Just weeks after reporting that upgraded Disney PhotoPass cameras were coming to Walt Disney World Resort, we can confirm that the upgraded guest recording equipment has been rolled out at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney PhotoPass cast members at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and other locations will eventually receive the new cameras.
Over the last few weeks, guests spotted Disney PhotoPass cast members testing new Sony A7IV cameras around all four Disney parks. Until now, Walt Disney World Resort has provided its photographers with Nikon D7500 cameras. Starting in 2013, Nikon had an official partnership with Walt Disney World Resort, including the Disney PhotoPass cameras and signage around the parks. However, the signage disappeared shortly after that partnership came to an end in 2021.
According to BlogMickey, Disney cast members have confirmed that the new Sony cameras are officially in use throughout EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. A few Disney PhotoPass cast members are testing the new equipment at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, but most photographers at those parks are still using the Nikon cameras. The Sony cameras will roll out around the remainder of Walt Disney World Resort at a later date, and Disney has teased that the camera updates won’t end at the theme parks.
The Sony A7IV camera (which retails at around $2,700) should offer a significant image quality upgrade, especially when combined with a flash attachment and the 24-105 f4 G-series lens (retails around $1,400). Of course, Walt Disney World Resort likely isn’t paying full price for hundreds, if not thousands, of new cameras and lens attachments.
Disney PhotoPass photographers staff several locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. They can occasionally be found during seasonal events or near special displays at Disney Springs and select Disney Resort hotels, especially during the holiday season.
Disney PhotoPass photos are available for purchase individually or through the Memory Maker package. Walt Disney World Resort guests can choose to purchase Memory Maker for one day ($75) or for the length of their stay, which costs $185 if purchased up to three days in advance or $210 at the last minute. The package also includes attraction photos.
Is a Memory Maker package at Walt Disney World Resort worth it? Share your opinion with Inside the Magic in the comments!
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