Ahoy there, Callie!
Welcome aboard planDisney! It sounds like you’re planning a magical family gathering at sea, and with 35 Guests, I’d say that’s less of a group and more of a Grand Adventure—Walt himself would be proud! I completely understand wanting to capture the moment with a professional photo. When you’ve got your whole Ohana together, it’s the perfect time to freeze the frame on some lifelong memories.
Once you’ve boarded, had your embarkation-day lunch (maybe a burrito bowl from
Donald’s Cantina?) and done a little exploring, I recommend
heading straight to Shutters to chat with the wonderful Cast Members. Let them know your group’s size and your vision, and they can help you explore options for a
private photography session. These sessions usually come at an additional cost and, just a heads-up—photos from private sessions typically aren’t included in the Unlimited Photo Package, if you choose to purchase it.
While the backdrop stations set up in the Grand Hall (or Atrium, depending on your ship) throughout your cruise are great for smaller group photos, they generally max out at about eight Guests for safety and space reasons. And if you’re thinking about the Shutters Portrait Studio, note that it can accommodate up to 12 Guests max.
Since you're sailing with a group the size of a small royal ball, you'll want a location that’s spacious and visually stunning—like the sweeping staircase in the Atrium or Grand Hall, or a wide-open deck area with the ocean as your backdrop. If you're sailing on
the Disney Wish, the golden staircase with Cinderella’s statue below is practically begging for a bibbidi bobbidi beautiful family moment.
And if your itinerary includes a stop at
Castaway Cay, I highly recommend capturing a group photo by the Castaway Cay sign—it’s right after the first tram stop near the ship (Kargo Handling). With the sparkling blue water and the Disney ship behind you, it’s the kind of picture that’s always frame-worthy, whether you take it with a pro camera or just your phone.
I hope this helps you feel even more excited for your big group adventure at sea! A Disney cruise is the perfect place for unforgettable family moments, and with a little help from the photography team onboard, you’ll have memories that sparkle brighter than Tinker Bell’s pixie dust. Don’t hesitate to stop by Shutters early in your voyage to chat about timing, availability, and locations—they’ll help you find the picture-perfect plan.
Sea ya real soon as May brings sunshine, magical ports, and maybe a Mickey bar or two,
Dustin