Has anyone on here heard about PhotoPass Plus available at
Disneyland??? We plan on getting one for our upcoming trip. I found this extremely detailed information about it from DLR Prep School (
www.dlrprepschool.com)
Everything You Need to Know About PhotoPass+ (And why you should have it for your trip.)
The PhotoPass+ is one of the Extras at Disneyland that are Totally Worth It.
Let’s dive in to see why I think this is such a great add on to your trip.
This is how it works:
Pre-order PhotoPass+ (at least 14 days) before arriving and pay $69.95, rather than $99.95. (Canada friends – order at least 3 weeks prior!) Your PhotoPass+ is good for 14 days from the day you activate it and you only nerd to buy one pass for the entire 14 days. It’s such an amazing value!
If you pre-order, a package will arrive in the mail prior to your trip with details on the program and instructions on where to activate your card at the park. Show your PhotoPass+ card to Disney photographers throughout both Disneyland and California Adventure and have them take unlimited photos of you and your family in iconic photo op locations.
To begin, you’ll need to activate your card. If you start your trip at Disneyland, go to the Main Street Photo Supply on Main Street, at the end on the right, as you’re walking toward the castle. If you start your trip at California Adventure, go to Kingswell Camera Shop, which is to your right as you enter the park, just past the restrooms. If you start your visit at a character meal, the cast members there can activate your PhotoPass+ card.
-You’ll receive the images from select attractions, too. (Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, California Screamin’, Radiator Springs Racers and Tower of Terror) Photos from attractions are typically around $15 each.
-Includes “Magic Shot” photos by asking the photographer to help you set up holding Tinkerbell or other Disney characters in your photos. The characters will be photoshopped in before you leave with your images.
-Receive a photo CD with all your images in one place with customization options available. Add borders, change to black & white, add cute stickers and more. You’ll receive that CD in the mail after you customize your photos and include the code given to you at the time of the PhotoPass+ purchase. NOTE - You have 30 days after you get home to edit your photos that you want on your CD that will be mailed to you. All photos are in high resolution and will print out in 8X10 format if you bring the CD to Target, Walmart or Costco.
-Receive already printed out images from any character meal experience, except for Storyteller’s Cafe. You’ll immediately take away the following, in a folder to keep safe: 4 qty 4″x6″ in 2 styles and one large 6″x8″ photo. (Pictured above.) Photo packages from each character meal are typically $30-$40 each.
This is where it doesn’t work:
-The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is not included in the photo package option, however, if you do a makeover at the boutique, you can opt to add the photo package and include printed photos (just like the ones mentioned above for character meals) for just over $30. I’ve done this several times and they’re super cute. Unfortunately, they are not included in PhotoPass+.
Here is why it’s important:
-First, the price is excellent if you pre-order and you’ll come out ahead if you’re planning on character meals because of the printed out photos, alone. Consider that you’ll receive the CD and more and this becomes a great value.
-PhotoPass+ gets everyone in the picture. So often, the family photographer is left out and there’s little trace of one parent or significant person in the group. You’ll want to look back and see everyone.
Some tips on using achieving good photos:
-Remove bags or backpacks if it’s convenient for your photos.
-Take your sunglasses off. (See our photo above. Wouldn’t we look better without sunglasses?)
-Back your stroller up from the photo if kids are able to stand or be held.
-Be creative with your line up and don’t always stand in the same place. Mix it up or ask the photographer to place you.
Have fun! Be happy or goofy……you’re at Disneyland…….no need to do the school picture, perfect posture pose. Or be disgruntled like my 8 year old in the above photo. Totally up to you.
Insider note: Find Eric, PhotoPass+ photographer who works in Fantasyland for the best photography experience. He works tirelessly to get the absolute shot you’re after and will spend all the time you need until you get it. He can usually be found around the carrousel – typically Saturday through Wednesday for the morning shift.
What to do if you don’t pre-order 2 weeks prior:
-If you don’t pre-order, no problem. Upon entry, go directly to the Main Street Photo Supply Company located on the right side, at the very end, as you’re walking down Main toward the castle. You can set up the same PhotoPass+ opportunity there. As you tour the park, hand over the same card for all photos taken.
What about PhotoPass (not plus):
-PhotoPass is a similar service that is not pre-paid and is offered to any guest in the park. Find a photographer upon walking in, grab a card and use the same card during your entire visit to capture all of your photos.
-When you get home, you can purchase a CD with all your images for $59.95. It will not include ride photos and you won’t get the print packages at character meals, but if you take several photos throughout your visit, this might be a good option for you. And, you can still enjoy having everyone in the photo and then edit and add borders to your photos just like PhotoPass+. You can also purchase single images starting at $14.95 each.
Which one is best for your group:
-If you only want a few iconic photos, you’re not planning on character meals, and you don’t mind passing up the ride photos, go with PhotoPass. Buy one or a few images and leave with just enough to get the main idea of your visit.
-If you have even a single character meal scheduled, I highly recommend PhotoPass+. The package, alone, at one meal can cost up to $40. Pre-ordering for $69.95 gets you printed out photos at each meal, ride photos and unlimited images from around the park. This is really a no brainer for me. Go with PhotoPass+ when in doubt.
Bonus tip: Take a photo of the back of your PhotoPass+ or PhotoPass card upon receiving it. If you lose it in the park at any point, the numbers and information on the back of the card will help track down your photos.
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