Walt Disney World has quietly added a more polished vacation-photo option outside the theme parks. Disney says the new resort pilot began May 18, 2026, with private 40-minute shoots at select Grand Floridian and Polynesian resort locations.
The current price is $399. That includes a consultation during the shoot, a specially trained Disney PhotoPass portrait photographer and assistant, advanced lighting and camera equipment, access to props, professional retouching, and downloads of the session photos.
Disney says most parties receive about 60 photos, though the final number depends on locations, travel time, group size, and other session details. The finished images appear in the guest's Disney PhotoPass gallery online and in the My Disney Experience app.
Where the sessions are available
For now, the pilot is limited to four resort locations tied to two of Disney World's best-known hotel areas: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
That lineup makes sense. These are popular photo spots even without a formal shoot, with water views, gardens, lobbies, pathways, and Magic Kingdom-adjacent resort atmosphere. Disney says indoor and outdoor locations are available, but exact spots can change because of weather and resort operations.
Booking details
Guests cannot simply walk up and ask for a shoot. Disney says advance reservations are required, and bookings can be requested up to 60 days in advance by emailing DisneyPortraitSessions@disney.com. Full payment is due at booking.
There are a few important guardrails. Wedding attire is not permitted for Signature Portrait Sessions, with Disney pointing wedding-photo inquiries to Disney Fine Art Photography and Video instead. Guest-supplied props are allowed only if they follow Walt Disney World property rules. Guests age 14 or younger must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.
The cancellation policy is also tight. Disney says guests who cancel within 24 hours of the reservation time, or who do not show up, will be charged the full session price.
A new add-on for resort days
Signature Portrait Sessions add another paid PhotoPass product outside the park gates, with sessions currently limited to two resort hotel areas.
The sessions are built for families, couples, proposals, anniversaries, and multi-generation groups. The package includes the photographer, retouching, delivery, and Disney resort setting.
Disney describes Signature Portrait Sessions as a pilot offering. Availability, locations, and session rules may change while the test continues.