Wondering what Magic Shots are all about? These shots are special photographs that can only be taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers. The magic comes in the form of characters and other props that may not be physically next to you while you’re taking the photo, but that show up later when you view them in your My Disney Experience account.
For example, the photographer may ask you to hold out your hands together flat. Then, when you check the photographer later, either after your vacation or on the My Disney Experience app, a small Tinkerbell, Chip, or another character may appear in your hand!
Most magic shots are only available in select locations throughout the parks. Some magic shots that are only available at Animal Kingdom are Kaa from the Jungle Book, Kion from The Lion Guard, and Flik from A Bug’s Life. Epcot has Figment (near Spaceship Earth), Mushu (near the China Pavilion), and Iago (near the Morocco Pavilion). Magic Kingdom specific magic shots include Hitchhiking Ghosts (near Haunted Mansion), Chip and Lumiere (near Gaston’s Tavern and Be Our Guest), and the Muppets (in Liberty Square). Hollywood Studios magic shots are Mike Wazowski (near Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Echo Lake and Pixar Place), Darth Vader (near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue), and Stormtroopers (near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith).
PhotoPass photographers require training on how to add the magic shots into your photograph. As a result, magic shots may not always be available. It is always a good idea to ask the photographer about a specific magic shot if you’re not sure if it’s available. You can also visit the Disney PhotoPass Service Facebook page to find each park’s current Magic Shot offerings and where they can be found.
Some magic shots are only available for new movie debuts or during special events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Some magic shots that are only available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party include a Tinker Bell dressed as Santa Clause (in Fantasyland and Main Street, U.S.A.), a big ornament (near Cinderella Castle), two nutcrackers (on Main Street, U.S.A.). Some magic shots are that only available during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party include the headless horseman (near the entrance of Magic Kingdom), a ghost riding in a carriage (in front of the Haunted Mansion), and you holding a lantern (in front of the Haunted Mansion). The most popular Magic Shots, including Stitch, Mickey balloons and Olaf are usually available year-round in any of the parks.
If this post has made you excited about the magic of Magic Shots and you plan on taking lots of PhotoPass pictures on your next trip, consider purchasing Memory Maker! Magic Shots are included in all Memory Maker packages. Memory Maker packages are usually priced at $169.00 when purchased in advance or $199.00 when purchased for immediate use. The price of individual photographs varies by size. Two 4″ x 6″ prints of a single picture are priced at $16.95, one 5″ x 7″ print costs $16.95, and one 8″ x 10″ print is priced at $20.95.
Have you taken any Magic Shots in the parks? Share your photos with us on Instagram by using #CastlePartyLife!
