What happened here?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
What happened here?
10
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 8:51am

OK, our first day we went to Epcot for our ADR at Akershus. We encountered a few characters on the way and were introduced to Photopass.

When we were called for our reservarion into Akershus, the greeter pointed us to the line for pictures with Sleeping Beauty and sais something like, "You can be seated immediately, but if you want pictures with Sleeping Beauty, the line is right here". We got in the line - there were only two children ahead of us, DD had her picture taken. Not having been to a character meal before, we just thought this was what you were supposed to do. We didn't comb DD's hair or even remove her hat - it happened so fast. We were totally unprepared.

Then, part way through our dinner, one of the hostesses brought us developed pictures! $35 she said. Thinking it was OUR bad, that we missed a sign or something and being totally new to this, we figured we'd count this as a lesson learned and e bought the pictrues. Of course DD saw them and would have been devastated if we said "no" as well. But, we were a little miffed and upset - the money we budgeted for one good family pic was poof - gone to a picture we never intended to purchase.

Eyes wide open then, I people watched a bit and I saw the same confused look on other families faces as their pictures were brought to them. So, on our way OUT, I stopped long enough to look over the area where the pictures were done. I was right - we didn't miss a sign or anything. There was NO indication that this was a paid picture and not a regular photopass picture.

Honestly, I was pissed. Akershus was totally not a great experience besides this (of our own doing as I explained in a post below) and this didn't help. I was so disillusioned about our whole trip after that. I felt cheated and taken in.

Thankfully, we had nothing like that happen to us again there. I do wonder if the Fairy Godmother picures (that we just missed) at 1900 Park Fare would have been the same deal and if it was we would have been taken n AGAIN. It didn't occur to me until I was writing my journal last night recounting the experience.

Has anyone else had this happen? Are you obligated to purchase the pictures - like I said, they made it seem like it was OUR bad, like we missed the sign or something. I noticed the other bewildered families also purchasing.

Any Disney pros care to comment?

Cathie

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-04-2004
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 9:34am
Hmmm I'm not sure, but I think all the character meals that have a "greeter" character like that present you with a pre-printed picture package.

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Avatar for cl_ktbugsmom
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 10:51am

Chef Mickey's has the same deal. They take your family picture then bring it around during dinner. Crystal Palace, Liberty Tree Tavern and Garden Grill do NOT. Last time I was at CRT (before the new structure) it was not like that, but now it does have the picture element, however the picture is included in the cost of the meal and there's no way to opt out of it. You can not get the picture but you're paying for it either way.


The photographers will take pictures with your camera. This includes photo pass photogs around the parks and the ones at the meals.


A small sign would be nice. Like Chelle mentioned Medival Times does the same thing, but if I remember correctly, they have a sign. I don't remember my parents being surprised the first time we went in SoCal (years ago) and I expected it when we went in Fl.


Avatar for genie26
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 11:36am
We had that happen at Akerhus and Donald's Breakfastasaurus. However, both times I tried to hand the photographer my photopass card and they explained that it was a separate package. I declined to purchase the one at Donald's but I did take the one at Akerhus and probably shouldn't have. Since I only had the kids done there, I was able to take pics with my own camera that were just as good. I agree that a small sign explaining the cost and what the package includes would be nice.
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Photobucket

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 11:59am
When we tried handing the photographer our Photopass card, all he said was that he didn't need it.

Cathie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 12:00pm
We were on the Dining Plan.

Cathie

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-22-2001
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 5:44pm

When we were there (Akershus)

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-13-2005
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 7:21pm

At Chef Mickey's they had us pose before we went in. We couldn't use our own camera there (my Mom didn't know and got scolded) but of course we could inside CM. I think they were pretty clear when they brought the package that it was optional, but I can see how some CMs might not be - I'm sure they have a quota.

We ended up buying the pictures, even though I really didn't want to, but they came out so darn good! It's actually my favorite pic. of that WDW trip...I wanted to decline on principle, but vanity won!!

It's a shame that they didn't make it more clear to you - I can see how you could feel obligated to buy it - esp. with the confusion there.

Mara

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 9:46pm
Odd. We went to The Royal Table Dining last Jan. The picture was included in the price (no dining plan for us). Also, he took extra pictures on our photopass of DD hugging Cinderella that was cuter than the first picture that was included. He also allowed us to use our own camera to take pictures as well. They were very friendly!
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-13-2005
Tue, 05-15-2007 - 7:56am
I think it's only at meals in the castle that the picture package is included....of course we say "included" but you actually pay for it in the price of the meal - let's not get crazy and think that it's "free"! LOL. I can see in that case why he would be so willing to take photopass pics and use your camera as well, because he has no pressure to sell anything - it's already a done deal.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-04-2007
Tue, 05-15-2007 - 11:23am

I will definitely agree that I was Very disappointed in that place. The meal was extreemely expensive -$75 for bacon and eggs and we weren't on the dining plan. If I were I would not have felt so cheated. I also agree that they definitely rush you in there. I have never felt so rushed at a disney meal as I did there. Also, the pictures in the beginning were the same way. It made me extremely frustrated. But I do know that you are not required to purchase the pictures they bring you. We. also, were allowed to take our own pictures. Not that they came out that great becuase my kids were so rushed.