Disney’s PhotoPass™ Service

Disney PhotoPass™ Service lets you create picture-perfect memories of your whole family at iconic park locations as well as capture photos and videos at select attractions! 

Anytime you see a Cast Member with a camera, take a moment from the hustle and bustle of the park day to stop and have your photo taken complimentary! It's super easy to link your photos to your Disney account by scanning your MagicBand or Key to the World card, Disney PhotoPass™ card, or annual pass. When you wear your MagicBand to the park, your attraction photos will even be automatically linked to your account. You'll be able to preview all your Disney PhotoPass™ photos (with the watermark) and have the option to purchase photo downloads and prints to share. Choose just your favorites or buy them all with Memory Maker!

As an advisor, I always recommend adding Memory Maker to your Disney vacation package! Not only do you receive a discount when you add it on before your arrival, but you also don't have to worry about things like who will be missing from certain family photos or stopping and trusting a stranger on their vacation to handle your phone or camera to take your photos. You get to truly enjoy your time knowing all your documented memories are taken care of! Plus, there are all kinds of extra special touches, like animated photos, attraction videos (select attractions), and Magic Shots! Magic Shots are when the Cast Member instructs you to do a certain pose which may seem silly at the time, but when you preview your photo later, you'll find a Disney friend has joined your group! 

You can even preserve your Disney memories on personalized photo gift products, and share your photos with up to 25 friends and family who share media with you on My Disney Experience! This is a HUGE saving for large families and groups traveling together! 

Universal Orlando™

I am certified to work with you to create memorable trips to other fun-filled destinations like Universal Orlando™! 

At Universal Orlando Resort, you will discover two fun-filled theme parks, a thrilling water park, cool and convenient resort hotels, unforgettable dining, incredible entertainment, and more! 

©Disney Destinations

It's safe to say that when most people think about a ©Disney vacation, they picture the stunning castle and fun of Magic Kingdom® Park. While there is no denying the special feeling associated with a visit there, there is so much more to experience as well. Check out this list below of different ©Disney destination ideas we could plan for your next trip! 
 

Walt Disney World® Resort

One of the most popular destinations in the world with four unique theme parks (including Magic Kingdom® Park) two greatly themed water parks, four world-class golf courses, the ultimate sports complex experience, shopping and dining, entertainment, and so much more.  With so much to see and experience, planning can be overwhelming, and I'm here to help! 

Disneyland® Resort

Experience where it all began! Located in the heart of Anaheim, California is where Walt’s dreams came alive. Visit Disneyland® Park, Disney California Adventure® Park, and the Downtown Disney® District and immerse yourself into Walt’s world. With three beautiful resorts, I will help you select one that’s perfect for your family while enjoying the California sunshine and the magic of ©Disney.

Disney Cruise Line  

Set sail and discover fun and relaxation for everyone in the family on a Disney Cruise! You'll find enchanting entertainment, spacious staterooms, a variety of dining, nightclubs, and lounges, youth clubs, pools, recreation, and Disney's own private island on most Bahamian and Caribbean cruises. There's also a variety of adults-only areas both on and off the ship! With so many beautiful places to choose from and four distinguished ships (and another on the way in Summer of 2022!) I can help you select the perfect itinerary for your family. If you are having trouble deciding between a high seas adventure and the excitement of the theme parks, I can help you select the perfect land and sea combination vacation!

Adventures by Disney®

This hassle-free guided vacation provides culturally immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that prove all vacations are not created equal. Your Adventure Guides will be your storytellers throughout your journey engaging you with people and traditions, in ways that show you more than just sights, so you become part of the story. Whether it’s heading "down under" to explore tropical rainforests and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, marveling at the gilded treasures of King Tutankhamun and the Great Pyramids at Giza on an epic Egypt adventure, or exploring the ruins of the ancient Inca civilization and seeing the glorious Machu Picchu,  I can help you select the perfect destination to make your dream vacation a reality! There are even adult-exclusive itineraries, river cruises, Disney Cruise Line add-ons, and more! 

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Aloha! Positioned on the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina on the coast of O’ahu, immerse yourself in time-honored traditions with an array of Hawaiian inspired experiences for everyone in your family.  I can help you plan an unforgettable getaway celebrating the beauty, history, and welcoming spirit of the island.

Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort

Enjoy time on the island of Hilton Head with the hospitality of Disney! This elegant, relaxing home-away-from-home—fashioned after a 1940s hunting and fishing lodge—combines local charm and simple pleasures with outdoor fun for the entire family. The resort features multi-roomed villas and many recreational activities, including 12 miles of heavenly beaches. I can help you design the perfect getaway filled with fun, adventure, and relaxation.

Disney's Vero Beach Resort 

Relax on the warm sand and play in the sparkling blue waters of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. This elegant old-fashioned hideaway is located on Florida’s scenic Atlantic Treasure Coast near the charming community of Vero Beach. Get away from it all in spacious lodgings that provide the comforts of home with an idyllic beach practically at your doorstep. What's really unique about this resort is that it shares space with the nesting grounds of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle!  I can help you design the perfect getaway filled with fun, adventure, and relaxation.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ Attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ Attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® was one of my absolute favorite rides growing up. Although it is warned that this attraction can be frightening to some Guests, even as a child I found it exciting, and has always remained one of my favorite thrills in the parks. This attraction is a free-fall drop ride that was inspired by the popular television series The Twilight Zone® on CBS that originally aired from 1959 to 1964. It's hard to imagine how you could create a ride out of a show like this, but if anyone can do it, Disney can! Fun fact? This attraction is so popular, you'll also find a version of it at Tokyo DisneySea and Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris, France. It was formerly located at Disney California Adventure Park in California as well but has since been reimagined there to  Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! 

Here at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, you're immersed in the story of the Hollywood Tower Hotel that was struck by lightning on October 31, 1939. You learn that an entire section of the hotel, along with an elevator carrying five individuals, plunged and its occupants mysteriously disappeared. Upon first entering, Guests will make their way through a winding queue of overgrown gardens, vine-covered pavilions, and 1930's jazz music playing softly overhead. The front of the building is gravely burned from the lightning strike, and the dusty and spiderweb filled hotel lobby feels stuck in time! Guests eventually board a maintenance elevator for a trip into the Twilight Zone!

                  

I think the most unique aspect of this ride, is the fact that you don't just board the elevator and have a single long drop and it's over. At one moment during the approximately 15-minute ride, your elevator vehicle actually comes out of the shaft and through a ride scene! Then your drops begin, and you are being pulled down and back up again for more thrills! The pattern of drops are randomly selected as well, so you never know what to prepare for! 

The height requirement is 40" (102cm or taller) and children under 7 must be accompanied by someone age 14 or older. Accessibility: Must transfer from wheelchair or EVC to ride. This attraction does offer  

Disney FastPass+ service. WARNING! For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back, or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride.

Check out this great video by SoCal Attractions 360 on YouTube for a virtual drop! 

Returning to the Magic

The year 2020 has been a difficult one, to say the least. While there are many different points of view and opinions on the subject of COVID-19, what I believe we can all agree on is that this pandemic has been life-changing in many ways for all of us. 

Many have experienced the tragic loss of loved ones due to this virus, many have experienced the virus themselves, many have experienced hardship and financial loss, many have been significantly impacted by schools being closed, many have had to close their businesses and lost everything, many feel angry and that we need to open back up for the sake of our economy, and so much more. 

I personally feel as though the Disney company has done an outstanding job of adjusting on the fly and persevering through these hard times. While everything about Disney is magical, unfortunately, there is no one magical answer to creating a situation that works for every single Guest, Cast Member, etc. Although out of their control, once in a lifetime trips have had to be canceled that may never get the chance to happen again, Disney College Program students received opportunities of a lifetime that had to be cut short and may not ever happen again, travel agents who worked tirelessly curating custom trips for their clients watched as they had to be canceled one by one, and again, so much more. 

What is important is that Disney has put the health and safety of Guests and Cast Members at the forefront of their changes, so that we can all hopefully get back to enjoying the full Disney experience as soon as possible. 

While some are unable or prefer not to travel right now due to the current events, for those that are curious about what a Disney vacation might be like at the moment, I wanted to share what precautionary steps are being taken and what you can expect right now.

ENHANCED CLEANING
Extra attention is given to high-traffic areas, including public elevators and escalators, handrails, benches, tables, handles, restrooms, transportation vehicles, and more. Additionally, housekeeping services have been modified at Disney Resort hotels to include enhanced cleaning and reduced contact.

Photo from Walt Disney World (Kent Phillips, photographer)

PHYSICAL DISTANCING 

Temporary adjustments are in place to promote physical distancing. Directional signage and ground markings have been installed to help Guests navigate common areas and assist with distancing in queue lines. Physical barriers have been added in select places where it is difficult to maintain distancing guidelines. Parking is designated to every other space and cashless payment is recommended. Cast Members have been trained to engage with Guests promoting and reminding to physical distance in common areas and queues. 

Photo from Walt Disney World

REDUCED CONTACT

Experiences may be modified to reduce contact, including Mobile Order service for dining, mobile dining check-in, scannable codes for select restaurant menus, cashless payment options, mobile check-in at Disney Resort hotels, and more! 

Photo from Walt Disney World (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

PARK ATTENDANCE & CAPACITY

Park attendance is being managed with the all-new Disney Park Pass reservation system - now available to Guests with valid admission. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for Guests ages 3 and up. 

Photo from Walt Disney World (Olga Thompson, photographer)

FACE COVERINGS
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. You will need to bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing. All face coverings (whether reusable or disposable) must be made with at least two layers of breathable material, fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin, fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free. At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings. Costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with existing rules. The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.

Photo from Walt Disney World

TEMPERATURE SCREENINGS 

Temperature screenings are required for entry to some locations. You will be required to undergo a temperature screening with no-touch thermometers before entry to some Walt Disney Resort locations including the Walt Disney World theme parks, the Disney Springs area, and table-service restaurants at Disney Resort hotels. Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Those with temperatures 100.4 F and above will not be allowed entry, those in their party will not be allowed entry either. Before you leave home, be sure to check the temperatures of everyone in your party including yourself as an extra layer of precaution. 

Photo from Walt Disney World

        

If you have never been to Walt Disney World Resort before and are looking for that coveted experience that includes intimate character meet and greets, big parades, live shows, and fireworks, this may not be the best time for you to go as many of these experiences have had to be paused for the safety of everyone visiting and working.

However, this can be a truly unique time to go, a time when crowds are lower and wait times are shorter, and together we can find new and safer ways to create special moments and memories to treasure. Disney has come up with incredibly creative ways for Guests to interact with favorite characters and is making sure the magic is still alive and well. 

If you would like to learn more about visiting Walt Disney World, I would love to help you plan your trip! Contact me for more details at shannon@101-vacations.com.