Some of my favorite photos from Walt Disney World were not even taken by me; they were taken by a machine! That is why I love the ride PhotoPass system at Disney. These cameras were able to capture my excitement as well as my fear on many rides throughout all 4 parks. Plus these photos are my proof that I actually rode certain rides, like Rock and Roller Coaster (this one scares the death out of me!).
What is the PhotoPass System?
PhotoPass is Disney’s photography system throughout its parks and resorts. This system consists of PhotoPass photographers that are on-hand throughout the parks and resorts taking your photos, stationary cameras located on rides, as well as the system for you to purchase the photos that are taken by Disney.
You have two options for purchasing the photos that are taken. You can buy individual photos or you can buy Memory Maker, which gives you unlimited access to download all of the photos that Disney captures during your stay.
What Rides Have PhotoPass Cameras on them?
There are 12 rides throughout Walt Disney World that have stationary cameras on them (plus 1 bonus ride at Epcot that I discuss below). Some of the rides show you a preview of your photo when you get off the ride and then you scan your Magic Band for the photo to show up in your “My Disney Experience” account. Others do it automatically and the photos just show up in your account. It’s always fun to see the expression on your face!
I do have to admit, the PhotoPass cameras don’t always capture you on the ride. I have been disappointed a couple of times to find out that my photo didn’t appear as it should. This has happened to me on Pirate of the Caribbean and Slinky Dog Dash. But the ones they do capture make up for it!
Magic Kingdom
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Where is the camera: Near the end of the ride on Emperor Zurg.
In this photo, you can see that I took a photo of the preview screen when I got off of the ride. It shows you to scan your MagicBand to get your image. You can also go to the sales counter and give them the number and you can purchase a copy of your photo there.
Pirate of the Caribbean
Where is the camera: On the left side of the boat where the skeleton in steering the ship wheel.
There is no preview of this photo when you get off of the ride. It just shows up in your “My Disney Experience” account. This photo was purchased through PhotoPass. You can see Disney adds fun borders around your photo and the number and other information is not on this purchased copy.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Where is the camera: There are 2! (both are after you go through the mine) 1st one: near the end of the first big hill; 2nd one: at the turn near the bottom of the hill.
There is no preview of this photo when you get off of the ride. It just shows up in your “My Disney Experience” account. Plus on this ride, there is an added bonus: a video! They have fun footage of the ride that they combine with your ride photos to make a video! It is super cute!
Space Mountain
Where is the camera: At the end of the star tunnel.
This photo was also purchased through PhotoPass. You can see fun Space Mountain border around your photo.
Splash Mountain
Where is the camera: Middle of the big drop.
This is another photo where I took a photo of the preview screen when I got off of the ride. Again, it shows you to scan your MagicBand to get your image as well as you can also go to the sales counter and give them the number and you can purchase a copy of your photo there.
Epcot
Frozen Ever After
Where is the camera: Down the small drop hill.
I love the border that Disney adds to this ride photo!
Test Track
Where is the camera: When you go to the outside portion of the ride it’s on the downhill.
Honorable Mention: Spaceship Earth
Where is the camera: At the very beginning, then they show you the pictures on the screen in your ride car at the end of the ride.
This is not a true PhotoPass ride photo, but I love it, so I had to include it. On this ride, they take a picture of you at the beginning of the ride and then at the end it will put your photo in all sorts of fun future images. I rode this ride alone, that is why the other picture is a character. If you ride this ride with someone both of your faces appear.
Hollywood Studios
Rock and Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith
Where is the camera: I’ve never actually seen this one because my eyes have always been closed, lol! But I have been told its right after the limo launch.
This photo is a screenshot of my computer screen. After I got home from my trip I logged onto “My Disney Experience” account to look at my PhotoPass photos. I did not purchase the Memory Maker photo package. So this is how the photos appear on the computer. Once you purchase the photo you will get a clean copy of your photo without the watermarks.
Slinky Dog Dash
Where is the camera: It’s after the second launch after the 4 hills.
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Where is the camera: During the drop sequence when the door opens to the outside.
And this photo is why I love the ride photos, you can see the sheer terror on my face while everyone else is having a grand old time!
Animal Kingdom
Dinosaur
Where is the camera: When the dino charges on the right.
Knowing where the cameras are on each ride can allow you to preplan your photo poses.
Expedition Everest
Where is the camera: After you go backward, then forward on the big drop.
Photos are a perfect souvenir that your whole family can enjoy, so remember those ride photos. Sometimes they turn out to be your favorite!
Happy Travels!
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