Our Photos of New Year's Eve on the Disney Fantasy!

Imagine if you will that it is New Year’s Eve on the Disney Fantasy.  Hundreds of guests are milling around in the Lobby Atrium on Deck 3, listening to live music, and getting their photos taken while dressed in some of their finest clothing.  The time is just after the first dinner seating and show and just before the second dinner seating and show.  That’s when we did it!

We walked into the Lobby Atrium in our slippers and matching flannel pajamas.  Why?  We wanted photos! 

We brought along the New Year’s Eve top hats that were left in our stateroom and provided to all guests to commemorate the occasion.

Other guests’ responses?  Smiles, nods, and positive comments.  I’m thinking Disney Cruise Line might get more guests doing the same in the future.  And the photographers were happy to snap our photos.  I had checked with one of the photographers on a previous evening, as she even offered the vestibule area for us to change in if we wanted/needed.  We didn’t use the space but it was great of her to offer.

The pajamas were so comfortable, I almost wore them to the show, but the boy frowned upon that idea.  A guest who had been with us in line for photos with her family of 18 prior to dinner, caught a glimpse of us in our pajamas.  She saw us again as we entered the Walt Disney Theater to catch the production and we were back in our dinner clothes.  She said, “How did you do that?”  Ah, it’s all about the quick change!  I was thinking that the location of our stateroom helps too!

Not only do we have photos, but we have the fun memories! 

Disney Cruise Line's AquaDuck--Now With Pictures!

Disney Cruise Line is famous for it's family activities, first rate entertainment, and stretching the limits of what can be available on a cruise ship by creating the first ever water coaster at sea--the AquaDuck!   The tubed ride features a clear loop over the side of the ship, two dips and blasts forward, goes through both funnels, and encircles Deck 12.  We have ridden the AquaDuck on the two ships that feature the attraction, the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy.

Not familiar with the AquaDuck--click here.

On our most recent cruise on board the Disney Fantasy, we discovered that there is now an option to capture a photo of your ride!  The photo is taken by a camera on the second dip and guests riding will see a flash of light.

When guests climb the stairs and then load the AquaDuck, they will see a screen to the left that has information about photos and most likely the screen will say that the photos are disabled.  What we discovered was that there was previously an option to scan your Key to the World Card at this screen/kiosk and the photo would then load into your Shutter's account based on your stateroom.  This option has since been disabled.  Probably not many folks have their Key to the World Card handy when getting ready to ride.

So, how does one get their AquaDuck photo?  Well, we learned that the previous days photos are "loaded" into the system at 11:00 am the next day.  Guests can then go to a Shutter's kiosk--located in the Shutter's Studio between the Vista Gallery and the hallway on Deck 4 or at one of the kiosks located just outside Enchanted Garden on Deck 2.  Then, scan you Key to the World Card and go to the "Find Photo" option.  Choose the day and then select "On Board" and the "AquaDuck" will appear as an option.  You can then scroll through the photos to find yours.  Keep your eyes peeled or have your glasses as the photos on the screen have a strike through so guests don't photograph them with a phone or camera.

Once you find your photos, tap the photo and add it to your account.  A Shutter's manager will then electronically verify that it is you and add the photos to your account.  This last step is invisible to the guests so need find Shutter's personnel.

It sound like a lot of work and a lot of steps, but it was easy. 

I lost my visor on this ride, but it eventually came down and I got it back.

Let's say you rode the AquaDuck on Sunday.  By Monday at 11:00 am, those photos would be available to scroll through and find to add to your account.  If you don't see them in your Shutter's account via kiosk by later that evening, seek assistance.  

We also learned that the camera is disabled on embarkation day.  While this day is the best day to ride the AquaDuck due to shorter lines, just know that photos won't be taken.

Have fun and smile for the camera!

We Came To Play--Some Of Our Favorite Photos!

One of the things I noticed when looking back upon our grand summer 2014 vacation was that we came to play and the pictures taken reflect just that.

Yes, we had several traditional photos taken with characters and in front of park icons, but we had even more playful photos taken.

Here are some examples:

 Just outside The Simpsons ride, there is a photo studio or shall I say stand.  This was one of many photos we had taken at the location and added to our Star Card--part of Universal's Photo Connect service.

 This photo opp is in the middle of the High In The Sky Trolley ride queue.  We missed it by using Express Pass, but was able to get it taken after we exited the ride.

 Even though we missed this photo opportunity in the Express Pass line, we asked at the end of the ride and were taken back to have our photos taken.  Watch out--we're shooting webs!

 The number one duck and the number one boy were sporting some attitude for this photo taken in front of the Walt Disney Theater on formal night.  It's amazing what a pair of sunglasses can do!

 Who doesn't dream of being a pirate?  And as guests on board a Disney ship, that is exactly what we got to do.  The photographer captured us being sinister. 

 And, then, there's the loving side.  This is one of my favorite pictures from the entire trip!

 Since Minnie was all dressed up and so were we, we decided to dance a bit.  That's us trying to do the Charleston.  Yep, we paid for that photo.

 Not even a little rain could dampen our spirits in paradise.  The rain eventually passed and blue skies and sunshine reigned.

 But Rapunzel, your hair would make such a great mustache!  This photo was the husband's idea.

 Paws up!  Pluto and the boy gave the same pose for this photo.  But I don't remember who ended up getting the treat.

 These two photos have to be seen as a set.  The little poser was smiling for the camera and the sunglasses stayed on his head even after the drop!  Gotta love Photopass photographers for capturing the moments!

 Yes, that's us floating along in the lazy river at Blizzard Beach. . . not a care in the world.  Water shoes, sunglasses, visors, and waterproof watches.  The MagicBands made getting our picture taken so easy--and ordering lunch!

 Okay, these two photos also need to be seen as a pair.  I'm just imagining the caption for the photo below.  "Ah, c'mon Dad, my driving isn't THAT bad.  And, remember, I learned from you."

And, of course, a photo from the best meet and greet of the vacation.  Minnie and I comparing our yellow shoes!  Click here to read more.

 Ralph tried to block the camera but we all made it into the shot.  Not your traditional character meet and greet photo, but we love it!

 The final wave photo at Typhoon Lagoon.  The photographer took a series of photos with the last one being when the wave hit us.  I love how the photo shows our personalities.  Click here to see the series of photos and read the story.

 The boy asked Duffy to turn around and then proceeded to announce and show what is on display on his backside--a hidden Mickey!  Duffy and the boy made up with hugs.

 At Enchanted Tales with Belle, the boy was chosen from the group to be The Best.  The photographer then took a series of photos that we later downloaded into our Photopass account. The photo above shows him scaring Belle.

 Later, he bowed in her honor, followed by dancing.  Someday he will either be embarrassed by these photos or thrilled that he was dancing with a Disney Princess.  I will say when he was selecting photos to go into his "All About Me" bag for school, he did not pick any of these. . .

A final bow at the end of the story.  How regal and confident he looks!

What is so fantastic is that all of these photos were taken for us--by either ships' photographers, Photo Connect photographers, or Disney Photopass photographers.  I so appreciate how they let us relax and be on vacation while they do the work for us--capturing the moments and the memories.  Just another reason we keep coming back;  oh, that, and to play!

What To Do About Photos On a Disney Cruise?!?

Some of the questions that puzzle guests both prior to or when sailing on a Disney ship are about photos—how many?  How much?  Etc.  And, they are the same questions we have pondered during our seven year/six cruise history with Disney Cruise Line.  So, let’s see if I can help.

A Lifestyle portrait

Do you have to have your photo taken by ship’s photographers?  There is only one photo required and that is the photo taken by a Cast Member when you check in at the port.  The Cast Member will hold up a webcam like device and snap a photo of your entire party all at once.  Those photos are then linked to your Key To The World card for identification purposes.  Other than that, NO, you do not have to have your photo taken.

A special background just for Pirate Night

Will ship’s photographers take photos with my camera?  Yes and No.  It all depends on what types of photos they are taking.  Are you meeting a character?  Then yes, there is usually a Cast Member/character handler nearby that will be happy to assist with your camera.  Getting formal portraits taken in front of a backdrop?  No.  Ship cameras only.  Now, while the backdrops will be picked up and put away, you can take a photo in front of ship icons such as helmsman Mickey anytime—as long as formal photos aren’t being taken at the same time, that is.

Sometimes there are props available during photo sessions

How do I see/select photos taken by ship’s photographers?  Well, this depends on what ship you are sailing on.  If sailing on the Wonder/Magic, your photos will be on display at Shutters and then you decide if you are purchasing them or not.  On the Fantasy/Dream, the photos are put inside a Folio and each stateroom is assigned a Folio based on a color, Disney character, and number.  Green, Mickey, 25 has been our Folio number at least one cruise.  Anytime Shutters is open, we can view the photos in our Folio.  But, if Shutters is closed, we can find a digital kiosk or even the digital Studio on the Fantasy, scan our Key to the World Card and view all of our photos—as photographers can your Key to the World Card.

An example of a photo taken in one of the restaurants.

What if I want to purchase?  If you want to purchase photos, there are several print packages to select from—starting with single print purchases all the way to all print purchases.  Single 8X10 photos are about $21.00.  Another option is the photo book.  I believe the magic number is 34 photos that can be included in the photo book that can be ordered and made at Shutters on the ship.  There can be a deadline for ordering the photo book, so be sure to inquire.  Another purchase option is the photo CD.  Prices vary depending on the length of the cruise.  The photo CD will have all the photos taken that are attached to your stateroom and do include the special borders.  Click here to go to a website that offers price information as well as a way to pre-order—typically at adiscount.

Most single character photos come in 6X8 size.

Sometimes the photos are a different size than I want, can I change the sizes?  The photos taken by ships’ photographers are either 8X10 or 6X8.  The size is pre-determined.  For example, a formal family portrait will be 8X10, but most character photos will be 6X8—though there are some exceptions.  Unfortunately, guests cannot request that a photo taken as an 8X10 be changed into a 6X8 or vice versa.  The only way to adjust the size is to purchase the photo CD and then change the size when you print photos at home or order on-line prints through another vendor such as Walgreens or Shutterfly.

Photo taken while boarding the ship

When are photos taken?  Typically, photos begin prior to even boarding the ship with a photographer on-hand at the port terminal taking pictures with characters.  Then there is the pre-boarding photo.  After that, ship photographers can be seen at most character meet and greets that are listed in the daily Navigator.  Ship photographers can also be found taking formal and lifestyle photos prior to dinner—both seatings.  You can also find photographers roaming restaurants, positioned on Castaway Cay, and roaming Castaway Cay to capture your memories.  Just a caution to not wait until the last minute to decide if you want your family’s pictures taken.  On our must recent 7-night sailing on the Disney Fantasy, photography services ended Friday at noon—which was Castaway Cay day.  So, any photos taken the last night were only by personal cameras—and trust me, there were still character meet and greets along with lots of other activities around the ship.  The service stopped so that Shutters could prepare photo books and photo CD’s. 

Meet Minnie at the Port Terminal

Oh, the stories I could tell about watching guests agonize over photo purchases on the last night of the cruise.  And, with a price tag of over $20 a pop for a single picture, I can understand.  Our first cruise, we did not purchase any photos—something we regret to this day.  On our second Disney cruise, I sprang for a photo package.  Our third cruise, I again purchased a photo package, but upgraded it to the package with the most photos by the time our cruise had ended.  Since then, we have purchased the photo CD from Shutters.  The sticker price can be a bit much—but let’s do the math.  The photo CD for our 7 night sailing was $399.95 (If we had pre-purchased it would have saved $50.)  I had a photo voucher from our travel agent as a gift that saved us $100, so the CD ended up costing us $299.95.  We had 275 photos on that CD.  That’s a little more than $1 per photo.  Buying the photo CD is one of our top tips for prospective cruisers.

The number of photos you have taken will vary depending on whether or not your family or traveling party wants to be photographed.  For us, it is a priority and can be fun.  When I got wind that there weren’t going to be photos taken Friday night, we re-arranged our schedule Thursday night.  It was semi-formal night and we had photos taken before dinner.  After eating, we changed our clothes and had photos taken again prior to going to the show.  We did wear those same clothes again the next night, but not a problem as we only had them on for a couple of hours.  But we wanted the photos!

One of my favorites!

AAA's On Board Gift/Benefit For Disney Cruise Line

An example of an 8X10 photo

Four 8X10’s and three 6X8’s—our AAA on board gift for our upcoming cruise.  That’s right, the moment we walk onto the ship, okay, into our stateroom, we will find a certificate honoring us with credits for the photos.  All we’ll need to do is provide Shutters, the on board photography headquarters, with the certificate and then pick out our photos.  But wait. . . (insert screeching sound).

Selecting seven photos from the hundreds that will be taken during our 7 night sailing will be difficult.  Not only because of the quantity but also because of the quality—and some photos only come in certain sizes. 

An example of a 6X8 photo.

Instead of lamenting over which photos to select, I have a different plan.  (This is where the husband would say, “of course you do.”)  I plan on using the photo credits towards the purchase of the photo CD from Shutters which would include ALL of our photos.  And, often, there is a special where the prints are also included as well—ALL of the prints.  I will happily pay the difference!

A "Lifestyle Portrait"

In addition to the character photos, there are photo opportunities with the ship’s Captain on formal night.  Also, “Lifestyle Portraits” are available each evening before and after dinner with various backgrounds.  Our packing list includes clothing for family photos with the idea of holiday cards in the future.  Ship’s photographers are also found on Castaway Cay and in the dining rooms to capture candid photos.  See what I mean about hundreds of photos?

Not purchasing photos was one of two regrets after our first Disney Cruise (the other was not rebooking onboard).  We won’t make that mistake again and recommend photo purchases to others—click here to read our top travel tips for Disney Cruise Line.

Now the bad news.  Bad news?  Yes, there is bad news.  Disney Cruise Line has discontinued its partnership with AAA and there is no longer a AAA gift or benefit when booking a Disney Cruise.  AAA and its agents can still handle Disney Cruise Line reservations and bookings, and our travel agent will continue to handle our reservations, it’s just that there will no longer be any benefits.  And, if you are a AAA member and receive AAA’s Living magazine, you will notice the lack of advertising for Disney Cruise Line amongst the pages of the magazine.  Walt Disney World—yes;  other cruise lines—yes, but not Disney Cruise Line.

The AAA gifts have varied over the years—free fruit basket in your stateroom, on board credits, drink credits, free float/tube rental at Castaway Cay, photo credits, etc. and were based on the length of the cruise and category of stateroom.  Each year, AAA negotiated with Disney Cruise Line about the on board gift/benefit. 

We are planning to enjoy this one last AAA gift/benefit and make the most of it!