Is Disney World Memory Maker Worth It?

With Walt Disney World’s complimentary photography service, Guests are able to have their picture taken at over 100 locations across the resort by professionally trained photographers. After being captured, these pictures quickly become accessible for Guests to view on the My Disney Experience app. While the photography service, itself, is free of charge, the images that are captured are not.

Once the pictures are accessible on the app, purchase options become available. One option is to purchase individual prints. However, with the amount of pictures that are taken during your magical vacation, it’s hard to pick only a few favorites to purchase. It also quickly becomes a pricey purchase if you have your eyes on quite a few images.

One way to avoid this is by purchasing Memory Maker. By purchasing Memory Maker, you’ll have access to every single Disney PhotoPass image that was taken during your trip. 

Many Guests wonder if Memory Maker is actually worth the cost. If you’re contemplating purchasing Memory Maker for your next vacation to Walt Disney World, keep reading. We’re going to take an in depth look at Memory Maker, the cost, and what’s included to determine if the photo package is worth it or not.

How Much Does Memory Maker Cost?

There are three different purchase options when it comes to Memory Maker – Advance Purchase, During and Post-Vacation Purchase, and One Day Purchase.

• Memory Maker (Advance Purchase) $185 – Memory Maker (Advance Purchase) gives you an opportunity to save by purchasing the package in advance. The Advance Purchase of Memory Maker includes all photos and videos that are taken within 30 days of activation. This truly must be an advanced purchase in order to receive all of your images. If any pictures were taken 3 days prior to the purchase date, they will not be included in the Memory Maker and will need to be purchased separately.
• Memory Maker (During and Post-Vacation) $210 – If you don’t purchase Memory Maker in advance, you still have the opportunity to make the purchase during or after your vacation. This version of Memory Maker includes every photo and video that was taken within 30 days of activation.
• Memory Maker One Day $75 – The One Day version of Memory Maker includes all of the photos and videos that were taken on one day of your choosing. This is a great option for those who are only visiting one day or if there’s only one day from your trip that you specifically want pictures from.

You can also purchase photos individually: 

• $18.95 – 5×7 Print
• $18.95 – 2- 4×6 Prints
• $20.95 – 8×10 Print
• $16.95 – Digital Download

Please note that all Memory Maker purchases are nonrefundable.

Is Memory Maker Worth It?

When it comes to deciding whether Memory Maker is worth it or not, it really comes down to a matter of price, value, and convenience. For me, personally, Memory Maker is a must have for every Walt Disney World vacation. I enjoy stopping at as many PhotoPass spots as possible, getting pictures with characters, having access to attraction photos, and not having to pay extra for images from photo shoots. Due to the amount of pictures that my family and I take on each trip, the price is well worth it for us.

However, some Guests may not prioritize pictures as much. They may not feel the urge to stop at many photo spots, aren’t interested in attraction photos, don’t take part in any additional photo sessions, and aren’t interested in Magic Shots. If this is the case for you, it would be wiser to only  purchase the select images that you’re interested in..

While Memory Maker is convenient when you plan on buying pictures in bulk, if you only want a few images, you can much more affordably buy those individual photos, rather than paying for a full package. Currently, individual photos cost $18.95 for two 4×6 prints or one 5×7 print, $20.95 for an 8×10 print, or $16.95 for a digital download.

If you’re not interested in paying for pictures at all, you can still have your picture taken in all of the PhotoPass picture locations. PhotoPass photographers will use your personal phone or camera to take pictures for you for free. Keep in mind that with this option, you won’t have access to attraction photos or Magic Shot photos since those are Disney PhotoPass exclusives.

What's Included in Disney World Memory Maker

Memory Maker not only includes every photo and video that was taken during your vacation to Walt Disney World, it also includes unlimited downloads! Your Disney PhotoPass photos will be available for 45 after they’re taken. Within this time, you can download the photos however many times you wish.

If you miss the 45 day expiration mark, you can contact Disney PhotoPass and request a photo extension.

Disney PhotoPass Locations

There are over 100 Disney PhotoPass locations across Walt Disney World Resort where you can have your picture taken. These photo spots can be found at select resort hotels, Disney Springs, and at all four of the theme parks.

PhotoPass photographers aren’t frequently seen at the hotels. However, you may occasionally see a photographer in the lobby of Deluxe Resort hotels like Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Beach Club, and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Photo Studios

While photographers don’t frequent the resorts, there is a Disney PhotoPass Studio located at the Grand Floridian. This studio can be found on the second floor of the main building. Here, you’ll be able to have a professional photo session with regal backdrops and props. Cinderella’s glass slipper is often available as a photo prop here, which creates a truly magical shot!

Another PhotoPass Studio can be found at Disney Springs. This studio has frequently changing themes which are portrayed with a variety of backdrops and props. This photo studio is exceptionally nice to visit during the holidays. My family and I had great Christmas pictures taken here previously. In the past, we’ve also seen a Mickey pumpkin patch theme in the fall, a Haunted Mansion theme around Halloween, and even movie locations, such as Andy’s bedroom from Toy Story!

Photo Spots in the Parks

At the parks, PhotoPass photographers are scattered throughout. For exact locations, you can visit the My Disney Experience app and filter the map to show PhotoPass locations. This will give you exact locations where you can have your photo taken during your trip. Popular locations that many Guests strive for are the park icons – Cinderella Castle, Tower of Terror, Spaceship Earth, and the Tree of Life. You will ALWAYS find PhotoPass photographers at these locations. Here are some of the most well-known locations for finding PhotoPass photographers at Walt Disney World:

Magic Kingdom:

• Main Entrance
• Town Square
• In front of Cinderella's Castle
• Locations in Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Epcot

• Spaceship Earth
• Character Spot
• World Showcase
• MISSION: Space
• Test Track

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Hollywood Boulevard
• Sunset Boulevard Attractions
• Sorcerer Mickey's Hat
• Al's Toy Barn
• Avenue of the Americas
• Animation Courtyard

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Main Entrance
• Tree of Life
• Expedition Everest
• Character Boat Landing
• Africa

PhotoPass Photographers are also generally available at character meet and greets. Sometimes, there may even be one of the newer PhotoPass photo boxes present. No matter which way your pictures are being taken, your meet and greet pictures will be available to view on the My Disney Experience app.

Attraction Photos and Videos

Currently, there are 15 rides that capture attraction photos. These rides are:

• Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
• DINOSAUR
• Expedition Everest  – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
• Frozen Ever After
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Haunted Mansion
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Space Mountain
• Test Track
• Tiana's Bayou Adventure
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• TRON Lightcycle / Run

Of these rides, three of them also capture videos of your ride experience. These rides are TRON Lightcycle / Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Private Photo Sessions

There are multiple private photo sessions that are available at Walt Disney World. The most well known of these is Capture Your Moment. Capture Your Moment is a private photo session where you get one-on-one time with your own Disney PhotoPass Photographer. These sessions are often used to commemorate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, announcements, and more. However, they can also be booked just because.

Capture Your Moment is available at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Batuu, and Animal Kingdom. During your shoot, you’ll be able to pose for your magical shots in front of your favorite landmarks and locations.

Another private photo session is available for those who have purchased a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique package. After your little knight or princess is done with their makeover, they’ll be able to head over to Sir Mickey’s, where a photo studio is set up for a royal photo session. Not only are pictures captured after their transformation, PhotoPass photographers also make their way throughout the boutique and take candid pictures as the makeovers are taking place.

Magic Shots

One PhotoPass feature that many Guests enjoy are Magic Shots. Magic Shots are special effects and photo styles that are exclusive to Disney PhotoPass. Currently, there are four different Magic Shot styles available – Tiny World, Super Zoom, Classic, and Animated.

Tiny World Magic Shots provide a 360° capture of special locations across Walt Disney World Resort. These unique shots are available at Magic Kingdom next to Cinderella Castle, at Animal Kingdom in Pandora – The World of Avatar, and at EPCOT in front of Spaceship Earth.

Super Zoom Magic Shots are video images. These shots begin as beautiful landscape images of classic Disney locations. The image then zooms in to show you and the rest of your group in the middle of the magic! These shots are available in front of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom, in front of the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom, in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, and in front of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT.

Classic Magic Shots add special effects to your images. Your Disney PhotoPass photographer has more than 70 special effects that they’re able to add to your pictures. Don’t be afraid to ask for some of these special shots!

Animated Magic shots take the pictures that your photographer has captured and make them even more magical. Your still images will have a special upgrade when unique animations and music are added to them.

Walt Disney World PhotoPass Tips

These are photos you’re going to cherish for a lifetime! Make sure that you take the time to ensure you’re getting the best photos to take home with you. Here are some tips for getting that perfect PhotoPass photo.

Assume the Character Pose

Ask the characters for pose ideas, they will be more than happy to show you their signature pose for the camera. Rather than having 20 pictures of simply standing next to the characters, incorporate some matching poses for added fun. Kids, especially, love to do this.

Let Your PhotoPass Photographer Guide You

Remember, these PhotoPass photographers are professionals! Ask them for advice on how to pose or stand for your pictures. They will be more than happy to oblige. This is always easier though when there’s not a huge line behind you for a photo so make sure you take that into account.

Dress for the Occasion for Walt Disney World PhotoPass

We always recommend being comfortable at the parks because of all the miles of walking you end up doing! However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also dress savvy for your park pictures! If you’re staying in a close by hotel and have multiple days to take advantage of, you can always dress up a bit in the morning for your pictures and dress down in average park clothes for the evenings. You’ll be happy you did if you have a few pictures of your group looking fresh and nice first thing in the morning. And don’t forget to take off your sunglasses for a few photos so your face is visible!

Remember: Kids WILL Be Tired

It’s always best to get those perfect PhotoPass pictures first thing in the day with kids. Your kiddo will be happier, cleaner, and it makes for a better experience for everyone. Trying to force your overheated, sticky, and cranky toddler for a picture at the end of the day will not end in a glorious picture. Although, it may be a funny one!

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