How can I find missing PhotoPass photos from Disney World? 

Good news! If you’re missing a PhotoPass photo from a recent trip to Disney World, it may not be gone forever. 

Disney has two ways to try to recover photos: report a missing photo online or call the Disney PhotoPass Guest Support team at (407) 560-4300.

We visited the parks recently and were missing one of our group’s ride photos from Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. As soon as I gave up waiting for it to appear after a few days, I used the online form to give all the details I could—I included when and where the photo was taken, a description of the people we were looking for, and I uploaded the photo of the car immediately in front of the missing picture. (If you see some strangers where your photo should be, you could try attaching that photo and note that you were close to them on the ride.)

I honestly didn’t think much about it, but about a month later … success! I received an email from WDW Photo Imaging: 

Our Attractions Recovery team has successfully found your missing Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind photo and added it to your existing Disney PhotoPass® account.

To access your image, please log in to your Disney PhotoPass® account via a computer or mobile device. Once you have logged in, you will be able to view your Magical Memories. If you do not see your photo in your account within 12 hours of receiving this message, please respond to this email and let us know.

Voila! It was there! 

I was especially thrilled to see it because this happens to us pretty regularly, likely because we use older MagicBands. Cast members have told us the bands contain two chips — one that works short-range, like when you tap into the park or a Lightning Lane, and one that works long-range, for ride photos. The long-range chip tends to fail first, so you may notice missing photos while your band still works perfectly fine getting you into the parks. 

I’m sure this doesn’t always work, but I’m here to tell you not to give up hope. 

One caveat: If your trip was more than 45 days ago, you’re probably out of luck. PhotoPass photos expire after 45 days.