Is the Photo Package Worth It?

[Evinix]

Thank you for those who followed up with the photography company. We are going in May and I’ve just purchased the photo package, hope it works!

For those who are interested in the details of the process: once I paid I received an email with a barcode, and instructions to print out the email and present it to a photographer in the Park, who would then tell me where to go to pick up the photopass card. There was no expiration date written anywhere on the email that I could see.

 

[lebeau]

Thank you for those who followed up with the photography company. We are going in May and I’ve just purchased the photo package, hope it works!

For those who are interested in the details of the process: once I paid I received an email with a barcode, and instructions to print out the email and present it to a photographer in the Park, who would then tell me where to go to pick up the photopass card. There was no expiration date written anywhere on the email that I could see.

I purchased a "summer" package like this last year and it worked just fine. You shouldn't have any problems. The names of the packages are meaningless in terms of when they can be used. Just like you don't have to use the Black Friday package on Black Friday. It just denotes when they are sold, not when they need to be activated.

Silly, right? Amazing Pictures could do a much better job of providing details on their website.

Bottom line is you shouldn't have any problems with your package in May. Have fun!

 

[ashmac8]

Thank you for those who followed up with the photography company. We are going in May and I’ve just purchased the photo package, hope it works!

For those who are interested in the details of the process: once I paid I received an email with a barcode, and instructions to print out the email and present it to a photographer in the Park, who would then tell me where to go to pick up the photopass card. There was no expiration date written anywhere on the email that I could see.

I purchased a "summer" package like this last year and it worked just fine. You shouldn't have any problems. The names of the packages are meaningless in terms of when they can be used. Just like you don't have to use the Black Friday package on Black Friday. It just denotes when they are sold, not when they need to be activated.

Silly, right? Amazing Pictures could do a much better job of providing details on their website.

Bottom line is you shouldn't have any problems with your package in May. Have fun!

Ditto. I emailed for verification and then Purchased online for our June trip. I had been on the fence but at the reduced price thought what the heck.

I didn’t see any reference to an expiration on the confirmation email.

 

[mala55]

We are going to Universal for only 1 1/2 days in April. The Mardi Gras package for the 5 days is cheaper than the standard 1 day photo package ($59 vs $69). I can't think of any negative of buying a 5 day package for a shorter stay. Right?

Also, do I have to review the photos while I'm there? Can't I just review and download when I get home? I don't want to waste much time in our limited time at the parks reviewing photos.

 

[lebeau]

We are going to Universal for only 1 1/2 days in April. The Mardi Gras package for the 5 days is cheaper than the standard 1 day photo package ($59 vs $69). I can't think of any negative of buying a 5 day package for a shorter stay. Right?

Also, do I have to review the photos while I'm there? Can't I just review and download when I get home? I don't want to waste much time in our limited time at the parks reviewing photos.

No downside to the longer package. You just won't use all the days.

If you want to have them add stickers and such for you for the "magic shots", you will need to stop into the store before you leave. Other than that, all your pictures remain on your account forever. Unlike Disney's program, they do not expire (which is one of the few advantage of My Universal Photos over Disney's program). Ride pictures you need to manually add to your account. They can help you with this or you can use a self-serve kiosk. For some rides, like Men in Black, they can replace other riders you don't know with agents or aliens which is kind of cool. It's all pretty hassle free. Just don't expect to see nearly as many photographers as you do at WDW.

 

[EveDallas]

Just in case anyone is interested - there are some Mardi Gras specials for PhotoConnect.
5 day for $59.99 including 5 Days of Unlimited Digital Downloads, 1 Free 5x7 Print, 1 Free 8x10 Print,1 Free Poster Print in Park, In Park and Online Photo Discounts
https://presale.amazingpictures.com/UniversalFlorida.aspx

The annaul pass special is only $79.99! Sold!

 

[mala55]

No downside to the longer package. You just won't use all the days.

If you want to have them add stickers and such for you for the "magic shots", you will need to stop into the store before you leave. Other than that, all your pictures remain on your account forever. Unlike Disney's program, they do not expire (which is one of the few advantage of My Universal Photos over Disney's program). Ride pictures you need to manually add to your account. They can help you with this or you can use a self-serve kiosk. For some rides, like Men in Black, they can replace other riders you don't know with agents or aliens which is kind of cool. It's all pretty hassle free. Just don't expect to see nearly as many photographers as you do at WDW.

Thank you! Sounds like it's definitely worth it.

 

[lebeau]

Thank you! Sounds like it's definitely worth it.

We were on the fence after buying the package last year. One of our ride photos didn't turn out which was a shame. They offered to let us reride Dudley Do Right using the EP line to get another photo, but we already had EP so that wasn't that big of a deal for us. Nice gesture though. If you buy a lot of ride photos, the value is there. When we were there last summer, most character M&G's did not have photographers on hand. It sounds like there may be more out this year. I would suggest if you find a photographer, that you have them take a few extra pictures. They will usually suggest a pose or two themselves. But they tend to be the same two poses in the same locations every time. If you make other suggestions, they will work with you. We found some of them were quite willing to move around the parks a bit to get other locations. And be aware of all the self-service areas and photo opportunities.

The best, most comprehensive resource out there on the photo package comes courtesy of Orlando Informer. Check it out.