Did you know there is a free, no appointment necessary portrait studio at Disney Springs? Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs has a different, gorgeously themed portrait setting each season plus virtual backdrops to make your Disney World photo dreams come true.
Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio
PhotoPass Studio is a small, and often overlooked, unique Walt Disney World photo op tucked into a complex of stores in Disney Springs Marketplace shopping area.
Choose from two different photo opportunities: a green screen with virtual backdrops and a traditional portrait option.
Virtual Backdrop Studio
The first photo area has a green screen background. This virtual backdrop helps realize all of your Disney photo dreams with a variety of different backgrounds.
A video screen at the entrance shows which fun virtual backdrops are currently available. Request specific options or let Disney PhotoPass photographers choose one they think works best for you.
Want a perfect family picture in front of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tree of Life? With Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio that dream becomes a reality.
Or are you imagining a white Christmas at Cinderella Castle? Choose a winter wonderland virtual backdrop where you pose in front of Cinderella Castle covered in a perfect blanket of snow.
Portrait Studio
The second photo area is a more traditional portrait studio. Lately the portrait side of the studio has transitioned from a classic gray backdrop to a focus on more seasonal decor.
For example, the Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio had an incredible Haunted Mansion inspired portrait background in the fall.
For the holiday season a red and black buffalo check bench sits in front of a snow covered antique pick up with cute Disney accents like a Mickey shaped wreath.
When there are not seasonal backdrops expect a plain portrait background and an assortment of props to make the pictures special.
How Much Does Disney PhotoPass Studio Cost?
Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio is free if you purchase Memory Maker or have it as an add-on to an Annual Pass. People think of buying Memory Maker for theme park, character, and on-ride photos, but often miss out on using the portrait studios.
Photographers take your portraits and scan your MagicBand, similar to how you take pictures in the theme parks. If your MagicBand is properly linked to your My Disney Experience account the pictures magically appear after your portrait session.
Download photos individually on the My Disney Experience app or in bulk on the Disney World website when you get home.
Taking time for a free photoshoot at a PhotoPass Studio makes purchases of Memory Maker a great value at Walt Disney World.
Do I Need Reservations For Disney PhotoPass Studio?
There are no reservations needed. Simply walk in and join the queue.
Times vary, but we generally haven’t waited long for our photo shoots. On a busy day it took 30 minutes to wait in line and take pictures at both photo areas, but on other visits we had no wait at all.
The photographers keep the sessions efficient to keep the line moving, but don’t make you feel rushed.
Tips For A Great PhotoPass Studio Experience
Plan Your Visit
Lots of people plan ahead to visit the PhotoPass Studio. For example, several families were taking holiday photos while waiting to see Santa.
Our stops are usually more impulsive. For example, we often skip the parks and visit Disney Springs as a rest day after a late night at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or before a special event like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
This most recent visit I knew we were going to meet Santa, but the weather was hot and sticky. I opted for shorts and a tank top to keep cool and then layered on a festive flannel for pictures.
Despite my best efforts the wind and heat made me less model ready than I’d prefer, but it was still better than the time we took a boat from Port Orleans in the midst of summer.
Dress The Part
Everyone should think about what they will wear for photos when visiting the Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio.
Use the same guidelines as you would for a family photoshoot outside of Disney World. Complementary colors and flattering silhouettes are good for everyone.
Pro tip: Avoid wearing green if you intend to take pictures in front of the green screen. Some shades blend into the background.
Touch up make-up or restyle hair before arriving since there is nowhere to get photo ready at the studio.
Have Fun
Having fun is the most important part of using Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio. This is your time to be the star and take memorable pictures.
The more you commit to your character the better the pictures will be. Remember to laugh, smile, and enjoy the special experience of your photoshoot.
Final Thoughts On The Disney PhotoPass Studio At Disney Springs
There are actually three Disney PhotoPass Studio locations: Disney Springs, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Sir Mickey’s at Magic Kingdom.
While the Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio is the most elaborate spot for vacation photos, Sir Mickey’s has a perfect location near Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Magic Kingdom.
No matter which PhotoPass studio you choose, make the most of your Walt Disney World Resort vacation with formal portraits at one of the three locations.
Do you need more help planning your Disney World trip? Check out other Disney World tips, tricks, and reviews in my Disney World Guides.
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