Universal Photo Package

Amy Baranek
1.5.21

Every time we have visited Universal as a family, I always purchase their photo package.  It is a great way to get some amazing pictures of your family on vacation!

What’s Included:

-Unlimited digital downloads of:

                  -Some character meet and greets (like Blue and Transformers)

                  -rides and attractions at all 3 parks

                  -photographers in the park

                  -pictures from the Dark Room

                  -pictures at any of the self serve ‘selfie’ photo stations

-1 each of a 4x6 and 5x7 photo print

-My Universal themed lanyard and card

-Discounts on any photo gifts

What Does All That Mean?

Dark Room:  I think one of my favorite fun things to do is to visit the Dark Room at Universal.  To find it, after entering Universal, you will take a right heading towards Bourne Stuntacular Show.  You will find the Dark Room a little past Bourne on the opposite side of the street.  When you enter there is a desk where you can get a print of a picture (included with your photo package).  If you look past that you will see 2 green screen areas.  Scan your lanyard at one and everyone get ready to pose! You will see, on a screen, in front of you, what is being shown behind you in your photo.  It may be King Kong, you may be flying on Toothless, or being attacked by a dinosaur.  Prepare for your own serious or goofy pose, the camera will count down, take your picture, and move on to the next pose.  There are usually about 4-5 different pictures at each green screen.  Be sure to visit both screens as the pictures are different in each of them.  The best thing is that there is no limit to the number of times you do them, so come back and visit!

Self Serve Photo Station:  You will find self serve photo stations in all the theme parks.  Volcano Bay has the most with 3 fun stations - one that includes a beautiful shot of the Volcano in the background.  Islands of Adventure has a photo station that is Jurassic Park themed with a T-Rex and Jurassic Park jeep in the picture.  Universal has a photo opportunity where you can pose with the DeLorean from Back to the Future.  In order to use these stations, you simply scan your photo lanyard, watch for the light to change to a rapid blink (that signals it’s taking your picture any second) and smile!  It is so easy, and you can take as many as you wish (as long as there isn’t a line with others waiting). We usually take several pictures, some that are normal and some that are silly poses….just for fun!

Rides:  When you get off a ride that has a photo on it, be sure to stop at the photo desk when you get off the ride.  The employee will have you scan your lanyard after finding your picture.  This will get your ride photo into your My Universal Photos account.  A note if you ride E.T.: When you get off the ride, the gift shop you walk through has a special iconic photo shoot opportunity that you can take advantage of.

Character Meets:  While there are many character meet opportunities at Universal and Islands of Adventure, the majority of these will require you to take your own picture or selfie.  However, there are a few meets that do have a photographer available.  These are: Transformers, Blue, Spongebob, Shrek, Minions (when you get off Despicable Me), and Spider Man in the Marvel store.

Photographers:  You will find photographers at the entrance to the parks, and sometimes in other key locations (I have seen them on the bridge with a view of Hogwarts castle, and in Citywalk outside of Islands of Adventure).  Be sure you keep your eye out, and if you are wearing your Universal photo lanyard, the photographers tend to notice you and will ask if you would like a picture.  One day, we were at the entrance photo in Islands of Adventure for a second time, I mentioned we had the photo yesterday, but sure, let’s take another.  The photographer offered to go to a different location nearby so we would have a different background at the entrance.  Moral of the story-don’t be afraid to talk to the photographers, they are happy to help you and accommodate as best they can!

The Rest of the Details:

Depending on your number of park visits, your Wishes agent can help you find the photo package that works best for you.  Pre-purchasing your photo package will help you save some money versus purchasing at the parks.  As of September 2020, prices start at $69.99 up to $99.99(not including tax). 

When you arrive at Universal, you will need to stop at guest services or a ticket desk where they will be able to give you a card that allows you to stop at a Universal photo store at the front of the park.  This is when you will receive your My Universal Photo lanyard and card.  In order to view your photos, you will need to go to www.myuniversalphotos.com to link your photo card and receive your digital downloads.  Once you are linked, you can login anytime and download your photos which will be available for a year. 

I really enjoy the extra fun items Universal has available with their photo package-like the Dark Room.  Some of the ride photos we have taken in the past are priceless!  I highly recommend the photo package from Universal to add on to your package.  My family gets it every time!

I’d LOVE to help you plan your Universal vacation!  Please contact me at amyb@wishesfamilytravel.com and follow me on Facebook and Instagram! #wishesfamilytravel #amywft #trainedtraveledtrusted #travelplanner #universal #universalorlando #universalorlandoresort #reopening #wizardingworld #darkroom #thedarkroom #darkroomuniversal #myuniversalphoto #universalphoto #myuniversalphotos