Photopass rants...

[AmberStar]

I decided to leave my DSLR at home this last trip and ordered the PP+. Those of us who know what we are doing with a camera have a tendency to be really critical of others photos that being said, I am not sorry that I relied on the photopass photogs and their equipment. It's nice to have some pics with me in them. I enjoyed not lugging around my own equipment and just using our iPhones for snapshots. I will be doing it this way in the future, plus it's nice to get all those ride photos included with the PP+, that alone is worth getting it even if you do bring your big camera. When I got our photos downloaded I had enough great shots to choose from that I felt it was worth my being able to relax a bit and not be the vacation photog that I usually am.

Awesome! Thanks!! That is what I wanted to hear. The ride photos really sold me on the price too. I have a decent point and shoot I will take for snapshots around the park or for the characters that don't have photographers. Yay!! I'm excited even if I do make sure to take a shot with our camera as well... anything is better than the extra weight of the dslr.

 

[Geemo]

I'm always the one with the camera also. I like having photos where I'm in the pic too.

The ride photos are what sold me on PP+ when I first began using it. My grandkids think those pic's are the best.

For those using PP+, don't be afraid to ask for more shots. When it's our turn, I let the photographer know I'm going to want more than one shot. I've been know to ask for 5+, if I think that's what it'll take to get the right one.

I have a Nikon D90, which is the camera most of the Disney guys use. The D90 can shoot 4 frames a second. With the grandkids, this is the one I have my camera set on. I push the button and the shutter just starts flying. The next time I use PP+, I'm thinking of asking the photographer to use this setting. It shoots so fast, motion and eye blinks usually aren't an issue for a posed photo. I began using this setting when I was shooting my grandson playing high school football. I'd have somewhere between 600-1000 frames by the time the game was over. With the fast action of the game, there might only be 50 or so worth printing.

Between PP+ and my camera I come out with several nice moments from our trips.

etaber5 "Those of us who know what we are doing with a camera have a tendency to be really critical of others photos "

This is so true for me!!

Like I mentioned in an earlier post. I have learned to set up the conditions when the Disney photographer is the one taking the photos. I can't stress sunlight enough. If it's sunny mid-day and the shot has some distance, it will likely be too bright/washed out. People in shade photo so much better. The easiest time to get nice pic's all day long is on an over cast day. Clouds can be a photographers friend.

For the price PP+ is a real bargain in my book!!

Geemo

 

[DznyPrnces]

Speaking from experience, always take photos with your own camera as well as the photopass camera. Last year when we got home from Disney world 3 different sets of photos (and a few ride photos) were missing from my photo pass +. I called and they were only able to find one set, the other 2 they said there must have been an issue with the camera because there were no other photos from that location or time, so it was not just mine that were missing. I'm not sure if they just fed me a line because they couldn't find them, or if that was true. Luckily I had also taken photos of Rapunzel, DD's favorite princess, because those were among the lost. We also lost Pluto at Epcot, which I did not take photos of, but it wasn't as bad because we saw Pluto again in animal kingdom. But lesson learned, I always use my camera also now.

 

[frisbeego]

I asked a photographer if she did magic shots. DS4 freaked out, "NOOOO!! I don't want shots."

It took me a bit to figure out that DS4 had been to the doctor the previous month to have his shots updated. He thought the photographer was going to poke him in the arm.

I realize this has little to do with this thread, but unfortunately my non-Disney friends don't understand this story.

 

[iKristin]

It's hard to get pictures with no people in them no matter what. They won't stop traffic for photos so I wouldn't get your hopes up on people not being in your photos.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

It's hard to get pictures with no people in them no matter what. They won't stop traffic for photos so I wouldn't get your hopes up on people not being in your photos.

Agreed, although some photographers will work to try to get it that way. We had a great one in front of the castle who asked if we would wait just a second while he waited for people to move out of the background. Or they can sometimes zoom in to cut background people out (maybe that could also be done ourselves by editing the pictures too). I have a friend who has a picture in front of IASWH with nobody in it. I asked how she did that and she said she didn't know since there were tons of people around.

 

[mummabear]

Do you have to ask for these 'magic' shots?

In my experience yes.
On our first time with a PP+ at Dl we didnt know about Magic shots and had none done. On our next trip to WDW we knew what one could be done and made it our mission to get them all.
This upcoming trip to DL I have ordered the PP+ and plan to track them down again!

 

[MommyJKM]

I just got my pre-ordered PP+ in the mail and I would NEVER use this service again!

it came with a voucher that says to "Redeem at one of the locations on the back" and there is NOTHING on the back. On top of that we're going on the day after the 24-hour event AND it's Grad Night AND we're doing a VIP tour so I don't want to waste 20-30mins waiting in line in the park to get a PP card.

If it had been listed online that I was being sent a voucher to redeem and not the actual card, I would NOT have purchased it. What a waste of time to have to go redeem it.

So I called the cust service number and the girl told me it's because the PP is only valid for 14 days. Then she said she didn't know where to redeem it at DCA because she was in Florida.

I'm just going to send it back for a refund and take my chances with the regular PP and pay the $100 for the cd at the end of our trip.

Ugh what a nightmare!

 

[2tinkerbell]

I just got my pre-ordered PP+ in the mail and I would NEVER use this service again!

it came with a voucher that says to "Redeem at one of the locations on the back" and there is NOTHING on the back. On top of that we're going on the day after the 24-hour event AND it's Grad Night AND we're doing a VIP tour so I don't want to waste 20-30mins waiting in line in the park to get a PP card.

If it had been listed online that I was being sent a voucher to redeem and not the actual card, I would NOT have purchased it. What a waste of time to have to go redeem it.

So I called the cust service number and the girl told me it's because the PP is only valid for 14 days. Then she said she didn't know where to redeem it at DCA because she was in Florida.

I'm just going to send it back for a refund and take my chances with the regular PP and pay the $100 for the cd at the end of our trip.

Ugh what a nightmare!

The voucher is redeemed at the Photo Shop in either DL or DCA. You don't have to do it immediately. If you tell the Disney Photographer that you are getting PP+, you get your regular PhotoPass Card. When you redeem your voucher, you give them the regular PhotoPass Card and have them add the photos to your PhotoPass + account. The PP+ is valid for 14 days of pictures after you redeem your voucher. Your pictures are available for editing and download/CD for 30 days after that. You get emails when your account is about to expire.

Your regular PP card will not contain the ride photos or Character dining photos

I don't know how to link, but, there is a PP+ superthread somewhere.

 

[dragonflycurls]

As the PP said the regular one will not come with ride photos or dining photos.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I just got my pre-ordered PP+ in the mail and I would NEVER use this service again! it came with a voucher that says to "Redeem at one of the locations on the back" and there is NOTHING on the back. On top of that we're going on the day after the 24-hour event AND it's Grad Night AND we're doing a VIP tour so I don't want to waste 20-30mins waiting in line in the park to get a PP card. If it had been listed online that I was being sent a voucher to redeem and not the actual card, I would NOT have purchased it. What a waste of time to have to go redeem it. So I called the cust service number and the girl told me it's because the PP is only valid for 14 days. Then she said she didn't know where to redeem it at DCA because she was in Florida. I'm just going to send it back for a refund and take my chances with the regular PP and pay the $100 for the cd at the end of our trip. Ugh what a nightmare!

I know it's frustrating since it's not what you expected, but I think you are stressing out way too much about this. We have gotten PP+ 4 times now and only waited 5 mins max to get our actual card. 3 of the times, we just walked up to the counter with no line. I just pulled our voucher for this coming trip and agree there is nothing listed on the back (I know it's the camera shop in DL, but forget the name of the store in DCA - hopefully somebody knows).

I think you're jumping the gun on sending it back and paying $30 more for 5-10 mins of your time and for less features - as PPs mentioned you won't get ride or dining photos with the regular PP.

 

[CateinPhoenix]

waste 20-30mins

This has not been my experience at all. 10 minutes tops.

We LOVE the PP+, especially the pictures at Sunset in CarsLand, really well done! I would highly recommend it for the price, it's a bargain especially if you want to get any ride photos!

 

[Godzilla55]

Dont cancel it! You will have lots of ride photos to link to it, especially since you wont be waiting in any lines for rides. I probably wouldnt wait in line for other photo ops, but the ride photos will make it worth it. You can also write down the number you see on the screen and head back there later to link the photos after your tour. I am pretty sure you have to go to the ride to do that, but maybe the photo shop can do it.

 

[sunflare]

I know it's the camera shop in DL, but forget the name of the store in DCA - hopefully somebody knows.

I don't remember the name either, but I know its the store by the lockers on the immediate left when you first enter the park. There is little to no wait there, normally, if I recall. I wouldn't return it...it's the best bargain at DLR.gg

 

[MommyJKM]

The voucher is redeemed at the Photo Shop in either DL or DCA. You don't have to do it immediately. If you tell the Disney Photographer that you are getting PP+, you get your regular PhotoPass Card. When you redeem your voucher, you give them the regular PhotoPass Card and have them add the photos to your PhotoPass + account. The PP+ is valid for 14 days of pictures after you redeem your voucher. Your pictures are available for editing and download/CD for 30 days after that. You get emails when your account is about to expire.

Your regular PP card will not contain the ride photos or Character dining photos

I don't know how to link, but, there is a PP+ superthread somewhere.

I don't know why cust service didn't tell me this, I wouldn't have been so annoyed if I knew I didn't have to immediately get the PP card Thank you for your help!

 

[MommyJKM]

I know it's frustrating since it's not what you expected, but I think you are stressing out way too much about this. We have gotten PP+ 4 times now and only waited 5 mins max to get our actual card. 3 of the times, we just walked up to the counter with no line. I just pulled our voucher for this coming trip and agree there is nothing listed on the back (I know it's the camera shop in DL, but forget the name of the store in DCA - hopefully somebody knows).

I think you're jumping the gun on sending it back and paying $30 more for 5-10 mins of your time and for less features - as PPs mentioned you won't get ride or dining photos with the regular PP.

I was expecting a regular line, the girl on the phone said to just head straight there so it seemed like I was going to have to sprint and wait. I'll probably keep it now in order to get the character dining pics... Thanks for the advice

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I was expecting a regular line, the girl on the phone said to just head straight there so it seemed like I was going to have to sprint and wait. I'll probably keep it now in order to get the character dining pics... Thanks for the advice

Glad to hear you're going to keep it! As others have assured you, you don't have to go first thing. I usually send DH to redeem it on our way in on our first morning and he can usually meet me at our first ride by the time I have the stroller parked, but it doesn't have to be done that way. It can be really frustrating when customer service doesn't explain things truly - so glad we have these boards to clarify & filter info for us! Have a wonderful trip.

 

[hpanno]

It was our first time there and it was pretty easy to redeem the voucher to get the photopass+ card. There wasn't a wait in the camera store at the end of Main St. and I was in and out in about 3 minutes. I ended up with 100+ pictures. The ride pictures are the best because it was our first time so the expressions on my daughters faces are priceless! Plus we got decent family pictures so I'm happy with it. I think it was worth the money. They aren't amazing professional quality portraits, but we were all sweaty and sunscreened and not dressed for perfection either.

 

[atmail35]

I just got my pre-ordered PP+ in the mail and I would NEVER use this service again!

it came with a voucher that says to "Redeem at one of the locations on the back" and there is NOTHING on the back. On top of that we're going on the day after the 24-hour event AND it's Grad Night AND we're doing a VIP tour so I don't want to waste 20-30mins waiting in line in the park to get a PP card.

If it had been listed online that I was being sent a voucher to redeem and not the actual card, I would NOT have purchased it. What a waste of time to have to go redeem it.

So I called the cust service number and the girl told me it's because the PP is only valid for 14 days. Then she said she didn't know where to redeem it at DCA because she was in Florida.

I'm just going to send it back for a refund and take my chances with the regular PP and pay the $100 for the cd at the end of our trip.

Ugh what a nightmare!

Yes the photopass phone number is at WDW, which can be annoying at times.

As someone else said, just get a "regular" card from the first photographer you encounter. Take as many photos as you want and when you pick up your PP+ card you can have them added. We had 12-15 photos added because we were walking towards the shop and ended up taking photos along the way

It is trickier w/ ride photos. You can write down the number or take a pic w/ your cell phone and go back later to add it to the PP+ card (not ideal as you do have to backtrack.

With meal photos, it also is tricky, we've always had our card before the meal and they just give you the photo packet. Not sure what happens if you don't have your card, maybe they save the packet for you?

They want you to pick up your lanyard because the punch it to show the first day you received it and when it expires (14 days later).

The shop at DCA is called Kingswell Camera (or something like that)...I hate that the maps don't show the shops on them. It is near Buena Vista Street, but kind of hidden. Just ask a CM where it is located. I waited maybe 10 minutes and we had 2 people in front of us in line.

I personally would not return it unless you don't want meal photos or ride photos to be included for free. (edited...somehow I'm just seeing now that you are keeping it.)

For those new to ride photos, keep in mind that shorter children may be obscured by bigger people in front of them etc. Still a fun memory, probably not worth the $ to pay for the ride photo in that case, but nice to have on PP+. DD was obscured by the windshield on RSR. The CM said next time ask to ride in the back and to ask the people in front not to put their arms up during the ride...somehow I don't think our "car mates" would enjoy that request. Not to mention the wait for the ride....anyway if you want your small child to be seen in the picture, that was the advice I was given.

 

[whoever]

IMHO, PP is a supplement, NOT a replacement. The old adage of if you want something done right do it yourself holds true.