New Grand Floridian Portrait Sessions [Archive]

Stu

23 Aug 07, 02:15 PM

http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9764&stc=1&d=1187874915There's a new occasion to "say cheese" at Walt Disney World Resort: during individual portrait sessions now available at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Guests who desire a more one-on-one photo experience during their Walt Disney World vacation can book a shoot at the majestic Victorian-style resort where a Disney PhotoPass photographer escorts the group through some of its most picturesque backdrops. Consultations are available prior to the shoot to discuss wardrobe, session location and theme options.

Guests can create a portrait package that suits their individual needs with two current offers: a single sitting ($49.95), and a package that includes a sitting and a PhotoPass CD with all of the digital images taken by theme park photographers during a guest's vacation ($124.95). For more information or to book a portrait session, visit Disney's PhotoPass desk on the second floor of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or call 407/824-1700.

lynneandnick

23 Aug 07, 02:19 PM

now this looks very good

princess nicky

23 Aug 07, 09:39 PM

i would love to get more info on this , it would be a nice way to have some new family photo's done.

rusty30

23 Aug 07, 10:49 PM

Thats very reasonable :)

Andre

24 Aug 07, 01:19 AM

Since a standard PhotoPass CD bought on-site is $125 anyway, the second option makes the special photo session at the GF completely free. What a bargain! I wonder why Disney priced it that way?

Andre

sem1604

24 Aug 07, 08:41 AM

is this available to us poor cousins who are staying at value/moderate resorts.

lynneandnick

24 Aug 07, 08:54 AM

i wonder if it's anywhere online, so that we can get a better look

;) ;) ;) ;)

Stu

24 Aug 07, 09:23 AM

is this available to us poor cousins who are staying at value/moderate resorts.

Yes it's available to anyone as far as I know, you just need to book it and turn up at the Grand Floridian

princess nicky

24 Aug 07, 10:07 AM

i wonder if it's anywhere online, so that we can get a better look

;) ;) ;) ;)

I Can't find anymore info yet online :(
would all the photo's they take with the portrait package be put on the photopas???.( need more info )

would really love to do this next year

lynneandnick

24 Aug 07, 10:08 AM

I Can't find anymore info yet online :(
would all the photo's they take with the portrait package be put on the photopas???.( need more info )

would really love to do this next year

yes, i would think they would all be together in one post!!!

it sounds very good value for money

BevS97

24 Aug 07, 05:20 PM

I agree, it does sound like it's free if you are planning on buying the photo pass cd already - which is really bizarre.

FLGirl-UKNow

24 Aug 07, 06:25 PM

Ok, I called and spoke with them about this new package. The details that she gave to me makes it very appealing and worth doing.

For the $49.95 you get the photo session and the photos put onto your Photo Pass card only.

If you pay for the $124.95 you get the photo session and all of the photos put to CD. This would include any of the photos that you've had taken on your Photo Pass.

The thing to know is that if you purchase a Photo Pass CD PRIOR to your Photo Session at the Grand Floridian you do not get the Grand Floridian Photos.

However, if you go and have the photo session done, and pay the $124.95, you will have the CD with the photos from the session and any Photo Pass photos that you've had taken.

If you do the session during the middle of your stay and have more Photo Pass photos taken you can go back to the Grand Floridian with your original CD and receipt and they will burn a new CD to include the additional photos.

They did say to allow at least a hour for your session. They take anywhere from 30 to 60 photos depending on size of family, weather, cooperation of children, etc.

The photo possibilities mentioned were on the beach, on the grand stair case, etc.

FLGirl-UKNow

24 Aug 07, 06:29 PM

I meant to also say that they do recommend that you make an appointment for this to be done. They are still in early stages of doing this and popularity will grow as this is a great offer. There is always a chance of cancellation, no show or open spots so if you don't book don't think that you can't have it done because they might be able to accept a walk up.

princess nicky

24 Aug 07, 06:32 PM

thats great many thanks for getting that info :)

Do you think it's best to phone and book or just turn up at the hotal and book ???
and how long before could i phone them ??

FLGirl-UKNow

24 Aug 07, 06:33 PM

My apologies for another post but I did call back and ask a further question. If a moderator wants to combine my information and delete the extra posts that is fine.

I thought about those that ask about wedding posibilities and posed the question about wedding photos. The answer was absolutely you can have them done. They can not, however, go into the wedding pavilion. She did add that they are able to get the pavilion in the background. So anyone that is getting married in Orlando and is looking for some nice wedding photos this is a GREAT option!

FLGirl-UKNow

24 Aug 07, 06:36 PM

thats great many thanks for getting that info :)

Do you think it's best to phone and book or just turn up at the hotal and book ???
and how long before could i phone them ??

I called and asked your question and she said currently they are only able to book 30 days in advance. She said they are hoping to get the ability to book further out (like ADR) but as this is all very new they need to grow a bit more and get everything in place.

princess nicky

24 Aug 07, 06:39 PM

thank -you , i will wait until next year and i will phone and book.

many thanks
from nicky :)

Andre

24 Aug 07, 07:42 PM

This sounds really excellent, especially if you are planning on getting a PhotoPass CD anyway.

I wonder if that 'mid-stay session' option of going back to the GF at the end of your stay to get any further PhotoPass pics added onto CD can be extended to the PhotoPass stations at the parks? I'm thinking of people who maybe use their last day at a park, and want to get their final PhotoPass pics burnt onto CD just before they leave for the airport. In that case, going back to the GF instead of using the park kiosks may not be quite so convenient.

I was also intrigued by the mention of discussing wardrobe with them too - do you think that means they may have period outfits on hand so you can have photos taken in turn-of-the century costumes on the staircase of the Grand Floridian, rather like a lot of photographic studios do? That would be really neat if they do! Otherwise, I normally just have shorts and a T-shirt with me.

Whatever, I think this is a definite must-do in a month's time before they put the prices up!

Andre

FLGirl-UKNow

24 Aug 07, 07:51 PM

She did make it clear that you would have to go back to GF to get the additional pictures that you've had put onto your Photo Pass. You would also need to be sure that you had your original receipt for the Photo Session CD.

As for the wardrobe I got the impression they meant more along the lines of making suggestions of what to wear not that they had something for you to wear.

princess nicky

24 Aug 07, 08:01 PM

can't wait :)
I hope prices don't go up to much before next may.

i think we will all wear the same colour in the photo's ,maybe white it looks nice with a tan .

CityWalk

25 Aug 07, 09:09 PM

Sounds good.

They should really add a victorian costume option.

At the minute, all it really is, is someone taking photos of you around a hotel.

Although the wedding option sounds good as we may now switch are wedding venue! We where going to get married at the GF just for the photo ops. But now we can go elsewhere and get better value for money.

colinzy

27 Aug 07, 02:36 PM

Not bad that is it. Thanks
I'll take a look

BevS97

27 Aug 07, 02:49 PM

i just take it that they will make suggestion on the wardrobe, ie - all wear something that coordinates.

Minniespal

27 Aug 07, 03:41 PM

This sounds brillant, certainly something that we would be interested in.

lynneandnick

28 Aug 07, 10:33 AM

thanks for all the info. it looks very interesting

:d: :d: :d: :d:

brody-maddison

29 Aug 07, 09:39 AM

As we're having our vows renewed this sounds so perfect as a little add on and since I wanted to get the photopass anyway it sounds like a bargain.

So, when is the best time to get the CD, on the day? or get the photopass and have the photos added to CD on your last day at a Disney park?

FLGirl-UKNow

29 Aug 07, 01:13 PM

They will give you the CD on the day of the photo session at GF. What you will need to do is go back just before your holiday is over and you are confident you have all of your photo pass photos that you think you'll have taken. Present your CD, receipt and photo pass card and will then give you a new CD that will have all of your photos.

She said at the moment they need about 30 minutes to make the CD. Should this really take off and they are busy at the time you show up you might have to wait longer. So don't leave it until shortly before needing to depart for the airport.

Bartswife

30 Aug 07, 04:15 PM

OK, dim question from a dim person.

I pre ordered the photopass couple of months ago when they were on offer and have the code. According to other info I've read I can have the GF sitting photos put on the account just have to take proof I've pre ordered. Is that it then, I have to wait till I'm home and view on line and order the CD?

sueandco

31 Aug 07, 12:34 PM

I also read about this elsewhere and if it is right it seems by far the best option - almost too good to be true.

Treacle44

5 Sep 07, 11:45 PM

This sounds brilliant, think we will book this. I wonder what the wardrobe includes though?

dee slack

23 Sep 07, 08:46 PM

I thought about those that ask about wedding posibilities and posed the question about wedding photos. The answer was absolutely you can have them done. They can not, however, go into the wedding pavilion. She did add that they are able to get the pavilion in the background. So anyone that is getting married in Orlando and is looking for some nice wedding photos this is a GREAT option!

Don't suppose you can wear wedding attire tho' can you?

I've heard that the attire they recommend is to coordinate with each other and wear plain rather than patterned clothes.

I've also heard that if you've pre-paid for the Photopass CD then you now have to pay $24.95 for the 'sitting' fee but you have to show your receipt otherwis it's $49.95. I guess they just wanted to spread the word initially hence the free sitting for pre-pays.

FLGirl-UKNow

23 Sep 07, 11:25 PM

Don't suppose you can wear wedding attire tho' can you?

I did ask that when I called and the cast members response was "Absolutely You Can". ;) That is one of the reasons why I think this is a great bargain.

Again, they can take pictures outside with the wedding pavilion in the background they just can't go inside it. I think pictures on the grand staircase would be great as well.

BevS97

24 Sep 07, 01:01 PM

Has anyone done this yet? I will be buying a photopass cd, but I haven't preordered one. If I go the GF route it sounds like I can get the portraits essentially free, or am I missing something?

dee slack

24 Sep 07, 01:57 PM

I did ask that when I called and the cast members response was "Absolutely You Can". ;) That is one of the reasons why I think this is a great bargain.

Again, they can take pictures outside with the wedding pavilion in the background they just can't go inside it. I think pictures on the grand staircase would be great as well.

Wow!
Might have to book 2 sessions - one in wedding attire and one standard as the price is sooo good. :grin:

FLGirl-UKNow

24 Sep 07, 02:05 PM

Wow!
Might have to book 2 sessions - one in wedding attire and one standard as the price is sooo good. :grin:

I would book when you can and ask all of the questions direct to a cast member. Since this is new they did point out they'd be 'tweaking it' and 'making changes' while they work out all of the details.

This is one of the best things they've offered in a while. :d:

smudge

24 Sep 07, 02:08 PM

Does anyone have a number or web address where I can look at or talk to someone please.

FLGirl-UKNow

24 Sep 07, 02:15 PM

"For more information or to book a portrait session, visit Disney's PhotoPass desk on the second floor of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or call 407/824-1700."

Bartswife

25 Sep 07, 01:37 PM

Just rang to book for the 25th October to be told (nicely) that I was a day too early to book, have to ring back tomorrow.

tb2830

11 Oct 07, 10:01 AM

has anyone done this yet :)

susancharlton

11 Oct 07, 07:12 PM

Hmmmmm considering booking this, but has anyone had any photos done yet, what do they look like, what do advise wearing?

FLGirl-UKNow

11 Oct 07, 08:02 PM

I think it depends on what type of shots your looking for (casual, formal, etc.). If I were doing it with my family I'd have everyone in a white t-shirt and jeans or (what we call) khaki pants for a casual on the beach shot. I'd also bring another shirt that can be put on top of the t-shirt for a dressier option inside. Not one that is all the same but something that matches each other.

Totally up to you and what you are looking for. I've taken pictures of children for a surprise Christmas gift and they always loved that sort of combination. You could always substitute the white t-shirt for a matching WDW shirt.

The sky is the limit really.

Andre

11 Oct 07, 09:03 PM

We didn't do this option this trip (DW isn't keen on planning to have her photo taken) but we did buy the standard CD.

This now includes 3 'free' 5x7 prints from your PhotoPass card (which partially explains the jump from $99 to $125). You can also include a ride photo from Test Track on your PhotoPass card now, hopefully with more rides to follow soon.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/andrewilley/WDW%202007/DisneyPhotoImage20scaled.jpg

Another useful thing you can do is after a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique session you can get a set of studio-style photos taken (in Downtown Disney or at Exposition Hall in the Magic Kingdom) which will be added to your PhotoPass for free - even if you only have paid for the basic boutique package.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/andrewilley/WDW%202007/DisneyPhotoImage60scaled.jpg

One more feature which I've never heard discussed before is if you pay for a standard souvenir photo package at a character meal, you can later take the print which you've purchased along to any of the main PhotoPass locations and they will put the whole image session onto your card for you. Not a big deal I know, but it was rather nice to be able to do it.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/andrewilley/WDW%202007/DisneyPhotoImage102scaled.jpg

Andre

susancharlton

21 Oct 07, 09:28 PM

Has anyone had any of these photos done? Considering having them done while we are there. How early can you book them?

dee slack

21 Oct 07, 09:52 PM

Has anyone had any of these photos done? Considering having them done while we are there. How early can you book them?

There's a lady on here called Vicki who's posted some beautiful wedding pic's she had done at the GF
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=176352

You can book 30 days out.

floridamo

4 May 08, 01:13 PM

Oh I guess I'll be adding this to my list now :grin: I might be having to add a few more days to my trip for all the add on's ;)

Bartswife

4 May 08, 03:39 PM

They are taking bookings for a photoshoot at Polynesian now and I believe Saratoga Springs soon.

Alan & Poe

5 May 08, 12:49 AM

Awesome. Thanks for the intel. We had ummed and ahhed about the GF shoot and decided against it. I wouldn't mind a shoot at the Poly tho.

claireemmalouis

17 May 08, 10:47 AM

so if you do the shoot at gf, and add on your photopass pics from the parks , do you have to get the cd there and then??

i was hoping to go online and add borders and things to the pp pics and i have heard you do this at home online.

so do i pay at the park or online at home and how do i do the gf too??

Andre

17 May 08, 11:41 AM

Yes, I believe you have to get the CD from the photoshoot people. You can go back again at the end of your hols and get it topped up for free with any further photopass photos though - but I don't know if that would include borders.

Andre

Bartswife

17 May 08, 01:09 PM

We had pre ordered for $99 the photopass, the GF photoshoot was right at the end of our holiday and the photographer gave us another card. We went to MK on our last day and had them all put on one card for ease of accessing the account on our return home. We did not order the CD until I had cropped and played about with our pics, including the photoshoot ones at home two weeks after the shoot.

Dabies

19 May 08, 01:40 PM

Does anybody know where you need to book the photoshoot at the Poly? I was planning on booking the GF shoot, but I think the Poly would be a great location.

Bartswife

19 May 08, 04:16 PM

Number I have got from Disboards is 407 824 1163.

Dabies

20 May 08, 07:55 AM

Ta very much. :D

DisneyExplorer

21 May 08, 07:07 PM

is it the resort you phone?

susancharlton

21 May 08, 09:38 PM

Would be interested to see some photos from these other locations.

PrincessX2

21 May 08, 10:23 PM

Anyone have any idea of the best time to book for?

Bartswife

22 May 08, 12:56 PM

Depends when you go, seems to be about 5pm + as any earlier people complain of squinting on the beaches. There is examples of peoples photos on the Disboards, I will go and find out which section its under and report back!!!

Its on the Disney Trip Planning Forum.

PrincessX2

22 May 08, 02:39 PM

Mulan

22 May 08, 03:04 PM

I might book the one at the Poly, will be nice to get some pictures of the three of us at the hotel. I am buying the photopass CD so an extra $25 is nothing really.

matt987106

19 Jun 08, 03:06 PM

the only downside to this is you cannot add borders etc etc as you will have the CD at the GF

PrincessX2

20 Jun 08, 02:38 AM

the only downside to this is you cannot add borders etc etc as you will have the CD at the GF

Not if you pre purchase the photopass. You just get a photopass card after the shoot and add it to your account:)

fantasmic

1 Jul 08, 11:17 AM

we are going to book this!
i cant wait!
is it 30 days in advance that you can book it?

WDW-virgin

16 Jul 08, 11:00 AM

PrincessX2

16 Jul 08, 12:34 PM

Thanks so much for this info I was just going to order my photo pass for Sept, but couldn't find anything about the Grand Floridian photo shoot. So glad I checked back here as I really want photo shoot done as we have so few pictures of us as a family. And I don't want to pay for photo shoot and photopass when I can get both for $124.95.
Same you can't put ride photos on it I would happily pay extra to do this.

Ok having now done the shoot I can tell you how it works;) We pre-paid our photopass for $99 before we went. When we went for our photoshoot we had to take a copy of our e-mail confirming the pre-paid photopass. We then paid $24.99 and had our shoot done. At the end the photographer gave us a photopass card with the shoot pics on it. We came home added all our photopasses to our account, edited and added borders ect and are now just awaiting delivery of the cd!

If you wait to buy it all when your there for the $125 then you lose the option to edit, add borders and delete, crop ect.

Hope this helps anyone looking to do it!

WDW-virgin

16 Jul 08, 01:08 PM

Ok having now done the shoot I can tell you how it works;) We pre-paid our photopass for $99 before we went. When we went for our photoshoot we had to take a copy of our e-mail confirming the pre-paid photopass. We then paid $24.99 and had our shoot done. At the end the photographer gave us a photopass card with the shoot pics on it. We came home added all our photopasses to our account, edited and added borders ect and are now just awaiting delivery of the cd!

If you wait to buy it all when your there for the $125 then you lose the option to edit, add borders and delete, crop ect.

Hope this helps anyone looking to do it!

Thanks for that I read the rest of the posts after I posted and ended up more confused than ever:blush:. I now understand I can pre order and pay as I was going to then take confirmation with me to my booked photo shoot.

FLGirl-UKNow

16 Jul 08, 01:19 PM

I think they've tweaked the way they do it since it first started. When my post was made it was when it was first announced and only a few have done it. I still think it is an absolute bargain and a great option for someone who is getting married in Orlando but not at Disney. I've seen quite a few photos from Dibbers and other non Dibbers and they were really great.

brody-maddison

16 Jul 08, 01:33 PM

Ok having now done the shoot I can tell you how it works;) We pre-paid our photopass for $99 before we went. When we went for our photoshoot we had to take a copy of our e-mail confirming the pre-paid photopass. We then paid $24.99 and had our shoot done. At the end the photographer gave us a photopass card with the shoot pics on it. We came home added all our photopasses to our account, edited and added borders ect and are now just awaiting delivery of the cd!

If you wait to buy it all when your there for the $125 then you lose the option to edit, add borders and delete, crop ect.

Hope this helps anyone looking to do it!

Thanks hun, it sounds easy. Hope you'll post some pics for some of us nosey Dibbers :grin: