Disney 100 Characters; mother, father, daughters; Donald Duck, Pluto, goofy
  • On Jun 22, 2025
    Molly from MS Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We are a military family and my husband’s commanding officer recently hired a local photographer to take family portraits in uniform at Disney before deployment. Can you let me know what locations is this is or is not permitted?

    Hello, Molly! I am so thrilled you made planDisney a part of your planning for this special time with your family. First, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your family's service to our nation. We are so fortunate to live in this great country and enjoy all its freedoms, thanks to military families like yours.

    It warms my heart to hear that you are heading to the Most Magical Place on Earth for quality time before your husband's deployment. And your husband's Commanding Officer sounds like a fairy godparent, knowing the importance of family and capturing these moments in time.

    The property rules prohibit "Photography, videotaping or recording of any kind, or otherwise engaging in any activity, for unapproved commercial purposes." I have heard that any photography where money is exchanged to take or purchase photos is considered commercial and is therefore prohibited.

    A Cast Member has also told me that if the photos are for personal use only, it may be OK. "May be..." is the key part of the phrase—no guarantees. The policy also states "unapproved commercial photography." I take this as permission to ask for approval. It is not guaranteed, but I recommend asking at the location to see if this is possible. Decisions like this can be up to the Cast Members closest to the situation. They can take into consideration the relevant policies, your situation and the environment, including the safety and enjoyment of the resort by other Guests.

    While I cannot guarantee you will be allowed to take pictures with a commercial photographer anywhere, I have a few recommendations on where I would try. First: Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. The area around Lago Dorado is practically perfect, especially in the evening when the lights around the lake start to twinkle. My other suggestion is Disney's Riviera Resort. There are numerous picturesque spots, including the Tangled and Peter Pan mosaics. Parking at a resort can be an issue without a resort or restaurant reservation. You would have to ask at the gate if parking is available. You may luck out and be allowed to park there if crowds are light. If not, Disney Resort Transportation is an option.

    If you have your heart set on pictures inside the theme parks, a Capture Your Moment photo session may be your best option. Disney PhotoPass photographers are so good and know the best spots with iconic backdrops. 

    I know this is not the news you hoped to hear. I wish it were easy to give you a list of locations and assurances that this is possible. Since commercial photography is prohibited, the best I can do is offer ideas on how you might make this happen. 

    Molly, I'm guessing you're aware of all the complex emotions that accompany your husband's deployment. While not the same by any means, I'd like to offer a mantra that I have been holding on to as my son starts his senior year of high school: "Don't miss him before he's gone." Allow yourself to be present in the moment, taking in all the laughs, smiles, stories and memories in the making. Don't let your head skip ahead and rob your heart of the joy that is in your midst. Your trip will be magical! Soak it all in! Enjoy it all!

    If you have any other questions, please come see us again at planDisney. We may not always have good news, but we will share what we can to help make your dreams come true.

    Thinking of the Happiest Things!
    Jana
thumbnail image for Jana

Meet the Panelist: Jana, Georgia

Hi, everyone! I’m Jana, a Disney-loving wife and mom from Atlanta. My boys (my husband and sons) are the greatest joys in my life. We have so many magical memories from our vacations at Walt Disney World Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line. I welcome the chance to share my knowledge and advice in helping you plan your visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Learn More About Jana

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.