Are the times of Disney PhotoPass Cast Members at character meet-and-greet locations coming to an end? We sure hope not!
Mickey and Minnie Meet-and-Greet
We have spotted another automated camera in place of a PhotoPass Cast Member. This time, it was found at the Mickey and Minnie meet-and-greet at Town Square Theatre in Magic Kingdom.
Disney has tested this system out at a few different locations throughout the last few years. We’ve seen them tested with Tinker Bell in Magic Kingdom and at Star Wars Launch Bay in Hollywood Studios.
So, what are they you ask? Well, they are automated cameras that have been placed inside a themed box. This one, in Mickey’s dressing room, is located inside a bookcase.
Automated Camera
Guests will look at the camera as if they were looking at a PhotoPass Cast Member. The Character Attendant should assist you in knowing when to pose.
The system is on a timer and took five or six photos when we were visiting. While we still had nice photos at the end of the interaction, it seemed much more difficult to get those fun candid shots. But remember, you can ask the Character Attendant to snap a few for you on your personal device.
Automated Camera and Character Attendant
After taking your photo with the box, you will scan your MagicBand on the PhotoPass kiosk so that the pictures will be linked to your My Disney Experience app.
MagicBand Kiosk
Sadly, while this gets the job done, we really miss the interaction with the PhotoPass Cast Members. They typically do such a great job and know how to get a good shot. Especially when you’ve got little ones who are scared of the characters or don’t like to stand still. But, we are glad that most locations throughout Walt Disney World are still operating with PhotoPass Cast Members.
While we aren’t sure how long this system will be sticking around since it could be a test, we will be sure to keep you updated!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think of this new addition? Let us know in the comments below!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
That makes me sad! We don’t go see Tink as often because of this. It upsets me that they did it for Mickey and Minnie! I don’t think the pictures are near as good.
Horrible Horrible horrible! These aren’t even close to photos taken by humans! No candids, no close ups, no fun photos. My daughter has special needs and doesn’t know where to look or when. She does fine with a person but had no idea with a box. I will not be purchasing memory maker if this is the future!
Cast members are NOT fans of this. It’s not making for a good experience for anyone and the quality is much less. Ultimately I think it will substantially cut down on photo pass orders. As a pass holder, I will avoid them and look for opportunities with real live photographers.
Odd, that a company which puts so much emphasis on interaction and service would even try this. It’s so impersonal.
So how long did it take for those pics to show up in the app? We met them last night around 8:15 and these shots are still missing 12 hrs later. Wasn’t sure if it was because of the new personless system or not.
I think this is a poor substitute for a person taking the photo. What’s next? Not being able to take pictures with your own device so you have to buy the Photopass?
What… no. I liked the little interactions during meet and greets that the photographer would capture, not some soulless machine that’s just taking pictures on a timer. That human touch makes it more fun!
I do not like this idea either. I got home and I had some other child with my memory maker and had to stay on the phone with Disney for over an hour before they fixed the problem.
Jen, our on-site person tells me that it took until the next day for the pics to show up, so it’s possible yours are still pending.
Yet another example of what the $15 an hour minimum wage REALLY means.
So glad I was able to get this last Sunday while there was still a live photographer. I will not be buying photopass on future trips if this is what we will be getting!
I’m told by an insider who makes about $11.50 an hour that they have already done their testing and the boxes are here to stay, and they will be placing them in all the Character locations eventually. The Characters hate them because they can’t move outside of the designated photo area so their interaction with the guest is severely restricted. They also seem to have a problem with breaking, but anything for a buck, right Disney?
That is really disappointing! We usually get PhotoPass. However, pictures from our last trip just weren’t that great. The ride photos downloaded with boarders all ready on them. I could do little to get my group in the photos I wanted. I’m not sure PhotoPass is worth it anymore
This is very sad news, I hope they change this back to having a human being taking the photos, the photos are much better, it would be a nightmare for little kids, they won’t know where to look, I can see PhotoPass sales going down hill fast!
I will not be buying a photo pass if this is what there will be. I do not at all want automated cameras. I have always enjoyed the photographers and believe you can not get better pictures than they do. That is disgusting!!! Replacing photographers with camera boxes.