Pete’s Silly Sideshow reopened to guests today after a multi-year closure, and while the majority of the space remains the same as before the COVID-19 closure, a new element was installed during the downtime.

The controversial Disney PhotoPass automated cameras have been installed for each meet-and-greet space. The automated cameras replace a traditional PhotoPass Cast Member. Instead of being mobile like a Cast Member, the boxes are stationary and simply snap photos at regular intervals. In our opinion, the photos from these camera boxes are so bad that they should all be removed. The boxes are a visual reminder of a cost-cutting, low-effort era at the Disney Parks that we hope will soon be put in the rearview mirror, but that remains to be seen. The automated boxes are not functional this morning, but Cast Members said that they should be soon. There are also no PhotoPass photographers stationed at any of the meet and greets, but character attendants were more than happy to snap a photo for guests with the guest’s phone or camera.

Here’s a look at the “boxes”, which are pillars centered on each meet and greet.

Here is the station where guests would tap a MagicBand or ticket to link the automated photos to their account.

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!