Then and Now

When you take a trip to Disney, there are always new things to experience and see.  But today's post will take a look at some of the pictures that are my favorite because each time we go, we get to do something we remember and love.  

I drive the family crazy by making them take pictures we've posed for in the past or by making them recreate a memory from a previous trip.  These are some of my favorite pictures!  Scroll through them to enjoy my pics of Then and Now...

When you're ready to make these memories for yourself - please let me know!  I'll plan and book a Magical trip for you with no cost to you!!

Want to Know Where to Get the Best Pics at Disney World?

If you're anything like me, you have what you think of as an excellent memory.  But then you see a picture of something and realize you had forgotten all about that moment.

So to make sure you have a lasting memory of the fun you had on vacation, you'll want to have a lot of pics from your trip.  In this post, I'll let you know about some fun and new Photopass experiences and some pics you don't want to miss.

First, the pics you have to have...

In my book, if you don't get a family photo in front of the Castle and a family photo with Mickey, you've completely failed and will need to redo the whole trip!  It was almost a disaster this time as we weren't able to get the Mickey pic until OUR LAST DAY.  Trust me I was stressed about it.  The problem is that our usual plan of meeting Mickey first thing in the morning never panned out.  Both days that we started at Magic Kingdom didn't work - one was race day so we weren't there at rope drop and the other was the day that it was just Luke and I while the others played golf.  Now that Mickey has some cool technology that allows him to interact with the guests, the line gets crazy long.  So while I normally don't recommend a FastPass for a character meeting, if you're not going first thing, you might think about doing that.  I've heard rumors that they may discontinue the technology and just have standard photo ops which would speed up the line but that's not been verified yet.

Other pics that I love are those that you can only get if you purchase them through PhotoPass.  If you do Memory Maker (read more about that here), you can get all of these pics for one price.  If you don't think you'll want them all, you can purchase them individually from the website.  I love the Magic Shots and the in-ride photos.  Here are some of the new ones they offer since we were last there:

I love that each time we go, there is something new we haven't done or seen.  The Hitchhiking Ghost is one of my favorite pics from this trip!  And the addition of the in-ride photo at Pirates of the Caribbean is fun.  I'll admit that the Lantern pic is one of my most and least favorite pics.  The lighting makes me look 1,000 years old - yes, let's just say it's the lighting.  But you know how I love Tangled so the boys went and rode a couple rides while I waited in line for this.  Beware, the line is long since they only do this shot after dark and it seems to take people FOREVER to get together and smile, but I love it.  To get this pic, just head to the restrooms in Rapunzel's area (I still can't believe all she has are restrooms!!) sometime after dusk.  

Sadly one pic that I had heard rumors of before we went was a Magic Shot one with a Giant Dole Whip!  They are supposedly near Aloha Isle but I was never able to find a photographer there.  If you go, check for yourself and send me your pic if you get one!!

And lastly, don't forget to take lots of pics with your phone or personal camera.  As much as I love the PhotoPass pics, you can get a lot of really memorable ones yourself and they're free!  Also, don't underestimate your kids' photography skills.  Luke and Andrew took a lot of pics for me when I was on a ride or just not with them.  The first one in this group is one that will always remind me that Andrew had a broken finger and his cast REEKED of the nastiest odor ever! 

The next one is a really fun picture that you can ask the balloon vendor to help you with - they won't let go of the balloons, but they will move out of the shot so it looks like you've got the whole bunch.  

The next one is a benefit of early morning dining reservations.  A picture in front of the castle alone!  It's rare to get a pic without a throng of people in your shot.  And the last one is special to me since it's a pic of my race medal.  I love the castle in the background.  You can do this with anything you'd like - a new souvenir, a child's favorite stuffed animal...  I wish I'd had somebody's Flat Stanley with me on this trip!  

As much as I love being at Disney World, I know that memories fade.  These pictures won't and they'll bring me joy forever.  Let me help you plan a memorable trip so that you can get your own awesome pics!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get in the Picture - Everyone!!!

Update as of 10/11/2023…. The pricing for Memory Maker has increased to $185 for advanced purchase and $210 if you don’t purchase at least 3 days prior to your trip.

One of the best things about Disney world is their Photo Pass system and Memory Maker.  Here I will explain what these things are and some tips to help you make the most of them.

Disney's PhotoPass Service is the system used to take your pictures in the theme parks, on certain attractions and at some Character Dining locations. Memory Maker allows you to download all of those photos and videos for one price. If you purchase Memory Maker, you will have the rights to use your photos in any way that you'd like, including printing them from any service that you choose. In addition, you will also get on-ride videos and animated Magic shots that are only available to Memory Maker purchasers. 

I love the pictures that are included when purchasing Memory Maker - the Magic Shots are some of my favorites!

I also love the in-ride photos.  My hair is awesome in this pic!  :)  The pics are captured automatically based on your MagicBands.

And I love that in our Disney pics - unlike most vacations - I'm actually in the picture!  On other trips, I usually have the camera because I love torturing my children by making them take a billion pictures (according to them).  It's nice to be able to have myself included for a change.  You also have the choice to download them with frames and stickers which is fun.

If you feel like you've already spent enough money just getting to Disney World and don't want to spend money on your photos, not to worry!  Every single PhotoPass Photographer I've encountered has taken pictures using my own camera or phone.  When I went on my solo trip a while back, I didn't think it was worth the money to just have pictures of me alone so I didn't purchase the Memory Maker.  But I had the photographers take my pics and I came home with a couple hundred pictures.  

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My favorite is this one - when I handed the photographer my phone, he asked if I'd like some candid photos as I visited with Cinderella, rather than just the staged photos.  I said sure and then had a great belly laugh when I flipped through the pics later and saw his "candid" photo.

You also need to only purchase 1 Memory Maker per group if you are traveling with others.  Even if you are on a different reservations, as long as you are linked in My Disney Experience, all pics will be captured and can be downloaded.  I can help you when the time comes to make sure you've got it linked.

Stop and take pictures - always!!  Especially if you've paid for the Memory Maker, you'd be silly not to take advantage of every opportunity.  So when you see a photographer, stop!  Even if you're not buying the pics, have them take one with your camera.

When you get your pics made, ask the photographers if they do any Magic Shots.  Some will offer it and some won't tell you what they're doing - which is fun when you look at your pics later.  But some will just not mention it at all, so be sure and ask.  I think the photographers move locations often and they just don't think about the Magic Shots unless you ask.

Also, ask for some fun and different shots...  your backs as you look up at the castle, getting a kiss on the cheek from Mickey, anything you can think of to make your pics unique and truly a memory you will never forget.

You can save some money on Memory Maker by purchasing it in advance of your trip (at least 3 days in advance). As of this blog post, it costs $169.  If purchased at the parks, it's $199.  Also, be sure to note that your PhotoPass photos and videos expire 45 days from the date they are taken, so you will want to download them before they expire. 

Also, I don't work for Shutterfly or get any money for advertising for them, but they have a really cute Disney theme you can use and once you purchase Memory Maker, you are free to use them in a photo book.  I LOVE our books from our trips - and I catch the kids looking at them pretty often too.

Give me a call if you have any questions about these great services!  I'd love to book a trip for you and give you even more tips to increase the Magic!!

Character Greeting Tips

One of the most fun parts of a Disney vacation is meeting your favorite Disney characters.  A little planning helps as some of the characters have long lines.  Here are a few of my favorite character pics and then see below for tips to make the most of your time with your Disney pals.

This is one of my favorite character greetings to date.  Andrew had spent the week wearing his Mickey Mouse baseball cap.  Each time we went up to meet a character, he would turn his hat around backwards so he could get a big hug without bumping his hat into them.  When he saw Buzz, he threw his hat down and took off running.  Looking back, I imagine he totally jumped the line but Buzz gave him hugs and high-fives and it was THE BEST.  If you know Andrew, you know he's always been super shy, so to see him so excited was the cutest thing ever.

Here are other favorite character pics:

Tips to get the most fun out of your character greetings:

* Be sure and get a FastPass if your favorite character has one available.  If your kids are desperate to meet Anna and Elsa, you really need a FastPass.  Wait times are often over an hour for them.

* Don't waste time.  It drives me nuts when the group in front of me gets to the front of the line and waits until it's their turn to start digging in bags for cameras, autograph books...  Be ready!  May not seem like a big deal but if a minute is wasted on each group going thru, the lines get unnecessarily long.

* Be ready with your phone if you want the photographer to take a picture with it.  I love Memory Maker and Disney's Photopass service, but sometimes I want a pic on my phone so that I can immediately post it on social media.  Photographers are awesome and are always willing to take other pictures using your phone/camera.

* Be prepared for your little one to wait in line, be super excited to see the character and then refuse to go near them for pictures.  Sometimes it's all a bit overwhelming to them.  The photographers are great at getting candid shots and if you can just coax your child into getting into the general vicinity of the character, you can probably still get good photos.

* Be creative.  Characters that are able sign will sign other items besides autograph books.  I've heard of them signing hats, MagicBands (I can't believe I've never done this!), shirts (as long as you're not currently wearing it), hats and postcards.  Be sure to bring your own pen - sharpies work well on everything except autograph books.  Use a regular pen for those.

* Check the times.  Most characters have posted times as to when they'll be where.  Get to them early.  If you wait until late in the time frame, you may be told that even though the character is still there, the line is "closed" to new arrivals.

* Visit with them.  The characters that are able to speak will answer questions about themselves and their stories.  Super fun and can be quite funny - in the case of Gaston, Cinderella's Step Sisters, Peter Pan...

* Book a character meal.  If you want to meet Mickey but don't want to worry about getting a FastPass or waiting in line, you can book a breakfast.  You'll get a few minutes during your meal where you are guaranteed to meet and visit with characters and get photos.

Have fun and enjoy your time with the characters.  Where else can you get a warm hug from Olaf?  When you're ready to go get that hug, give me a call!!!

 

 

 

Hats Galore!

The best vacations are ones that you want to relive over and over in your memories and of course, pictures are a great way to do that.

I've made several photo books and even movies including all of our pictures and videos from our trips.  Don't worry, I won't make you watch them - but you can if you want!  :)

We like to do similar pictures on each trip and it's fun to see what changes and what stays the same.  On Disney trips, we've always had fun trying on silly hats.  And at Disney, there are LOTS of gift shops with LOTS of hats so we've tried on a bunch.  Scroll through these pics to see some of the many hats we've worn:

When you travel to Disney, be sure to take advantage of the Disney professional photographers, but take your own camera also.  Most of my favorite pics are quick shots that just happened to be in the perfect setting, light or circumstance.  

Stay tuned and soon I'll do a blog post on tips and tricks for using Memory Maker (Disney's photo service) and your own camera.  Call me today to book a trip and get started snapping your own pics!