhiking ghost magic shot. I think it was one of the ones that got discontinued. It required a lot of empty space and there were always too many people around for the CMs to do it.

I have not consistently seen PP with Mickey or Minnie in Main St, especially Minnie. I'd put an asterisks on those. During slower times you'll only find 1 PP at the Mickey floral. In the afternoon they'll usually only have the tripod PP at the floral, Partners and castle. Also, I've seen Evil Queen and Peter Pan by the Alice bathrooms, and Evil Queen by the wishing week, but never Peter there. I've seen Mary and Bert doing photo ops between Coke Corner and Jolly Holiday. It's usually after musical chairs, like 3pm. The character attendant CMs usually know. And you can get Tink, balloons, Olaf and Pascal magic shots almost anywhere in DL. I think they got rid of the ones that had more requirements and went with ones they they can do in more places. But magic shots are only before mid afternoon due to lighting. The best bet is to hit up photo ops early before it starts getting darker and the CMs have to use a tripod.

I haven't seen a photopass photographer near Haunted Mansion (other than this new 60th photo op) all year. I suspect they've stopped doing that one due to how difficult it was to set up (at least during the busy season).
I've noticed a lot more photopass photographers this summer than I did before the 60th started. I asked every one of them what magic shots they could offer me, and there were so many that only had one option or none. I suspect a lot of them are still fairly new and don't know how to do more than one shot. However, if you can find one that's been around a while, they can do tons of options.

Thanks SMD & Figment, I'll add what you've found to the top list.

 

[DisTXMom]

WOW- great info. Thanks so much!

 

[Winnowill]

This will be so helpful for next week!

 

[pudinhd]

We were at Disneyland last Sunday, 8/16. Peter Pan and Captain Hook were together by Dumbo and Mary Poppins and Bert were together between the Alice bathrooms and the Alice ride.