EXCLUSIVE: Shutterfly CEO discusses Disney PhotoPass partnership and what’s next
Shutterfly’s new partnership with Disney lets guests add eligible Disney PhotoPass photos directly into their Shutterfly accounts, including attraction photos, Magic Shots and even photos from previous vacations.
In a conversation with Attractions Magazine, Shutterfly CEO Emily Whittaker discussed the collaboration with Disney and opportunities to expand the partnership. The company also answered several practical questions about how the integration works and which vacation memories qualify.
Shutterfly CEO discusses Disney collaboration
Disney and Shutterfly worked together on both the technology and products available through the partnership, according to Whittaker.
“From the digital experience through to the products guests can create, Disney and Shutterfly worked closely to ensure every touchpoint felt seamless, thoughtful and distinctly Disney,” Whittaker told Attractions Magazine.
Asked how the alliance differs from a traditional licensing agreement, Whittaker emphasized the connection between Disney vacations and the keepsakes families create afterward.
Courtesy of Shutterfly
She described the partnership as an opportunity for guests to store, revisit and transform their vacation photos into personalized products.
Which Disney PhotoPass photos qualify?
A Shutterfly representative confirmed several details to Attractions Magazine:
- Purchased Disney PhotoPass photos linked to a guest’s MyDisney account are eligible.
- Attraction photos and Magic Shots are included.
- Previously captured photos qualify if they have not expired from the Disney PhotoPass gallery.
- Videos are not eligible for the integration.
Guests can use eligible photos on supported Disney-themed and non-Disney Shutterfly products, although some rights and product restrictions apply.
Shutterfly is also expanding product offerings and designs featuring Disney and Pixar characters from Toy Story, Winnie the Pooh, Cars, and Mickey & Friends to help guests celebrate favorite Disney experiences long after their trip concludes.
How to connect Disney PhotoPass to Shutterfly
Guests need both a MyDisney account and a Shutterfly account. According to Shutterfly’s official instructions, guests sign in to Shutterfly, connect their MyDisney account and wait for eligible photos to synchronize.
Shutterfly says photos generally appear within 10 minutes, although guests should allow up to 24 hours.
Official Disney PhotoPass and Shutterfly account-linking instructions
The initial integration covers Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. A similar experience for Disney Cruise Line and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is planned for early 2027.
Courtesy of Shutterfly
Whittaker explains that Shutterfly has spent more than 25 years helping customers share and preserve memories and the partnership with select Disney destinations is an extension of that focus.
“This alliance extends Shutterfly’s role in that journey by connecting directly to one of the world’s most beloved vacation experiences, Disney Parks.”
— Emily Whittaker, Shutterfly CEO
The Shutterfly integration provides an additional way to use eligible vacation photos after leaving the parks, including creating photo books, cards and personalized gifts.
Disney PhotoPass and Shutterfly: Questions answered
Attractions Magazine asked Shutterfly several additional questions about how the partnership will work for Disney guests.
Can guests still print Disney PhotoPass photos at the parks?
Yes. The new Shutterfly partnership does not replace existing photo-printing options at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. Guests can still purchase printed photos at participating Disney PhotoPass locations.
The PhotoPass studio at Disney Springs is a popular location to do so.
Can guests use PhotoPass photos from previous Disney vacations?
Yes. Photos captured before the partnership began are eligible, provided they have not expired from the guest’s Disney PhotoPass gallery.
Are attraction photos and Magic Shots included?
Yes. Both qualify when the photos have been linked to the guest’s MyDisney account and purchased. Videos are not eligible.
Can Disney PhotoPass photos be used on products without Disney designs?
Yes. Eligible photos can be used on supported Disney and non-Disney Shutterfly products, subject to applicable rights and product restrictions.
Are Disney products eligible for Shutterfly discounts?
Yes. Disney-themed products generally qualify for applicable promotions unless otherwise stated in the offer terms and conditions.
What’s next?
Asked whether the partnership could eventually extend to additional experiences at Disney properties, Whittaker pointed to future opportunities across products, designs and experiences.
“The alliance creates a strong foundation for continued expansion across products, designs, and experiences,” Whittaker said.
Shutterfly’s Disney-themed designs are exclusive to its website, and eligible Disney products can participate in applicable promotions, subject to offer restrictions.
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