Ahoy Gillian!
It is wonderful to hear from you again! I'm always debating what to do about pictures onboard as well. I have so many wonderful photos in books and in frames around my home of our Disney Cruise vacations that I typically budget for pictures on each sailing. It sounds like you have done your homework by visiting mycruisephotos.com to check out the packages offered for pre-purchase. If I'm going to buy a photo package, I always purchase ahead of time because I have found the offerings and pricing a bit better online. On our last seven-night sailing, the difference was around $50 cheaper when purchased ahead of time so that was a nice savings (pricing both online and onboard is always subject to change).
If you do purchase the package, there will be many photo opportunities throughout the week starting at the cruise terminal. Pose for as many photos as you can since photographers are available at most of the meet and greet opportunities, in the dining rooms at dinner and on Castaway Cay. Each day you can stop by
Shutters, the onboard photography shop, to view your photos. These photos will be a treasured reminder of your very first Disney Cruise!
Thank you again for using the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Gillian! We love assisting you with all your cruise questions!
Have a magical day!
Nancy