PhotoPass 101
How Disney’s photographers, Magic Shots and photo packages can help capture the memories you don’t want to miss.
Any of my Oklahomies who grew up visiting Frontier City remember the drill: stop for a photo as you entered the park, smile awkwardly while a stranger with a camera directed your family into some questionable poses, then admire your $15 photo on the way out.
As they always do, Disney has taken that run of the mill idea and “plussed” (as Walt would say) it!
With Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed throughout Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, capturing vacation memories is easier than ever. From castle photos and character moments to attraction shots and surprise Magic Shots, PhotoPass can add a whole extra layer to your Disney vacation.
Let’s snap to it, shall we?
What Is Disney PhotoPass?
Disney PhotoPass is the service that captures and stores your Disney vacation photos.
The service itself is free. You can stop at PhotoPass locations, smile for the camera and have those images linked to your Disney account without purchasing anything.
Photos can be linked using options like:
- MagicBand or MagicBand+
- Disney MagicMobile
- Theme park tickets
- The My Disney Experience or Disneyland app
- PhotoPass cards provided by photographers
In addition to photos taken by Disney photographers, PhotoPass can include attraction photos and videos at select experiences.
How Do I Purchase My Photos?
Memory Maker is the Walt Disney World product that allows guests to download their Disney PhotoPass photos and videos from their vacation.
At Disneyland Resort, this is simply referred to as PhotoPass downloads and are included when you purchase Lightning Lane for the day. If you’re not using Lightning Lane, you can purchase PhotoPass+ to get your day’s downloads.
Single photos can be purchased, as well, but are not a great value at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland.
Purchasing these products gives you access to digital copies of your vacation memories, which can then be downloaded, shared and printed however you choose.
Don’t Hesitate to Stop at Multiple Photographers
Here’s the thing: PhotoPass photographers are like any other photographer. They all have different styles, experience levels and creative instincts.
During your vacation, you may walk past dozens of photographers. Some will capture a perfectly posed castle shot. Others will somehow catch the exact moment your toddler looks adorable instead of like they’re plotting your downfall.
We’ve had photos where the lighting was off, the angle wasn’t flattering and everyone looked slightly uncomfortable. We’ve also had photographers who captured personalities, gave fun direction and created images we treasure years later.

Meh...
Bad lighting, exposure is off, questionable composition and no verbal direction for the subjects (hence the awkward pose). Granted these two like to be awkward in photos now, but they weren’t being ironically unphotogenic at this age.

Yeah!
This shot was taken about 30 minutes earlier. Caught his mischievous eyes and her sassiness, great light and a fun experience. This photographer is the reason we try to color coordinate at Epcot now. Love running into him!
PhotoPass Magic Tips
- Stop for more than one shot in front of the same background with more than one photog.
- Look for different photogs and angles in the area.
- Review the images as they populate your account and stop for redos if any of them are binners.
- Talk to your photographer! Ask for specific poses if you have any in mind, and don’t forget to ask about Magic Shots!
- Check out our full post on PhotoPass fun here!
Is Disney PhotoPass Worth It?
I mean, it’s free, so the only investment is time.
If you’re someone who normally ends up with hundreds of photos of everyone except yourself because you’re always behind the camera, PhotoPass can be a fantastic addition.
Of course, if you end up loving you’re pictures, then you are going to have to pony up for the downloads. 😉
Let's start planning your trip full of Magic, Memories and maybe even a little Mayhem!
Enjoy complimentary concierge vacation planning when you book your vacation with us!






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