This is a popular question that I get. The cost of Memory Maker can be off putting, especially given how much a Disney trip costs by itself. I’ve always been a fan of the Memory Maker and I’ll tell you why.
Memory Maker is a package that gives guests the opportunity to download all the pictures taken by PhotoPass Photographers during their trip. With the Memory Maker all the pictures are included, instead of having to purchase each picture separately.
There are a few reasons why I think Memory Maker is worth the cost and one of the biggest reasons is because of the PhotoPass Photographers. These Cast Members are awesome at taking time with guests and setting up fun shots. They’ll pose people in certain ways so that you have a great backdrop for your picture. Plus, most PhotoPass Photographers I’ve come in contact with have been really friendly. There has been one person here or there who clearly had a long day and didn’t take much time with us, but Cast Member days can be long, so I can’t fault someone for feeling tired after a long day.
Another big reason I like Memory Maker is because of the Magic Shots. What is a Magic Shot? This is where a Cast Member will pose you in a certain way that might seem confusing at first, but when you see your pictures there will be a digital image that has been added. A popular Magic Shot in front of Cinderella Castle will have guests holding Tinker Bell. During the last trip we had a lot of Magic Shots that included Pascal from Rapunzel on someone’s arm or head. The Magic Shots are very cute!
In addition to Magic Shots, some PhotoPass opportunities include props. One of the newest and more popular props is the Tangled lantern in Magic Kingdom. The shot is available in the Tangled area (restrooms) in between the Haunted Mansion® and “it’s a small world”®. This PhotoPass opportunity is available starting at dusk and includes a light up lantern that guests hold with the backdrop of all the other lanterns lit up. It’s a very nice PhotoPass picture and I can see why it is so popular. There’s something similar in Epcot too. The China Pavilion has a PhotoPass opportunity with a glowing lotus flower prop that guests can take a picture with once it gets dark.
There are also select rides that have videos included in the Memory Maker package. A couple of the rides included are Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Tower of Terror. So, not only will you get a picture of your experience on these rides, but you will also get a short video of your ride experience.
The best part of the Memory Maker package is having unlimited access to download all the photos and videos that were taken by the PhotoPass Photographers. Keep in mind there is an expiration date, so make sure to download before that date. With the downloads you also get the ability to customize your pictures with Disney themed borders and stickers.
Details:
- Cost: $169 if purchased in advance (does not include pictures taken within the first 3 days of purchase), $199 to start using immediately
- For those that opt to purchase an Annual Pass the Memory Maker is automatically included.
If you choose not to purchase the Memory Maker you can buy the pictures you like individually. Also, Cast Members will use your phone or camera to take pictures of your family, you just have to ask.
We always find Memory Maker to be worth it, but I know that’s not the case for everyone. If you decide to include the Memory Maker in your next trip then I recommend keeping an eye open and getting in as many PhotoPass lines as you can. Get your money’s worth!
Do you get the Memory Maker or do you pass on it?
Thanks for reading!
*Liz*
Join the fun in our Facebook group, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel!
Contact Dream Makers Travel Agency today to book your trip and get FREE concierge level planning included with every booking.
Liz
I love all things Disney, but my main love is for Disney World and I'm always planning for the next trip. Before becoming a Disney blogger, I was a radio DJ, so I guess I'm just continuing in the communication industry, just in a different form. I love talking Disney and I could talk about Disney all day. That's why I started blogging and created the Facebook group. The Disney community is full of friendly, helpful, and happy people...and I love being a part of it! If there is any Disney subject you would like to see covered just let me know! Need help planning your Disney vacation. Feel free to contact myself or Melissa at Never Stop Dreaming Travel Co. We love helping people plan their trips! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to check out our Countdown to Disney app! Feel free to email me with suggestions of things you would like to see in the app :-)
We always purchase the Memory Maker and we love the little details that they add to the photos and the videos too! It is a great investment in my opinion! Every time I look at the photos and the 2000 or so I took myself it makes me want to head right back to Disney. Hoping to try summer of 2019! If so Memory Maker will certainly be part of our purchase!
I’m a scrapbooker and I always get Memory Maker. Now I’m an Annual Pass holder and delighted to learn that the Memory Maker is FREE for me! WAHOO!! The photo pass character meet&greets are awesome and have yielded some GREAT shots for the scrapbook
I got excited about the Memory Maker being included with the Annual Pass too, Sue! The pictures are fun to look back at when you are missing Disney. 🙂
I’ve seen the price of the memory maker drop as it gets closer to your album expiration date, I believe i saw if for $69.99 if you “act now and purchase before it’s gone forever” so if it’s something you’re okay with waiting a year after your trip to download, you can save a little bit of money.