Ten Reasons to Purchase Memory Maker for a Walt Disney World Vacation
While I know it seems like Disney has a countless number of add-on’s when taking a Disney trip, the Memory Maker at Walt Disney World Resort is one that you’ll surely want to include as part of your package. In my opinion, it’s worth it’s value threefold, especially in the world of social media, memes, and sharing with friends and family. So, let’s talk about the ten reasons why you should purchase the memory maker when visiting Walt Disney World.
#10 – Buy It in Advance & Pay Less
Ok, probably less of a “reason,” and more of “when” to buy it. When you purchase the memory up front, prior to the 72-hour count of your vacation, you will pay less for it. As of February 2024, the cost is $185, but if you wait to purchase it while on vacation, it’s $30 more. I like to think about that cost broken down for each night of my trip. For a standard 6 night, 7-day trip, it’s about $31 per night. In my personal opinion, a $31 cost to have somebody else handle the photography of my family vacation, ensuring that I am in all the pictures to, is highly worth it. Moreover, the pictures show up immediately in your My Disney Experience account for instant sharing about your family trip!
#9 – You’re in the Picture!
It happens to every family. There’s the dedicated picture-taker. Whether mom, dad, brother, son, daughter, sister – somebody has to take the picture. And unless you’re comfortable asking a stranger to take a picture of the whole family, somebody is usually left out. With Memory Maker, everyone gets in the picture and the memories show the magical experience that you’re having while on the trip.
#8 – Special PhotoPass Moments
PhotoPass photographers are stationed all around the parks to capture those special moments in front of so many different places. Sure, there’s the icons like Cinderella Castle, the Tree of Life, Spaceship Earth, or the Chinese Theatre. But there are so many others. Want a shot on Sunset Boulevard with the Tower of Terror in the background, it’s there! How about Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom? Yep! Over in Magic Kingdom, you’ve got the Partners Statue in front of the castle or even the entrance into Tomorrowland. And you’ll also find them in special hidden places too.
#7 – You’re Not Rushed
PhotoPass photographers are not looking to rush you to move onto the next guest. In fact, if you want a few group shots, a few individual shots, a couples shot, or even a special shot, they are happy to oblige. They’ll give suggestions and work with you to make each picture memorable and unique.
#6 – Unlimited!
Memory Maker offers UNLIMITED photo downloads. There is no limit to the number you have access to. You have exclusive rights to the pictures which means if you want to download them and print them for albums, a picture frame, or on your fridge, you can do it.
#5 – On-Ride Photos
Disney captures your reaction on so many attractions and you can have these as part of your social media profile when you purchase Memory Maker. Whether it’s the Tower of Terror with a brief, short video of your experience, or Pirates of the Caribbean when staring at the skeleton up above, or perhaps Space Mountain right before you shoot off, you’ll find your smiling (or terrified) face is easy to find when you have Memory Maker. A simple scan of your Magic Band or of the QR code at the entrance will connect your picture right to your account. Otherwise, you’re left with taking a picture of a picture that usually has a watermark on it.
#4 – Easy Retrieval
Your pictures are easily stored inside your My Disney Experience account and can be accessed by clicking photos. They will appear instantly after you have them taken or after you’ve gotten off the attraction. They can be downloaded in two formats: full size or social media size, making them super simple to share with friends and family back home who aren’t on your vacation.
#3 – Special Effects
PhotoPass photographers can add special effects and moments into your pictures that your iPhone cannot. Whether it’s being told to pretend like you’re cold, only to find that Olaf has made it chilly in the picture, or putting your hand out like you’re holding something only to find later they’ve placed the lantern from Tangled in your hands with a soft glow on your face. You might even find Tinker Bell flying overhead in a short 3 s-second video on Main Street USA. You just never know what these special moments might bring which are easily sharable right to your social media!
#2 – Special Props and Recognition for Special Days
During special event days, PhotoPass photographers will often have props on hand to make the picture special. Whether it’s Flower and Garden Festival, Food and Wine, Disney+ Day, or even YOUR BIRTHDAY, you’ll find that PhotoPass photographers make it extra special for you.
#1 – Character Meet and Greets
Let’s face it, one of the best part of a Walt Disney World vacation is the ability to meet those famous characters. Princesses, Olaf, Chip and Dale, the big cheese himself – Mickey, or those hard-to-find characters, can be just as thrilling as an attraction. And, when you do end up meeting them, you’ll want to capture the experience. Sure, you can use your cell phone and even have the character’s handler take a picture. But PhotoPass photographers are standing by with their high-resolution pictures to take multiple pictures. And it isn’t just the posed pictures either. The number of countless candid shots of your little running to hug Mickey or Minnie prior to the “official” photo shoot are the pictures found on graduation foam boards 15 years later. You simply can’t put a price on that!
So there you have it. The Memory Maker option, in my opinion, isn’t much of an option. It’s a requirement. I don’t Disney without it. The value is there for the memories you’re able to capture. And if you’re looking to book your next trip, be sure to add it on. For more information about planning your next Walt Disney World trip, visit www.caseywooley.com and fill out one of my planning blueprints. Remember it costs nothing extra to use a travel planner with an authorized travel agency like Main Street and More Travel, but you gain my years of expertise.
Magical Memories by Casey 