So, Disney got back to me about the photopass issue. It was the normal form letter that you get from them in general. The big 'adds' to the now very expensive product:
1. unlimited downloads (for a price of only $39 per day!)
2. available to purchase at Disneyland.com (because of the complaints of no pre-purchase more than likely), through the Disneyland mobile app, and at Disneyland PhotoPass Sales Centers.
3. you get all of the photos taken by the PhotoPass Photogs, Ride Photos, and Dining Photos (funny that I recall that being the exact same product as before).
4. you can download, view, and share your photos from the app (if you have purchased the product for that day...).
So, I guess that we are meant to get all excited that we can use the Disneyland app to do what I would do on my phone's web package before, because the first three items don't seem to have changed all that much.
Now for the part of the email that I found most interesting:
They value my feedback and they appreciate the time I took to contact them. They are always reviewing products to 'enhance our services to provide new functionality, products, etc. so your experience is always positive.' Well, they failed in this case. They did not mention the functionality that they removed.
I have also been informed that, 'at this time there is no plan to bring back the Disney PhotoPass+ which was our multi day product.' But that I should be aware that their 'prices and promotions are subject to change at anytime.' They also suggested that I have a look closer to my holiday to see what is available then. When will Disneyland understand that some people plan their Disneyland vacation for months and months and need to budget everything so that they can make it there?
Anyway, my big question is does this mean that it could get worse? I guess it will depend on how many people stop purchasing the 'package' and just have the photogs use their private cameras (and how backed up the lines get because of it). Of course, they may just instruct the Cast Members to refuse to use private cameras... that should thin the lines to nothing but the VIPs on site, oh, and people with top end annual passes....
Out of interest, how many of you remember when PhotoPass first started? I do. Their was no package price. Everything was single purchase from the shops or on-line. The first time I used it was in 2005. My family and I did a huge Disney vacation (WDW,
Disney Cruise Line, and Disneyland). I purchased two photos (both from the cruise line) because, after spending well over $30,000, we didn't have the spare cash to spend hundreds on photos. It was heart breaking to see all those cute photos of my then 6 year old enjoying Disney...but I did get two cute photos of the family together. When I went to Disneyland the next time, we were able to get the photopass + option. I was thrilled. I have some great photos too. And that has encourage me to purchase photopass + and Memory maker (at WDW) each time since.
I guess that I should step down off the soap box. I appreciate being able to vent to people who might understand. lol
All I guess I can say is that we should all email in about our disappointment in the new product. Disney might just listen...maybe bring back the boarders and stickers? Who knows.
