Disney is officially taking vacation photos to an entirely new level.
Disney has quietly launched a brand-new premium photography offering called Signature Portrait Sessions at Walt Disney World, giving guests the opportunity to book private professional photo shoots at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
The new Signature Portrait Sessions are currently operating as a pilot program at select Walt Disney World resort hotels. The experience gives guests a private 40-minute photography session with a specially trained Disney PhotoPass portrait photographer and assistant using professional-grade camera equipment and lighting setups.
The sessions are currently available at four resort locations:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Which means Disney clearly picked some of the MOST photogenic resorts on property for this rollout!
The Experience Includes Professionally Retouched Photos
Disney says each session includes a private 40-minute portrait session, a trained Disney PhotoPass photographer and assistant, professional lighting and photography equipment, access to props, professionally retouched images, and digital downloads through Disney PhotoPass.
Most guests reportedly receive around 60 professionally edited photos from the session, although Disney notes the exact number may vary depending on travel time between photography locations and how many different backdrops are used during the shoot.
The photos are then uploaded directly into the guest’s Disney PhotoPass gallery through the My Disney Experience app.
Disney Is Using Some of Its MOST Beautiful Resort Backdrops
One of the biggest details fans immediately noticed is how heavily Disney appears to be leaning into the atmosphere and aesthetics of its deluxe resorts for these sessions.
At Disney’s Grand Floridian, guests can utilize Victorian-style architecture, elegant resort interiors, white waterfront verandas, grand staircases, lagoon views, and garden pathways.
Meanwhile, the Polynesian offers tropical landscaping, palm trees and tiki torches, beach areas, lagoon sunsets, island-inspired architecture, and lush greenery and waterfalls.
Disney says both indoor and outdoor photography locations are available, depending on weather, lighting conditions, and resort operations.
The new experience currently costs $399 per session, with full payment required at the time of booking.
Advance reservations are required, and Disney says guests can currently book up to 60 days ahead by emailing the Signature Portrait Experience Team directly at DisneyPortraitSessions@disney.com.
Disney also notes that:
- Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable
- No-shows are charged the full amount
- Wedding attire is prohibited
- Guests under 14 must be accompanied by an adult
- Personal props must comply with Disney property rules
Disney directs guests seeking wedding photography to Disney Fine Art Photography and Video instead.
Fans Are Comparing It to “Capture Your Moment”
Disney fans online immediately began comparing Signature Portrait Sessions to Disney’s existing Capture Your Moment offering inside the parks. However, this new experience appears MUCH more premium and professionally staged.
Unlike Capture Your Moment, which focuses on shorter in-park sessions near major icons like Cinderella Castle, these new shoots are centered around resort storytelling, luxury aesthetics, and curated portrait photography.
Disney is describing the offering as a pilot program, but many fans already believe this could eventually expand to additional deluxe resorts and future vacation packages if demand is strong.
Given how popular VIP tours, after-hours events, specialty dining, personalized vacation add-ons, and private experiences have become across Walt Disney World, the launch of Signature Portrait Sessions feels VERY in line with Disney’s recent focus on premium vacation experiences.
And for milestone trips, anniversaries, engagements, or multi-generational vacations, this may end up becoming one of Disney’s most popular luxury add-ons yet.
We’ll continue following updates on Signature Portrait Sessions, Disney PhotoPass offerings, Walt Disney World resort experiences, and additional premium vacation packages, so be sure to check back soon for more Disney Parks news and updates.
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