Family Portraits Taken at Downtown Disney's Photopass Studio

We did it again!  We had photos taken at the Photopass Studio at Downtown Disney!

Each trip we try to make at least one stop to the Photopass Studio at Downtown Disney near Guest Services to have family portraits taken by Disney Photopass photographers.

Our experiences have varied from very attentive to obligatory, but each time we have appreciated the variety of photos that were taken and added to our Photopass account. 

Since we had pre-paid for Memory Maker prior to our trip—at a discount—we were happy to add as many Photopass photos to our account as possible.  We then edited and downloaded the photos once we got home—but actually, you can download them anytime after they appear in your account.

The  session did not take long—less than 15 minutes.  The largest portion of time was spent waiting in line for the next available Cast Member.  There were no other guests getting photographed or waiting to be photographed. 

This time, we also arrived in the afternoon.  Previously, we have been there first thing in the morning, which may make a difference in wait times, attentiveness of staff, etc.  

There is no additional fee to have these photos taken.  The only cost is for photo packages, downloads, or print outs.  But since we had Memory Maker already, the photos were added to our Photopass account and then downloaded—all for the cost of Memory Maker.  We had a total of 484 Photopass photos during our week-long vacation and paid $149 (pre-order) price for Memory Maker—that’s like paying 30 cents per photo. 

And, now, we have all of these photos digitally and can use them for a variety of purposes—social media, photo cards, customized gifts, etc. 

Professional Looking Photos Taken at Downtown Disney

Heading to Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort?  Have you pre-ordered a Photopass CD or are planning to purchase a Photopass CD?  If the answer is “yes” to one or both of these questions, then a great tip is to stop by the Disney Photopass location at Guest Services at Downtown Disney for a photo shoot.

The photographers are happy to take your pictures and there is usually no wait, and if there is a wait it is just minutes.  There is no fee for the photo taking, just if you purchase or download the photos or photo CD.  And, we just stop by, no appointment or reservation.

A photo shoot at Downtown Disney is typically in our vacation plans during stays of any length of time.  I just think it is great deal to get professional looking portraits added to my Photopass account, especially when I have already ordered the Photopass CD or am planning to order the CD—the more photos on the CD, the better the value!

During our mega vacation in July, we made two stops to Downtown Disney and took photos each time.  Once was in the morning.  The Photopass photographer did the poses we asked for—various combinations for our family—and was pleasant.

The second time, we arrived in the early evening/late afternoon, after a morning at Blizzard Beach.  This time, the photographer took more time and offered other poses beyond the ones we asked for, and seemed to enjoy the process.  He was friendly and jovial.  There were more candid shots during this session.

Why this works for us?  The boy, as of right now, enjoys getting his picture taken and the husband is a great sport.  He knows that this photography expedition is just as important to me as meeting new characters is important to him, and we try to make sure each other’s priorities matter.  Another reason this works for us is that we don’t have to make or keep an appointment.  Making it on time to ADR’s, park openings, and Fastpass return times is enough to keep us focused and organized.  I don’t want or need another thing to watch the clock for during our vacation.  It also works because the wardrobe gets packed specifically for the photo shoot or in this case, shoots, even though we hadn’t planned the second stop—I still had packed shirts for the occasion. 

When the Photopass CD arrives or the downloaded photos, the photos are yours to do with what you wish and you can just imagine all the creative uses for the photos.  We give them as gifts to family, make collage prints, display them in our home, and add them to personalized gifts such as calendars, tote bags, or mouse pads.  You are only limited by your imagination!

Have you used this service at Downtown Disney before?  If so, good for you.  If not, tell them we sent you!

Downtown Disney To Be Transformed Into Disney Springs

Downtown Disney to be transformed into Disney Springs by 2016.  The plan is for the current retail and dining hot spot to double in size and have the same intricate theming found in the parks and resorts.

Disney Springs gets its name from the interconnecting springs and waterways planned to connect the four outdoor neighborhoods.  Disney Springs will take its cue from vibrant water front communities in Florida and will feature a signature water tower and grand entry.

The Marketplace will remain in its current location, but expand, including World of Disney the largest Disney store.  An over-the-water pedestrian bridge is planned to connect Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex Café.

The West Side which already features entertainment, dining, and retail venues will feature an elevated spaces that will provide shade and birds eye views of the activities featured below.

A new edition, The Landing, will be located in the current location of Pleasure Island and will feature dining, retail, and waterfront views.

Also new, The Town Center, will be located in what is now a parking area.  Slated to offer retail and dining opportunities this space will also a promenade and grand entrance to Disney Springs.

Speaking of parking, the plan is to build parking ramps during the expansion and Disney has already requested permission to redirect traffic via an off ramp of the nearby highway that would lead directly into Disney Springs parking.

Disney Springs will be greatly anticipated by guests and fans and will also offer a boon to the local economy with an estimated 1,200 construction jobs and 4,000 operational roles upon completion. 

As Disney fans and frequent visitors to Downtown Disney, we can’t wait to see what the outcome of this expansion and re-theming.  It will take us a while, however, to get the new name into our vocabulary. 

Dining Reservations For Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex Cafe Can Be Had By Calling Restaurants

“You know where you want to eat six months from now?”  Not only do we know where we want to eat, but approximately what time of day and that makes planning Advanced Dining Reservations for Walt Disney World easy.  Most of the time, our travel agent makes our dining reservations for us.  But after adding an extra day to our upcoming July 2013 trip and extra dining reservations, I decided to give making our own ADR’s a go.

The goal was to make a dinner reservation for Rainforest Café at the Animal Kingdom location and a lunch reservation at T-Rex Café in Downtown Disney.  I phoned 407-WDW-DINE and made my way through the voice navigations only to discover that late dinner times were available for our selected date for Rainforest Café.  Not ideal.  I hung up the phone without even trying for T-Rex Café or speaking to an agent.

I then found the phone number for Rainforest Café at Animal Kingdom and called the restaurant directly.  A human answered the phone—bonus!  After a few questions, no credit card to reserve our time slot, and asking if we were celebrating a special occasion, we had dinner reservations at our preferred time slot! 

That was so easy; I did the same for T-Rex Café, calling the restaurant directly.  Again, success!

I learned that calling the restaurant directly is the best way to go for these two restaurants, and most likely the Rainforest Café at Downtown Disney.

While we have eaten at T-Rex Café at Downtown Disney previously (click here to read more), we have yet to try Rainforest Café locations in Orlando.  We have dined at Rainforest Café at the Mall of America several years ago so we are looking forward to dining there again.

The question that we are still wrestling with is whether or not to join Landry Restaurant’s Select Club prior to our trip.  Membership is $25 with a credit of $25 after your membership is activated and then opportunities to earn points after that.  Joining prior to our trip would allow for the membership to be activated rather than joining while at the restaurants themselves (Landry is the company that owns/operates both T-Rex Café and Rainforest Café along with several other restaurants).

Lego Store at Downtown Disney

A trip to Downtown Disney wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Lego Store.  This is where the boy does the majority of his shopping during a Walt Disney World trip. 

The store itself is filled with Lego creations that offer photo opportunities.  The Hulk was a new addition since our last visit.  Outside the store offers even more incredible Lego creations.

While shopping is the primary reason for a visit to the Lego Store, there are many things to do that don’t require spending a dime.  Inside the store, there is a large section with Lego pieces and computer screens to build to your hearts content.  Of course, the Legos stay in the sore.  In a covered area outside the store are even more Lego building stations and a race table with two inclines where guests can build Lego cars and then race them against each other.  Looking for wheels—ask the Lego Store employee at the race table as they have the wheels in the pockets of their aprons.

We budget both time and money when visiting the Lego Store.  The boy usually has $50 to spend and we know we will be there for at least 90 minutes, if not more.  The husband and I usually split up with one of us staying with the boy at the Lego Store—I head to the Disney Store with my 10% off coupon and when I return, the husband usually goes to Pin Traders.  This plan makes everyone happy and we use time more efficiently.  We’ve seen parents try to rush through the Lego Store leaving with unhappy children.  So, knowing the kids are going to want to spent time here before hand helps with planning.

The shopping happens first with him scouring the various sets on display on the perimeter of the store.  Sets can be expensive, but come with figures, and he has to wait until we are back home before he can open the sets.  (so the pieces don’t get lost)

This trip, he decided to build Mini Figures.  He added many accessories to the figures—hats, wigs, weapons, tools, clothing, etc. getting the most from his money.  And, he could play with them for the rest of our trip.  He made 6 mini figures.  This, I know he will do again.

We also have a Lego VIP card that gives us points for purchases.  I was able to redeem points and reduce the amount we spent out of pocket.  So, even if you don’t think you will come back, go ahead and sign up for the VIP card as you can also use it to shop at the Lego Store on-line.

So, whether you come to shop or play or both, be sure to check out the Lego Store at Downtown Disney’s Marketplace.

Can A Warm Weather Vacation Be "Christmasy"?

Where does Santa go after delivering gifts?  On a Disney Cruise!

A faithful Williams Family Blog reader, Carolyn, asked about how “Christmasy” a warm, dare I say tropical, vacation on Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World could be during the holidays.  Yes, Carolyn, there is Christmas in the tropics.  Our warm weather Disney holiday vacation was very Christmasy.  Here’s how. . .

Our first taste of the holidays was at both airports as there was a Christmas tree from our departing airport and at Orlando International!

 The Disney Cruise Line terminal in Port Canaveral was decorated for the holidays with Christmas tree and wreaths.  Is that Mickey's hand holding the ornaments?

 As soon as we got on the ship, we were greeted with the huge tree in the Lobby Atrium and the characters were decked out in their holiday attire.  There was also a life sized Gingerbread House in the Lobby Atrium.

 Christmas Eve, we had some photos taken in our pajamas to commemorate the occasion.  When we returned to our stateroom, we were greeted with a towel snowman topped with a Disney Cruise Line Santa hat!

Every gust received this holiday print to take home as a special gift.  Ours is framed and hanging on the wall!

 The ship had holiday decorations throughout.  The tree below was in the entrance to Animator's Palette and had little paint brushes and artist palettes for ornaments.

 The watermelon was carved for the occassion and even the little signs labeling foods had a holiday greeting!

 On Christmas Day we had a special holiday menu for dinner.  I considered that all the guests sailing on Disney ships that day (all 4 of them) were being treated to the same holiday meal--that's a big family gathering!

 Christmas morning, Santa was still working after his long night of toy delivery and decided to greet guests on the ship.  Well, if I were Santa, there would be no better way to relax after working so hard than to take a Disney Cruise!

We were also greeted with a buffet of holiday treats including cookies and hot chocolate and an ice sculpture of Santa's sleigh and reindeer of course.

Two hands, two cookies!  He said the frosted ones were best.

 

 

 At Castway Cay we were greeted by another Christmas Tree which was used as a backdrop for a photo.

 The trans that transport guests on Castaway Cay were decorated for the holidays and the garland included shells and fish.

 The island Post Office was also decorated and I couldn't resist the wooden hand painted Santas located throughout the island.

 Once back on land and at our Disney Resort, Coronado Springs, we were treated to another Christmas Tree surrounded by Poinsettias. 

 Downtown Disney was decorated for the holidays, too.  I love the Mickey planter in the photo above.  The fellas enjoy getting their photo taken at various locations, too!

Chef Mickey's had a special holiday wreath on display.  Look closely for the spatula.

Here's the giant Christmas Tree in front of Disney's Hollywood Studios.  This photo was taken in the morning. . . not night.  Can you tell we arrived early?

Phineas and Ferb were wearing their holiday hats when greeting guests at the park.

Santa Goofy also got into the holiday spirit at Disney's Hollywood Studios when meeting guests.

 But there is nothing else that can get you in the holiday spirit more than millions of dancing lights at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

Our warm weather Disney holiday vacation was just as Christmasy as a holiday at home, possibly more so.  And, it was definitely more relaxing from my point of view. . . no cooking, no cleaning, no cleaning up.

We made memories and stayed “present” as a family instead of focusing on the presents.  Our time together was the greatest gift and often staying home allows for other distractions.  And, with a full ship and very crowded parks, other families feel the same. Thanks, Disney, for a great holiday vacation!