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As Disney enters its second month of operation in the post-Covid world, things are different around the theme parks. These changes were made for the protection of the guests, as well as the Cast Members and extend from restaurant reservations, buying tickets, and waiting in line for your favorite attractions. However, Covid-19 has been able to force changes to something as innocuous as taking a photograph of you and your family during your visit. PhotoPass remains a great way to get pictures of everyone in your party while posing in front of Cinderella’s Castle or speeding off to your favorite rock concert aboard Rock ‘n Roller Coaster. For the next time you choose to visit, here is what to expect by way of changes in PhotoPass.
1. Masks Must Remain On
Disney currently enforces that masks must remain on at all times except when eating or drinking while stationary. This includes while taking photos. A PhotoPass Cast Member will not take your photo unless your mask is properly worn. Masks must also be worn on all rides, at all times. If you decide to pull your mask down on Splash Mountain for example, Disney will make it so that photo will not be available to you.
2. Props Are Sanitized
For any PhotoPass location where a prop is present, Disney is using the process to sanitize the props and are also encouraging the guests to avoid touching the props for their own safety. We have known for a long time that PhotoPass photographers are very inventive when it comes to photos, angles, and positions, so don’t be shocked to see the photographers doing their very best to get you and your family the best photos.
3. Character Meet and Greets Suspended
Traditional character meet and greets where guests interact with their favorite characters and pose for a photo have been suspended, so no longer are you able to hug Magician Mickey at the Town Square Theatre or cuddle up against your favorite Wookie at Star Wars Launch Bay. Given the nature of the virus, Disney decided there was no safe way to be able to protect both guests and Cast Members in this setting.
4. Characters Pose From a Distance
Understanding that a trip to Disney World would not be completed without photos with their favorite characters, Disney introduced some new ways that guests can still get their pictures with characters. Some characters will be appearing in new, surprising locations that allow guests to snap some one-of-a-kind photos. For example, the Main Street train station has been closed, but characters have been appearing on the landing outside the station allowing guests to get some awesome selfies. Characters also appear in pop-up cavalcades as they move through the park and guests can also pose for a photo as they drive-by.
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5. Cast Member Photos
Disney Cast Members are no longer able to take photos of guests using the guest’s own devices since there is no way to safely be able to do this. Cast Members will only be taking photos using the PhotoPass camera and guests will be able to locate their photos through the My Disney Experience app.
6. MagicBand Link
The PhotoPass photographers are now required to link the photos to your account through your Magic Band using their reader. They will maintain as much space as possible when doing this, but they can no longer hand out the cards with the special code on them that you later link to your account.
These changes in PhotoPass were made for the protection of everybody. Guests will still be able to get great photos to remember their trip by for years to come! Are you considering using the PhotoPass service on your next trip to Disney?
