What is Memory Maker?

Memory Maker is a photo package available at Disney Parks, allowing you to download unlimited photos taken by Disney’s Photopass Photographers during your trip. Whether you’re snapping a family shot in front of Cinderella’s Castle or capturing the thrill of a ride, Memory Maker covers it all. You can save a little money by purchasing it before your trip, but if you’re undecided, don’t worry—you can still buy it anytime during your stay. While you can purchase individual photos, they end up being more expensive, making Memory Maker a more cost-effective option if you plan to grab several shots.

My Experience: A Professional Photographer’s Perspective

As a professional photographer, I initially had zero intentions of buying Memory Maker. I brought my own big camera and, of course, my phone to capture all those magical moments. However, as soon as we walked into the park on our first day, there was Minnie Mouse, right there, ready for a photo op. I grabbed my camera only to find that the battery was dead—completely drained by the heat. Panic set in until I remembered Memory Maker. I purchased it on the spot, and it was one of the best decisions I made that trip. Suddenly, I was in the photos, our entire family was in the photos, and the quality was leaps and bounds above what I could get on my phone. It was a game-changer.

Why Memory Maker is Worth It

If your Disney trip includes meeting characters, taking those iconic shots in front of Cinderella’s Castle or the Tree of Life, or you want to capture the excitement on your kids’ faces during certain rides, Memory Maker is worth the investment. Having a Photopass Photographer handle the pictures means you can be fully present in the moment and trust that the memories are being professionally captured.

Disneyland vs. Disney World: Memory Maker Breakdown

At Disneyland, if you’re already planning to buy their skip-the-line service, you don’t need to purchase Memory Maker separately. Photos are included. So, in that case, save your money.

At Disney World, however, Genie+ only includes ride photos. If you want more than ride shots, investing in Memory Maker is a great idea, especially considering the number of Photopass Photographers stationed at iconic spots throughout the parks.

A Quick Note on Disneyland Paris

If you’re visiting Disneyland Paris, you might want to think twice about purchasing Memory Maker. During my trip, I noticed they had very few Photopass Photographers available, and accessing ride photos was tricky. In this case, it might not be worth the cost. For reference, I was at Disneyland Paris for 5 days and came out with 3 photos. Yup, 3.

Many characters had an attendant, but not a Photopass Photographer. They gladly used my phone to take photos.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Photos

• Pay Attention to Light: Before hopping in front of the camera, make sure the sun isn’t shining directly on your face. Good lighting can make a world of difference. A good rule of thumb is to look at other families getting photographed. If they are all squinty with bright sun and harsh shadows on their face, opt for another spot. Even more, consider trying later in the day.
• Characters with Automatic Photos: These are fun but don’t expect them to capture the candid moments you might want. The setup tends to be more posed, so keep that in mind. You’ll also want to be aware of where the camera is (the attendant can help you with this) so you’re not standing directly in the way!
• Don’t Miss Iconic Spots: Make sure you take advantage of Photopass Photographers at the most iconic locations. These photos will be the ones you treasure the most.

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Memory Maker is a great way to ensure you capture all the magical moments of your Disney trip, especially when you consider how easy it is to miss out on being in the photos yourself. As a mom of six who’s been there and done that. I can confidently say it’s worth it—especially when things don’t go as planned!

Catch the Lee Crew on YouTube. I even have a video on Memory Maker to help you better decide if it’s right for your family.