How Big a Deal Is Automated PhotoPass?
The nature of Disney scandals has changed. Before the pandemic, guests expressed outrage over matters that seem trivial now.
Whereas people once groused about menu options at Jungle Skipper Canteen and photography at the parks, now they’re more focused on…everything.
The pandemic and a switch in leadership undeniably altered Disney’s course of history, leading to landmark changes at the parks.
However, one old sticking point has returned to rear its head again. How big a deal is it?
Photo: Disney PhotoPass
Should people care about automated photography at Disney photo ops?
Remembering Disney’s Staffing Woes
Disney fan frustrations from 2019 seem positively quaint now. At the time, few appreciated just how good we had it.
In the pandemic’s aftermath, the parks remain short-staffed, leading to the so-called Princess Shortage and continued customer service woes.
Simply stated, Disney’s parks division has never quite recovered from The Great Resignation. Part of that is Disney’s fault, albeit an understandable one.
Photo Credit: Jeff Vahle
Management laid off 32,000 workers at the pandemic’s start. Unfortunately, many of them never came back, leading to a less experienced work crew overall.
In addition, others discovered new career opportunities that utilized their Disney training well. As a result, they’ve moved on to greener pastures.
Even before all that happened, Disney officials tried to cut labor costs.
Executives had recently signed union agreements to pay workers more at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
So, Disney plotted ways to counterbalance the increased salaries by reducing staffing needs.
Barely three years later, we’ve all grown accustomed to staffing shortfalls, as they’re the nature of the beast in 2022.
You’ll find such problems everywhere, not just at Disney theme parks. I cannot go into a restaurant without noticing a Help Wanted sign. That’s just modern life now.
Some jobs don’t pay enough for people to want to take them. Thankfully, Disney works differently, as it’s a dream destination for many.
Photo: Disney
This statement explains why many cast members did wait for the worst to be over and then returned to their Disney jobs.
Still, one group had already been whittled down before the pandemic. Yes, I’m referencing photographers.
Photo: Disney
Remembering the Hottest Complaint of 2019
In 2019, Disney quietly replaced cast members with robots. That description sounds worse than it is, yet it’s somehow accurate, too.
In several character spots, Disney removed PhotoPass photographers from the equation. In their stead, Disney added automated camera boxes.
Photo: Disneytouristblog.com
If this were Las Vegas, you could think of these devices as the eye in the sky. Gambling companies love them because they see everything.
Theoretically, that aspect should benefit park guests, as the human eye and reflexes cannot capture moments the same way that machines can.
Photo: attractions magazine
Frankly, this debate has started to pop up across industries. We’re witnessing robots take over manufacturing facilities.
You’ll even find machines serving food at restaurants:
…and sometimes making the pizzas:
While Disney has talking trash cans:
and turned WALL-E into a superstar. Disney fans still collectively expressed their outrage over this decision.
Fans complained so much that I ranked it as the eighth-worth Walt Disney World event of 2019.
Photo: DisneyFood Blog
At the time, I noted: “Disney fans recoiled at the idea, which forced Disney to dial back some of their plans for automated kiosks.”
I later added, “Thousands of loyalists have signed petitions against this change, but Disney officials stubbornly did it anyway.”
Photo:Disney
That final statement has proven accurate once more. Disney has quietly restored the eye-in-the-sky PhotoPass system at multiple outlets.
You haven’t heard the same outcry this time because, well, we’re all tired. It’s been a lot these past two years.
So, now feels like the best time to evaluate the pros and cons at a time when we aren’t all dialed up about the conversation.
The Cons of Automated PhotoPass
Critics point to three primary negatives of automated PhotoPass. One is that the eye in the sky cannot move.
Photo: attractions magazine
Disney officials indicate that these devices include full range of motion and maximum visibility, but some park guests prefer cast members.
After all, humans can move around to capture the perfect shot for the moment. But unfortunately, that automated camera remains in a fixed position.
Photo: Disney
This issue grows more significant for larger parties, as they’re covering a wide space and require more flexibility for each shot.
Along those lines, computers lack the same instincts as cast members. For example, automation has no feel for when a magical moment may occur.
Photo:seoclerk.com
Conversely, a human can anticipate when something special is unfolding and ensure to capture that memory. With robots, it’s pot luck whether you get the shot at that moment.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, automated PhotoPass simply doesn’t feel very Disney.
You expect cast members to make your vacation that much better when you visit.
Something gets lost along the way when a fixed camera performs your photography instead of a person.
Photo: touring plans.com
Many (most?) guests want that cast member to stand there and provide direction before you pose for the picture. It adds a comfort level to the proceedings.
The Pros of Automated PhotoPass
Last weekend, my niece spent a good deal of time lecturing me about how to take proper smartphone videos.
Photo: wirefly.com
Those of you who watched my live streams during MickeyBlog’s early days appreciate her help because you may still have nightmares about the shaky cam.
Folks, not everyone is meant to work as a photographer. Even the ones with an eye for the camera still lack some skills.
We’re only human, after all. That automated camera isn’t like you and me. It can capture several images per second.
Even the best photographers in the world usually require multiple seconds to set up sequential shots. They rely on high-priced cameras to fill in the gaps.
Those famous sports shots you’ve seen over the years come from digital captures wherein the professional picks the best moment.
The eye-in-the-sky technology at Disney works the same way. A computer records the images, and the best ones join your PhotoPass digital library.
Photo: PhotoPass
Whereas a human will recognize memorable moments and react accordingly, the automated camera captures everything within the frame while recording.
Which Kind of Photography Is Better?
Is that better or worse? The honest answer is that it depends on the situation.
Photo:PhotoPass
Sometimes, you need human instinct. Otherwise, you’re likely to miss the best possible moment for a photo.
Conversely, when you’re posing, you or other party members may blink or grimace or do any number of actions that ruin the picture.
Photo: PhotoPass
Automated photography can capture so many moments that it will discard those images and leave you with something memorable instead.
I know that many Disney fans dislike change and vastly prefer cast member interactions when possible. That’s totally valid, and I’m the same way.
Disney PhotoPass
With photography, the debate isn’t as cut-and-dried. Some of us – like me! – aren’t as photogenic and need the help.
PhotoPass photographers captured some of the worst pictures I’ve made in my entire life. No hyperbole.
I’ve got one in an archive that makes me laugh each time I look at it because it’s sooo bad.
On the other hand, I haven’t had a bad experience with an automated PhotoPass camera yet.
However, some of these photos aren’t as memorable as the ones that cast members have managed.
Photo: Disney PhotoPass
My advice to you is that you should seek out an automated camera at a place like Mickey’s Town Square.
Then, contrast this picture to one a cast member takes later in the day.
Photo: Disney
Decide on your own which method suits your needs better.
I suspect you’ll discover you’re like me and prefer a mix of the two.
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Feature Photo: touring plans.com
