This petition comes in the wake of Disney adding more automated cameras to Character meet and greets. Even thought we’re a new outlet, we’ve been covering this subject quite significantly.
A petition on change.org has been circling online asking Disney to keep the PhotoPass photographers, instead of using the automated cameras.
The above-mentioned petition stipulates the fact the Disney PhotoPass Photographers are able to “capture more than just a picture” and offer “an added magical touch that cannot be replaced”.
The overall goal of this petition is simple; to overturn Disney’s decision to add these automated camera “boxes” and bring back the photographers.
At this time, the automated cameras can be found at the character meet and greets – listed below:
- Mickey and Minnie – Town Square Theater – Magic Kingdom (WDW)
- Tinkerbell – Town Square Theater – Magic Kingdom (WDW)
- Princess Fairytale Hall (installed, not in use yet) – Magic Kingdom (WDW)
- Chewbacca – Star Wars Launch Bay – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Darth Vader – Star Wars Launch Bay – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
It’s safe to suggest this isn’t the first uproar over the automated cameras. Since being installed and implemented, guests have made complained via social media about the change and the decrease in the quality of photos captured by the automated cameras.
One of our supporters, Candace Harmon went so far as to post comparisons of photos taken by a PhotoPass Photographer alongside photos taken by the automated camera – see below.
The automated cameras use AI software which are able to capture candid and posed characters photos. However, these cameras cannot move from their position.
In the end, it’s down to the Character and the Cast Member working with the Character to make sure that everyone is in view of the camera
Via Attractions Magazine, according to an anonymous cast member, a number of photographers have transferred simply because of the loss of hours.
Again, via Attractions Magazine, another anonymous PhotoPass cast member stated the following when it comes to the automated cameras:
“We were once cherished. The replacement with robots makes us feel replaceable. The morale has changed. People are leaving. It’s really sad to know that I can no longer take sweet close-ups of Characters booming noses, that split-second moment when Elsa and a child locks eyes. No one can capture that.”
Anonymous PhotoPass Cast Member
Disney have yet to make any formal announcement regarding the automated cameras. The company have not many kind of response statement to guests’ complaints or this petition for that matter.
At the time of writing this article, the petition has had a total of almost 49,500 signatures. Almost 50,000, which should grab Disney’s attention.
Stay tuned to Orlando Theme Park Zone for more updates on this particular story. You can find more of our articles on the automated cameras here.
Source: Attractions Magazine
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