Is Disney World’s Memory Maker Photo Package Worth It?

January 26, 2018

If you’re looking for a way to capture all those magical memories from your Walt Disney World vacation, Disney’s Memory Maker Package is the perfect option. The package allows guests to pre-pay in advance to download and print unlimited Disney PhotoPass photos. The package includes the following:

Any photos your family have taken by PhotoPass photographers which you will see scattered across each of the theme parks.
Photos from Character Meet and Greets
Photos at select restaurants including; Cinderella’s Royal Table, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Ohana, Be Our Guest, Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, Chef Mickeys, Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, and Spirit of Aloha.
Magic Shots – Which I’ll talk more about below
Ride videos and photos including the following attractions: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (photo and video), Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Test Track, Rock n’Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror (photo and video), Pirates of the Caribbean, Frozen Ever After, Expedition Everest, and Dinosaur. Here’s a sample from Tower of Terror.

What are Magic Shots? Magic shots are a fun little bit of pixie dust that the PhotoPass photographers add on to your Disney photos. You’ll be asked to pose in a certain way when you take your photos and then when you look at the finished product that is downloaded to your Memory Maker account you will see some “magical” updates. The photos usually involve a Disney friend or two showing up in the image with you. There’s a wide range of Magic Shot options and even some “rare” ones thrown it at various times throughout the year. The Disney PhotoPass team have a nifty Facebook page that shows you what Magic Shots are currently available at each theme park. You can find it here.

How do I know where PhotoPass photographers are located? You’ll find them throughout the four theme parks. Find yourself in front of a beautiful view, vista or landmark and chances are there’s a PhotoPass photographer nearby. But just in case you need a bit of guidance as to their whereabouts, there’s a find PhotoPass option on your My Disney Experience App that you can utilize once you are at the theme parks. This will show you where the photographers are located throughout each park.

What is the cost of purchasing Memory Maker? Memory Maker is best purchased in advance. The usual cost of a Memory Maker package is $199. However, for guests purchasing their package at least 3-days before either through a My Disney Experience account or by calling your Travel Agent, Disney will knock $30 off the purchase price so it comes in at $169.

I’m travelling in a large group and we are staying in separate rooms. Is it possible for all of us to use the same Memory Maker package? As long as everyone is linked up through My Disney Experience, it is possible to share Memory Maker. Everyone linked will be able to have their photos captured using the account. However, only the person that purchased the Memory Maker account is able to access the photos and download them. So the lead guest will need to be willing to make sure that they get shared with everyone else on the plan.

How long is Memory Maker good for? Memory Maker is good for 30 days from the point of activation. So if you happen to be visiting the park more than once in a month, you do have the ability to use the same Memory Maker package for both visits.

How long do I get to download the photos? Disney will keep all your photos on file and available to download up to 45 days after your vacation. After that point, they will be deleted from your account. When MemoryMaker, I always advise starting downloading your images as soon as you get home so that you don’t run the risk of losing them. Or, if you need some time to figure out what you’d like to do with your photos you also have the option of getting a photo extension. For an additional $19.95, Disney will allow you to store your photos on their system for an additional 15 days (that’s 60 days in total).

I heard Disney sends you a CD with all of your photos when you purchase Memory Maker is this true? No. This is a common misconception that a lot of people seem to have about Memory Maker. These days the package contains digital downloads only. However, there is a PhotoPass store where guests can purchase various items from prints to CDs. Follow this link for more details and pricing.

Is Memory Maker worth? This is probably one of the questions I get asked the most. There is no concrete answer for this and I would say it depends largely on what your touring style is. If you are the sort of family that already takes a lot of photos, videos or selfies and is pretty good at capturing those magical moments then you may be okay without the package. However, if you’re like me and despite the best of intentions your camera never leaves the inside of your handbag then it can be a great memento of your vacation. To really get the full value of Memory Maker, you have to be willing to stop as a family to have these photos taken which does require a team effort and a bit of patience. Disney is a busy place so often this will involve waiting in line in front of each photographer while a handful of families have their photos taken before it’s your turn. You’ll be doing this several times each day so if you’re with a bunch that is happier on the move or prefers to spend time waiting in line for attractions it might not be for you.

How many photos will I actually get with Memory Maker? Again this depends largely on your willingness to stop and be photographed as well as your participation in events like character dining or meet and greets. For families taking part in a lot of the above-mentioned activities, I guarantee you’ll amass many more photos than you thought. On my last 6 night stay, my family managed to get over 225 photos added to our Memory Maker account. That’s a lot more than we expected!

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Find articles like this helpful? They why not consider booking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you with everything from finding your perfect package to planning out your days at the parks and am always full of tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your time at the parks. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook.

Images and video copyright Disney.

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