Mouse and the Magic
  • Home
    • Contact >
      • Disclosure
      • Privacy Policy
      • Instagram
      • TikTok
  • Blog
  • Disneyland Resort
    • Dining and Hotels
    • Planning and Tips
  • Disney World
  • Disney Cruise
  • Disney Life

What you need to know about Disneyland PhotoPass

12/21/2016

4 Comments

 
The information you need to decide if PhotoPass at Disneyland is right for you
By Jennifer Stuart
We give you the information you need to decide if PhotoPass at Disneyland is right for you.

What is PhotoPass?

PhotoPass is the photo service offered at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.  Photographers, employed by Disney, with professional equipment are set up at various spots throughput the parks to take your picture.  

UPDATE: January 11, 2017 - Disneyland has announced yet more changes coming to PhotoPass in the near future.  More updates to follow as details and dates are announced.
​
The information you need to decide if PhotoPass at Disneyland is right for you

What is Included?

The information you need to decide if PhotoPass at Disneyland is right for you




​Included in your PhotoPass are: PhotoPass photos (ones you ask a photographer to take for you), attractions photos, dining photos (from character meals), and Magic Shots.  Photos are downloadable for 45 days from the date the photo was taken. 


​
The information you need to decide if PhotoPass at Disneyland is right for you
The information you need to decide if PhotoPass at Disneyland is right for you
You can check your park map for locations where you can find PhotoPass spots.  (where there are usually photographers available) These spots tend to be the classic or iconic shots such as; in front of the castle, looking out over Paradise Pier or next to the Partners statue of Walt and Mickey.  For current locations you can also check under the PhotoPass tab on the Disneyland app.  (read our post on Why You Should Download the Disneyland App Before your Trip)

The information you need to decide if PhotoPass at Disneyland is right for you
Attractions with photos in Disneyland are Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.  In Disney California Adventure, you can get photos on Guardians of the Galaxy, California Screamin' and Radiator Springs Racers.
​


Insider Tip:  Ask your PhotoPass photographer about magic shots.  These are photos that the photographer takes and then adds extra magic to after.  For eample, Tinkerbell hiding in your cupped hands.  They will be happy to  explain the options to you.

How Do I Get a PhotoPass?

The information you need to decide if PhotoPass at Disneyland is right for you
I find that the easiest way to buy Photopass is through the Disneyland app.
You can also go to the Disneyland website and purchase it there. It then adds the Photopass to your Disney account and you can activate  through the Disneyland app.  There is no longer a discount for buying your pass ahead of time so you can also visit one of the PhotoPass locations in the parks; Main Street Photo Supply Co. in Disneyland or Kingswell Camera Shop in Disney California Adventure.

​

​Approach any available photographer and they will be happy to take several shots of you and your family.  They will then give you a PhotoPass card that you use to add the photos to your online PhotoPass account . It is very easy to add multiple cards to your account.  So if one of you is in line to meet princesses then another one can still be taking ride photos.
The information you need to decide if PhotoPass at Disneyland is right for you
The information you need to decide if PhotoPass at Disneyland is right for you
Insider Tip:  As soon as you get a PhotoPass card take a picture of the barcode and numbers on the back.  This will help you locate your photos in case the card is ever lost.

​

You can also use the Disneyland app on an iPhone or Android phone; it will generate a PhotoPass QR code that photographers can scan, which will then automatically link to your Disneyland.com account.

How Much Does a PhotoPass Cost?

There have been several changes to the PhotoPass program at Disneyland this year.  Currently there are 2 products being offered. PhotoPass+ One Week ($78.00 USD and Photopass with Maxpass ($10/day.  Obviously the one week product is a much better value and the choice for anyone who wants more than one day of photos. Unless you are planning on using the Maxpass system.   You can also purchase a one-time download extension that will extend the download time limit from 45 days to 60 days for$19.99 USD.  ** Note that prices can change without warning.  Prices were correct as of March 2018.
Picture
The information you need to decide if PhotoPass at Disneyland is right for you
If you are a  Disney Premier annual passholder, your passport includes downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos. Link your passport to your Disney account. It may take up to 24 hours after you link your passport to enable photo downloads.  Deluxe and Signature annual pass holders have the option of adding Maxpass to their pass for $100USD/year which would then include their PhotoPass Photos.

​

PhotoPass with Maxpass

Maxpass is the new digital Fastpass system that Disneyland introduced prior to Summer 2017.  This is a paid service that allows you to access the fastpass system through your phone rather than having to physically go to a ride to get a fastpass. The price for Maxpass is currently $15/day per person.  This price does include all PhotoPass photos for each day that  you purchase Maxpass.
​

Is Getting a PhotoPass Worth it?

This is a question that is really personal.  It does add another cost to a trip.  I would say that personally the value just isn't there for a one day visit.  I would definitely consider it for a longer trip or if it was something special like a first visit.  I would also consider it if you like meeting characters or you were going for a holiday like Halloween or Christmas.  There are so many more opportunities for photos that would make wonderful keepsakes.
If you are planning on purchasing Maxpass anyway then your PhotoPass photos will also 
​be included so you may as well make the most of the service!
The information you need to decide if PhotoPass at Disneyland is right for you
We have found that the quality of the photos can vary depending on the photographer but have had some really nice family shots.  As I am the main photographer for the family it is nice to be able to get pictures that have all of us in them.

​
The information you need to decide if PhotoPass at Disneyland is right for you
Insider Tip: Keep in mind that if you budget just doesn't allow for a PhotoPass or if you would just like a backup any Disney Photographer will gladly take pictures using your phone or camera.    I even have this fun picture courtesy of one of the custodial staff.  He came up to me and offered his Mickey hand and took my picture--- all without me even asking.
Insider Tip: Lost and missing photos happen.  Equipment can malfunction and mistakes do occur.  Disney will do it’s best to track down lost photos.  It helps if you know the location and the approximate time that your photos were taken.  Also if you can tell them something about what the people in the photos are wearing. Ie hats glasses shirt colour. (think of how many photos they have to look through!) Even with their best efforts pictures sometimes cannot be found. (this was the case with us once) So it is always best to capture some on your own camera as well.

Updated March 2018
Photos by Jennifer Stuart and  Disney Photopass Service 
Thoughts?  Questions?  We would be happy to hear from you.
4 Comments
Lee
12/29/2016 12:52:31 pm

You dressed up as Belle is priceless! Lookin' good :) Your site is definitely helping me with my planning of our first family Disney trip coming up this summer!

Reply
Jennifer
1/2/2017 06:21:10 pm

Hi Lee

Thanks so much! I loved dressing up as my favourite princess! Glad we could help you with your planning. Let us know if we can answer any questions for you!

Reply
Kayla
1/1/2017 07:13:37 pm

If I purchased the PhotoPass online will I will get the card with the card or do I just use the PhotoPass through the app?

Reply
Jennifer
1/2/2017 06:15:40 pm

Hi Kayla

PhotoPass has changed a lot over the past year. Disney no longer mails out PhotoPass packages like they did in the past. It is all digitally linked through your Disneyland account. According to the cast members I have talked to, you can activate as soon as you have media in your account.to link to then it is all downloadable. So you can ask a photographer to give you a card to link or you can use the code on your app. If you have a smartphone, everyone I know has gone the smartphone route as it is very user friendly. Also if you are separated from someone else in your party just get them to get a card and you can link extra cards to your pass online or through the app.

Just log into your account on the app and under your profile you can see a space for tickets and passes and one that says PhotoPass code. If you tap on the PhotoPass code it will generate a QR code that your photographer can scan and then link to the photos to your PhotoPass when you activate . Just make sure to activate before the end of the day to make sure you get all your photos.

If you are in the parks and have any questions or run into difficulties I have found the cast members at the photoshops to be super helpful.

Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more questions or comments and have a magical trip!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Find Us on YouTube

    Picture

    Follow us on Pinterest

    Mouse & the Magic

    For Canadians

    Categories

    All
    60th Anniversary
    Adult Disneyland
    Alaska
    Allergies
    Amazon
    Animal Kingdom
    App
    Batuu
    Best Of
    Blue Bayou
    Cabanas
    California Adventure
    California Adventure Dining
    Canadians
    Castaway Cay
    Castaway Club
    Christmas
    Classic Snack
    Counter Service
    Cove Cafe
    Cruise Ship Tour
    Cruising With Kids
    DCL
    Dining
    Discount
    Disney
    Disney +
    Disney At Home
    Disney Characters
    Disney Cruise
    Disney Cruise Dining
    Disney Cruise Line
    Disney Cruise Planning
    Disney Dream
    Disney Fantasy
    Disney Food
    Disneyland
    Disneyland Classic Snack
    Disneyland Dining
    Disneyland Hotel
    Disneylife
    Disney Magic
    Disney Movies
    Disney Plus
    Disney Springs
    Disneystyle
    Disney Style
    Disney Wonder
    Disney World
    Disney World Dining
    Disney World Planning
    Disney World Resort
    Downtown Disney
    Drinks
    Epcot
    Fall
    Family Travel
    Fantasmic
    Fastpass
    Fireworks
    Frozen
    Galaxy' Edge
    Galaxy's Edge
    Good Neighbour Hotel
    Halloweentime
    Holidays
    Hollywood Studios
    Hotel
    Hotel Review
    Information
    Kids
    Kids Clubs
    Magic Kingdom
    Maxpass
    Money Saving
    Oogie Boogie Bash
    Packing
    Pandora
    Parade
    Photopass
    Photos
    Pirate Night
    Planning
    Pre Schooler
    Pre-schooler
    Quick Service
    Quick-service
    Reviews
    Rides
    Secrets
    Shopping
    Silhouettes
    Souvenir
    Souvenirs
    Spring
    Starbucks
    Star Wars
    Summer
    Tableservice
    Table Service
    Tiana's Place
    Tickets And Passes
    Tips
    Transportation
    Tritons
    Vancouver
    Walt Disney World
    Winter

    Click to set custom HTML

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016

Mouse and the Magic Copyright © 2016. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or in any other way associated with the Walt Disney Company. For official information concerning Disney, visit Disney.com
  • Home
    • Contact >
      • Disclosure
      • Privacy Policy
      • Instagram
      • TikTok
  • Blog
  • Disneyland Resort
    • Dining and Hotels
    • Planning and Tips
  • Disney World
  • Disney Cruise
  • Disney Life