Believe it or not, it’s Halloween at Walt Disney World! It seems to arrive earlier and earlier every year. This year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties began earlier this week, and the Magic Kingdom is decked out in its finest fall and Halloween decor. This year, Disney’s PhotoPass department has really outdone themselves and there are lots of new special magic shots for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
What is a Magic Photo Shot?
A magic photo shot is a picture taken by a PhotoPass photographer with a little “magic” added to the picture that you won’t see until you look at the photo in your My Disney Experience app. What the magic is depends on which park you are in and where in the park you are. The time of year and any special events also impact what Magic Shots are available.
Here’s an example of a commonly available Magic Shot at Magic Kingdom:
The PhotoPass photographer will ask you to put your hands out in front of you or out to the side. When you see your picture later, you might find a beautiful little fairy with an attitude.
It is important to note, there is no guarantee you will get a Magic Shot. The longer the line for the photographer, the less likely you are to end up with a Magic Shot. If there is one you really want to get, don’t be afraid to ask for it, but be nice. And please, be understanding if the PhotoPass photographer is unable to give you the Magic Shot you are requesting. Depending on the location they are working in, they will only have certain Magic Shots loaded into their software. Also, if the lines are long, or if you’re asking for a shot that is event specific and you are not at the event–the Photopass photographer will not be able to help you.
New Special Magic Photo Shots for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
You may discover a few of these shots available during your Disney vacation this fall, even if you don’t attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. However, the vast majority of the new special magic photo shots I’m telling you about in this post will only be available during the ticketed event. If you’d like more information about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, please read this.
Here are some of my favorite new and classic special Magic Photo Shots available during this year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties festivities. I’m also sharing where you’ll be likely to find these special shots available.
Location: Gardens near Casey’s Corner and The Plaza Restaurant
New this year! I really want to do this one!
Photo: Disney Photo Pass
New this year!
Photo: Disney Parks
Main Street U.S.A.
New this year!
Photo: Disney Parks
Returning this year!
Photo: Disney Parks
Returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks..
New this year!
Photo: Disney Parks
New this year!
Photo: Disney Parks
New this year!
Photo: Disney Parks
In Front of The Haunted Mansion
Another classic returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks
This fun lantern shot is also returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks
Liberty Square Near the Hall of Presidents
Returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks
Returning this year–one of my FAVORITES!
Photo: Disney Parks
Castle Walls Near Pinocchio Village Haus
Returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks
Near the Purple Wall by Laugh Floor (Monsters, Inc.)
Returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks
Select Spots in Front of or Near Cinderella Castle
Classic returning this year. How great are these kids? Really acting their little hearts out!
Photo: Disney Parks
Returning this year.
Photo: Disney Parks
Which New Special Magic Photo Shot Do YOU Want??
There are some really fun new Magic Photo shots this year, aren’t there? Several look like fun. And of course, some favorite Magic Photo Shots from the last few years are coming back this year, too.
Hopefully at least a few of your favorite shots will be available during the regular park days this fall, but remember: most of these are special just for the Halloween parties. If you’ve never been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, it is a special ticketed evening event featuring special Halloween themed shows, treats, special merchandise, trick or treating and a really terrific parade. Click here to learn more. It’s not to late to book your trip for this Halloween season. Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a no obligation quote!
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com
If you prefer to read this information, keep reading!
Disney PhotoPass and Disney Memory Maker
One question I get asked a lot from my clients and friends and family is “Should we purchase the Memory Maker?” The short answer? It depends.
Ok, for me, it’s pretty much always YES. BUT, I’m a HUGE photo nerd.
For more NORMAL people, there are several things to consider, and I will get to those in tomorrow’s video. Today we are going to start with the basics: What is Disney PhotoPass and how does it work? In tomorrow’s video (Part 2 in this series), we will focus on the memory maker product, and will answer the question of whether or not to buy.
But first for those of you that DON’T know, let’s start with:
What is Disney PhotoPass?
Disney PhotoPass is a service that Disney added years ago, and I think it’s absolute GENIUS. Basically, they have photographers stationed at numerous locations around each park to take pictures of you and your group.
This completely solves the “Did Mom even GO on that vacation? She’s not in ANY of the pictures” dilemma. For many families, there is always one person that takes all the pictures and they are never in any of the shots. Or, people rotate who takes the pictures, but there are never any pictures of EVERYONE together, because one person always steps out to take the picture. Most people don’t carry around tripods and take the time to set up timed tripod shots on vacation. For some, Selfies have helped to address this problem, but with a Selfie, it’s still really tough to get a group or to include people AND a landmark in the picture.
Photo: Disney PhotoPass
With PhotoPass, Disney has solved that problem. Basically, the PhotoPass photographer will take your group’s picture, usually with a park icon or landmark in the background, and then they will either scan your magic band (the easiest) or give you a PhotoPass card with a 16-digit number on the back. Note: If you are given a Photopass card, immediately take a picture of the back of the card just in case. If you lose the card, but have the number, you can still locate your pictures.
Not All PhotoPass Photos are Created Equal
A couple of caveats: The skill of the various photopass photographers varies. Some are very experienced, fun to work with, and very talented. Others are more point and click—with varying degrees of success. Therefore I always recommend that you get a LOT of photopass photos taken. Take advantage of the opportunities whenever they present themselves. Odds are, if you take a BUNCH of photopass pictures, you end up with at least a few you really like. Here are a couple examples of PhotoPass pictures that didn’t really work out so well.
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In NON COVID times, you could also ask the photographer to take a picture of your group with your phone or camera. This is not an option currently due to Covid related restrictions, but I’m assuming this option will return at some point in the future—but current rules prohibit the photographers from touching your phone or camera.
Disney PhotoPass and Special Moments
If you look on Facebook or the internet, you will see THOUSANDS of PhotoPass pictures that people have posted. There are tons of examples of people using PhotoPass to announce they have a baby on the way, the sex of the baby, that they got engaged or married.
In our case, my husband proposed to me at the Magic Kingdom after the fireworks. Because he’s brilliant, he surprised me with the proposal when we went to take a PhotoPass picture, so we have the moment captured forever.
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Are they great pictures? No, it was very crowded, and I at first thought he fell (he’d done the marathon the day before and was in a lot of pain), and then there was lots of crying and laughing. But I feel so lucky that I have that moment forever captured by that PhotoPass photographer. And the next day, we found another PhotoPass photographer that was SO excited about our engagement, she spent TONS of time with us (there was no line,I promise) and took a gazillion pictures of the ring, and the two of us. It was really fun.
Disney PhotoPass and Group Attractions
There are normally even photopass photographers at big group attractions (Enchanted Tales with Belle, for example). These attractions aren’t operating right now, but once they return, I’m sure the PhotoPass photographer will return with them.
The PhotoPass photographer takes lots of pictures of the group and they will hand out PhotoPass cards at the end; once you enter the number on your computer, you’ll have access to ALL the pictures they took during that particular event. If your kid had a role in the show, you do NOT want to lose that number! So take a picture of the back of the card, just in case!
Disney PhotoPass and Attraction Photos!
Lots of Disney rides take your picture at some point during the ride, some rides even take video! These pictures and videos are now PhotoPass pictures, and can be attached to your Magic Band or PhotoPass card. The RFID technology in your MagicBand communicates with the reader at the attraction and automatically adds the photos or videos to your account.
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Character Dining and PhotoPass?
Character dining can also (sometimes) include PhotoPass. Granted, right now, character dining isn’t happening, but it WILL return eventually, I promise! Some character dining meals offer PhotoPass pictures, but not all of them. Also IF there is a PhotoPass photographer at a character meal, it will usually just be for a picture you take before you enter the restaurant. For example, if you are dining at a Character Meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table, there is usually a Photopass photographer in the lobby with Cinderella waiting to take your picture before you head upstairs for your meal. (Please note that Cinderella’s Royal Table HAS reopened for lunch and dinner, however, Cinderella has NOT yet returned.)
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PhotoPass photographers do not go around with the characters as they visit your table at ANY character meal, so ALWAYS bring your camera to character meals.
Customize your Photos!
After your trip, you will be able to visit the PhotoPass website to view all your pictures. You can add borders and stickers to the photos, and you can make products like Photobooks, calendars and mugs featuring your pictures on the Disney PhotoPass website. One picture can easily turn into 10 or 15 by the time you are done playing with borders, cropping, black and white, etc. Some borders are unique to particular locations, seasons, or events, adding a little extra magic to those photos.
NOTE: Pictures are only available on the PhotoPass site for 30 days (unless you are an Annual Passholder.) Right now, if you are visiting this fall between October 15 and November 30, Disney is extending that 30 days through the end of the year. So you’ll have a little extra time to play with your pictures.
Magic Shots
Lets talk about Magic Shot. Magic Shots are pictures taken by a PhotoPass photographer with a little something extra magical added later. The most common Magic Shots feature TinkerBell standing on the palm of your hand, or a bunch of balloons added to your upstretched arm.
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There are a variety of Magic Shots available at different times. During Star Wars Weekend a few years ago, we got Magic Shots with light sabers added. Recently, they added some pirate themed Magic Shots near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
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During the Halloween season, you might find Magic Shots with ghosts near the haunted mansion, or Flaming jack o lanterns throughout the Magic Kingdom. During the Winter holiday season, you may find snow or Wooden Soldiers added to your photos.
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Over at Hollywood Studios, we’ve learned there’s a new special magic shot that includes the child (frequently called baby Yoda, although he isn’t in fact Yoda) from the Mandolorian. Here’s a look at this one from Disney Parks and Resorts.
Disney PhotoPass Magic Shot – The Child, Mandalorian
Special holiday themed magic shots become available November 6.
Disney PhotoPass Photos and the My Disney Experience App
Disney PhotoPass pictures are available in the My Disney Experience app, so you’ll be able to look at them as your trip goes along. Most photos and videos appear in your app within 20 minutes.
Unless you’ve purchased the Memory Maker product, the pictures will have a watermark on them, preventing you from having a sharable, downloadable image without paying for it. If you’ve already purchased Memory Maker, your pictures will appear completely clear and fabulous.
One of the highlights of my last trip was overhearing a young family showing their daughter a picture they had just taken on Main Street. She was AMAZED to see that Tinkerbell had joined them in the picture and she was so dazzled by the magic!
Tips for Getting that “Magic” Shot
Disney changes what Magic Shots are available from time to time, and not all PhotoPass photographers will offer to do them. Your odds are better if there’s no line and if you’re nice and friendly. PhotoPass photographers work very hard, and are on their feet for many hours a day, usually in pretty hot temperatures and sometimes not treated very well by guests. In my experience, if you are nice and there’s not a line, they’re more likely to spend a few extra minutes with you, and that can often result in some Magic Shots. To see what Magic Shots are currently available, visit the albums at the Disney Photo Pass Facebook Page.
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Coming Up in the Next Video (And Post!)
In tomorrow’s video, we’ll talk about Memory Maker, and how you can have PhotoPass without Memory Maker, but you can’t have Memory Maker without PhotoPass.
Thank you for watching, and please tune in Monday for the second video (and blog post) in this series, discussing Disney’s Memory Maker product.
Have you ever wanted to have a private photo session inside the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World? Have you wished you had a photographer with you to capture a special moment or event? Disney has a new offering that might be what you are looking for. With the new PhotoPass offering “Capture Your Moment”, Disney has made it possible for you to schedule a private photo session inside Magic Kingdom.
Private Photo Session Inside Magic Kingdom?
Disney, forever on the lookout for ways to make us spend our money, has come up with a new PhotoPass offering. The new PhotoPass offering is called “Capture Your Moment”. When you book Capture Your Moment, you are booking 20 minutes of time with a Disney PhotoPass photographer inside the Magic Kingdom theme park during regular park hours.
Sometimes, you want a PhotoPass photographer to be focused exclusively on you and or your family for longer than the one – three pictures most PhotoPass photographers have time to take. Examples include baby announcements, birthdays, proposals, anniversaries, baby gender reveals, and family reunions.
Disney PhotoPass Capture Your Moment (Photo: Disney Parks)
Disney has obviously seen the professional photographers roaming around the parks with their clients, taking pictures. They’ve also seen the gorgeous pictures online taken by professional photographers to commemorate engagements, baby announcements, girls’ weekends, and many other events. Since, as we know, Disney wants ALL our money, they certainly don’t want us hiring outside photographers to capture our special moments!
Private Photo Session Inside Magic Kingdom: The Basics
Available in the Magic Kingdom only. (At least right now!)
$50 for a 20-minute session; $100 for a 40-minute session.
The short answer? No. Disney wants to be very clear that is NOT for wedding photos.
Disney also made it very clear this will NOT replace the private Bridal Photo Session available for both Disney and non Disney brides and grooms. These pricey sessions happen in the early morning hours before the park opens, and are truly private.
Our Animal Kingdom Bridal Portrait Shoot (Photo: Disney Fine Art Photography)
Bridal and wedding attire is specifically prohibited for the PhotoPass sessions, so if you’re going to do a Capture Your Moment Disney PhotoPass photo shoot, plan to avoid the floor length gown, the glamorous white dress or the tuxedo.
If you want to learn more about a Disney Bridal Portrait photo session, check out this post and this post.
What Locations Are Available?
Disney is not releasing location information or options for these sessions. At least, not yet. Current policy dictates that your photographer will review the location options with you when you meet for your session. Once your photographer has given you the options, you will be able to choose your location.
Disney is doing this for a couple of reasons. One, they want the flexibility to adapt to park events, crowds and activities. Two, they want the flexibility to schedule sessions at the same time in different areas of the park. Three (and this is totally my own suspicious nature), Disney may not want guests to focus on particular locations. For example, I suspect Cinderella Castle may be a preferred backdrop for many guests. However, stage shows, parades and Castle projection shows will make that challenging many times each day. So perhaps Disney hopes to dissuade guests from assuming they can take photos at the Castle.
Many of the marketing pictures Disney has released with this announcement do include the Castle in the background. Perhaps I’m being too cynical.
Disney PhotoPass Capture Your Moment (Photo: Disney Parks)
I can envision a scenario where Castle locations are available initially as a test balloon. Once Disney sees which locations are the most popular, I suspect pricing will be revised. Maybe a tier structure will be introduced for certain locations. I suspect we will eventually see a tier structure at some point, based on my observations of Disney business practices over many years.
Can I Request a Particular PhotoPass Photographer?
At the moment, it does not sound like you can request your photographer but you could certainly try. If you have a particular PhotoPass photographer that works at the Magic Kingdom that you like, you could request them for your Capture Your Moment session. It’s not clear how many PhotoPass photographers are available for this offering. It is also not clear if the pool is limited to the most experienced PhotoPass photographers.
If you do request a particular photographer for your Capture Your Moment session, please let me know how it goes. Those of us that live out of state probably don’t have a favorite PhotoPass photographer. However, I bet local residents that visit the parks often have favorites.
Are the Photos Going to Be Digital or Print?
All pictures taken by your PhotoPass photographer during your session will be digital. As with all PhotoPass pictures, you can visit a PhotoPass center in one of the parks, and purchase physical prints of the digital pictures if you want to. Generally, if you have the downloaded digital files, you will be happier with printing the photos from somewhere like Shutterfly or MPix. More options are available, and prices are almost always better.
The price of your Capture Your Moment session does not include the actual pictures taken during your session. Let me say that again: the digital files of the photos taken during your session are NOT included in the session price of $50. The good news is that if you already planned to purchase Memory Maker (which I highly recommend for all visitors!), or if you are an Annual Passholder, you will have access to these pictures, along with any other PhotoPass photos or attraction photos.
Haunted Mansion Attraction Photo (Photo: Disney Parks)
Memory Maker
With Memory Maker you have up to 30 days after your trip to download all pictures and videos attached to your My Disney Experience account. Because individual downloads start at $14.50 per photo, it doesn’t take long for Memory Maker (at $169 for advance purchase) to be a reasonably good deal. There are currently 13 attractions that take picture or video during the ride, and as long as you have a Magic Band (or scan your ticket at the end of the ride on your picture), all those videos and photos WILL be on your account. For more information on Memory Maker, please visit this post.
Disney does offer a one-day Memory Maker for $69. If you’re doing a super short trip, or you really aren’t interested in any of your ride photos or PhotoPass pictures from any of your other park days, this option is worth considering. As long as you schedule your PhotoPass Capture Your Moment session on the day you have your one-day Memory Maker on your account, all the pictures from your session will be available in your Memory Maker. Alternatively, you’ll have the ability to view the pictures and purchase the downloads on an individual basis.
Scheduling Your Private Photo Session Inside Magic Kingdom
It is recommended that you schedule your session in advance (Call 407-939-7758) to guarantee availability. However, there are currently some same-day sessions are available.
You cannot be late for your session. Once you have reserved your session, you’ll be told where to meet your photographer. Disney states that if you are late, your session will not be extended. As an example: If you have a 20 minute session that is supposed to start at 3:30 pm, you arrive at 3:45 pm, your session will last 5 minutes. Disney says under no circumstances will the sessions be extended.
Things to Consider
If you’ve always wanted to do a private photo session inside Magic Kingdom, the Capture Your Moment session may be a perfect solution for you. However, there are a few things you want to consider before booking your session.
The Capture Your Moment sessions will occur during regular park hours. This means you will likely have other guests in the background of your pictures.
You have the option to book 2 sessions back to back. This would give you 40 minutes of time with your PhotoPass photographer. Again, this whole session will be inside Magic Kingdom during regular park hours. BUT this does mean you (and your family) are sacrificing park time. This could frustrate kids eager to go ride rides and have fun.
The skill and talent of the in-park PhotoPass photographer varies from photographer to photographer. Some PhotoPass photographers are pretty good, and are able to adapt to changes in light and shadows. Others are basically able to push the button and maybe notice if you’re in focus or not. There there are varying levels of quality amongst the PhotoPass photographers, so that’s an important consideration for readers considering one of these sessions.
The cost of the individual pictures are likely to be high. Of course, if you have Memory Maker or are an Annual Passholder, your photos are included. If you have to purchase the pictures individually, they will likely start at $14.50 per photo download. If you end up really liking all your pictures, the pricing can add up really quickly. (Note: You CAN add Memory Maker during your trip. It costs more to do it this way, $199 versus the $169 advance purchase. So if you like at least 10-14 pictures, you’ll want to add memory maker. Then you’ll get all pictures through Memory Maker. This will save money over purchasing individually).
This could be tough to do as a surprise. Since you are meeting your photographer at the start time of your session, and THEN choosing a location, it could be challenging to set up a surprise for the photographer to capture. (A proposal, for instance.) I suspect PhotoPass will find a way to help you, but I don’t know for sure. This could add unnecessary stress to your big moment.
Disney PhotoPass Capture Your Moment (Photo: Disney Parks)
Potential Quality Issues
Let’s talk a little more about the potential quality issue. One would assume that the photographers used for the Capture Your Moment sessions will be skilled and/or Senior PhotoPass photographers. There are definitely very good PhotoPass photographers out there. There are many stories of PhotoPass photographers that really loved their job and got really good. They emerged as very skilled photographers that eventually joined the Disney Fine Art Photography team or went out on their own. However, my PhotoPass library can testify that there are also some not-so-great PhotoPass photographers out there.
Again, I am assuming that Disney will choose its best PhotoPass photographers for these sessions. However, I can also envision a universe where these are popular and in high demand and require all hands on deck. This could result in a situation where you pay $50 for your session and end up with pictures you’re not happy. I think initially, these are a little bit of book at your own risk. Especially right now while this is a new offering.
Once we’ve had a chance to get reports back from people that have booked these sessions, I’ll feel more comfortable recommending them strongly. I want to know how it went, where they took photos, what locations were offered, etc. I will keep my ear to the ground on this one and let you know what I hear.
Capture YOUR Moment
Right now, I am cautiously optimistic about this new offering from PhotoPass. $50 for 20 minutes is quite a bit of money. However, if it’s a once in a lifetime or a very rarely in lifetime occasion, I could see it being a fun and special experience.
For example, if you’re at Disney World to celebrate your grandma’s 90th birthday and you want to have a lot of pictures of the whole family, this could be your solution. A group of pictures of Grandma with all the grandkids; just Grandma by herself; the girls with Grandma; Grandma with her children; the boys with Grandma –you guys know what I mean. You just can’t hold up a regular PhotoPass photographer for very long and take a bunch of different groupings. So this might be a great solution for you!
Another scenario: If you’re planning a special “in the moment” event and you want lots of pictures, this could also be a perfect session for you. For example, if you are planning to propose or tell your whole family you’re expecting a baby. This could be terrific for that. When my husband proposed to me, he did it at a regular PhotoPass photographer. We got lucky because he didn’t have a line, and he got pictures of the whole thing. (Of course, it was a pretty quick moment. It was following our first marathon, and I initially thought he’d fallen!).
Moments after Frank Proposed (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)
Private Photo Session Inside Magic Kingdom: Final Thoughts
Your mileage may vary on whether you find value in this package or not. If you really want a private photo session inside Magic Kingdom, and don’t mind the presence of other guests in the background, this might be for you. Also, if these are talented photographers and you get a bunch of good pictures out of it, you might want to schedule this. Finally, if you already planned on buying memory maker, you may find this has value for you.
If you’ve been reading my blog for any period of time, you probably know that I am a huge proponent of PhotoPass. Mainly because I love pictures. Before PhotoPass, I always came home from vacation with tons of pictures. Unfortunately, I was almost never in any of them. PhotoPass makes it possible for your entire family to get into many pictures. My favorite souvenir from vacation is almost always the photo book I make after our trip, filled with pictures we took and pictures taken of us by PhotoPass photographers.
So, for someone like me, Capture Your Moment might be something I will consider at some point. Maybe for an anniversary or another special event. However, I still think $50 is a lot of money for 20 minutes. Who knows what the future holds? One of the few regrets I have from our Disney Fairy Tale Wedding trip is that we were unable to do a Bridal Portrait shoot at the Magic Kingdom. I really wanted that darn picture with Frank and I in our wedding clothes in front of Cinderella Castle. With the rules and schedules in place at the time, we just weren’t able to make it happen. So, perhaps a more casual private photo shoot inside Magic Kingdom with PhotoPass photographers might be worth the cost? I’m not sure.
What are your thoughts on this offering? Is this something you think you might want to take advantage of? What occasion would you consider “worth it”? Please comment below with your thoughts.
If you haven’t had a chance to visit Disney’s Art of Animation Resort yet, you should really try to squeeze an hour or two out of your schedule to go visit. It’s really pretty spectacular, especially if you have little ones who are fans of Pixar and Disney favorites like Cars, Finding Nemo, the Lion King and the Little Mermaid. One of Disney’s most colorful resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (DAAR for the balance of this article) is chock FULL of great places to take pictures–so if you’re looking for some different places to take family pictures, DAAR is a terrific location for some really fun backgrounds and props–and the bright colors really POP.
We used DAAR as one of the locations for our engagement pictures, and loved the resort! It was so much fun to wander around! Some of our favorite shots come from ones we took there. Here are some of them. Photographs were taken by David and Vicki Arndt Photography.
Art of Animation Engagement Pictures David and Vicki Arndt Photography
Art of Animation Engagement Pictures David and Vicki Arndt Photography
See what I mean? FUN. And this is only from PART of the Cars section!! I’ll show you some more later…
Here’s a quick video tour of the resort from Disney:
DAAR falls in the category of Disney’s Value Resorts, which are priced more affordably than the moderates or the deluxe resorts, but also tend to be limited in amenities, room size, and dining options. Most of the value resorts have two double beds in each room and there are a few rooms at each value resort that have one king size bed. While the two double beds option works for small families, as the kids get a little bigger, or a third child joins the family, the value resorts end up not being a great solution for families–which is bummer, because families are exactly who the Values were originally designed for! Room capacity is limited to 4, and in most value rooms, once all four are bigger than 4′ , it can be very cramped in those rooms. Of course, for many people, values remain an ideal solution, even if not the most comfortable one–if the intention is to spend the majority of your time at the parks and not at the resort or in your room, it may not really matter much to you. But one bathroom can also be a limitation, especially if your family includes one or more of those challenging and wild creatures–the teenage girl!
Potential solutions have included booking two rooms (putting older kids in a room by themselves, and younger kids in with mom and dad), or staying off property to get more space without spending a lot more money–but then incurring additional costs for rental cars and parking–and missing out on benefits exclusive to resort guests like extra magic hours and package delivery.
With DAAR, Disney attempted to offer a solution that was still affordable enough to belong in the value resort category, but had more space and some more of the Disney “specialness” that some of these families were looking for.
Here’s a map of the Art of Animation resort that you would get upon check in:
The Little Mermaid buildings, 7, 8, and 9 are very similar to what you would be used to if you’ve stayed at a Value resort before. The rooms are designed for no more than 4 people, ideally 1-2 adults and 2 children. These rooms are priced pretty closely to what you would find for value rooms at other value resorts, like Pop Century or All Star Movies. However, because the resort is newer and more popular, the Little Mermaid rooms are often excluded from any “special offers”, and these rooms tend to sell out early–they’re more economical than the Family Suites, and they’re at the most popular of the value resorts, with arguably the best food court (more on that later)–so if you want a Little Mermaid room, be prepared to plan and book as early as possible, and know that you may not get any discounts.
Here’s what a typical Little Mermaid room looks like:
The other sets of buildings, The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Cars are comprised exclusively of what Disney is calling their “Family Suites”.
In the family suites, the room layout is bigger and a bit creative to accommodate families a little more comfortably. The most noticeable differences are that the Family Suite contains one bedroom with a queen size bed with a door that closes–AND the Family Suite has two bathrooms. One, off the bedroom with the queen size bed, and the other off the main “living” area.
The secret sauce is that main “living” area can be cleverly converted at bedtime into sleeping spaces for the kids. The sofa is a double-size sofa sleeper–I guess that’s not too surprising by itself. But the dining area houses a double-size murphy bed that folds down into another sleeping space. The Family Suite can sleep up to six! Disney says up to 6 adults, but I think you’d have to be pretty friendly adults to be cozy in that double murphy bed :-)!
Here are the standard amenities in a Family Suite (some of these are common to all values, and some are unique to Family Suites):
Kitchenette with Microwave, Coffeemaker and Mini-Fridge
Telephone with Voicemail
Alarm clock with Radio
Hair Dryer
Iron and Ironing Board
Complimentary WiFi Service.
Here’s a look at the Finding Nemo Family Suite:
Photo: Disney Parks
Family Suites at DAAR are not priced as economically as the regular value rooms, for obvious reasons–at 520 square feet, they’re about double the size of a standard value room (260 square feet). And that extra bathroom is worth its weight in gold to a lot of people. Add in the microwave and the mini fridge (most of the values have a limited number of mini fridges available–but it can be difficult to make sure you get one) and you’ve added more than double the value without doubling the price. The Family Suites at DAAR are priced in some cases than some standard moderate resort rooms…but here again, a second bathroom and an additional 200 square feet add a lot of value. We’ve seen the same challenge with standard moderate rooms that we see with value rooms–moderate rooms are slightly bigger, but they still have a max capacity of 4 persons–very occasionally 5 can be accommodated in special themed rooms, but usually that fifth person needs to be pretty small. So, for some families, it makes sense to consider the Family Suites at DAAR–especially when considering the other benefits of the overall resort as a whole. It just depends on your individual needs and priorities. Interestingly enough, while the Family Suites are pretty popular, they do not sell out as quickly as the Little Mermaid rooms, so are usually included in Disney promotions and specials–you might be surprised at what a great deal your travel agent can find for you on one of these rooms. *
Here’s a look at a Cars Family Suite:
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Here’s a walking tour of the Lion King Family Suite that Destinations in Florida, the travel agency I’m affiliated with, provided me.
Dining Options
Landscape of Flavors
All value resorts are somewhat limited in the dining options available, and DAAR is no exception to this rule. You will NOT find a table service restaurant at DAAR. However, you will find one of the best quick service options available at any of the Disney resorts. All the values have a “food courts” sort of design…at DAAR, it’s called the Landscape of Flavors, and it’s five “mini-restaurants”, all quick service, of course. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you’ve been reading me for awhile, you’ve most likely picked up on the fact that I don’t LOVE quick service. I much prefer table service. I like to sit down with my family and take a break and order. I think quick service is stressful and I think the whole hunting for a table thing dredges up bad high school lunchroom memories or something….
But, Landscape of Flavors does at least have some unique items and a bit more variety available than you generally find at quick service places…and many, many people that stay at DAAR frequently rave about how good it is. Lines can be long in the mornings, as with most places as guests are scrambling to get to the parks, so if you can get moving earlier and pack your patience, you’ll be happier.
Disney Resorts In-Room Dining
DAAR also offers in-room dining (room service) at this resort from 4 p.m. to midnight. You can order from a limited menu and get sandwiches, salads, wings, etc. You can even get pizza! I’m not much of a pizza person, and at Disney, that’s probably the LAST thing on my wish list, but I know there are many of you that would rather stay home than go without pizza for a week, so I promise you can get it here. You can also order beer and wine, as long as you are 21 years of age or older. Typical exorbitant room service prices and delivery charges apply, as with room service at any hotel or resort.
The Drop Off Pool Bar
What’s an afternoon in the sun by the pool without a wonderful poolside bar where you can pickup beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and some tasty snacks?
Recreation
Can we talk about the POOLS?? Of which there are SEVERAL, including The Big Blue Pool, which just happens to be the LARGEST pool at any Walt Disney World resort. It’s the “main” pool, right at the center of the resort, and did I mention, GIANT? It’s pretty hard to miss, I think you’ll be able to find it. It’s got a zero entry, and plays Disney songs and characters on speakers underwater to entertain swimmers. The Big Blue Pool is themed to Finding Nemo, and is surrounded by giant colorful set pieces featuring characters from that movie.
Nearby is the Schoolyard Sprayground for the little kids to run around and get sprayed by pop-up jets and gushing water. Note: LOTS of screaming is generally heard in this vicinity. Do not panic. They apparently LIKE getting wet…and then screaming to make sure you know that.
For the days you don’t have time for them to get wet, there is also a DRY playground nearby, Squirt’s Righteous Reef. I know his name is Squirt, but he doesn’t, I promise.
At the Cars end of the Resort, we have the Cozy Cone Pool, which is so cute…there are cone shaped “cabanas” around the pool! Lots of Cars characters around the pool too, so tons of great photo ops, and not as big or as busy as the BIG main pool.
The other end of the resort is the Little Mermaid area. The Flippin’ Fins pool is at this end. While it is larger than the Cozy Cone pool, it’s still about 1/3 the size of the GIANT Big Blue Pool.
Art of Animation Engagement Pictures David and Vicki Arndt Photography
Yes, I know, these aren’t actually pool pictures. I realized too late I didn’t have Flippin’ Fins pool pictures but these were taken in that area, so hey, more engagement pictures. Aren’t you excited? I figured.
Movies Under the Stars
I think all the resorts are doing this now, and it’s a pretty fun idea, especially if you have a non-resort day on your calendar. Disney puts up a big projection screen in the evening on the grassy area between the Lion King building and the Finding Nemo building, and will show a Disney movie on it. All resort guests are welcome to come hang out, watch the movie, enjoy the atmosphere.
Pixel Play Arcade
Another standard feature at most Disney Resorts, an Arcade is located in the Animation Hall at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Called Pixel Play Arcade, the DAAR Arcade features both classic games and new video games.
Jogging/Running/Walking Trail
There’s a scenic 1.38 mile trail that goes around Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is consistently rated highest among Disney’s Value Resorts. Trip Advisor currently has more than 7,800 reviews for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and averages a score of 4.5 (Excellent is 5.0).
Overall, I think this resort has been a great addition to the Disney resort family. I think the Family Suites fill a much needed gap, and I’m hopeful that Disney will include more Family Suites in future resorts going forward.
The new Skyliner will have a station located between Pop Century and Art of Animation (these resorts are walking distance apart; originally, Art of Animation’s property was planned for an expansion of Pop Century). I think that will make this resort even MORE appealing. As with all Disney resorts, Magical Express and Disney bus transportation is free from this resort to the Parks, Disney Springs and the Airport. Note: If you bring a car, they do charge $13 per day for parking.
I want to hear from YOU…Have you ever stayed here? What did you think? Would you want to stay here again? Would you recommend it to a friend? If you haven’t stayed here yet, was it on your radar?
Happy Dreaming,
Brooke
* In addition to being a lifelong Disney fan and a self confessed Cinderella Castle junkie (it IS so a thing), I am also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and Travel Agent. I can help you book a vacation to this or any other Disney resort or destination–there are no fees to you, and I will make your trip planning SO much easier! Please email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com today to learn more. You can also reach me on Instagram HERE or on Facebook HERE . Hope to talk to you soon!
Photo: Disney Photo Pass
