Do You Need to Activate the Universal Orlando Photo Package? Here’s My Experience
Wondering if you need to activate your Universal Orlando photo package before using it? Here’s my first-hand guide on how activation works, where to go, and how to save time.
When I head to Universal Orlando, I almost always add on the My Universal Photos package—it’s the easiest way to collect all the ride photos, character meet-and-greets, and those candid shots in front of the globe without fumbling with my phone. But there’s one question I get asked all the time:
Photo Shop at Universal Studios Florida
👉 “If I buy the Universal Orlando photo package, do I need to stop at the photo center to activate it?”
The short answer is yes—but it’s not as much of a hassle as you might think.
How the Activation Works
When you purchase My Universal Photos, whether you buy online ahead of time or at the park, you’ll still need to activate the package inside Universal Orlando. This step links your purchase to the physical photo pass cards you’ll use throughout the day.
Here’s where you can activate:
On Location at Universal Studios Florida
DeFoto’s Expedition Photography at Islands of Adventure
Waturi Marketplace at Volcano Bay
Or even the will-call window at the front gate
Once you activate, the team member gives you a lanyard and photo card—and you can request extras if your group is splitting up. Every card links back to your account, so all of your photos end up in one place.
Do You Have to Activate Right Away?
Nope! You don’t need to run straight to the photo center the minute you enter the park.
Here’s a pro tip I’ve learned: you can start using a temporary card that ride photographers hand out at attractions. When you finally stop by a photo center to activate your package, those early photos will be transferred over to your account. That way, you don’t waste rope-drop time standing in line.
My Advice
If you want to maximize your photo package:
Grab a temporary card as soon as you get your first photo taken.
Wait to activate until the middle of the day when crowds are lighter.
Ask for extra cards if your family is splitting up—it keeps everyone’s photos together.
For me, this system works perfectly. I get all my ride photos, family shots, and even those silly green-screen pictures without stressing.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you do need to activate your Universal Orlando photo package—but you don’t need to stress about it. Start snapping photos with a temporary card, then swing by a photo center when it’s convenient. You’ll walk away with a full album of memories without sacrificing valuable park time.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Land and Sea Summer Vacay in Orlando
August deals on Royal Caribbean from Orlando (Port Canaveral, Florida) are available now
Earlier this week I shared that Disney Cruise Line is sold out for summer sailings. But it’s not too late! Go Royal Caribbean out of Port Canaveral and save big. Port Canaveral is less than an hour away from the Orlando theme parks and airport.
Tip #1 - Take Advantage of Royal Caribbean Offers in August
The cruise lines want your business. Obviously they have been hit hard by the pandemic plus they are recovering from a period of highly restrictive and confusing CDC regulations.
The cruise lines have every reason to ensure guests are safe onboard. An outbreak on one ship, any ship, would be disastrous for the entire industry. No one wants that.
All of the major cruise lines have exceeded the CDC guidelines and have proven they can sail safely.
As the industry struggles to recover, the cruise lines are offering amazing discounts.
This is your opportunity to enjoy the family vacation of a lifetime, for less. This means you can do even more.
Take a look at these rates for August 2022 using Royal Caribbean’s latest promotion:
Oasis of the Seas | Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean August Sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida*
August 1, 2022 - 4 night sailing from $433 per person
August 4, 2022 - 4 night sailing from $233 per person
August 5, 2022 - 3 night sailing from $318 per person
August 8, 2022 - 5 night sailing from $313 per person
August 12, 2022 - 3 night sailing from $309 per person
August 15, 2022 - 4 night sailing from $349 per person
August 19, 2022 - 3 night sailing from $309 per person
August 22, 2022 - 4 night sailing from $339 per person
August 26, 2022 - 3 night sailing from $288 per person
Tip 2: Visit the Orlando Theme Parks
You’ll be in Orlando anyway, so why not plan a visit to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando?
I help clients everyday plan Land and Sea vacations in Orlando. A 3 or 4 night cruise on Royal Caribbean plus 3 or 4 nights at the Orlando theme parks is a great vacation.
Everyday I work with clients who trust me show them how to book a Land and Sea vacation. Put my experience to work
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers a family-focused vacation experience just like Disney Cruise Line. Actually, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, usually gets higher marks than Disney’s Castaway Cay Island.
Now is the best time to begin planning your summer vacation. Cruise fares will increase as the sail date gets closer. Those who book early save the most.
*Price is per person, in USD, for cruise only on select sailings and stateroom categories, based on double-occupancy, reflects any promotional savings, and is subject to change and availability. Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional. Bookings made under the Non-Refundable Deposit Program are subject to a 100 USD cancellation or change fee per guest. Price includes non-commissionable cruise fare. Additional restrictions apply, including the terms and conditions of any promotions and pricing programs. © 2019 Royal Caribbean. Ship’s registry: Bahamas
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Introducing the Disney World and Universal Orlando Bundle
Today I’m excited to announce a new feature available on SAVEatWDW.com, the Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Bundle Quote.
Now, planning a split-stay between Disney World and Universal is easier than ever. This new quote offers a side-by-side view of your Universal Orlando itinerary and your Walt Disney World itinerary, on one page.
VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando Resort
As we fine-tune your quote to create the perfect itinerary for your family, you’ll be able to see the updates on one page. This allows you to easily compare things like dates, cost, and package components.
Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Plus I created the Guide to Visiting Disney World and Universal Orlando with expert answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about doing a split-stay between both resorts.
For example:
How many days should I plan for at Universal Orlando?
How can I get Universal ExpressPass for free?
What’s the best way to travel to Universal from Disney?
Most of my clients come to see Disney World, but are also interested in exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and riding the new VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure.
This new split-stay feature will make it easy to understand how you can do both.
Book your Orlando vacation with me and take advantage of these great benefits:
BEST PRICE - When you book your vacation with me, you’ll always get the best available rate, even after you book with Price-Watch.
BEST ADVICE - As an Orlando local and theme park expert, I’ll help you have even more fun with expert planning and insider tips.
PERSONAL ATTENTION - I’m your personal account manager throughout the entire process, no waiting on hold to speak with a random customer service agent.
Get your Universal Orlando and Disney World Bundle quote now!
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
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Plan a smooth visit to Universal Orlando with this helpful accessibility guide for guests using wheelchairs and mobility devices. Learn how ride transfer requirements work, what to expect in queues, and how to navigate the parks confidently in 2025.