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Disney’s official response to automated camera use at indoor character locations

Disney’s official response to automated camera use at indoor character locations


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A Disney representative reached out to me today and requested I provide this official Disney response to my recent article that explained how Walt Disney World will be using automated, robotic cameras instead of human Photopass photographers at 9 different indoor camera locations. Here’s the official response:

Disney – “Disney PhotoPass Photographers Remain an Important Part of Capturing Special Vacation Memories.

The most special part of a Disney vacation is the treasured memories our Guests take home, which is why our Disney PhotoPass photographers play a key role throughout our parks. Whether it’s capturing the moment when a family sees Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park or when Grandma, Grandpa and the grandkids pose behind animal print frames at the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park or when a young girl asks for a picture with Sebastian and he magically appears online when she views the photos in the My Disney Experience app, Disney PhotoPass photographers use their creativity to capture customized photos of our Guests every day.

Walt Disney World Resort continues to have more than 100 locations where Disney PhotoPass photographers will personallycapture these moments, and we know our Guests enjoy the interaction with our Cast photographers and characters to create those magical, one-of-a-kind memories. We will be installing automated cameras at nine character greeting locations with the first location in use beginning in early 2019.

(KtP – I had been informed by a Photopass photographer that Tinker Bell meet would begin Nov 26, with the remaining phasing in next year.)

Multiple cameras will capture numerous memorable moments during a character interaction, allowing guests to choose from a wider variety of character photos. While Disney PhotoPass Cast Members will no longer capture photography at these nine locations, photographers will continue to support the more than 100 other Disney PhotoPass locations across our parks so that they can use their creativity to take personalized photos for our Guests.”

What do you wish to communicate to Disney concerning their response?

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Flora

Tuesday 20th of November 2018

This still does not address issues those with special needs may have. We had a great photographer experience on our last trip at the Stitch meet in Magic Kingdom. He took the time to update/test the camera settings with no flash so our son could meet Stitch without being afraid of flashing lights. That's just one example of many great photographer interactions we've had over the years - we really rely on them to make the character experiences work for our son.

Cowgirl Kim

Monday 19th of November 2018

What happens if a family does not have Memory Maker? It was always nice to have a photographer take a pic with your phone. Now it sounds like you have to have Memory Maker to get the automated pics. Without MM, you will have to have a family member take shots with their camera, or ask another guest in line to do so.

kennythepirate

Tuesday 20th of November 2018

Character attendants will still be on hand

Sandy

Monday 19th of November 2018

Wow worst idea EVER. I too bought the memory maker for the magical experience with human photographers. I dont do selfies....EVER. I guess Disney just saved me a lot of money. This trip will be our last for a long time. Disney has out priced themselves and other theme parks are doing it better for less.

Sandy Canetti

Sunday 18th of November 2018

I sent an email to wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com and Guest.services@disneyworld.com. not that I’m expecting any different response.

Dreama Ujevich

Sunday 18th of November 2018

EXACT same response to my email.

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