Ears the News with Richard

Magic Kingdom's Monstrous Summer All-Nighter begins on Friday 5/24/2013. If you are planning on attending here is the schedule for the day. 

5/24/2013 – 5/25/2013, 6:00 AM to 6: 00 AM

Entertainment

Dance Party at the hub (2am to 5:45am)
Monsters Movie Night in Tomorrowland (11pm to 5am)
Monsters Dance Party in Tomorrowland (4pm to 9pm)
Monsters pre-parade (12:15pm, 2:45pm)
Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade (12:30pm, 3pm)
Main Street Electrical Parade (9pm and 1am)
Celebrate the Magic (9:45pm, 12:00am)
Wishes 10pm

Meet and Greets

Mike and Sulley: Intermittent from 11pm to 5am
Captain Jack Sparrow
Tinker Bell's Magical Nook
Ariel's Grotto
Town Square Theater
Mickey and Minnie in PJs 11pm to 6am

Attractions

Open 24 hours

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Town Square Theater
Jungle Cruise
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Swiss Family Treehouse
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
Tinker Bell's Magical Nook
The Hall of Presidents
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Country Bear Jamboree
Ariel's Grotto
Casey Jr. Splash n Soak Station
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Stitch's Great Escape!
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress

Open 24 hours but with intermittent closures

Pirates of the Caribbean (closed 5am to 6am)
The Haunted Mansion (closed 5am to 6am)
Splash Mountain (closed 4am to 6am)
"it's a small world" (closed 4am to 6am)
Dumbo (closed 2:30am to 4am)
Mad Tea Party (closed to midnight to 3am)
Peter Pan's Flight (closed 2am to 4am)
The Barnstormer (closed 11pm to 2:30am)
Under the Sea-Journey of The Little Mermaid (closed 5am to 6am)
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (closed 1:30am to 4am)
Space Mountain (closed 4am to 6am)

Dining

Open 24 hours

Plaza Ice Cream
Sleepy Hollow
Westward Ho
Gaston's Tavern
Tomorrowland Terrace

Special Items

"Eye Scream" sundae
Monster Cupcakes and Cookies
Monster Energy Drinks

The latest Magic Kingdom interactive game - 'A Pirate's Adventure - Treasures of the Seven Seas' is now in daily guest testing. As always with tests, they can be cancelled at anytime, but if you are wanting to give the game a try, head to the sign-up location just past Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland. Testing will be in operation from park opening until close from 5/19/2013 onward.

Disney Vacation Club will soon begin selling its latest Disney Vacation Club property - The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Sales began on 5/23/2013 for existing DVC members, and on 6/19/2013 for everyone else. The Grand Opening is expected to be in October 2013.

Hear from Ken Potrock, Senior Vice President and General Manager Disney Vacation Club about the property, and take a tour inside one of the model rooms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4of69astMBI#aid=P-uOO2Z2Zoo

Video from the Disney Parks Blog

The Passholder RFID conversion center at Epcot's Odyssey that has been upgrading guest's old paper tickets to the new RFID enabled cards is now closed. If you are looking to convert an old pass, you can now do so at any park Guest Relations window.

The West Side dock at Downtown Disney has reopened after being refurbished, and a new water transportation route is now in effect. Here is a summary of the latest routes and where you should go for each boat, along with current schedules.

West Side dock

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Treehouse Villas (Blue Flag)

Disney's Old Key West Resort (Green Flag)

Downtown Disney Water Taxi (Red Flag)

Pleasure Island dock

Downtown Disney Water Taxi (Red Flag)

Marketplace dock

Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside Resorts (Yellow Flag)
Port Orleans Resort Riverside to Port Orleans Resort French Quarter to Downtown Disney Marketplace to Port Orleans Resort French Quarter to Port Orleans Resort Riverside

Downtown Disney Boat Water Taxi (Red Flag)

Schedule

Water Taxi between Marketplace, Pleasure Island and West Side runs from 10:30am every 20 minutes during the day and every 10 minutes from 4:30pm until 11:30pm.

Boat service is every 20 minutes all day from Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Treehouse Villas, and Disney's Old Key West Resort.

Boat leaves every 20 minutes traveling from Port Orleans Resorts to Downtown Disney Marketplace from 10am - 4pm, and every 10 minutes from 4pm - 11pm. The final departure time from the resorts is 11:00pm. The final departure time from Downtown Disney is 11:30pm.

The Sounds Like Summer concert series kicks off at Epcot's World Showcase in a few weeks time featuring a whole host of tribute bands. Included with your regular Epcot park admission, the concerts take place from June 9 through to July 27 2013 at the America Gardens Theatre. The current list of performers and schedule is listed below.

Showtimes at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, 8:00pm
July 4 - showtimes 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm and 9:00pm

Stayin' Alive - A Tribute to the Bee Gees 6/9 - 6/15

Hotel California - A Salute to the Eagles 6/16 - 6/22

Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot - The Ultimate Billy Joel Show 6/23 - 6/29

Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute 6/30 - 7/6

SouthBound and Company - A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd 7/7 - 7/13

The Police Experience - A Tribute to The Police 7/14 - 7/20

2U - A Tribute to U2 7/21 - 7/27

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is scheduled to be closing for short refurbishment in June. The two day closure begins on June 22 through to June 23, reopening on June 24, 2013.

The Magic Kingdom's Jungle Cruise is scheduled to be closing for a lengthy refurbishment late this summer. The refurb is scheduled to begin on August 19 through to September 30, with a reopening on October 1, 2013.

The planned refurbishment of Prince Charming Regal Carrousel that was set for June has now been rescheduled for August. The closure begins on August 1 and runs through to August 21, reopening on August 22, 2013.

The Magic Kingdom's Liberty Square Riverboat to scheduled to be closing for a refurbishment from August 5 to August 9, 2013. Reopening is set for August 10, 2013.

MuppetVision 3D at Disney's Hollywood Studios is scheduled to be closing for a month-long refurbishment this summer. The closing date is set for August 6 through to September 2, with a reopening on September 3, 2013.

Did You Know?

 

The Earffel Tower water tower at Disney's Hollywood Studios (back right of the above photo), would wear a hat size of 342 3/4!

Disneyland Paris.... Strangely Familiar But Very Different.



World of Disney

The Disneyland Paris (DLP) resort is about 4800 acres in total, though less than half is a developed vacation resort. The main area (parks and hotels) is best described as like Disneyland Resort in size and scope. 6 resort hotels, shopping village, two parks, golf, campsite and partner (non Disney) hotels. The main Disney area is compact enough to be walkable, but big enough not to be cramped. Unlike the American resorts DLP is quite remote for visitors, being about 40 minutes from Paris by Metro train and 30 minutes from Charles de Gaulle airport by coach. The hotels have their own parking lots, and the parks both share one huge surface lot that has covered moving sidewalks in lieu of parking trams for transport to the gates. It's also worth noting the Disney hotels are all a 10-30 minute stroll to the parks, or a free for guests shuttle bus service constantly serves each resort hotel to the bus station adjacent to the park entrances.

The Village
 

Looking at an aerial photo or map, three hotels (2 mods and one deluxe) are around Lake Disney. The two values are either side of the Rio Grande river which feeds off the lake. The sixth straddles the turnstiles of Disneyland Parc (Magic Kingdom) itself. The campground is a drive away, being located at the far end of the DLP land. Between lake Disney and the parks is the Village, a changing for the better collection of eateries, stores, and the Wild West dinner show. Here is Cafe Mickey to Starbucks, Planet Hollywood to Rainforest Cafe. There is also a movieplex with IMAX. Next is a large open public space, the esplanade. Hotel guests walk within the secure, fenced side from the village to the parks. Day guests from the parking lot have bag check here. This is also where the RER (metro) and TGV and Eurostar (bullet trains) have a station. From here its right to Disneyland, left to the Walt Disney Studios Paris. The parks are literally side by side.

Village from Lake Disney

Before the parks, lets return to the main hotels. The Santa Fe and Cheyenne are the two value resorts. The former is a Route 66 style resort, the latter a Wild West town. Rooms are the smallest and spread out in separate buildings. They are however a good choice for budget travelling but staying at an official hotel. Like the other Disney resorts early entry to Disneyland is included as is a continental buffet breakfast. Usually your accommodation package for all Disney hotels includes length of stay hopper passes.  

 

Sequoia Lodge

Around the lake, the lowest moderate is the Sequoia Lodge. Recently renovated, rooms are in the main building or in a series of three floor lodges in an adjacent wooded area. Style is very similar to Disneys Wilderness Lodge. This is one hotel that feels more than a moderate! Montana rooms are in the main multi level building and are so slightly more but are just an elevator away from the two restaurants, bar, store and other facilities. Suites and lake views are available too.

 

Sequoia Lodge Breakfast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newport Bay

Next is the Newport Bay. Slightly more expensive, this is one big single building with wings, at opening the largest hotel in Europe. Styled similar to Orlandos Yacht and Beach club the facilities are very like the Sequoia. Suites and lake views (some with balconies) are available.

 



Hotel New York

The third lake hotel is the deluxe Hotel New York. Very modern yet retro, rooms are slightly bigger and the hotel is slightly more upmarket yet can feel sterile. Rooms are again split in one large building with wings. All these hotels also feature indoor/outdoor pools.



Check in at Hotel New York



Disneyland Hotel

Disneyland Hotel from Main Street

At the entrance to Disneyland Parc is the Disneyland Hotel. The most expensive and most extravagant of all. Styled similar to the Grand Floridian, rooms vary from small rooms with views of trees to suites, the most expensive overlooking Town Square and down Main Street USA itself. All resort hotel rooms have ensuites with bath/showers, cable tv with Disney channels, phones and everything else you would expect. Mods have certain room features the values don't. Worth comparing. Also worth noting is if the Sequoia is slightly cheaper than the Newport it is worth the cheaper option, although certain offers that are regularly available such as 4 nights for 3 etc. are often only valid for one hotel and not the other. As mentioned earlier, breakfast is usually included but its worth booking each mornings meal in advance at check in. You will receive a time slot to arrive to be seated to ensure any rush on tables is minimised. You can also book for no extra charge to eat breakfast in Disneyland Parc one or more mornings. Same food but in the park. Plaza Inn is an especially nice choice. You're eating time will be allocated anytime during early entry, usually 8-10am. Early entry also allows a choice of attractions, usually Peter Pans Flight, Dumbo, Buzz Lightyear and Space Mountain. You can also lineup at ropedrop into Adventureland or Frontierland early, though beware day guests will be given access to the hub before official opening times too.

Next time, the parks.

 

Guest Blogger - Martin Smith

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya

Lucky for us, the Mayans were wrong in their prediction of the end of the world last year.  However, they were extremely successful thousands of years ago in building amazing temples and other buildings that formed the basis for large cities throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.  For those of you lucky enough to sail on a Western Caribbean Disney Cruise with a stop at Costa Maya, you can see for yourself just how amazing these cities were.

Most stops in Costa Maya last a short 4-5 hours, which is the perfect amount of time for an excursion to the Chacchoben Mayan City.  The tour starts off with a 1 hour ride aboard an air conditioned coach bus from the port through the jungle and farmlands of the area.  For many people, this is an eye opening bus ride through very poor and rural areas of Mexico.  These villages and rural areas are much different from what we are used to seeing in the resort areas of Mexico.  During the bus ride, your tour guide does an excellent job of providing background history on the historic site as well as pointing out unique animals and vegetation along the route.

     

The actual walking tour of Chacchoben lasts about 2 hours and takes you along winding paths throughout what used to be a village with thousands of Mayan residents.  The excavations of the village began in the early 1970’s and still continue today.  Along the paths, you will see 3 large temples that are still mostly intact.  In addition, there are remnants of various other buildings including homes for the residents.  An interesting fact, Mayans were much smaller than the average human today, and the alley ways between their homes provided plenty of space for walking 2000 years ago, today however, they are much more difficult to walk thru.

On the 2 largest pyramid structures, tourists are able to walk part-way up the staircase for photographs and closer viewing of the materials used to construct the temples.  In another temple, there is a covered area that contains a hieroglyphic painting that was uncovered during the excavations 40 years ago.  Most of the painting has been covered back up to protect it from the elements, but if you are lucky like we were, your tour guide will have a replica of the painting to share with you.

 

 Throughout the tour, the guides do an excellent job of not only sharing the history of the area, but also giving you ample time to explore on your own and take lots of photographs.  During your explorations you may even luck out and see a spider monkey swinging thru the trees or a lizard lounging on a rock in the sun!

 

After the tour, you have a little bit of time to shop in a small marketplace with handmade goods for sale by local residents as well as Chacchoben souvenirs.  Then its time to board the bus back to the port, where you will arrive just in time to board your ship and set sail for your next destination. 

 

If you ever have the chance to explore this amazing historical site, I highly recommend it- I have a 6 and 8 year old who will tell you it was one of the highlights of the cruise for them.

- Stacy L. 

Ears the News with Richard

The Magic Kingdom's 'Celebrate the Magic' projection show is set to debut a new edition of the show later this month.  Like the previous castle projection show, 'The Magic, The Memories and You!,' the current show is expected to make seasonal changes to segments of the show throughout the year. The summer edition of the show is rumored to begin on 5/24/2013, which is also the day of the Magic Kingdom's 24-hour Monstrous Summer event.

The Peter Pan meet and greet at the Magic Kingdom will be moving locations from Sunday 5/12/2013. You will be able to meet both Peter Pan and Wendy in the queue area of the Peter Pan's Flight attraction in Fantasyland. Peter Pan has previously been meeting guests in Adventureland.

Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

In a ceremony at the Magic Kingdom's Cinderella Castle this morning, Merida officially became the eleventh Disney Princess.  During the ceremony, Merida was joined by Gymnastics gold medalist Gabby Douglas, and all of the other Disney Princesses: Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana and Rapunzel. Check out the video below for a look at the event.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qhDAZUA0c14

Video from Disney Parks

Downtown Disney's Cirque du Soleil La Nouba is now closed for refurbishment through to 5/27/2013, with the next performance to be on Tuesday 5/28/2013.

Epcot will once again present the International Food and Wine Festival later this year, and for the first time will feature a Scotland Marketplace. Also confirmed to be returning is Brazil, along with Africa, Hawaii, Terra and Florida Local. All of your festival favorites, such as Eat to the Beat Concert Series, celebrity demonstrations and premium events are back for 2013. The festival runs this year from 9/27/2013 to 11/11/2013.

Here is the full press release from Disney.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney guests can sip and savor fresh flavors from six continents during the 18th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 27-Nov. 11, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney chefs will debut the authentic tastes of Scotland at the celebrated 46-day festival known for innovative food, wine, beer, cocktails, music and entertainment.  The sizzling aromas of more than 25 ethnic and specialized marketplaces including Africa, Brazil and Florida Local will tempt guests strolling the World Showcase Promenade.  Celebrity chefs like Warren Brown and Jamie Deen will bring culinary cachet to special festival events and demonstrations.

Festival planners will present a delectable menu of premium programming, plus daily wine tastings and mixology seminars.  Nightly Eat to the Beat concerts will keep the party rockin’, and five bands will make their festival debut this year.  In Future World, the iconic Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog will return for a third year to introduce families to the cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage.

Fresh for 2013:

New marketplace debuts; favorites return -Traditional flavors with a twist will pair with beers, meads and Scotch at the new Scotland Marketplace designed by Walt Disney Imagineering.  Scottish officials were so impressed with the hit Disney film, “Brave,” that they contacted festival planners about participating in this year’s festival.  The Brazil Marketplace returns by popular demand with an exciting new menu following a one-year hiatus.  Hawai’i is back with its flavorful Kalua Pork Slider, and Terra, which debuted last year, returns with vegan favorite Trick’n Chicken Curry.

Fan favorites rock the house at Eat to the Beat! Concerts – “We Got the Beat” with the Go-Go’s (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) and four other musical acts are set to make first appearances at Eat to the Beat nightly concerts.  Also new to the festival stage: Edwin McCain (Oct. 10-11), The Manhattan Transfer (Oct. 12-13), Spin Doctors (Oct. 31-Nov. 1), and Christopher Cross (Nov. 2-3) Nineteen bands are slated, with STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas kicking off the concert series Sept. 27-29.  Returning fan favorites include The Pointer Sisters, Smash Mouth, Boyz II Men, Sister Hazel, Air Supply, Hanson and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Celebrity chefs cook and dish - Renowned chefs like Warren Brown, Paula DaSilva, Gale Gand, Jamie Deen, Robert Irvine, Dean Max, Rock Harper, Jeff Henderson, Art Smith, Buddy Valastro, Allen Susser, “Cake Boy” Eric Lanlard, Duskie Estes and John Stewart, Donald Link, Bryan Voltaggio and Emily Ellyn share their talents during culinary demos and premium events.

Festival Welcome Center buzzes with activities – Guests can make the most of complimentary Authentic Taste seminars.  Culinary demonstrations and wine seminars feature new tastes and sips for a nominal fee.

Reserved culinary events draw foodies — Special culinary programs showcase a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers like Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson as they participate in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

Other festival highlights include:

More than 270 chefs including Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country

A complimentary Marketplace Discovery Passport to be stamped at each international marketplace visited for the perfect scrapbook souvenir.

Party for the Senses grand tasting events Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, and Nov. 2 featuring tempting bites from eminent chefs, more than 50 wines and beers and live entertainment.

Premium events including “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery on select Fridays, Cheese Seminars on Saturdays and Sweet Sundays on Sundays.

What’s Included with Epcot Admission:

Authentic Taste seminars, Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, special book signings, Eat to the Beat! concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:

The Party for the Senses grand tasting events and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission.  Guests will be able to call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) to make reservations after an August date is announced.  Information and reservations for select events and programs will be at www.epcotfoodfestival.com.

Disney has also released the lineup for the 2013 Eat to the Beat Concert Series - part of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Here are all the confirmed acts that will appear this year.

Sept. 27-29 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Go-Go’s
Oct. 2-4 – Air Supply
Oct. 5-6 – Sister Hazel
Oct. 7-9 – Sugar Ray
Oct. 10-11 – Edwin McCain
Oct. 12-13 – Manhattan Transfer
Oct. 14-15 – Wilson Phillips
Oct. 16-17 – The Pointer Sisters
Oct. 18-20 – Night Ranger
Oct. 21-23 – Boyz II Men
Oct. 24-25 – Survivor
Oct. 26-27 – 38 Special
Oct. 28-30 – Smash Mouth
Oct. 31-Nov. 1 – Spin Doctors
Nov. 2-3 – Christopher Cross
Nov. 4-5 – Hanson
Nov. 6-8 – Dennis DeYoung
Nov. 9-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland now has an updated menu for both lunch and dinner. Both lunch and dinner have seen price increases across some dishes. As an example, the 'Assorted Cured Meats and Sausages' appetizer has increased from $14.99 to $16.49, and the Grilled Strip Steak entree has increased from $29.99 to $32.99.  Tweaks to the menu offerings has seen some dishes replaced. At dinner, the Cornish Hen has been replaced with Chicken Breast dish, and at lunch the steak sandwich has been replaced with a roast beef sandwich.

The scheduling for the first Star Wars Weekend on 2013 has been released.  Here is the rundown of the times for all the Star Wars Weekends events for the opening weekend, 5/17/2013 – 5/19/ 2013.

Park Hours: 8am to 10pm

Visiting Celebrities: James Arnold Taylor, Ashley Eckstein. Ray Park, Jeremy Bulloch, Dee Bradley Baker

Padwan Mind Challenge (Sorcerer Hat Stage) 2:10pm and 4:30pm

Jedi Training Academy (Star  Tours Stage)   8:45am; 9:20am; 10:05am; 10:35am; 12:00pm; 12:30pm; 1:00pm; 1:30pm; 2:00pm; 2:30pm; 3:00pm; 3:30pm; 4:00pm; 4:30pm; 5:00pm; 5:30pm; 6:30pm; 7:00pm; 7:30pm

Rebel Star Wars Character Encounters 8am to 7:30pm

Imperial Star Wars Character Encounters 8am to 7:30pm

Celebrity Motorcade 11:00am

Celebrity Welcome at Sorcerer Hat Stage 11:15am

Behind the Force (Premiere Theater) with host Ashley Eckstein and guests 12pm and 1:45pm

Stars of the Saga  (Premiere Theater) with host James Arnold Taylor and guests 3:30pm

Obi-Wan and Beyond (Premiere Theater) - Starring James Arnold Taylor and a Galaxy of Voices 6:30pm

Visit to the Maul (Premiere Theater) with host James Arnold Taylor - Starring Ray Park 5pm

Hyperspace Hoopla! (Sorcerer Hat Stage) 8pm

Did you know?

 

Did you know that the Seven Seas Lagoon in front of the Magic Kingdom is man made?  The Seven Seas Lagoon is also the main waterway for resort and Transportation and Ticket Center ferries.  It is also where the nightly Electrical Water Pageant takes place!  Guests can also rent watercraft from the surrounding resort marinas to use on the Seven Seas Lagoon, as well as Bay Lake.

Making the Most of Disney's PhotoPass

PhotoPass Photographer on Main Street USA

One of my favorite tips that I love to pass on to Walt Disney World guests is to take advantage of Disney’s PhotoPass service.  This is a program that has gone through great changes in recent years, and is a convenient way to help guests record their vacation memories.  If you have visited before, you have probably noticed photographers throughout the parks and water parks.  They take free, no obligation pictures that may be viewed and purchased either in parks or online.  While the price for individual prints may seem high, I have some tips to help you get the greatest value from this service.

Enhancements and Borders can be added at home

-Buy a PhotoPass CD.  For the cost of a few prints, you can have UNLIMITED pictures delivered to you on a disc.  While on vacation, you will have a PhotoPass card with a unique 16 digit code on the back, which each photographer will scan before taking your pictures.  Once you are home, you enter this code into your online PhotoPass account, and will then be able to perform minor edits and add enhancements (such as borders and character autographs).  You can also edit your pictures as many times as you’d like- they really do mean “unlimited!”

-Decide which option is best for you: a standard PhotoPass CD, or PhotoPass+.  The second option gives you all the benefits of the CD, but also includes photos taken at many attractions and dining locations.  If you have character meals planned, or think you would like to have ride photos, then PhotoPass+ would be a great option for you.

Ride Photos at several attractions are included with PhotoPass+

-Purchase ahead of time.  When you purchase your PhotoPass CD or PhotoPass+ at least 14 days before your trip, you can receive a discount.  With PhotoPass+, you will receive a package in the mail that includes a voucher and information on where to pick up your lanyard.  If you prepay for just the CD, you will receive a promotion code at time of purchase, and after you have finished editing your pictures, simply enter that code and your CD will be on its way.  The current preorder prices are $149 for PhotoPass+ and $119 for a PhotoCD.  If you wait until arrival, the prices are $199.95 and $169.95, respectively.  (Please note- while Disney often offers this discount, they have taken it away in the past, and may discontinue it again in the future).

-Once you have your PhotoPass card or PhotoPass+ lanyard, take a picture of your 16 digit code.  If your card is somehow lost, you will then still have the code needed to access your pictures online. Each online account can have multiple cards, so if you are with a big group that splits up, each group can have a separate card and combine the pictures later online.  If you have PhotoPass+, keep in mind that only the original card on the lanyard can be used for attraction and dining pictures, but you can still enter codes from multiple regular cards and attach them to your account.

Photographers are at many Character locations

-Look for photographers, and take as many pictures as possible.  They are located in every park and water park, near the main icon (such as Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom), as well at many character meet and greets.  You may find them in other locations throughout the parks as well; just keep your eyes open! PhotoPass photographers are not pushy, and will not solicit you.  Simply approach them and ask them to take your picture; if you have pre-purchased or are planning to buy a CD, let them know.  They will often take a few extra pictures.

-Ask for “magic shots”.  You may feel like you are taking a silly picture- staring into your empty 

hands, or grabbing something imaginary in the air- but when you view your pictures later, you will have a fun surprise!  Tink, Sebastian, Stitch, and others have been known to find their way into many PhotoPass pictures.  Not all photographers or locations will have magic shots, but it doesn’t hurt to ask- just be willing to get creative and have fun

Magic Shots will give you a surprise later!

 

-Don’t forget to claim your pictures online when you get home.  PhotoPass cards must be entered into your account within 30 days of being used.  Once you have your pictures in your online account, you have 30 days until they expire and are deleted, so be sure to add any enhancements and order your CD before the deadline.  Extra time can be purchased if necessary.

Even if you are a photography fanatic like I am, Disney’s PhotoPass program can be a great asset to your vacation.  It is an easy way to make sure your entire family is in the picture, and bring home photos with an extra touch of magic. 

Carissa