You have already invested so much time and money into your vacation. You are hoping that your kids will enjoy every minute and that they will remember the wonderful time your family had on the trip.
You want to capture the special moments but you also don’t want to miss them. That is why Disney created Memory Maker.
Disney Memory Maker is a photo package that includes digital copies of all the photos taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers as well as attraction photos. PhotoPass is a complimentary service in which Disney photographers stationed around the park, in front of landmarks and at character meets will take your picture. They then scan your Magic Band to link them to your My Disney Experience account. Without the Memory Maker, you are able to view the photos with a watermark and purchase them individually for around $15.
In full disclosure as of 2019, I do get a commission when you add the Memory Maker but even before that, I would highly recommend this product. I purchase it myself for every trip I take (2-3 a year!!) Recently I went down for a work trip and only was in the park two days so I decided not to purchase the Memory Maker seeing it was just me on the trip. I was 6 months pregnant at the time and not planning on riding many attractions with ride photos, I did not have any character meets planned and I have a thousand photos of me in front of the castle. Well I encountered the most wonderful Photopass photographer when I was staging some instagram photos. She noticed my belly and ear hat with the name Baby Vieira on it. She then spent no less than 20 minutes bringing me around the park and basically doing a maternity photo shoot. There were so many great pictures I had to buy the Memory Maker and regretted not getting in on the early booking discount!
By using PhotoPass photographers, the entire party can be in the picture instead of missing the person who usually takes the pictures.
The photographers capture some amazing candid photos at character meets. While you can ask them to take a photo for you with your camera or phone you will only get your posed family photo. You will miss out on the photo of your child’s face when they see their favorite character for the first time or when they go in for that big hug.
They use better equipment. It is so great we are able to capture photos on our phones but the photographers use top of the line camera equipment and you will have a much higher quality photo.
Ride photos are included. I remember as a kid purchasing the printed ride photo at every attraction that offered it, it got SO expensive! Now they are automatically linked to your account (no need to even scan your band) and they are included
If your kid is chosen to participate in an interactive experience like Enchanted Tales with Belle, Jedi Academy or Hoop De Doo Revue or you have a makeover packaged booked you will end up with at least a dozen photos you will want to have.
Magic Shots are exclusive to Photopass. The photographers are able to pose you and add enhancements to your shot to make it look like you are interacting with animated characters. Kids love getting these!
Photopass photographers are not at all character meet locations. Mary Poppins and Jack Sparrow can not be photographed professionally for legal reasons. There are some wandering characters who do not have a stationary set up where a photographer would be
They are also not at some character meals so you will want to have your camera ready for those interactions.
Some photographers are better than others. Sometimes (though in my experience rarely) you wont love the photos taken at a location.
It is pretty pricey especially for a short trip.
The good news is if you purchase Memory Maker in advance you can save $30. It is $169 if purchased at least 4 days prior to your trip. If you realize you want it in the park or after your trip it will cost $199.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions or if you would like to add this to your package.
An added benefit for you. You can share the memory maker. You will be able to see any of the photos any of your linked friends and family takes in My Disney Experience. They will still see watermarks but when you get home you can download their photos too! I have had families traveling together split the cost of the memory maker!!
I understand how you’re feeling, I know all too well how easy it can be at the beginning to start researching online, just to find yourself 3 hours down the line more confused than when you started. But don’t panic! I can help you plan your dream Disney vacation without any of the stress of hassle – starting with the ‘A Disney Trip without Overwhelm, 5 Easy Steps’ Guide. These 5 steps will help keep you focused on organizing the best trip ever, while giving you peace of mind that everything will be done, and nothing will be left out.
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