Should you get the Memory Maker at Walt Disney World? I’ll look at the pros and cons and help you decide if it’s right for your family.
At Disney World, there are a few things that are hot button issues. It’s kind of like bringing up politics within the Disney fan club circuit. The Disney Dining Plan, staying on property vs. staying off property, and whether or not you should purchase the Memory Maker are things that Disney lovers have very strong opinions about.
Well, I definitely have opinions of my own and today I’m going to share them with you – especially about the Memory Maker!
What is the Memory Maker?
Memory Maker is unlimited digital downloads of the Disney PhotoPass photos captured at hundreds of locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
PhotoPass is included with your park admission and is available to anyone, whether they purchase the Memory Maker or not. Anyone can walk up to a PhotoPass photographer (usually wearing a vest) and ask them to take your picture. They can use their camera (the pictures will be added to your account when you swipe your Magic Band) or they will even use your own camera. This also includes your ride photos and some character dining photos.
Once your picture has been taken by a PhotoPass photographer, you have the option to purchase a single photo. At the time I’m writing this, a single photo download from PhotoPass costs $14.95.
Memory Maker allows you to have every single picture a PhotoPass photographer takes for one price.
What “extras” do you get?
- Magic Shots – Tinkerbell might stand in your hand, Timon and Pumba might be walking right in front of you, or chip the little cup from Beauty and the Beast might be looking right at you. You’ll never know until you see the pictures!
- Ride photos – They are automatically added to your account on most rides. For a few you might have to swipe your Magic Band at the end of the ride. All of these photos are included.
- Photos of special activities like Jedi Training Temple, Enchanted Tales with Belle, and Character Dining.
- Borders, character signatures, and stickers can all be added on the website before downloading. These are special Disney touches that can make your photos extra special, especially for kids!
Is it worth the cost?
There are a few really great reasons to invest in the Memory Maker. It’s always worth it if you’ll take advance of it!
- This is your once-in-a-lifetime trip
- You are going with a large group and can split the cost (only one person in the group needs to have the Memory Maker as long as your My Disney Experience accounts are linked)
- You’re planning on special experiences like Jedi Training, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Bippity Boppity Boutique, and character dining.
- Your trip is centered around seeing characters
- You have an annual pass (It’s included! Make sure you use it!)
If your group is mostly older, you visit all the time, and you plan to mainly ride rides and don’t care about ride photos, you might be able to skip the memory maker. Make sure you still ask those cast members to take a few photos of you because you will want to remember these days.
Tips for Using Memory Maker
- If you know you’re going to want Memory Maker, purchase it ahead of time. You’ll save about $30 by purchasing it at least three days before your trip.
- If you plan to make multiple visits to Disney World, look into an annual pass. The Memory Maker is included and it may save you money (or at least break even) if you plan to visit more than once.
- Once you’ve purchased it, USE IT! Find characters, stop when you see photographers in front of landmarks, swipe your Magic Bands after rides.
What do you think? Have you ever gotten the Memory Maker? Do you love it or can you leave it?
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