Hi Stephanie! Welcome to planDisney! As an amateur photographer and videographer myself, I’m thrilled to help you capture wonderful moments during your trip. After all, every PhotoPass click is worth at least a thousand magical memories.
Disney PhotoPass is a fantastic service at the Disneyland Resort that allows talented Cast Members to take professional-quality photos of your entire party (so no one is stuck as the “designated photographer” all day). You’ll find PhotoPass photographers stationed at many of the most iconic and picturesque locations, like right in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, ready to make your memories last. Simply walk up to a photographer in the green and blue PhotoPass costume, and they’ll happily take your picture. Often, they’ll even share fun posing suggestions to make your shots extra magical.
Once your photos are taken, you can either accept a card with a scannable barcode or link the images directly to your
Disneyland app by scanning your theme park ticket. If you’re using a
MagicBand+, the photographer can also tap your band so your photos appear automatically in the app. Q-tip: the app’s interactive map shows you where PhotoPass photographers are stationed each day, so you can plan your stops like a true Disney shutterbug. One of my personal favorites (besides the castle, of course) is the Mad Tea Party area. The colorful teacups are practically begging for a photo op, and no filter is required.
To make the most of your memories, you might want to consider
Disney PhotoPass+ One Week, which allows you to download all your PhotoPass pictures (including select attraction photos) for one price. Another option is purchasing
Lightning Lane Multi Pass in advance. Not only does this help maximize your time with access to Lightning Lane entrances, but it also includes unlimited PhotoPass downloads and access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses, augmented reality effects in the app that can turn an ordinary shot into something downright supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
If you’re scouting for scenic spots, I have a few favorites to recommend. At Disney California Adventure, Pixar Pier is breathtaking at sunset, especially if you frame a shot facing the Pixar Pal-A-Round. In Disneyland, the pathway just to the right of Sleeping Beauty Castle offers a unique angle of the castle without the crowds in the background. And don’t forget the clock on the façade of “it’s a small world.” Every 15 minutes, the doors open for a charming procession of animated figures. Snap a photo or video then, and you’ll have proof that even clocks have a flair for show business at Disneyland.
I hope these tips help you capture magical memories, Stephanie! If you have any other questions or need more planning suggestions, we’d be delighted to help you again here at planDisney.
Happy photo and video capturing,
David