Photo Packages & Memory Making on Disney Cruise Line 📸

Photo Package Options, Pricing & Tips for Amazing Pictures

Disney Cruise Line is filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments — character meet-and-greets, sail-away parties, formal nights, island days, and unforgettable sunsets.

The big question is:
Are Disney Cruise Line photo packages worth it?

This guide breaks down:

  • Photo package options and pricing

  • Where and when photos are taken

  • Tips for getting the best pictures onboard and in port

  • How to decide if a package makes sense for your family

How Disney Cruise Line Photos Work 🛳️

Disney partners with Shutters Photography to capture professional photos throughout your cruise.

You’ll find photographers:

  • At embarkation

  • During character meet-and-greets

  • On formal and semi-formal nights

  • At port backdrops

  • On Castaway Cay

All photos are linked to your Key to the World card and viewable in the Navigator App.

Disney Cruise Line Photo Package Options 📦

Disney offers several package options, which may vary slightly by ship and sailing.

Unlimited Photo Package

✔️ Access to all professionally taken photos
✔️ Digital downloads
✔️ Often includes a set number of prints

Photo Package Bundles

✔️ Smaller bundles of photos
✔️ More budget-friendly
✔️ Great for short cruises

👉 Important:
Photo packages are often cheaper if purchased pre-cruise.

Disney Cruise Photo Package Pricing 💰

Pricing can change, but generally:

  • Short cruises (3–4 nights): lower cost

  • Longer cruises (7+ nights): higher value

  • Pre-purchase discounts available

👉 DCLCruisingDad Tip:
If your cruise includes multiple formal nights, characters, and Castaway Cay, packages usually pay for themselves.

Is the Disney Cruise Photo Package Worth It?

It’s worth it if:
✔️ This is a special occasion
✔️ You love character photos
✔️ You want family photos together
✔️ You don’t want to rely on strangers

It may not be worth it if:
❌ You prefer candid phone photos
❌ You rarely buy prints
❌ You’re on a very short cruise

Tips for Getting the Best Disney Cruise Photos 📷

📍 Know Where Photographers Are

Check the Navigator App for:

  • Photo locations

  • Character schedules

  • Special backdrops

👕 Coordinate (Don’t Match) Outfits

Solid colors photograph best:

  • Navy

  • White

  • Red

  • Pastels

Avoid busy patterns and logos.

⏰ Go Early for Character Photos

Early times mean:
✔️ Shorter lines
✔️ Less rushed photos
✔️ Happier kids

🌅 Use Golden Hour

Sunrise and sunset offer:

  • Softer light

  • Better colors

  • Stunning ocean backdrops

🏝️ Castaway Cay Photo Tips

  • Hit photo spots early

  • Use island signage and ship backdrops

  • Don’t forget Serenity Bay photos (adults only)

Can You Take Your Own Photos? 📱

  • Absolutely.

  • Disney photographers are happy to:
    ✔️ Take photos with your phone
    ✔️ Capture group shots
    ✔️ Help you frame the shot

  • Just ask politely.

Viewing & Downloading Your Photos 📲

  • View photos in the Navigator App

  • Purchase onboard

  • Download directly if you bought a package

  1. Photos are typically available for a limited time after sailing only if you purchased them pre-booking or onboard

Photo Package Money-Saving Tips 💡

  • Photo Package Money-Saving Tips 💡

    ✔️ Pre-purchase before sailing
    ✔️ Take all the photos — decide later
    ✔️ Screenshot favorites for reference
    ✔️ Buy packages early in the cruise

Final Thoughts from DCLCruisingDad ⚓

  • Disney Cruise Line photo packages aren’t just about pictures — they’re about preserving moments you can’t recreate.

  • If you’re celebrating something special or cruising with family, the convenience and quality often make it worth it.

    • Take the photos.

    • Make the memories.

    • Decide later.