If you’ve seen our previous two photo shoot recaps, you know we absolutely LOVED our Hollywood Studios session, so I decided to give it another go at Epcot a few months later during spring break. While we weren’t as crazy about our Epcot experience, I decided to keep it going and book a last minute session for Animal Kingdom. We were on a roll at this point, so in our quest to become better informed purely for your benefit, we snagged another last minute Magic Kingdom session for Fantasyland and Beyond featuring Cinderella Castle, Fantasyland and other nearby areas.
What is Capture Your Moment?
We are big fans of PhotoPass and love that with the service, everyone, even shutterbug mom, gets in the photos. Capture Your Moment plusses that and gives you your own private PhotoPass photog and assistant (for crowd control and creative) for a 20-minute shoot in the park.
What do you need to know?
- Reservations are highly recommended! Magic Kingdom typically sells out quickly (check at 60 days), but I was able to grab Studios about two weeks prior to our December trip. Additionally, Epcot and Animal Kingdom reservations were both showing availability the day before when I checked for each. Fantasyland and Beyond was also available a couple weeks prior, so there may be more availability as this becomes more popular.
- You can inquire on the day of at the PhotoPass shop in each park for availability if you weren’t able to get an advanced reservation.
- Currently, the cost is $99 and includes the shoot only. Photos are included in Memory Maker and/or can be purchased individually.
- You will check check in at the PhotoPass podium outside of the Island Mercantile for Animal Kingdom shoots instead of the PhotoPass shop.
- You and the photog can discuss any ideas you have for locations, groupings, celebrations, etc. S/he will also let you know of any areas off limits (Galaxy’s Edge, for example) in the park.
- Once you’re ready, the clock starts and you can strike a pose!
The Review
If you made your way to this review from our previous shoots, you’ll see that we were gaga for our Studios experience and it was most definitely “worth it” for my crew!! Our Epcot experience didn’t garner the same enthusiasm, unfortunately. I may not have rebooked another shoot had the Epcot session been our first. The following Animal Kingdom experience, while the sweatiest yet, was also a great experience, so we’re rounding the bases and hitting our last park for the Capture Your Moment series.
The littles and I wanted to hit Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and I was on for Food and Wine Fest, so I booked a long weekend for the three of us to not only get our spooky on but also try a new to us resort, All-Star Sports. Being that we were headed to the party, I thought this would be a great opportunity to get some shots in costume. I navigated to the reservation page and was thrilled to see several openings for the Fantasyland and Beyond location on our party day!
Check-in for this area is inside Sir Mickey’s. We were a little early, so we took a spin on the carousel, then made our way back to the counter. Unfortunately our photographers were running behind, so we took a quick bathroom break which led to a lost little Prince Naveen. Luckily, his training kicked in, and he found a cast member who was quickly able to call me and get everyone reunited. PSA: Grown-ups, go over a procedure in case you get separated. I tell mine to immediately find a cast member or a parent with a stroller. They know my phone number, but I also have it written on their backpacks. You can also try these temporary tattoos for littles who may not be super verbal or carrying anything with them.
Back to the photo sesh! By the time we were all reunited, our photographers had made their way back to the counter, and we were on our way. Alexa and Danny were our team with Alexa running interference and offering posing tips while Danny manned the camera. As with our other sessions, I let them lead us, as they should ideally be more experienced in the best spots around the Kingdom. Danny asked Mo’ about her favorite rides, and she said Tower of Terror (so proud!!), but we decided that was a little far to walk, so she went with Barnstormer. We added a few shots near there, as well.
Both Alexa and Danny were very personable in engaged the kids. As opposed to our other shoots, this one was definitely more kid-centered. I was in very few shots and had none solo. I’m sure I could’ve had I asked, but, as I mentioned, I was really letting the photogs lead the session. While the kids were definitely the cutest, I did miss getting a little mom time in front of the camera. Y’all know I’m always ready for my close-up! That said, there were some absolute framers of all of us from this batch.
The Photos
Behind the Scenes
Capture Your Moment
Plus a bonus with Tiana!
What do you think?
So, did you compare the sessions so far? Which do you think was more “worth it?” Would you book a Capture Your Moment based on these experiences? Share in the comments!