Welcome,
Janice, to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! We're glad you're here.
It is wonderful to hear that you're considering taking your grandchildren to Walt Disney World Resort this summer. Some of my most cherished childhood memories were spent there with my grandmother back in the 1970s. I can still picture her sitting with me on the balcony at Disney's Contemporary Resort as we watched the fireworks each night. Your grandkids are going to remember the time they spend with you at The Most Magical Place on Earth forever.
I have a bit of advice for you with regard to booking
promotional offers for your Disney vacations. It is much easier to remove someone from a reservation than it is to add them later. If your grandchildren are planning to stay in your guest room at Walt Disney World Resort, it shouldn't be a problem to add them at a later date. However, promotions typically are limited and sometimes when you call back to add rooms or guests later, the same offer may not be available. Thus, I suggest you add your grandchildren to your reservation now. If you find that they can't join you later, simply modify your reservation and request a refund for their portion of the reservation.
I'd need to know a little bit more about the type of seasonal pass you'd like to purchase during your visit, Janice, to answer the other part of your question properly. I notice you are not a Florida resident so I'm not sure which pass you are hoping to buy. Please send us a follow-up question describing which pass you'd like and we'll point you in the right direction. I can certainly see why you'd like to have the option of free PhotoPass downloads. The pictures PhotoPass photographers take can be truly amazing keepsakes from any Disney vacation.
Wishing you many magical moments with your grandchildren,
Jill