Breaking NEWS PHOTO SESSIONS!!!!!! :-)

[LilGMom]

Hmmm... curious new information. I know DVC gets a 10% discount on some photopgraphy service but it doesn't say it applies to the PhotoPass resort portraits.

I'll have to check into this. For a discount - I might risk it.

D4D

If you check into this could you please either post here what you find out or PM me. We'll be staying at our 'home' of SSR in December and had thought about doing the Photosession again (we just did one in May) but not for $75.

TIA

 

[Disneyfan.UK121]

I booked my session today at the WL for Sept 10th. When I booked I was told that it would cost $75. I then ordered my pre-bookable CD for $99 and in the small print it states that you can get a portrait for an additional fee of $25.

Surely the Terms and conditions of the promotional code e-mail that I received supersedes the increased price of $75 - Can I argue this.

It also states on a website (http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disneysphotopass/) that the price increase will not be relivant until Sept 1st but on this thread it mentions August 24th. Where do I stand as I cannot afford to pay $75 for the session.

Your help would be gratefully appreciated.

 

[Doug7856]

I booked my session today at the WL for Sept 10th. When I booked I was told that it would cost $75. I then ordered my pre-bookable CD for $99 and in the small print it states that you can get a portrait for an additional fee of $25.

Surely the Terms and conditions of the promotional code e-mail that I received supersedes the increased price of $75 - Can I argue this.

It also states on a website (http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disneysphotopass/) that the price increase will not be relivant until Sept 1st but on this thread it mentions August 24th. Where do I stand as I cannot afford to pay $75 for the session.

Your help would be gratefully appreciated.

I would highlight the $25 offer on the email and argue the point! If the offer doesn't have an expiration date, it should apply!

 

[PrincessMommyof3]

I booked my session today at the WL for Sept 10th. When I booked I was told that it would cost $75. I then ordered my pre-bookable CD for $99 and in the small print it states that you can get a portrait for an additional fee of $25.

Surely the Terms and conditions of the promotional code e-mail that I received supersedes the increased price of $75 - Can I argue this.

I would definitely push the $25 fee since it's in writing. Good luck!

 

[mom2zandjsquared]

I booked my session today at the WL for Sept 10th. When I booked I was told that it would cost $75. I then ordered my pre-bookable CD for $99 and in the small print it states that you can get a portrait for an additional fee of $25.

Surely the Terms and conditions of the promotional code e-mail that I received supersedes the increased price of $75 - Can I argue this.

It also states on a website (http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disneysphotopass/) that the price increase will not be relivant until Sept 1st but on this thread it mentions August 24th. Where do I stand as I cannot afford to pay $75 for the session.

Your help would be gratefully appreciated.

Does it still state only at the GF though?

 

[pjstevens]

Does it still state only at the GF though?

Mine did and I ordered it a few weeks ago (well maybe more than a month ago). But when I made my reservation and told her I had pre bought the cd she said $25!

 

[mom2zandjsquared]

Mine did and I ordered it a few weeks ago (well maybe more than a month ago). But when I made my reservation and told her I had pre bought the cd she said $25!

They could get really sticky with it with the price increase and the new locations that were added because by Disney standards they do not have to accept it at other locations because it states GF - just a warning!!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

If you check into this could you please either post here what you find out or PM me. We'll be staying at our 'home' of SSR in December and had thought about doing the Photosession again (we just did one in May) but not for $75.

TIA

I sort of checked into this. I could not find the origination of the DVC deal forever - but I finally located it on the dvcmember site under "news" - I was looking under "perks".

I called the 407 number, pressed 2 for SSR - and the guy had no clue about it. Told me to call DVC (MS I suppose) to ask them. I have a few more days before my 30 mark anyway so I think I'll wait and try again. I just need details - is it true, that when I show my DVC card the session is $50 and I get prints? Can I also have my pics added to my PP card for that price? I may have to print out the offer and take it with me - but I don't want to schedule the wrong thing or not notify them of my DVC discount in advance and then end up arguing with them.

If someone else wants to call and give it a try let me know how it goes. It seems like a simple question. Why does Disney do this? Change things, tell the public first, give their CM's incomplete info, and see what happens - it makes no sense.

D4D

 

[ToyotaKitten]

I sort of checked into this. I could not find the origination of the DVC deal forever - but I finally located it on the dvcmember site under "news" - I was looking under "perks".

I called the 407 number, pressed 2 for SSR - and the guy had no clue about it. Told me to call DVC (MS I suppose) to ask them. I have a few more days before my 30 mark anyway so I think I'll wait and try again. I just need details - is it true, that when I show my DVC card the session is $50 and I get prints? Can I also have my pics added to my PP card for that price? I may have to print out the offer and take it with me - but I don't want to schedule the wrong thing or not notify them of my DVC discount in advance and then end up arguing with them.

If someone else wants to call and give it a try let me know how it goes. It seems like a simple question. Why does Disney do this? Change things, tell the public first, give their CM's incomplete info, and see what happens - it makes no sense.

D4D

10% thing with DVC??? i have no clue. opnly thing we have for DVC right now is a free photomug. september it will be something else.

i'll ask my managers what that is about. DVC obviously did something without telling us about it. lol this isn't the first time either. lol

 

[ToyotaKitten]

Mine did and I ordered it a few weeks ago (well maybe more than a month ago). But when I made my reservation and told her I had pre bought the cd she said $25!

that's b/c you called b4 august 24th. if anyone called after the 24th they were quoted the NEW PRICE

 

[ToyotaKitten]

I booked my session today at the WL for Sept 10th. When I booked I was told that it would cost $75. I then ordered my pre-bookable CD for $99 and in the small print it states that you can get a portrait for an additional fee of $25.

Surely the Terms and conditions of the promotional code e-mail that I received supersedes the increased price of $75 - Can I argue this.

It also states on a website (http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disneysphotopass/) that the price increase will not be relivant until Sept 1st but on this thread it mentions August 24th. Where do I stand as I cannot afford to pay $75 for the session.

Your help would be gratefully appreciated.

THE PHOTOPASS PREORDER EMAIL was supposed to change along with our new prices. I had a lady call me the other day at beach club. and i quoted here the NEW prices. she said that she had an EMAIl that said $25 fee, not $75. so i told her to have that with her when she came for the appt and we MAY be able to accept that.. not GUARANTEE.

2 days later our manager said to HONOR that email. until it is changed. So if you got the email with the wrong prices. we will hafta honor that. so everyone cheer... you got a deal!

 

[ToyotaKitten]

Hi guys! I just got back from the Poly and did the portrait session. Unfortunately, my dd who is 2 and a half years old did not cooperate. Also, because of Fay, we had to switch things around and I ended up canceling my 7pm appt. for a 9am appt. the next day. As I feared, the sun was in our eyes. The photographer, a woman, don't remember her name, was not that good. I had to tell her where we wanted shots and she seemed confused by the lighting in the main house near the waterfall which is basically the big shot. I made her take a picture of us near a palm tree and she basically said there were NO volcano shots which I know to be untrue. Out of the whole 15 minute session, I got about 5 good photos of various members of our group. No good group shot and certainly nothing worth using as our Christmas card. HOWEVER, I would have still recommended it UNTIL I came back and heard about this price increase. Are you kidding me? For $25, it's worth it. For $75 and no enhancements, it's a personal choice but would not be worth it to me. In general, I was disappointed with the scarcity of photopass photographers throughout the parks. I had preordered the cd. In the end, the best pictures are my own but I would still preorder the cd if you are going to be there for several parks and several days. However, IMHO, the portrait sessions at the hotels need better photographers. I felt like I knew more than my photographer and I'm an amateur! Like I said, at the original price, it's worth it to take the chance you will get one good shot. But at the higher price, I wouldn't do it again. Like a pp said, wander around the resort yourself, find the best spots and then bring a tripod and set the timer. Once I get my cd, I'll post some of my "sun in the eyes" photos.

yea we have no control of the weather... but it sure does control us....

what did the photographer at poly look like? what day was that? friday? saturday? if the photographer seemed confused, she might have been new to the location. and the only newbies trained there are ME (it wasnt me, i havent been to poly in the morning yet), and ANAIRA. the rest of the female cast are PROS at poly.

new prices are a jump.... however remember our guests used to get our protraits basically free with old prices (most cds were purchased at a resort, not pre-ordered) we have put value on our photos... therefore value on our photographers.. FINALLY, not to mention a little bit more pressure to be amazing. lol

 

[ToyotaKitten]

I had some one do a run down on it a couple days ago, and it confused the heck out of me.
I think it's ridiculous that they're raising the prices that way. I know it's popular, but popular for a reason. But there will still be people who plop down thousands for fancy upgrades that don't make much of a difference.

I did a test one at Wilderness lodge and got a free cd (and yes that's open to any one as long as you do it in like the first week of it opening at a new resort). I just signed the pictures away to be used for promotional purposes.
But I didn't like my photographer and I thought I was going to be with some one else I knew better. On top of the 30 minute limit, he had a bad leg so he was slow moving around. And didn't get the special looking at each other pictures, or the sitting on the ground in each others arms. Hello we both had black and white mickey ears with the Bride and Groom patch on it, and told him we just got engaged at the top of wilderness lodge the night before. But I didn't get any of those special romantic pictures.
But as Kari said "what are you going to do, demand a refund?"

bad leg? hmm i have no idea who that was.... Justin maybe? im the one with the bad knee in the cast.. but i do all the special shots. i love romance. so if you guys ever have me, get ready to get COZY and KISSY! lol

hmm that really sux! im so sorry. one reason it was free, its for our NEW CAST MEMBERS to get a feel for the new job they have taken up... so ifthey dont come out well - you didnt pay for it. its a TRAINING THING. its acutally a CAST MEMBER preview ONLY - but we allow guests to get in on the free deal. we cant say no.

 

[ToyotaKitten]

Do you mind if I ask who it was? We just scheduled a BC shoot for Sept. 14th. I have talked to Clint and Justin on the phone, who both sounded like they knew what they were doing, but want to ask just in case they're not there.

clint is awesome. justin can be great, but i have had guests ask me to retake the one justin did. he is not great with big groups. but he will come around!

 

[abc999]

toyotakitten -

Do you guys stay at the same resort? Or do you move around?

We have a session scheduled for 9/21 at the Beach Club. Can you recommend some locations that I should specifically ask for?

Thanks!

 

[DiznEeyore]

ToyotaKitten, just a thought ... maybe it's not such a good idea to be naming your co-workers here, esp. when people are indicating they weren't happy with the job they did ....

 

[DiznEeyore]

2 days later our manager said to HONOR that email. until it is changed. So if you got the email with the wrong prices. we will hafta honor that. so everyone cheer... you got a deal!

If they do actually honor it ... Disney isn't known for CM consistency or communication, unfortunately.

I hope they do, because we wanted to do the GF on Christmas Eve and had already preordered the CD before prices changed in anticipation of doing it, and my email also states $25. For $25, we will ... for $75, we won't.

 

[ToyotaKitten]

let me be the first to say that among all PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS WE ARE SORRY THAT EVERY ONE IS UPSET THAT THE PRICES WENT UP! =( when we heard the news, we knew it was not going to be pretty!

Are people really cancelling b/c the prices went up? why? b/c if you end up not being happy with your session you can DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT - that's what guest services are for. but if you are 100% happy then you lost nothing.

to put this into perspective:
one question, what are all of your jobs? what do you all do for a living? somewhere in the line of business that you do PRICES GO UP.. and in return you might get a raise , or your workspace becomes more enjoyable for you .. you are also more valuable to your company.

somewhere something gets better FOR YOU and your workspace. same deal here. I am actually more valuable than i was as a PARK PHOTOGRAPHER you know how great that feels? yea pretty happy! =) i can now afford my car payments more. this is a blessing. and its sad to hear people so angry.

our prices go up for a reason. we may lose a few people who cant afford it. understood. as i wouldn't be able to afford it every year either. we can still take a FREE 5 photo snap shot at any resort.

BEFORE SEPT 1st, 2008

guests can buy the cd in the park for $125.... they can buy the CD with park photos and get PROFESSIONAL PORTRAITS done for $125 - so they got professional portraits FREE!!!!! FREEE?????? wait a second. professional photographers are a step or so higher than park photographers. we are more skilled we are required to do more, we are trained totally different, we worked hard in the park to get to the portraits job, yet we are paid the same and have the same value. AND WE ARE FREE??? WE ARE OF NO VALUE.....we make no extra money for photopass...we are just a free extra.

so we put value on us. we are trying to bring us up closer to market value. we are now $75 extra.... which is still cheaper than market value

here are some examples of FAMILY PORTRAIT PRICES OUTSIDE of DISNEY:

http://www.scottcraigphotography.com/Site/portrait_pricing.html
http://www.solorzanophotography.com/families/
http://www.cathysphotography.com/1803471.html

and most of these are just prices on the sitting fee, NOT the fact that you are able to KEEP ALL of your photos.

we may expensive to some individuals... like a new car. its expensive but not all cars are overpriced. and Disney photopass portraits are not overpriced at all compared to market values.

we knew we were goin to have angry guests. we also knew that this will put pressure on us. adn we knew that guests will not like paying the extra $75 when they used to get it practically free. heck when the ticket prices went up, i know guests were upset. but the problem is, prices will always go up, and it won't ever make you happy. just remember that as the prices go up, it helps out each cast member, which in return gets back to you.

this was not posted in anger, but in concern of some people having the wrong idea about how we work our operation. we do it for you. please don't dog us. we work really hard to make your dreams come true. i know its expensive to come down to WDW, but we dont get paid much either. we work on peanuts to make you guys happy.

if you do come by the photopass desk at the resorts, please say hello to us, even if you don't take a portrait session. if you have concerns, please tell us, we can relay info and stuff to our managers. prices won't go down, but maybe we can accomodate you better. after all right now we offer 20% off of all online purchases to those who book a session in august. i have no idea what it will be next month.

thank you for giving us a job!!! without you guys wanting your portraits taken my dream wouldnt be coming true... i wouldnt be where i am today. without you, i wouldnt have this job. so thank you for letting me take your family's portraits. and i hope to meet some or all of you!

-Cheryl

 

[ToyotaKitten]

If they do actually honor it ... Disney isn't known for CM consistency or communication, unfortunately.

I hope they do, because we wanted to do the GF on Christmas Eve and had already preordered the CD before prices changed in anticipation of doing it, and my email also states $25. For $25, we will ... for $75, we won't.

well luckily PORTRAITS CAST is a TINY CAST. and we all have MOUSEMAIL accounts. we all got an email to honor it... and we will all honor that.

 

[ToyotaKitten]

toyotakitten -

Do you guys stay at the same resort? Or do you move around?

We have a session scheduled for 9/21 at the Beach Club. Can you recommend some locations that I should specifically ask for?

Thanks!

my personal fave is anything with the LIGHTHOUSE in the back. our photographers almost ALWAYS go there. there is a spot we call PEARL HARBOR.... its my fave place.