WDW: Disney Testing Automated PhotoPass Locations in the Magic Kingdom (07-05-2016 09:07 AM) - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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WDW: Disney Testing Automated PhotoPass Locations in the Magic Kingdom (07-05-2016 09:07 AM)
Disney Testing Automated PhotoPass Locations in the Magic Kingdom
"Self-Serve" PhotoPass? Disney is testing a new PhotoPass option in the Magic Kingdom. Stationary Cameras are in place and focused - all the guest needs to do is activate the camera using their MagicBand. The photos can then be viewed on the PhotoPass site. Currently a camera is set up near the Tangled restroom area and Cast Members are available to help guests with the system. Rumor has it the camera will be moved to the Sword in the Stone set-up behind Cinderella Castle.
We were selected to try it near the Tangled restrooms while the Cast Members gave us a device to use and watched while we interacted with the system. The first photo we took backwards! Then, they asked us questions when we were done. It was interesting. The photos took a few days to show up in our Photopass account as they were being reviewed for research purposes.
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Correct me if I'm wrong but this sounds like something that's going to have to have a CM standing by for a really long time. It's not something I see people being able to walk by and know what to do without a CM helping so why not just have the CM take the photo in the first place?
Correct me if I'm wrong but this sounds like something that's going to have to have a CM standing by for a really long time. It's not something I see people being able to walk by and know what to do without a CM helping so why not just have the CM take the photo in the first place?
I am thinking it may be similar to those self check out cash registers at the grocery store or those kiosks at the airport, where you do your own airline check in. There will probably be a CM around that is also assigned to some other responsibility and would be available, should anyone need assistance. There may be a learning curve for guests to figure out how to do it, but after a while, most everyone will be experienced, especially frequent visitors.
Correct me if I'm wrong but this sounds like something that's going to have to have a CM standing by for a really long time. It's not something I see people being able to walk by and know what to do without a CM helping so why not just have the CM take the photo in the first place?
Being a good, or even just passable, photographer takes still, talent, and lotsof practise.
Being a good "customer-care technician" able to help people operate a pre-set system .... really doesn't.
Interesting in theory but not convinced of wide usage. It takes special photographers to interact with some kids (& adults for that matter). Those skilled, personal interactions are necessary for some family members to achieve priceless pictures.
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Interesting in theory but not convinced of wide usage. It takes special photographers to interact with some kids (& adults for that matter). Those skilled, personal interactions are necessary for some family members to achieve priceless pictures.
Honestly, during our trip last month, I felt many of the CMs who were Passport photographers were not very "skilled" at all. In fact, I was disappointed with a lot of the pictures that were taken. The ones we took ourselves with our cell phones were better, as far as positioning and lighting, for the most part. This included those at the M&Gs. Compared to our first trip, where our Photopass pics were fantastic, I was wondering who Disney was hiring to take these pictures.
I did want to add that there were a handful of photographers who I felt were very good. They took the time to interact or position you for the best pics, including magic shots. However, those were few and far between. Most of the time, photographers took multiple shots of the same pose (maybe closer up or whatever), then that's it. Towards the latter part of our trip, I realized that these photographers weren't doing anything special, so I started asking for magic shots or a special pose.
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Last edited by momtotaryn; 07-10-2016 at 04:09 PM..
Reason: added info
I would agree that not all Photopass photographers are skilled. But many of them have the ability to relate to scared kids & grumpy husbands. This is were another aspect of non-technical skill comes in place. Hard to ask a box to take unique poses or calm a frightened child. I'm more for the personal experience.
Correct me if I'm wrong but this sounds like something that's going to have to have a CM standing by for a really long time. It's not something I see people being able to walk by and know what to do without a CM helping so why not just have the CM take the photo in the first place?
The CM's were there because it was a test--observing to see what it would take to make the system self-serve. We offered them suggestions.
Eventually, the system will be self-serve. The camera was stationary and did not require any handling by us or Cast Members.
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