What is the one thing that lasts longer than your Disney vacation itself? The memories you make while you’re there! And what is one of the best ways to relive those special memories? Through photos, of course.
Disney makes it really easy to capture your family’s memories via Memory Maker. In this article we will dive into the ins and outs of Disney’s PhotoPass service, which includes Memory Maker, and how to decide if this add-on is an investment worth making for your next Disney vacation. Let’s dive into the specifics!
What is it?
Disney’s PhotoPass service is the opportunity to have your family’s photograph taken around the parks, including near iconic landmarks, during character meet and greets, and even on select attractions. It’s free to have your photos taken, but Memory Maker gives you the option to purchase unlimited downloads of those special photos to keep forever.
I love Memory Maker so much because I get to watch my kids grow over the years. Magic Kingdom – October 2023 on the left compared with August 2024 on the right.
Epcot – October 2023 Epcot – August 2024
How much does it cost?
There are two options to purchase when it comes to Memory Maker:
- Memory Maker One Day – This includes all photos and videos from one day of your choosing during your vacation. This option costs $75.
- Memory Maker – This includes all photos and videos from your entire vacation. This option costs $185 when purchased at least 3 days prior to the start of your vacation. If you decide during your vacation to purchase Memory Maker, the price is $210.
The nice thing about Memory Maker is that you can add it onto your Disney World Vacation Package (resort + park tickets) and pay for it in advance as part of your overall reservation.
*Note: in Disneyland, Memory Maker is included when you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
How do you locate PhotoPass photographers?
One of the best ways to get your money’s worth from your Memory Maker purchase is to take lots of pictures! But how do you know where you can have your photo taken?
The good news is that it’s quite easy to spot the PhotoPass Photographers around the parks. They wear bright green shirts so they are easy to find. If you specifically want to seek them out, another great tip is to locate them via your My Disney Experience app. When you are in the app viewing a park map, simply change the drop down menu at the top of the screen from “Wait Times” to “PhotoPass,” and you will easily be able to see the locations of photo opportunities.
What are magic shots?
Another fun feature of Memory Maker is the ability to take and download magic shots. Magic shots are photos where an element is digitally added to the photograph. This might be a character (such as Tinkerbell in Magic Kingdom, Simba in Animal Kingdom or Remy in Epcot), a prop (balloons in your hand, seasonal decor such as pumpkins or hearts), or even moving animations. You can ask the PhotoPass Photographer specifically for one of these, but many times they will just offer them to you on their own.
Are character photos included?
Many character meet and greet photos are included. Oftentimes, when you visit a designated character meet and greet location, there will be a PhotoPass Photographer on hand to capture both candid and posed photos of you and your family meeting your favorite character. Other times there will be a photo booth that will take the photos automatically, however a photographer will be on hand to let you know where to look.
For character meetings that happen more sporadically, such as a roaming character you encounter in the park, a designated PhotoPass Photographer will not be on hand. However, all characters are accompanied by a Cast Member who is more than willing to take a photo for you with your own camera.
Are ride photos included?
Many popular attractions also capture your thrilling adventure via photograph while you are on the ride. Since you may not realize the photo is being taken, these pictures can really capture a wide range of emotions and are entertaining to see. The list of attractions with ride photos are listed below.
Magic Kingdom
- Space Mountain
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- TRON Lightcycle Run
Epcot
- Frozen Ever After
- Test Track
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Hollywood Studios
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Rock’n’Roller Coaster
- Tower of Terror
Animal Kingdom
- DINOSAUR
- Expedition Everest
A mom’s perspective on Memory Maker:
Now that you understand the basic details about what Memory Maker is, allow me to share some perspective from a mom who has purchased Memory Maker for every single Disney trip.
I am a firm believer that this is one of the best extras you can add on to your family’s vacation. As someone who loves photos for the sake of reliving memories, sharing on social media, and hanging around my house, some of my most favorite Disney photos are ones that have been taken by the PhotoPass Photographers throughout the parks.
As someone whose hands are always full (whether that be with kids, strollers, water bottles, etc.) I appreciate someone standing by with a camera in hand, rather than me having to fumble with my own phone and handing it over to someone to take a photo for me. Now don’t get me wrong, Cast Members are always willing to do that for you, but I prefer utilizing the person who is ready and waiting to capture our special memories.
Let me also take a minute to recognize the amazing work of these photographers! They have a way with kids. On more than one occasion, some combination of my children were less than thrilled at the idea of posing for a photo. The photographers were kind and patient with them, as well as full of humor that got my kids engaged and interacting so that we could capture the perfect picture. Not to mention, some of our best family photos were taken candidly in the middle of posing while we are all looking at each other and laughing.
These photos also ensure that I am actually in the picture with my family. How many times do you take a vacation where you are the one taking all the photos? You get all the way home and realize that you were behind the camera the entire time. By purchasing Memory Maker and having all of our trip photos to download, I get to have so many shots of me with my kids and of my entire family. I treasure these memories from over the years.
It’s also worth sharing that the photographers don’t just take one photo and then they’re done. At most locations, you’ll get anywhere from 5-10 photos, some posed, some candid, some magic shots, some close up, some zoomed out and you get the picture. It adds up quickly! From our week-long vacation last year, I downloaded over 300 photos when I got home. From a 4 day trip earlier this year I have close to 200 photos. It’s easy to get your money’s worth.
While the decision to purchase this add on is ultimately up to you, if you are someone who values photo memories, you’re doing a trip with extended family who isn’t always together all the time, or this is your once in a lifetime Disney vacation, I highly recommend getting the Memory Maker. You’ll easily be able to capture your family’s magical vacation with photographs that will bring you smiles for years to come!
As a Smart Moms Travel Agent, a big part of my job is to help you build the best vacation package for your family. That includes everything from finding the right resort to determining which add ons will make your trip complete. For more tips and tricks on all things Disney, and plenty more examples of Memory Maker photos, subscribe to the blog and follow me on Instagram @theorganizeddisneymom.
Me and my middle son had the same photo taken 10 months apart in Epcot.
