Automated PhotoPass coming to select character greeting locations

Nov 15, 2018 in "PhotoPass"

Posted: Thursday November 15, 2018 8:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Magic Kingdom's Town Square Theater will begin using an automated PhotoPass system, the first in a planned roll-out to nine locations.

Expected to begin soon with the Tinker Bell meet and greet, the new system will use an automated camera system instead of the traditional PhotoPass photographers.

A kiosk at the meet and greet will show the guest the captured image, with a touch point to scan with a MagicBand to associate the image. Much like those found at on-ride photo locations.

In an update from Disney since our original post, it is confirmed that there will still be over 100 locations where Disney PhotoPass photographers will be capturing images, and nine locations will feature the automated systems. Moments from the experience will be captured from start to finish, giving the guest a variety of images to choose from.

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GillyanneApr 17, 2023

Yeah the "keepers" and even the characters seem to get into a good groove and know the timing. As an adult it works out well for me. What I miss about live photographers is that they can judge when to snap for the more candid moments like a child walking up to the characters or hugging. I think I do have a few shots that are a lil awkward bc they're going into or out of a hug, and trying to time those to the automatic timer may be awkward

AndyS2992Apr 17, 2023

The photos it took of me and my partner with Anna and Elsa at Epcot last September actually came out all quite decent. I'd rather a person take the pictures of course but was pleasantly surprised with the automated cameras, at least in this one instance.

CaptinEOApr 17, 2023

Thanks everyone for the responses. This was a random thing I thought of today. Sad these are still in use.

CastAStoneApr 17, 2023

Here’s a photo of Mickey with my kid from the last time we did the photo pass boxes. The mouse is totally blocking the shot.

MagicHappens1971Apr 17, 2023

Unless I misunderstood the Genie+ PhotoPass thing, it's only at "attractions", I assumed that meant on-ride photos. Maybe someone who's used it and been in a similar situation can shed some light on it. I have the PhotoPass downloads with my AP so I've never noticed.

RSoxNo1Apr 17, 2023

So even Meet and Greets that have Genie+ integrated (like Town Square Mickey) aren't included?

MagicHappens1971Apr 17, 2023

No. Genie+ only gives attraction photos, if you have an upgraded AP with PhotoPass downloads, then yes.

OwlHouseKing97Apr 17, 2023

RSoxNo1Apr 17, 2023

Are these automated photopass locations included in your Genie+ purchase and/or your AP purchase?

ToTBellHopApr 17, 2023

These are planned to remain indefinitely as far as I know…

mm52200Apr 17, 2023

Most indoor meet and greets have either reopened with the boxes or switched to them at this point.

asianwayApr 17, 2023

I want to say the grotto reopened with them

DisneyDreamer08Apr 17, 2023

We had a photo box in DHS at the Olaf meet this past March ☹️

CaptinEOApr 17, 2023

Does anyone know if these are still around? Have they reverted fully back to in person photographers?