Can you combine the photo packages?

[Sharkmeister]

If we follow our cruise with a 4 day visit to the parks and MNSSHP, can we buy just 1 photo package that will do the ship + parks + event or are the photo packages on DCL separate to the parks?

 

[jwalk03]

No. They are separate

 

[bffdisney]

What about if we have people in 3 staterooms? How many photo packages do we need to buy? 3?

 

[jwalk03]

What about if we have people in 3 staterooms? How many photo packages do we need to buy? 3?

The photographers scan your magic bands. (Or KTTW Card) So just make sure the magic band you scan is staying in the state room you buy the photo package for each time.

 

[UnderDog_808]

If each stateroom wants their own individual photos (and not just the group pictures, if group shots are taken), then each stateroom will need to purchase its own photo package.

Note: The cruise uses facial recognition technology as a backup method to help sort and identify photos. This means that sharing a Key to the World (KTTW) card or MagicBand between staterooms will not bypass the system, in case you were wondering.

Have a great time on your cruise and enjoy all the wonderful opportunities to take photos with the characters!

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

What about if we have people in 3 staterooms? How many photo packages do we need to buy? 3?

If you have your minor children in a separate stateroom than you are in (our family of 5 booked adjoining rooms: one parent and kid(s) on each reservation) then they will let you link it so that the two rooms that hold your immediate family are on one photo package. That way, we didn't have to pay attention to which of the five of us scanned at the photographer, they all linked together. It's my understanding that they do NOT extend that same courtesy if, for instance, Grandparents are in a separate room.

For what it's worth, we find the PP in parks to be much more valuable than the cruise: there's more photo opportunities, more magic shots, etc. We still do the cruise package because our girls love the photos: if you are in the situation of having to coax people into taking pictures, as I know many families are, then I'd lean toward just doing the parks one.

 

[UnderDog_808]

If you have your minor children in a separate stateroom than you are in (our family of 5 booked adjoining rooms: one parent and kid(s) on each reservation) then they will let you link it so that the two rooms that hold your immediate family are on one photo package. That way, we didn't have to pay attention to which of the five of us scanned at the photographer, they all linked together. It's my understanding that they do NOT extend that same courtesy if, for instance, Grandparents are in a separate room.

Great point. I missed including that in my response.

 

[UnderDog_808]

For what it's worth, we find the PP in parks to be much more valuable than the cruise: there's more photo opportunities, more magic shots, etc. We still do the cruise package because our girls love the photos: if you are in the situation of having to coax people into taking pictures, as I know many families are, then I'd lean toward just doing the parks one.

Interesting. We had the complete opposite experience. We actually took more photos (1,200+) on a 7-night cruise on the Fantasy, than we did during our 11-day trip to Walt Disney World, where we took 'only' around 700 +.

For my family, capturing photos with the characters in their various outfits and the formal and semi-formal nights photo opportunities were more important than the traditional backdrop photos or pictures in places like Magic Kingdom. We also really appreciated the more personalized interactions with the characters on the cruise, and how the photographers took extra time to help pose us, compared to the quicker pace in the parks.

Of course, that’s just our experience and personal preference.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

For my family, capturing photos with the characters in their various outfits and the formal and semi-formal nights photo opportunities were more important than the traditional backdrop photos or pictures in places like Magic Kingdom. We also really appreciated the more personalized interactions with the characters on the cruise, and how the photographers took extra time to help pose us, compared to the quicker pace in the parks.

I think characters are the one category where you get more out of the ship package than the parks package. You're right that they have a variety of outfits and the interactions are great. But, you can also ask them to use your phone to take character photos and they will happily oblige you.

My girls are all-in on magic shots and ride photos (they have us decide how we're going to pose in the leadup to various coasters) and those can't just be snapped with one's personal device. While there are scheduled times for magic shots on board, there's nowhere near the variety you can get in the parks, where you can essentially ask every PP if they have a magic shot a they'll be able to come up with something. And, photopass in general are only available at specific times with DCL. So, if you have downtime in the middle of the day, you can't just stop and grab a quick family photo, like you can in the parks.

Also, because OP mentioned MNSSHP, I would also suggest the parks package is especially valuable because night shots in general are just so much better lit with the PP cameras, especially if you're meeting some of the rare characters in the dark. And, of course, the party-specific magic shots, if that's your thing.

When I look back, my cruise photos are arguably nicer, since we're not sweaty messes who've walked miles each day. But, the favorites inevitably come from WDW, not DCL.

 

[jwalk03]

If you have your minor children in a separate stateroom than you are in (our family of 5 booked adjoining rooms: one parent and kid(s) on each reservation) then they will let you link it so that the two rooms that hold your immediate family are on one photo package. That way, we didn't have to pay attention to which of the five of us scanned at the photographer, they all linked together. It's my understanding that they do NOT extend that same courtesy if, for instance, Grandparents are in a separate room.

For what it's worth, we find the PP in parks to be much more valuable than the cruise: there's more photo opportunities, more magic shots, etc. We still do the cruise package because our girls love the photos: if you are in the situation of having to coax people into taking pictures, as I know many families are, then I'd lean toward just doing the parks one.

We take so many more pictures on a cruise than in the parks. My family of 4 had over 400 photos on our week long magic cruise in March. I always buy the photo package for both parks trips and cruises. I definitely find the value in the convenience of getting good photos and not having to hand my phone over to have the handler take a picture as well.

Currently planning a trip to Universal for September and I am even going to buy there photo package. Will be interesting to see how it compares to the Disney one. They certainly have way less characters that we will be interested in meeting, but my kids have only been to Universal Hollywood before (which doesn't even offer a photo package) so I am hoping for lots of good on ride photos for their first time at each of these parks.

 

[UnderDog_808]

Sounds like all of our families love capturing the memories and definitely see the value in photos when it comes to reliving those special, laughter-filled moments. It wouldn’t surprise me if we all end up in the same photo line someday, either on the DCL or at WDW and/or DL.

See ya real soon!!