Hi Anthony,
I love PP! No worries, you do not have to stay on property to take advantage of PhotoPass. PP Photographers are located throughout all of the theme parks, both water parks, BBB locations & select dining locations. Click
here to see a list. They wear khaki vests with a "PP" logo. At your 1st stop, they will give you a PP card which you can use throughout your trip. There is no charge for the card or for having your pictures taken. Each time they take a photo of you, they will scan the card so that the photos will be added to your account. You can upload your ride photos onto your PP card at Test Track at Epcot. Currently that is the only place you can do that but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they add more locations in the future.
When you return home, visit their website
www.DisneyPhotoPass.com within 30 days & enter your account # shown on the back of your PP card. You can add borders or character signatures for fun. I add different ones to all of my photos & can still retain the original unedited image. You can even upload pictures from your own camera. Your photos will only be available for 30 days from the date you log in & register your card.
If I've gotten a lot of pictures taken & like several of them (I always do), I order the PhotoCD. That way I'll always have the all of my photos available to me for printing. There is no limit to the # of pictures you can have taken & put on the same PhotoCD for the same price so it can end up being a great deal.
If you see that they are running a special for pre-ordering, I'd suggest doing it. If not, wait until you get home & see your pictures then decide. Its nice to let someone else take pictures. Wishing you magical memories on your trip!