Let’s clear up one of the most confusing Disney vacation terms right away: PhotoPass is the service. Memory Maker is the product.
Disney PhotoPass is the service that captures all those magical vacation moments throughout Walt Disney World. The photographers in front of the castle? PhotoPass. The ride photos where your face tells the entire story of your coaster experience? PhotoPass. The magical surprise effects added to your photos? Also PhotoPass.
Memory Maker is the purchase that gives you access to download those photos and videos from your trip.
If you’re new to Walt Disney World, I know it seems simple, but there were a lot of iterations and names floating around in the “20-teens,” and I was asked this question a lot.
What Is Included With Memory Maker?
Memory Maker includes unlimited digital downloads of your Disney PhotoPass photos and videos during your eligible window, including:
- Disney PhotoPass photographer photos
- Attraction photos and videos
- Character dining photos (where available)
- Magic Shots
- Capture Your Moment photo shoots
Basically, if Disney captures it through PhotoPass and it’s linked to your account, Memory Maker gives you the ability to download it.
Memory Maker Cost & Purchase Options
Memory Maker is currently $210 for unlimited downloads of your Disney PhotoPass photos and videos.
If you purchase Memory Maker at least 3 days before your first photo, you’ll receive the advance purchase price of $185, saving $25.
Disney also offers Memory Maker One Day for $85, which includes Disney PhotoPass media from a single day’s eligible photo window.
Get Out There and Get Photographed
Now that you’ve made the investment, don’t be shy! Stop for the photographers. Make the silly poses. Try the Magic Shots. Let yourself be part of the story.
Some of our favorite Disney photos aren’t the perfectly posed ones. They’re the goofy smiles, the surprised reactions and the moments where everyone is actually in the picture together.
How Do I Get My Photos?
Disney PhotoPass photographers can link your photos using your MagicBand, park ticket, Disney MagicMobile pass or the My Disney Experience app.
Magic Tip: Take a photo of your linking qr code in the app and favorite it or even make it your lock screen for quick access
If you’re using a MagicBand, on-ride photos and videos will automatically sync to your account via magical RFID waves. Cards (and bands if you want to make sure you got the media in your account) can also be scanned at the end of select attractions when you view the images. Cool (and only a little creepy), right?
Memory Maker Deadlines
Your Disney PhotoPass photos and videos expire 45 days after they are taken, so make sure you download everything before your expiration date.
You can download your photos as many times as you’d like while they are available, so there’s no need to rush home and immediately start saving everything. Many guests prefer to wait until after their trip, then download all their memories at once.
Once photos expire, they can no longer be downloaded or purchased.
Sharing Memory Maker With Family & Friends
Memory Maker makes it easy to collect photos from your whole vacation party. Once your purchase is linked to your My Disney Experience account, you can download photos for up to 25 members of your Family & Friends list who share media with you.
If you’re traveling with multiple families or a larger group, make sure everyone is connected through My Disney Experience and has their photo-sharing permissions set correctly before your trip.
Trust us. Figuring this out before the vacation is much easier than trying to track down missing castle photos afterward!
Magical Memory Maker Tips
- Make sure your MagicBand, MagicBand+ or Disney MagicMobile settings are ready for attraction photos and videos.
- Stop for PhotoPass photographers even when you think you have “enough” pictures. You probably don’t.
- Take screenshots of any PhotoPass cards or codes if you use them, just in case.
- Download your photos before they expire. Disney magic is powerful, but it unfortunately cannot resurrect an expired PhotoPass photo.
Is Memory Maker Worth It?
YES! But here’s my balanced, not everyone likes to stare at themselves and their family as much as I do answer…
Like many Disney extras, the answer depends on your family and your vacation style.
For some families, Memory Maker is an absolute must-have. If you’re traveling with little ones, celebrating a milestone, taking a multigenerational trip or simply want everyone in the photo instead of one person always being behind the camera, it can be one of the best souvenirs you bring home.
For others, the cost may be better spent on a special meal, an extra experience or another vacation splurge. If your family doesn’t take many photos or you don’t plan to stop for PhotoPass photographers, Memory Maker may not be the right fit.
For our family, Memory Maker is one of those Disney extras that is usually worth the splurge. We love having photos where everyone is included, and some of our favorite vacation memories are the ones we didn’t have to stop and take ourselves.
That said, every family is different. If your budget is tight or photos aren’t a big priority, there are plenty of other ways to spend your Disney dollars.
Have you used Memory Maker at Walt Disney World? Was it worth it for your family? Share your favorite PhotoPass tips, must-have photos or questions in the comments — we’re always looking for more Disney magic to share!
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