And I also prefer to take all the photos on my own camera and make my own photo album on another photobook web site for a fraction of the cost of the Disney photo albums. I consider myself price-conscious but not frugal, and I certainly splurge on many things at Disney, but honestly, the Photopass CD is one thing I just don't "get." What am I missing?
A few things. First, they typically only take 1 photo with the guests camera. Enough to show they were there, but usually just the normal "everyone smile" type pose. They typically take multiple shots, and if you get the right photographer, some pretty creative shots with their cameras. Second, the spontaneous interaction with characters. At character greets, they are often ready and shooting interactions with kids that most parents don't get. Trying to hold 2 autographs books, pens, hats, bags, and work the camera to get Suzy flying up to Minnie for that first hug/kiss doesn't work real well. Third, magic shots. The shots I have with the hitchhiking ghosts are pretty darn cool. Fourth, the fact that they are properly setup to do night photography. Yeah, you can snap a pic with your on camera flash and once again, get a picture to show you were there at night. But to properly expose the thematic lighting, as well as the guests, you typically need a tripod. And most people don't carry those with them to the parks. Fifth, water parks. Not many people have waterproof cameras to take to the parks, but they will take pictures for you.
I'll admit, it's not for everyone. However, personally I get good value from it. Our last order resulted in 12 cds. I'll hit alot of characters by myself, and even though the handlers will take pictures with my camera (at characters photopass tends to work their camera, while the handler will use yours) by the time they get ready to take the picture, the key interactions are already done with.
Does it also cover water parks?
During peak water park seasons (think summer) they do have photographers in the water parks. During slower times, they do not. If they are in the parks they will have the little cards on the wrist bands instead of having to carry around a normal card.
I only had a photo pass card for the 1st time on my last trip. This year when I got my package in the mail it included a photopass card.
Here are my questions:
1. It says free to sign up and that I can view and share my photos online. Is it free for online sharing?
Registration on the photopass site is a must. But you don't need to use the card they send you, you can grab new ones at the parks.
They have basic online sharing. Enough I think to be able to post low res versions to Facebook and the like. I don't recall it being a full on sharing site like Flickr or Picasa.
2. Can I purchase just individual photos and if so, how much are they?
You can, the price will vary based on promotions and the size you want. Figure on $14.95 and up.
3. It also says that I will be sent special offers during and after my vacation - has anyone received these offers? What kind of deals are they?
Thanks for your help
One week from today and I'll be walking down Main Street U.S.A!!! :sohappy:
Typically in the past the deals haven't been as good as the pre-order cd packages. Some people have reported things like $20 off the photopass cd. I'd say anything offered will be on par with the normal discounts that pop up, buy 4 get 1 free, 30% prints, stuff like that.
