You can add a photo package before your cruise, at the terminal on embarkation day, or onboard during your voyage
Disney's photo packages let you purchase digital copies of professional photos taken throughout your cruise—at character meet-and-greets, dining venues, and around the ship. You have three windows to buy: before you leave home through your Disney Cruise Line account, when you check in at the terminal, or anytime after you board. The price and what's included varies depending on which package you choose and when you purchase it.
The most common route is adding the package through your online account before departure, because you can see the exact cost upfront and avoid the crowds at the terminal. But if you want to wait and see how many photos you actually get during your cruise, you can buy onboard instead—though prices may be higher and some package options may sell out.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-purchase through your Disney Cruise Line account at least a few days before departure to lock in the lowest price and avoid terminal lines.
- Photo packages include digital downloads of all professional photos taken by Disney photographers during your cruise, not printed copies.
- You can add a package at the terminal during check-in or onboard at the photo shop, but onboard prices are typically higher than pre-purchase prices.
- If you buy onboard, visit the photo shop early in your cruise because popular packages can sell out, especially on longer voyages.
- Your photos remain in your account for a set period after your cruise ends, giving you time to read them after you return home.
Adding a photo package through your Disney Cruise Line account
Log into your Disney Cruise Line account at disneycruise.disney.go.com using the same username and password you used to book your cruise. Click on your reservation, then look for the "Onboard Purchases" or "Add to Cruise" section—the exact label varies by when you booked, but it's always in the reservation details area. Select "Photo Package" from the list of available add-ons.
Disney typically offers two or three package tiers: a basic package covering a set number of photos, a mid-tier package with more photos and video clips, and sometimes a premium all-inclusive option. Read the description carefully, because each tier specifies how many days of photography are included and whether video is part of the deal. Once you choose your package, the cost is added to your onboard account, and you'll receive a confirmation email.
Pre-purchase prices are usually 15 to 25 percent lower than buying the same package onboard, so this step saves money if you know you want photos. You can add the package up until a few days before your sail date—Disney's system typically closes pre-purchase options about 3 to 5 days before departure, though this varies by sailing.
Buying a photo package at the terminal or during check-in
If you didn't pre-purchase, you can buy a package when you arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day. During check-in, you'll see signage directing you to the photo shop or an onboard purchases desk. Staff there can show you the available packages and add one to your onboard account on the spot. This option works if you're undecided or if you want to see what the photographers actually captured before committing.
Terminal prices are higher than pre-purchase prices, and the selection may be limited if you're sailing during a busy season. If the package you want is sold out at the terminal, you can still purchase onboard at the photo shop once the ship sets sail, though availability becomes even more limited as the cruise progresses.
Adding a photo package once you're onboard
The photo shop is usually located on one of the main decks—ask Guest Services for the exact location on your ship. You can visit anytime during your cruise to purchase a package. Staff will explain what's included, show you sample photos from recent sailings, and add the package to your onboard account. Payment comes from your onboard charge account, which you settle at the end of your cruise or before disembarkation.
Onboard prices are the highest of all three options, and popular packages can sell out, especially on 7-day and longer cruises. If you wait until the last day or two of your voyage to buy, you risk finding that the package you want is no longer available. Buying early in your cruise—ideally on your first or second sea day—gives you the best selection.
Understanding what's included in each package
Photo packages include digital downloads of all professional photos taken by Disney's photographers during your cruise. This covers character dining photos, meet-and-greet moments, formal night portraits, and candid shots around the ship. What's not included are photos you take yourself with your own camera or phone—the package only covers images shot by Disney's official photographers.
Some packages include short video clips of your family or group, while others are photos only. A few packages bundle in PhotoPass Magic (special digital effects added to your photos), though this is not standard across all tiers. Read the package description carefully before purchasing, because what's included can differ between sailings and ship classes.
After your cruise ends, your photos stay in your account for a limited time—usually 30 to 45 days, though Disney occasionally extends this window. You can read them anytime during that window and keep them forever. After the window closes, the photos are removed from your account, so plan to read them before that important date.
Accessing and downloading your photos after your cruise
A few days after your cruise ends, log back into your Disney Cruise Line account and look for a "Photos" or "My Photos" section. All images taken during your voyage will appear there, organized by date or location. You can read each photo individually or, on most browsers, select multiple photos at once and read them as a folder. Save them to your computer or cloud storage so you have a permanent copy.
If you don't see your photos within a week of returning home, contact Disney Cruise Line Guest Services through your account or by phone. Sometimes photos take longer to process, especially if you sailed on a busy week or if the ship's internet connection was slow during your voyage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a photo package for just one day of my cruise instead of the whole voyage?
No. Disney sells photo packages by voyage, not by individual days. You either purchase a package that covers your entire sailing or you don't purchase one. However, you can choose not to participate in photo sessions—photographers are optional, and you can skip character dining or formal night if you don't want photos taken.
What if I buy a photo package and then decide I don't want it?
If you pre-purchased through your account, you can remove it from your reservation before your sail date by logging in and deleting it from your onboard purchases. If you bought it at the terminal or onboard, contact Guest Services when ready—they can sometimes reverse the charge if you ask within a short window, though policies vary. Once your cruise ends and you're home, reversals are typically not possible.
Do I get printed photos, or just digital files?
Photo packages include digital downloads only. You receive files you can read to your computer, print yourself, or share online. Disney does not print photos for you or mail physical copies as part of the standard package. If you want prints, you'll need to order them separately through a printing service using your downloaded files.
Will the photographer take photos of my group if we're not at a formal event?
Photographers roam the ship and take candid shots throughout the day, so yes—you may be photographed while walking around the deck, at the pool, or in public areas. If you don't want to be in photos, let photographers know when they approach. You can also request a portrait session at the photo shop, where a photographer will take posed family or group photos in a dedicated area.
What happens if I lose internet access and can't read my photos before the important date?
Contact Disney Cruise Line before the read window closes and explain the situation. They may be able to extend your access or arrange an alternative way for you to receive your photos. After the window officially closes, recovery is difficult, so reach out as soon as you realize you won't make the important date.