If you're anything like me... you often return from vacation and browse through all of your incredible pictures, only to realize that you are in zero of them. As the mom, I am most commonly the one behind the camera. And while I absolutely enjoy capturing those precious memories myself, it's nice to be in a few of them from time to time.
When you travel to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, they have already thought about you! Around the parks, they have hundreds of photo opportunities set up via their PhotoPass system. These are Disney cast members whose job it is to make sure that you get to be in the picture too! They are stationed at popular photo spots, at character meet & greets, and even across some of the dining and resort locations.
These photos are automagically linked to your MyDisney app via a PhotoPass card or your Disney MagicBand. It is absolutely free to have your picture taken, but a purchase is required to download those photos to your device for sharing and printing. The photos will be watermarked until a purchase is made.
This is where my favorite option comes in!
Photos can be purchased individually for $16.95 per image (at the time this was written), but Disney also offers an unlimited photo package called Memory Maker. This package includes all of the photos taken for the entire length of your visit. And yes, this also includes those priceless ride photos and videos that you just can't capture on your phone. During our family trips, it is easy to end up with 300 or more pictures linked to our account.
If you expect that you'll want to purchase more than a couple of photos, or have a long trip ahead, there's absolute value in getting Memory Maker — especially if you choose to purchase before your trip. These are the current options:
One day pass - $75
Advanced purchase - $185 if purchased more than 3 days BEFORE the start of your trip, and includes all photos and videos for the entire length of your stay
Regular purchase - $210 if purchased within 3 days of, during, or after your trip
Annual passholders may also add the Memory Maker to their account for $99, which covers the entire year of their pass.
One major added benefit to the Memory Maker is, not only can you download your own Disney PhotoPass photos, but also those of up to 25 members of your linked Family & Friends who have selected to share media with you on the My Disney Experience website or app! For large groups or families who may split up during the park day, that means any who are connected can use their MagicBand to upload the photos to one central account, for one price.
Another important thing to note: your PhotoPass photos expire 45 days from the date they are taken, and once they expire, they can no longer be purchased or downloaded.
But the absolute BEST part of Memory Maker, in my humble opinion...
Is that it allows you to just be in the moment.
Instead of scrambling to get the perfect photo from behind the lens, you get to experience these priceless moments with your family. Are they meeting their favorite character? Make sure you get to hear every precious word. Is a cast member adding a little extra pixie dust? Get to see their eyes light up right beside them.
While the Memory Maker option might seem a little pricey at first, I think it is absolutely worth every penny... if only just to get to slow down and experience the magic of a Disney moment with my kids.
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