Jim Cuthbert

I recently had the opportunity to visit Disneyland, one of my most favorite places.   In the past I have taken my camera (still do) and never really thought about using the Disney Photo Service, mainly because it seemed pricey.   

How wrong could I be.

I went online a few weeks before I went there and the photopass service has a buy in advance special.   I wasn't 100% sure about buying it because of the price but went ahead anyway so I can judge their service and advise clients as to the real "value" of this service.   I'm glad I did.
When you order your pass online they say to book it at least 14 days prior to your visit as they send you the package by mail.   I did.  It didn't arrive by the time I was leaving so I contacted the photo service people and they said to bring the email with the confirmation and they would do it there in the park for me when I got there.   I did.   I was in their photo shop and out in 5 minutes.   The cast members in the shop explained how it worked, where to find the photographers, what to ask for if I wanted anything special.     They did tell me that even though it says to book the pass 14 days prior they think it would be better to order it 21 days or beyond before the visit to make sure the package arrives.

The pass is good for unlimited photos in the park for 14 days after it's first used.   Since I was in the park for the day only that didn't matter so much.  I did end up talking with another visitor who had also bought the pass.  They had been to the park for the previous three days and already had over 500 pictures and they were still planning on going for another two days!   Since you can use the pass as much as you want in the 14 days from when it first picture is taken think about how many pictures you can take on your visit!!!

You can get shots from photographers all over the parks (Disneyland and California Adventure).  Just look for the photographers in their uniforms.  They are also at main photo places like the castle, Cars Land, Main Street, and at character meets. (I got Mickey in Toontown)   When they take your picture they scan your pass and thats it!   You can also have them do something called "Magic Shots" where characters etc show up in your picture with you.  Just ask them to do a magic shot.  I found that they take three or four shots and ask you to pose.   If you want more shots, ask them.  I also found that going back at different times of day make a huge difference in photos too.   Example.   The castle at day and at night.

Bottom line.  Using the pass is excellent.  Everyone in your group can be in the picture.  No need to have someone out of the picture to take the photo.   Most importantly!  These guys take thousands of photos and know how to take photos you will love.   Whether it's standing outside the castle or getting a photo with Mickey it's completely worth the money!

How many people can use the pass?     You get one Photopass+ card and lanyard but I found that if you get split up in your group you can still get the photos added to your card.    When you get your photo taken and don't have the card just get a card from the photographer or save the picture number from the ride picture (they are included in the price!)  then claim the photos on your account later.  Try and do it as soon as possible for the ride pictures though as they only keep them for 24-48 hours.  

When I got back home and went online to look at the photo's.   To my dismay I was missing photos that I took with a part of the group I was with.   On the Photopass website they had a section where if you were missing a photo to enquiry direct with them with the rough time, day etc of when the photo was taken.   I sent it in, anticipating the photos were gone forever.    Within 24 hours I received an email from them says the photos were found and that they were loaded into my pass to view!!!   How great!

In the one day I was there I had over 80 pictures taken.    With the Photopass card it also lets you edit the pictures and even add in special borders etc prior downloading the entire file.  

If you want to capture the very special moments on your trip, BUY THE PASS!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOPASS INFORMATION AT DISNEYLAND