Walt Disney World

5 Tips for a Great Capture Your Moment Session

Capture Your Moment is an experience offering dedicated time with a Disney PhotoPass photographer. Following a consultation with your photographer (which usually lasts around 10 minutes or so), your party of up to eight guests can enjoy a 20-minute personalized photo shoot with some pretty unbeatable backdrops. Whether you’ve already booked a session, are thinking about booking a session, or have just learned what Capture Your Moment is, we have the 5 biggest tips to have a great session.

1. Ask About Available Photo Locations

When picturing your photo shoot location, backdrops like Cinderella Castle or the Tree of Life probably come to mind. And these are great photo spots you can enjoy during a Capture Your Moment session! But there are also many other beautiful and unique spots available to you during a session that you might not even realize.

Disney photographers are happy to help you pick a great location. While you’re guaranteed one photo location per session, many sessions do end up visiting a second location to take photos if time allows.

Before booking, note where Capture Your Moment sessions can go within each park:

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom:  on and nearby Discovery Island (including Africa, Asia, DinoLand U.S.A., and the Tree of Life Trails)
  • EPCOT:  Germany Pavilion, Italy Pavilion, American Adventure Pavilion, Japan Pavilion or Morocco Pavilion
  • Magic Kingdom: Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland or Liberty Square
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios:  Toy Story Land, Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, Sunset Boulevard or another beloved spot.
  • Batuu (Hollywood Studios): In front of the Millennium Falcon or a First Order shuttle, The Black Spire Outpost market, Ancient ruins, and other beloved locations based on park operations.

Locations are subject to availability.

2. Arrive on Time

Make the most of your session by arriving at your check-in location at least 10 minutes prior to your start time. Because this experience is very popular with photo shoots running continuously for much of the day, sessions cannot be extended due to a late arrival.

Pay close attention to where the Capture Your Moment check-in locations are in each of the parks:

3. Have Fun with Props

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or achievements like an engagement or birthday, taking family photos, or just excited to be at Disney, the Capture Your Moment team has created props specifically for these sessions and uniquely themed to each park. Let your photographer know what you want to celebrate or capture so they can help pick the best props.

If you’ll be orchestrating a surprise moment during your session – such as a proposal – we know that keeping the secret until you’re ready is crucial, but we also want to be prepared with the right props. If you fall into this category, we recommend informing the Capture Your Moment team in advance so they can note the surprise on your reservation. Or, you can visit the check-in location on the day of your session to ensure your photographer is in on the surprise.

You’re welcome to bring your own props, but please make sure they comply with the Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules, found by clicking here. That webpage is also great for reviewing the Attire Policies. An important one to note is clothing that drags on the ground is prohibited in the theme parks.

4. Don’t Give Up on Finding an Opening

These sessions are very popular and fill quickly. Reservations open 60 days in advance, but even then, some sessions, especially those in the morning, can book up very fast. If you can’t find the session time you wanted, don’t give up!

Check online or in the My Disney Experience app the day before and day of for reservations that could open at the last minute. No guarantees, but I know this has worked out well for some guests.

Also, don’t forget that Capture Your Moment is available at all four theme parks. If one park is fully booked, I highly recommend checking the others for openings.

5. Don’t Forget to Download Your Photos

While photos are not included in the price of your session, those who have Memory Maker, Memory Maker One Day, or a Walt Disney World Annual Pass with the Disney PhotoPass Downloads add-on can download Capture Your Moment photos at no extra cost.

You can purchase Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day in the My Disney Experience app or online before, during, or after your visit. No matter how you download your photos, be sure to do so before they expire.

Be sure to contact your favorite Dream Designer travel agent, or request your free quote by clicking here.

Tags: capture your moment, disney world, memory maker
Karen Stoner

Karen is the owner and lead Dream Designer at My Mickey Vacation Travel. She is now in her 10th year of planning vacations to Disney destinations, as well as other vacation experiences. She leads her team of 80 Dream Designers and credits them with the overall success of the agency, and is especially proud of the PLATINUM Authorized Disney Vacation Planner designation that the company has earned.