Is Memory Maker at Disney World worth it?

Should you get Memory Maker as part of your Disney World package? While there are a few factors that might change our recommendation, we usually would say YES! Get the memory maker photo pass added to your Disney World vacation package. Let’s talk about why.

Memory Maker is the right to download any of the photos or videos that Disney World photographers or rides take of your group while you are at the park. It is getting access to ALL the files. While you can purchase just one photo for downloading, Memory Maker gives you all the photo files no matter how many there are.

This is different than photo pass. Photo pass is the bank of photos in My Disney Experience that allows you to see all the photos that are taken. Everyone has photo pass. You do not pay for it. Disney takes photos of you whether or not you are going to buy them. You can see all the photos taken of you in photo pass. However, they will be watermarked unless you purchase them for download one at a time or you buy memory maker which gives you access to download all your photos.

What if you had a photographer follow you around on vacation? Wouldn’t it be fun to have someone capturing the memories while you make them? This is exactly what Memory Maker does for families and it’s why we recommend Memory Maker.

Sometimes vacation photos come back and they are wonderful…but not everyone is in them. Typically, one of the parents is never in the photos because they are taking the photos. We think Disney memories are best shared when everyone gets to be in the photos for memories. We think this is particularly important for young children to be able to look back and see all the grown ups at that stage of time to help them remember.

Disney photographers have professional equipment on hand to take photos. If you really want photos of that quality, you will want that kind of equipment. So, you can either buy Memory Maker and let the professionals take the photos, or you have to haul your nice camera around a long park day.

Let’s face it, some people don’t take the best photos. When it comes to Disney memories, it’s really nice to have professionals take your picture. If you’re trying to get a group shot and have to ask a stranger to take it with your phone, you never know if that person is decent at taking photos or not. When you have memory maker, it’s easy to stop any of the photographers or at a designated spot and get a great, professional picture.

Magic shots are special photos that you can take at designated spot at Disney World and then use after effects to add some magic. This might look like you “holding” Tinker Bell in your hand or standing next to a favorite character. These shots are staged by a Disney photographer and then the photo pass software allows the magic to be added in. There are tons of options and the best way to see them is the Magic Shot Disney Photo Pass Facebook page which has the most current locations and options listed.

One of our favorite memories from our last Disney trip is a video from Seven Dwarves Mine Train. Our son did not love some of the bigger roller coasters but he loved Seven Dwarves. The camera caught him smiling the whole time and the video Disney created was just precious…even better than just a photo. Disney has several rides that create videos of the experience not just a photograph. You get access to these as well with Memory Maker.

A classic Disney group picture often makes it onto Christmas cards. Memory maker is an easy family photoshoot that makes great gifts later. If you would normally do a family photo session for a Christmas card, Memory Maker can serve that same purpose.

Disney is all about everyone getting to be involved. When one adult is constantly trying to capture the moment, it can be hard to BE in that moment. Memory Maker takes the pressure off the adults to capture memories and allows Disney to do it for you so you can just enjoy.

It can be difficult to get good photographs at night at Disney. Disney photographers often have lights and props to help make the photos turn out well.

If you are doing a special party or magical extra like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, the photo pass include all the phots taken during that event. If your little princess gets all done up at the salon, you can take her next door where they have a photo studio (no reservation required) and have them snap some special shots while she is still perfectly princess against professional backgrounds.

We look back at our Disney photographs all the time. Our kids love to relive the memories. This has helped the trip last longer than nearly any other vacation we have taken.

We personally loved Memory Maker and think it’s a great add-on for your Disney Vacation! Keep in mind that only one member of your group has to purchase memory maker in order to get all the photos. Annual passholders automatically have this benefit as well.

Memory Maker is cheaper when purchased in advance, so it’s best to have it added on your Disney World package ahead of time. Active military members also get a discount on memory maker. This discount is done at the park. So, military members should purchase their memory maker package onsite and not ahead of time.

Ready to plan your Disney memories? Talk to one our expert travel agents who specialize in Disney today!

About The Traveling Compass:

The Traveling Compass is a full-service luxury travel agency. Our success is built on a foundation of unmatched expertise and outstanding customer service. Our travel agents specialize in international travel, corporate incentive trips, destination weddings & honeymoons, multigenerational travel, luxury leisure, and family travel. We are also Authorized Disney Vacation Planners with experience assisting families that have children with special needs or large families or groups with complicated dining reservations for over 20 guests.  Our personalized travel itineraries are designed to help discerning, time-pressed travelers plan the most elaborate vacations, down to the smallest detail. As luxury travel agents, we are dedicated to creating and facilitating travel experiences that expand awareness and give each person a real sense of the country and culture they are visiting. It is our mission to make sure you have the travel experience of a lifetime, every time.