Picture Package Worth It?

[mlayton14]

If $550 is the case I will certainly be canceling LOL

Just read the fine print - yes the packages start at $550 - see ya

LOL

 

[Disturbia]

Note although CMs do take photos with your camera the exception is formal night (just read that.)

Shutters: I read it’s like 10 pictures for $550; 12 for $900 (did they mean 20?)…going up to $2500!!!

https://www.disboards.com/threads/shutters-private-photos.3860658/

There are restrictions when taking photos (for regular photo packages, not sure about the shutters special photoshoot) for instance photo of just grandma and grandpa is not included if booking with 1 stateroom (but kids (first stateroom occupants) with grandma/grandpa are included).

https://www.picturethemagic.com/disney-cruise-photo-package/

 

[Calantha]

There are restrictions when taking photos (for regular photo packages, not sure about the shutters special photoshoot) for instance photo of just grandma and grandpa is not included if booking with 1 stateroom (but kids (first stateroom occupants) with grandma/grandpa are included).

Yes, we avoided this last time around by having MIL/me in one room and FIL/DH/DS in the other room. Added DS to the package in the MIL/me room, and then the only pictures we couldn't get were FIL or DH on their own, so quite a few nice MIL/FIL shots included.

 

[Drbutters56]

Is anyone able to prepay their package? I think their site is broken again?

 

[CarolynFH]

Instead of starting a new thread, I'll just tack my question on here - does the cost of the photo package vary by length of cruise, or is it around $200 no matter how long the cruise is? Price will of course figure into whether we want it or not - we're kind of on the fence right now, fortunately have a long time to think about it, and learning that we could buy it and then cancel it on the last day of the cruise is astounding!

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Wondering if the unlimited picture package would be "worth it" to purchase? I know that's a subjective question, but looking for some feedback.

Our info: This will be our second DCL cruise, however, our first was still during COVID restrictions so I'm not sure the "normal" protocols for how often photographers are around with the characters or in other spots on the ship. This will be our son's first Disney cruise (he's 2.5). He LOVES meeting characters and we splurged for memory maker for his first trip to the parks last year and found that to be worth our money and memories. I would also like to try to reserve a spot for the royal gathering, so I'm assuming that would mean even more photo ops in addition to the other character meet and greets.

Thoughts? Opinions? Yes, it's a lot of money, but that's not really a deciding factor for us -- just wondering if it's a good use of the ~$200 pricetag.

We’ve done it both times we’ve cruised. the amount of photos is worth it. Having said that, I thought the talent of the photographers took a major nosedive between our 2018 and 2022 cruises. Plus, now with all of the navigators being digital, I do have my phone on me at all times and can just as easily take my own (in 2018, the phone stayed in the cabin). When we cruise next year, I don’t plan on doing the package.

 

[Calantha]

does the cost of the photo package vary by length of cruise, or is it around $200 no matter how long the cruise is?

yes, it varies. Here's someone who posted prices previously:

2 Night Sailing $194.95

3 Night Sailing $194.95

4 Night Sailing $194.95

5 Night Sailing $211.95

7 Night Sailing $295.95

14 Night Sailing $339.95

Prices onboard the ship will be higher:

2 Night Sailing $199.95

4 Night Sailing $229.95

5 Night Sailing $249.95

7 Night Sailing $349.95

14 Night Sailing $399.95

I'd say it is pretty accurate, we just paid about the 7 night price for our eight day last month.

 

[lilsonicfan]

Instead of starting a new thread, I'll just tack my question on here - does the cost of the photo package vary by length of cruise, or is it around $200 no matter how long the cruise is? Price will of course figure into whether we want it or not - we're kind of on the fence right now, fortunately have a long time to think about it, and learning that we could buy it and then cancel it on the last day of the cruise is astounding!

https://www.disboards.com/threads/photo-package.3743118/post-60799195 - here's the buy-in-advance pricing for all cruise lengths!

 

[CarolynFH]

https://www.disboards.com/threads/photo-package.3743118/post-60799195 - here's the buy-in-advance pricing for all cruise lengths!

Wow - and (dare I say it?) looks like they haven’t changed since then. Thanks!

 

[Jsoenning]

To me it's been hit or miss. Some of the cruises the photo department has been fabulous and taken non-posed action shots. This seemed more when our kids were little and excited to give the characters hugs or talk to the characters. The non-posed genuine reaction photos are some of the best we have.

One of the cruises one of the photographers saw at us many of the events and I think she was responsible for pixie dusting us a wonderful photo of the characters with their signatures. This was in our cabin upon returning one evening with a nice note from the photo team.

Now that our kids are older (almost 12 and 9) it's more of a quick hi, snap the photo (where my kids may or may not make an effort to smile), and move on - the kids aren't as excited about standing in line so while I used to find high value lately my wife and I are less likely to purchase.

The magic shots right after COVID were neat where they added characters into the photos but the last cruise had less opportunities for magic shots. Also it wasn't always well advertised that there would be "magic" added.

 

[Sierraflo13]

If you want to take the pictures, yes. If not, no. Whether it's worth it is entirely up to you. Nobody else can answer that question for you.

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[Sierraflo13]

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