Hi Kirsty,
I'd be happy to help clarify the difference. Disney's PhotoPass is a service offered in and around the Walt Disney World Resort. There are designated photographers all over the theme parks to take your family's pictures. When you go up to a photographer and they take your picture, they will scan a PhotoPass card and hand it to you. Hold on to this card. All the images taken throughout your visit by these photographers will be linked to this card. There is no need to get a new card each time. However, if you get more than one card, it is ok, it is just more to keep up with. There is no obligation to purchase these photos. Once you return home, you can go to the Disney's PhotoPass website, enter your card number(s) and view your photos. If you decide to buy, there are several options. You can buy a Photo CD with all the images (edited and unedited) or you can purchase individual photos (either by prints or digital file).
Now, there is an upgrade to this already awesome service called PhotoPass+. This is a card that can be pre-purchased for a discount or purchased once you arrive. With the PhotoPass+, you receive ALL the images taken on your vacation around the parks by the photographers mentioned above PLUS those taken at select dining locations and attractions on a photo CD. This CD will also include over 300 stock photos from around the Walt Disney World Resort and the limited license agreement so that you can print your photos at home or local photo print shop. To take advantage of the
PhotoPass+ pre-purchase special offer, you need to purchase at least 14 days before your vacation. You will then receive a voucher to redeem at any PhotoPass Sales Center to get your PhotoPass+ lanyard and card to use (in place of the standard PhotoPass card).
Say "cheese" and have a magical vacation!
~Allison L