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Walt Disney World introduced Memory Maker in late 2013, allowing guest unlimited digital photos taken at Disney PhotoPass locations through out the resort. These photos can then be downloaded to your personal computer and printed at any photo processing center or used any way you’d like. Even better, Memory Maker includes ride photos, dining photos and now video from the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Memory Maker is sold at select retail locations at the Walt Disney World Resort for $199 or it can be purchased online, at least 3 days in advance, for only $149. **Update: As of December 3, 2014 the advanced purchase price of Memory Maker has increased to $169.
My family purchased Memory Maker for our trip earlier this year and I cannot say enough good things about it. Our trip was 8 days long and I have over 400 photos of my family from all over Walt Disney World. It also allowed my husband and I to experience every second of character Meet and Greets with our then 12 month old. We didn’t have to worry about bringing our nice camera into the parks or making sure our cell phones were charged and ready to go. We loved it so much that I’ve already purchased it again for our trip in early 2015.
Now I understand that this product might not fit every Disney-goer and their perfect vacation. But unless you’ve used it, how are you going to know if it’s right for you? And who wants to spend all that money if it’s not worth it, right?! That’s where I come in. I’ve complied my lists of Walt Disney World visitors I think this product is perfect for and those who might be better off skipping it. If you fall somewhere in between you’ll have to make the call yourselves, but at least you’ll have a little information to get you started.
Memory Maker is PERFECT for you if:
- This is your first trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. Chances are you’ll want those iconic shots in front of Cinderella’s Castle, Spaceship Earth, the Sorcerer’s Hat and The Tree of Life and throughout the theme parks.
- You’ll be at Disney World for several days. The longer you’re there, the more photos you’ll have and the more cost effective it becomes.
- You’ll want all the ride photos, and videos, you can get your hands on. Instead of purchasing a photo from each attraction separately, just add them to your Memory Maker.
- The little ones you’re traveling with can’t wait to meet every character possible and want the photos to remember each experience. The PhotoPass Photographers are great at capturing the reactions as your party makes their way to the characters, the interactions with the characters and, if you want, a staged pose.
- You’re traveling with a large group and may split up. You can link everyone you’re traveling with (even if you’re not staying in the same room) to one Memory Maker account. This means that even if Mom is somewhere with the camera, Grandma and Grandpa can still make sure their photo with their grandchildren and Mickey are captured.
- You want to take advantage of as many Magic Shots as possible. I mean, who wouldn’t want a photo of them cuddling baby Simba or laughing at Stitch.
You might want to SKIP Memory Maker if:
- This is your second trip to Walt Disney World this month. Or even your second or third of the year. If you’re a regular you are probably more concerned with how fast you can have a Dole Whip in hand than you are with getting yet another photo of you riding Space Mountain.
- You’ll only have a day or two in the parks. At that point the $199 (or $169 *Updated) price tag just might not make sense.
- You don’t plan on many character Meet and Greets. I honestly think that is the main reason to purchase Memory Maker and if those are experiences you don’t plan on having you may want to think about skipping the package and buying a few photos individually.
- You’re just not a fan of photos. This seems like a no-brainer but in the heat of the moment you may think Memory Maker is a good idea for you but later realize you don’t really like being in front of a camera.
Have you purchased Memory Maker for a recent trip? What did you think of it? Would you suggest it to a friend? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
My name is Alissa and I am a Writer for Chip and Company. I’m also an Independent Consultant with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and the Disney Addicts. Email me today at [email protected] to book your next “Magical” vacation to your favorite destination.
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