Has anyone used Photopass?

[3mousehouse]

We are going to Disney for the first time in 5 long years with our kids (4, 7, 9) and wanted to know about Photopass. Were there enough photographers around? If it saves me from having to pull out the camera even half the time it would help (I like pictures ). Also, I read somewhere that instead of buying the pics individually, you can purchase a CD of all your Photopass pics for around $99. Anyone know about this? Thanks!

 

[ChristusG]

Personally, I would use my own camera most of the time. We have used the PhotoPass photographers for family shots that we all want to be in, but for the most part, I preferred my own camera. The photopass photographers are mostly around the characters and that's it. I take pics alot of places in Disney, not just with the characters. Plus, the photopass photos are very expensive.

 

[makinorlando]

I would also take a camera with you - there are many moments that you might want to capture where there are no photographers. As the other poster mentioned the photographers are mostly around the characters, and there are the occasional ride (Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Test Track, etc) where the photo is taken while you are on the ride. I take pics of so many things more than just characters that I would not want to be without the ability to take my own shots!

When there is a photographer available, I do give them my card, just in case their pic is better than mine, or I goof!!! I rarely by them, but did once at the EPCOT Character connection, just because they were so darned cute!!!

 

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

We are going to Disney for the first time in 5 long years with our kids (4, 7, 9) and wanted to know about Photopass. Were there enough photographers around? If it saves me from having to pull out the camera even half the time it would help (I like pictures ). Also, I read somewhere that instead of buying the pics individually, you can purchase a CD of all your Photopass pics for around $99. Anyone know about this? Thanks!

Yes, you can. I think you fit up to 300 pictures on the cd. You can also combine photopasses in case your family does some split up time. Personally, I think photopass is a great idea. Timing on picture taking can be critical when dealing with kids' smiles, and the Disney photographer might have captured the perfect moment when you missed it by one second. Disney will also let you put fun Disney themed borders around the picture at no additional charge.

 

[mamacatnv]

We used PhotoPass and didn't know about the CD, the pix are spendy, I bought a few.

Whenever we had the Photopass photographer take our picture I also handed them our camera and they took one with ours and theirs. Then when I got home and had my film developed, I was able to get online and compare the pix, I bought the ones that came out better on Photopass.

 

[DolphinBoy]

Just got back from WDW and we purchased a PhotoPass CD. We got 56 pictures on our CD. We probably should have gotten more, but time is always an issue. Considering the price they charge for a print we thought it was well worth it.
You do receive full rights to make prints from the pictures (in writing).

 

[Nanner]

Just a little warning. This was when Photopass was just starting so it could be that. About half of the pictures that we knew were taken were not on our pass when we went to look at them online. I wrote Disney and they told me at the time that it does sometimes happen. Then and now I always have my own camera as a back up. Or video while they take the pics.

 

[sassymom]

Quick question for those who have purchased the cd...What is the quality like when you print pictures from the cd when you get home? I am asuming you use one of the Kodak machines that print different size pictures. Also can you add borders after you purchase the cd or just before?

 

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

We've used Photopass for the last two trips. The pictures tend to be a bit pricey, but are of good quality and you can add borders and messages to them. We also received our pictures three days after ordering, which was impressive. There are quite a lot of Disney photographers about and, like others have said, make a good back up for the usual "thumb over lens" pictures we take.

 

[jackdis]

Are pictures taken at character dining added to the photopass or is it only at the parks?????

 

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

Definately all over the parks. Been to character breakfasts at Chef Mickeys where photos available to buy as you leave, and at Cinderellas Royal Table where the photos are included in the price. Both meals have plenty of time for personal photos with characters. Never asked at meals wether Photopass could be used.

 

[Gonz Of Lancashire]

Also photopass can be used at Camp Minnie-Mickey, Toon Town Hall Of Fame & the Judges Tent. Where the characters are circulating, a photographer tends not to be too far behind

 

[Vickie46]

I love the cd idea!!! I take my own camera too! I just love pics!

 

[tink too]

Also can you add borders after you purchase the cd or just before?

We used Photopass before the CD was available, but we'll definately be buying the CD this time around!

According to what I've read on the boards, any additions (such as borders or character signatures) have to be added at time of purchase - the CM will add whatever you want!

Apparently, once the CD has been burned, it can't be added to, so we'll have to try to fit this in on our last day!

 

[skuttle]

We used photo pass in December and loved it! I didn't know about the CD then...If I had, I would have used Photopass more often and bought the CD (a much better deal!).

We have THE BEST shots of DS hugging Mickey and kissing Minnie's nose (yes, I know...germs...but it's a great picture and he didn't get sick! )from Photopass. What I liked about Photopass is that I could enjoy watching DS interact with the characters and not worry about missing a good shot since photopass was there.

 

[pjshaff]

Where can the Photopass CD be burned at?

 

[DolphinBoy]

For the PhotoPass CD you have to add the borders/extras before burning the CD. The nice part is that you get a copy of the picture so that you have the same picture before and after the effects.
After burning the CD we were told that we were allowed one more free burn of another CD in the event there were other pictures taken before we left the park.
I have not tried to print anything out yet, but will be doing it in the next week or so. I will try to report back.

 

[Stephres]

We also found some pictures missing when we got home and pulled them up on the internet. And pictures that weren't us were included. They must have gotten the cards mixed up at one of the character greetings. I would take your own pictures and just purchase the really great ones they take (or buy the cd if you have enough that it would be worth it).

 

[challada]

Is there a CD burn place in Epcot as well as MK?
THANKS

 

[DolphinBoy]

Yes, there are 3 places to get a Photo CD. Grand Floridian, Epcot Photo Center, and MK Toon Town.

Basically the tip that I was given in regards to not loosing photos was to make sure the Photographer had only your Photopass and verify with the Photographer that your PhotoPass was accepted. I did that every time and we got all of our pictures.

P.S. You can also do special requests. We requested a sinlge shot of out DD holding Tink in front of the castle. (A tip I got from the board here). It turned out great!