Update as of 10/11/2023…. The pricing for Memory Maker has increased to $185 for advanced purchase and $210 if you don’t purchase at least 3 days prior to your trip.
One of the best things about Disney world is their Photo Pass system and Memory Maker. Here I will explain what these things are and some tips to help you make the most of them.
Disney's PhotoPass Service is the system used to take your pictures in the theme parks, on certain attractions and at some Character Dining locations. Memory Maker allows you to download all of those photos and videos for one price. If you purchase Memory Maker, you will have the rights to use your photos in any way that you'd like, including printing them from any service that you choose. In addition, you will also get on-ride videos and animated Magic shots that are only available to Memory Maker purchasers.
I love the pictures that are included when purchasing Memory Maker - the Magic Shots are some of my favorites!
I also love the in-ride photos. My hair is awesome in this pic! :) The pics are captured automatically based on your MagicBands.
And I love that in our Disney pics - unlike most vacations - I'm actually in the picture! On other trips, I usually have the camera because I love torturing my children by making them take a billion pictures (according to them). It's nice to be able to have myself included for a change. You also have the choice to download them with frames and stickers which is fun.
If you feel like you've already spent enough money just getting to Disney World and don't want to spend money on your photos, not to worry! Every single PhotoPass Photographer I've encountered has taken pictures using my own camera or phone. When I went on my solo trip a while back, I didn't think it was worth the money to just have pictures of me alone so I didn't purchase the Memory Maker. But I had the photographers take my pics and I came home with a couple hundred pictures.
My favorite is this one - when I handed the photographer my phone, he asked if I'd like some candid photos as I visited with Cinderella, rather than just the staged photos. I said sure and then had a great belly laugh when I flipped through the pics later and saw his "candid" photo.
You also need to only purchase 1 Memory Maker per group if you are traveling with others. Even if you are on a different reservations, as long as you are linked in My Disney Experience, all pics will be captured and can be downloaded. I can help you when the time comes to make sure you've got it linked.
Stop and take pictures - always!! Especially if you've paid for the Memory Maker, you'd be silly not to take advantage of every opportunity. So when you see a photographer, stop! Even if you're not buying the pics, have them take one with your camera.
When you get your pics made, ask the photographers if they do any Magic Shots. Some will offer it and some won't tell you what they're doing - which is fun when you look at your pics later. But some will just not mention it at all, so be sure and ask. I think the photographers move locations often and they just don't think about the Magic Shots unless you ask.
Also, ask for some fun and different shots... your backs as you look up at the castle, getting a kiss on the cheek from Mickey, anything you can think of to make your pics unique and truly a memory you will never forget.
You can save some money on Memory Maker by purchasing it in advance of your trip (at least 3 days in advance). As of this blog post, it costs $169. If purchased at the parks, it's $199. Also, be sure to note that your PhotoPass photos and videos expire 45 days from the date they are taken, so you will want to download them before they expire.
Also, I don't work for Shutterfly or get any money for advertising for them, but they have a really cute Disney theme you can use and once you purchase Memory Maker, you are free to use them in a photo book. I LOVE our books from our trips - and I catch the kids looking at them pretty often too.
Give me a call if you have any questions about these great services! I'd love to book a trip for you and give you even more tips to increase the Magic!!