Have a Photopass Question? Ask me!

[MidnightParade]

I know the conversation has dried up a bit since last week, so as I reminder I also spend 50% of my time with characters so if you have questions about where to find them, what their lines are like, or anything else just ask.

Any tips on how to get the best interaction with the characters, whether with kids or just adults?

 

[ChanaC]

Any tips on how to get the best interaction with the characters, whether with kids or just adults?

Great question! I have a "To Do" and "Don't" list:

DO:
- Greet and hug the character. Some insist. If you are a larger person, especially a male, be careful since some of the performers are tiny and you can hurt them.
- Talk to them. They aren't statues.
- Ask and then give them anything to sign. If it's a book make sure to have a page open and a pen ready without the cap. Remember the "fur" characters have limited vision and they don't usually have full use of all their fingers or parts of their hands.
- Have your photopass card or memory band ready
- When smiling for a picture, designate which camera to look at first. For example, "Look at the Photopass camera and now mommy's camera!"
- If you want multiple combinations of people in the photos, make sure to have it planned ahead of time and let the characters, attendants, and photographers know. Do it quickly.
- Thank them and move on.

DON'T:
- Go up to the character with just a book open and push it at them, especially if the character wants a hug. It makes the characters feel like an autograph factory.
- Stand awkwardly next to the character smiling at the camera. Do you really want a picture of you with Mickey hunched over, his face in a book?
- As mentioned above, when your kid is up there getting a signature, don't yell at them to look at you. It's cute when they look over Mickey's shoulder to see him sign their books. It's a bad photo when the character is hunched over.
- Don't have mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, and the photographer attempt to take photos at the same time. It is confusing for the kids to look in five places at once and I can guarantee that the people in the photo will not be looking at the same time.
- Don't be unprepared. Nothing is more awkward than having a character stare at you are you go through your backpack pulling out book, camera's, and cards. You are slowing the line down. While you wait in line get everything ready.
- If you are getting a large group shot, please don't give us 10 cameras. We don't have enough hands. Give us one or two and text or email the photo. It's digital! They all look the same anyway.
- If you want multiple combinations, be quick. We joke that large parties become an algebra equation. "If you have a party of nine and they want every combination of people possible. How much time will you waste?" The answer is a lot. Try to plan it so you aren't shouting and members of your party to get in or out. In fact, just stick to group shots. They are the ones people like the best anyway.
- Don't forget that there are people in those costumes, not statues. Would you want to stand there for five minutes as a group of people run around you. Be considerate of their time and of the others in line before you.

In conclusion, which photo is better?
This - a kid looking at the autograph looking interested?

Or this awkwardness?

Once again, great question!

 

[MidnightParade]

Great Do's and Don'ts! Thanks so much!

Sooo "Talk to them. They aren't statues" what are some of the best things you have heard guests ask or talk to the characters about? I'm pretty shy and need to prep myself to not be just a statue or just ask how they are. lol

 

[ChanaC]

Great Do's and Don'ts! Thanks so much!

Sooo "Talk to them. They aren't statues" what are some of the best things you have heard guests ask or talk to the characters about? I'm pretty shy and need to prep myself to not be just a statue or just ask how they are. lol

As a character where their friend is (ex. "Hey Donald, where's Daisy?), what their favorite ride is, where you will see them next (ex. "I'll see you tonight at dinner, Mickey). The can pantomime pretty good. The face/princess characters are pretty good at starting conversations. So don't worry about them.

 

[AngiTN]

Great Do's and Don'ts! Thanks so much!

Sooo "Talk to them. They aren't statues" what are some of the best things you have heard guests ask or talk to the characters about? I'm pretty shy and need to prep myself to not be just a statue or just ask how they are. lol

If you check out Kenny the Pirate's character website he gives you lots of ideas to initiate interaction with each specific character.

Some examples
Here's a link to the page for Alice
http://www.characterlocator.com/?p=...124&park=mk&parkShow=1&sortBy=1&charDetails=0

And the one for Buzz
http://www.characterlocator.com/?p=...129&park=mk&parkShow=1&sortBy=1&charDetails=0

 

[jedimeg16]

This is more about character interactions than about PhotoPass, but I cannot agree more about just taking pictures as the meet and greet happens and to not try to direct it. This is how we ended up with Mickey holding hands with my oldest son without us noticing until much later when we saw the pictures and at Hollywood and Vine we have one of that same son having an in depth conversation with Handy Manny. It's the spontaneous ones that we have treasured so much more than the posed ones.

And for conversations with them, just think of something that the character was in as a starting point. Like with Chip and Dale you could talk about the Rescue Rangers show, or ask Stitch about his badness level.

My only regret during my family's trip last year is that I didn't ask about magic shots, so we ended up with none, but we have so many other amazing pictures that it was fine.

 

[Joanna71985]

I love the magic shot with Naveen. Is there a usual location for this one?

Also, we're going to Star Wars Weekends. We're planning to meet all the characters (not the celebs). Are there photographers for many of these characters?

Thanks so much for this thread by the way! It's exactly what I was looking for.

It's usually around Tiana's gazebo

As for SWW, I saw many photographers with the characters

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Are there any up to date maps that show the different places to find the photopass photographers?

 

[MidnightParade]

This is more about character interactions than about PhotoPass, but I cannot agree more about just taking pictures as the meet and greet happens and to not try to direct it. This is how we ended up with Mickey holding hands with my oldest son without us noticing until much later when we saw the pictures and at Hollywood and Vine we have one of that same son having an in depth conversation with Handy Manny. It's the spontaneous ones that we have treasured so much more than the posed ones.

And for conversations with them, just think of something that the character was in as a starting point. Like with Chip and Dale you could talk about the Rescue Rangers show, or ask Stitch about his badness level.

My only regret during my family's trip last year is that I didn't ask about magic shots, so we ended up with none, but we have so many other amazing pictures that it was fine.

Thanks so much for the ideas! I think I'm going to have to come up with some really good questions, and fun ones for the characters too!

If you check out Kenny the Pirate's character website he gives you lots of ideas to initiate interaction with each specific character.

Some examples
Here's a link to the page for Alice
http://www.characterlocator.com/?p=...124&park=mk&parkShow=1&sortBy=1&charDetails=0

And the one for Buzz
http://www.characterlocator.com/?p=...129&park=mk&parkShow=1&sortBy=1&charDetails=0

Oooh thanks for the links these are great!

 

[JillyBean1899]

Are there any up to date maps that show the different places to find the photopass photographers?

The maps on the Disney website show some of them, but really, they're spread out all over the parks.

 

[Kingtwin]

My daughter and her family are heading to WDW in Nov. My sister and I are planning on arriving a few days later to surprise my two granddaughters. The parents are in on the plan and we've all been trying to come up with the best location for us to "appear" that will guarantee that we get some photos of the girls' faces when they see us. We'll be buying the Memory Maker. I was thinking that Talking Mickey on Main St might be an option. We could both do FP and it would be easy for us to watch for them to arrive (from out of site somewhere) and then enter the room after them. Is there a photographer there? We also have been considering the Visa Meet and Greet at Innoventions. I imagine we would have to explain to the cast member at the podium in advance and hopefully, they would be willing to work with us. We've loved all the photos we've had from there in the past but it would make it more difficult to stay out of site if we're all waiting in line. Do you know if the CMs there would help us make it happen?

Do you have any suggestions that you think might work? I think we're planning for a pre-dinner surprise somewhere early evening. Either the MK or Epcot. But we really want to make sure that we're set as far as the pictures go. I would hate not to catch such a special moment. I'm open to anyone who may have a good idea or has maybe cooked up their own surprise in the past. Thanks!

 

[Sugarpie1721]

I have a question about memory maker and magic bands. I'm going to be staying off site and buying magic bands once we arrive. Will I get a memory maker card in the mail? How does it link to my magic band once I purchase it. Thanks!

 

[JillyBean1899]

I have a question about memory maker and magic bands. I'm going to be staying off site and buying magic bands once we arrive. Will I get a memory maker card in the mail? How does it link to my magic band once I purchase it. Thanks!

I printed out a receipt/confirmation page and took it to the ticket window at the front of the park the day I arrived. They traded it for a booklet about MM and a card I could use. I could have linked the card to my band, but I was on a school trip and my AP wasn't linked to my band, and I wouldn't be able to use the band again for anything ever, so I just used the card.

 

[Sugarpie1721]

I printed out a receipt/confirmation page and took it to the ticket window at the front of the park the day I arrived. They traded it for a booklet about MM and a card I could use. I could have linked the card to my band, but I was on a school trip and my AP wasn't linked to my band, and I wouldn't be able to use the band again for anything ever, so I just used the card.

did u buy your magic band or did u stay at the resort and get it automatically

 

[Tuffy4God]

Hi! I know you said you don't work in the water parks, but do you know if there are photopass photographers in the water parks in September? We'll be there Sept 1-11.

I was thinking of getting MM and it would be great if it included photos at the water parks during that time of year since I don't want to bring my camera/phone with me to the water parks.

Thanks!

 

[ChanaC]

My daughter and her family are heading to WDW in Nov. My sister and I are planning on arriving a few days later to surprise my two granddaughters. The parents are in on the plan and we've all been trying to come up with the best location for us to "appear" that will guarantee that we get some photos of the girls' faces when they see us. We'll be buying the Memory Maker. I was thinking that Talking Mickey on Main St might be an option. We could both do FP and it would be easy for us to watch for them to arrive (from out of site somewhere) and then enter the room after them. Is there a photographer there? We also have been considering the Visa Meet and Greet at Innoventions. I imagine we would have to explain to the cast member at the podium in advance and hopefully, they would be willing to work with us. We've loved all the photos we've had from there in the past but it would make it more difficult to stay out of site if we're all waiting in line. Do you know if the CMs there would help us make it happen?

Do you have any suggestions that you think might work? I think we're planning for a pre-dinner surprise somewhere early evening. Either the MK or Epcot. But we really want to make sure that we're set as far as the pictures go. I would hate not to catch such a special moment. I'm open to anyone who may have a good idea or has maybe cooked up their own surprise in the past. Thanks!

Hmmm that is a tricky question. The Visa Meet and Greet might be a good idea since it generally is pretty slow in there, especially towards the end of the day. However the entrance and exit are basically the same so it would be hard to sneak in. It is a large room so the character attendants MAY be able to let you sit in the back and wait. Just make sure to mention it to them and that both parties have their Disney Visa Card. Talking Mickey would be an option, as would Tinkerbell since she is now also in the main street theatre with a FP, but.....

NOTE: Disney secret coming. Don't read if you don't want the "magic" ruined.

For many character interactions there are often multiple rooms that a character is in. If you ever get out of an interaction and see a family leaving from another door, well you probably met the same characters but to make everything as efficient as possible sometimes a character might be multiplied. You figure it out.

Basically, even if you are in one room with Mickey, your family may also be meeting Mickey in another room. In some cases it can be hard to figure out where everyone is.

If you do one of these locations, make sure to speak very carefully about what you want to do. Remember, you are not supposed to know about the rooms. Also remember that some character attendants switch out through the day so make sure you make the plan clear so everyone know what is happening.

Here is a list of multiple room interactions. You didn't hear this from me:
MK - Mickey, Tink, Princess Fairy Tale Hall, Storybook Circus characters
Epcot - Character Spot
Studios - none
Animal Kingdom - Mickey and Minnie

Here are some other good locations, all which have to be done very carefully

Epcot - Aladdin and Jasmine, Pooh and Tigger, Visa Room

Studios - Minnie, Wreck-it-Ralph and Vanellope, Woody and Buzz, Mickey

Animal Kingdom - Pocahontas

Magic Kingdom - Merida, Tiana

Hope that helps and doesn't ruin too much magic. I also hope I don't get in trouble...

 

[ChanaC]

Hi! I know you said you don't work in the water parks, but do you know if there are photopass photographers in the water parks in September? We'll be there Sept 1-11.

I was thinking of getting MM and it would be great if it included photos at the water parks during that time of year since I don't want to bring my camera/phone with me to the water parks.

Thanks!

Good question but I am not positive. I know that photographers are only there seasonally and they just started training within the last week or so. You are going right around Labor Day which means the parks should be busy so there should be a lot of photographers but honestly I'm not positive. Sorry!

If it does help, I do remember seeing some of the locations they are usually around. I've seen pics around wave pools, the end of big slides, some icon locations (the boat on top of Typhoon Lagoon), and characters if they are around. I think Lilo and Stitch hang out at Typhoon sometimes.

 

[ChanaC]

Hey guys quick update on meeting Anna and Elsa. What I said last time was part true part wrong. Here is the official policy:

Anna and Elsa (and Aurora) meet until 7:15ish (I've been told by different people that their out time is 7:00, 7:15, or 7:30 so I'm not positive who is right). Their line does a hard close at 5:00. If you show up at 5:05 the only line you can get in is Cinderella and Rapunzel. Now let's say that at 5:00 A&E's line is only an hour long. They will finish up seeing their last guests at 6:00 then. Well, the girls are scheduled until 7:15 so they MAY open the line back up, but it will only be advertised as Aurora and a "visiting princess." So, depending on the time and how long the line is, you may see A&E and Aurora. If you are in a long line, they will leave at 7:15. I think Snow White replaces them after that.

So if you get in Aurora's line at 7:00, will you see Anna and Elsa? Maybe. If you are with little kids don't promise them anything. Worst comes to worst Anna and Elsa are in the parade so they can still physically see and wave to them.

Another Frozen hint: if you are looking for merchandise go to Sir Mickey's next to Princess Fairy Tale Hall. They are the first location to get the products. However everything sells out quickly. You can also find some stuff at the Main Street Emporium and in Norway at Epcot, but often the shelves will look empty. There are no words to describe how popular Frozen is. The other day their line was 300 minutes long and their FastPasses are normally sold out until late June. I was able to get one but I was in the park by myself. It's harder to get FastPasses for groups. Also, there is a 5 item limit on Frozen merchandise. It helps with the chaos but not much. Good luck Frozen fans!

 

[Joanna71985]

Hmmm that is a tricky question. The Visa Meet and Greet might be a good idea since it generally is pretty slow in there, especially towards the end of the day. However the entrance and exit are basically the same so it would be hard to sneak in. It is a large room so the character attendants MAY be able to let you sit in the back and wait. Just make sure to mention it to them and that both parties have their Disney Visa Card. Talking Mickey would be an option, as would Tinkerbell since she is now also in the main street theatre with a FP, but.....

NOTE: Disney secret coming. Don't read if you don't want the "magic" ruined.

For many character interactions there are often multiple rooms that a character is in. If you ever get out of an interaction and see a family leaving from another door, well you probably met the same characters but to make everything as efficient as possible sometimes a character might be multiplied. You figure it out.

Basically, even if you are in one room with Mickey, your family may also be meeting Mickey in another room. In some cases it can be hard to figure out where everyone is.

If you do one of these locations, make sure to speak very carefully about what you want to do. Remember, you are not supposed to know about the rooms. Also remember that some character attendants switch out through the day so make sure you make the plan clear so everyone know what is happening.

Here is a list of multiple room interactions. You didn't hear this from me:
MK - Mickey, Tink, Princess Fairy Tale Hall, Storybook Circus characters
Epcot - Character Spot
Studios - none
Animal Kingdom - Mickey and Minnie

Here are some other good locations, all which have to be done very carefully

Epcot - Aladdin and Jasmine, Pooh and Tigger, Visa Room

Studios - Minnie, Wreck-it-Ralph and Vanellope, Woody and Buzz, Mickey

Animal Kingdom - Pocahontas

Magic Kingdom - Merida, Tiana

Hope that helps and doesn't ruin too much magic. I also hope I don't get in trouble...

Pete's Silly Sideshow doesn't have rooms. And honestly- I don't think this is something that should be discussed (I know I would be annoyed if I was at TST or Fairytale Hall, and a guest came up asking questions about "separate rooms"

 

[ChanaC]

Pete's Silly Sideshow doesn't have rooms. And honestly- I don't think this is something that should be discussed (I know I would be annoyed if I was at TST or Fairytale Hall, and a guest came up asking questions about "separate rooms"

I told everyone in the beginning that I will give them real answers if they want them. I tried to do a "spoiler warning" so if people don't want to read it, they don't have too. Honestly, I feel that being discrete is the same as lying. We are adults here. Plus, the info is out there anyway.

I'm not a Magic Kingdom, but I thought someone mentioned Pete's before. My bad.