If you’ve traveled to Disneyland or Walt Disney World recently, chances are you are familiar with the PhotoPass Photographers stationed throughout the parks. Having professional photographers around is another way Disney makes it really simple to enjoy and capture every moment of your vacation.
But one aspect of the PhotoPass service you may not be as familiar with are Magic Shots.
What are Magic Shots?
Magic Shots take your normal picture and add in some, well magic, by adding in a variety of Disney characters, items or borders. Typically, these photos involve some acting on your part.
Just as most movie stars now act opposite a tennis ball, you need to pretend that Tinker Bell is in your hand or you really did grab all of the Mickey Mouse balloons and are flying away.
Do Magic Shots Cost Extra?
Yes and no.
While getting a Magic Shot is free as part of the PhotoPass service if you want to be able to download your pictures, you will need to pay an additional fee.
You can either pay for an individual photo, or for a better value purchase Memory Maker at Walt Disney World or MaxPass or PhotoPass+ at Disneyland.
One caveat is that the animated Magic Shots are only available to if you purchase one of the download services.
Where Can I Find Magic Shots at Disneyland and Disney World?
Magic Shots started as a bit of a secret for hardcore Disney fans, but now Disney makes it pretty easy to find them.
At both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, you can simply ask the PhotoPass Photographer if they have any Magic Shots available. While a lot of the photographers do have a Magic Shot, but not all of them do.
Randomly asking is also a really fun way to take a Magic Shot, since they usually won’t tell you what the picture is, so it’s a nice surprise when you see the finished product.
In the Disneyland or MyDisneyExperience apps you can easily find the locations of every PhotoPass photographer in the park.
However, if you really want a certain shot, Disney has you covered.
This year Walt Disney World created a handy, downloadable guide that lists all of the Magic Shots in each park. Plus, it lists all of the character and attraction photo locations as well. You can download the 2019 guide here.
You can check out Disney’s Photopass Facebook page which lists all of the current Magic Shots available.
Since Disney changes the shots available throughout the year, it’s a good idea to check this page before your trip. Plus adds exclusive ones for special events (like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party).
As a tip, while these are the locations that will have Magic Shots every day, it’s still a good idea to ask each PhotoPass Photographer because often new Magic Shots or locations will become available.
What Are Some Examples?
Disney is constantly changing which Magic Shots are available. This makes fun since you can get different photos on each trip, but it also means that some of your favorites may not be available the next time you visit.
Throughout the years, we’ve taken our fair share of Magic Shots. Here are some of our favorites, plus the location we took them.
Characters
Of course, Disney is going to include some of its most popular characters.
Like Pascal from Tangled (taken near the entrance to Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom).
Or your favorite Lion King characters (taken in front of the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom).
How about some Porgs (taken in front of the Millenium Falcon in Galaxy’s Edge)?
Or maybe you’re a fan of Mulan (taken in the China Pavillon in EPCOT).
Angela may not like the Cars franchise, but these Cars Magic Shots are pretty awesome (taken in Cars Land in California Adventure).
Non-Character
There are also quite a few options that don’t include any Disney characters.
Mickey balloons (taken at the entrance of EPCOT, but we’ve seen this in the Magic Kingdom as well).
Butterflies (taken in Animal Kingdom)
Tie Fighter flyover (taken near Rise of the Resistance in Galaxy’s Edge)
Specialty Shots and Videos
Disney also offers custom Magic Shots for its after-hours events, like this one from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Or 360 degree photos like this one taken near Kylo Ren’s ship in Galaxy’s Edge.
Plus sometimes, Disney will turn your photo into a short video.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge video.
Special holiday-themed video from Hollywood Studios.
