There are so many extra experiences you can add to take your Disney Vacation to the next level. In my opinion, one of the best ways to add that extra magic is through pictures. Let’s be honest, having pictures is not only a good way to remember those precious memories you made but it’s nice to see how you and your family have changed throughout the years. I have pictures from all of my Disney vacations all over my house going all the way back to 2007 to just this year. Here are some Pros and Cons to adding Memory Maker to your next Disney Experience:
Pros
Photographers located throughout every Park at Walt Disney World at various locations. At some of the more popular locations such as Cinderella’s Castle, The Tree of Life, The Epcot Ball, and Tower of Terror there will be multiple photographers available so lines don’t get too long and you’re not waiting more than 10 minutes for a picture.
Every Disney photographer that I have had experience with has been excellent. They are always so patient and kind. You’ll be able to take as many pictures as you want. They are always willing to take pictures on your personal camera or phone before or after they take a couple of shots. In my family, my sisters and I usually like to take individual shots and then get a group picture of all three of us. They are super good with positioning both group and individual shots so they look professional and fun at the same time.
Sometimes just walking around the parks you’ll find PhotoPass people hiding in secret spots that get the best angles of some of Disney’s most popular attractions. Two of the most notable angles I can think of right now are at Magic Kingdom. The first one is on the bridge between Tomorrowland and the Castle. If you go in the morning the sun shines just right on the castle. The other os behind the Castle near the wishing fountain. PhotoPass isn’t always available at this location but sometimes you can catch someone roaming nearby, especially if Merida is between photo sessions.
After your photos are taken they will be loaded to your My Disney Experience App via your Magic Band or Park Pass. On select rides, your photos will be added automatically with new technology in the Parks. From there you will be able to view, edit , and download as many images as you want. In many cases your photos will be added within minute, but sometimes the process will take longer.
PhotoPass isn’t just available outside of rides and attractions. You’ll be able to download photos and videos via camera that are hidden throughout select rides and attractions. These shots are usually fun candid shots, unless you know where the cameras are located and can get a planned shot in.
You’ll also be able to obtain photos during select Character Dining Experiences. These are typically just Deluxe Dining within the Parks such as at the Crystal Palace or Cinderella’s Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom or at Hollywood and Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney has been doing really cool magic shots for years now. Their photographers are able to add characters and other props to your photos digitally. These make for very cool one of a kind shots. Most of the time they will add them without you having to ask. But if you find yourself drawn to one look over another you can alway ask them to add a magic shot and they will be happy to add it to your shot.
You will be able to share your picture with up to 25 people on your friends and family list. As long as your people are added to your list BEFORE purchasing Memory Maker, they should be able to access all the photos no matter whose Magic Band they go onto. If you run into any problems or issues with this, see one of Disney Guest Service locations located within the Parks.
Maybe the best advantage yet, you won’t have to bug other guests on their vacations to take a photo for you and your family.It can be awkward to ask others to take photos for you. You can run into language barriers or they could just say not. Most of the time I think people will be willing to take your photo as long as you take one for them as well but you can avoid that situation altogether by visiting the PhotoPass people.
Cons
PhotoPass and Memory Maker can be expensive. If you plan ahead and get it at least three days before your vacation starts you will be able to save $30 off the original price of $199. If you haven’t used PhotoPass in the past, you might not think it is worth it, but I promise you, you’ll end your vacation with anywhere between 100-500 different pictures.
No matter how many days you are in the Parks, PhotoPass is going to cost the same. You could be taking a solo day trip or a long 10-day family Vacation and you’ll be spending the same as everyone else. If your vacation is less than 2 days I probably wouldn’t consider adding Memory Maker. You’ll want to spend most of your time experiencing rides and attractions. But, if you’re the kind of person/family that loves taking pictures, you should definitely look into it.
Photo quality will definitely vary from photographer to photographer. You could have professional level pictures taken at one location but others could look like they were taken by a child. Different factors go into this, weather is a big factor. It would be very windy, a little cloudy, or too sunny for a good shot. Another factor could be that the photographers are trying to take too many pictures at one time. If this happens and you don’t like your images, just get back inline or come back when a different person is there, they usually switch out every hour or so.
PhotoPass is only availably during regular Park Hours. Which means during Extra Magic Hours and Special Events they will not be out. When it gets too dark out it is safer for both the photographers and guests for those big tripods to be put away. You'll usually see them start to pack up as soon as people start setting up for the fireworks.
Passholders Advantages
Memory Maker is included in the price for every Annual Pass Walt Disney World offers. This is also mice because a lot of times, Passholders usually are people that come back more than once or twice a year and most come for only a few days at a time. This will cut down on costs because you won’t have to purchase it every time you come into the Parks.
Passholders can also view their photos for the life of their pass. Instead of having the standard 45 days to view, edit, and download photos, APs have a whole year to experience those memories they’ve made.
Disney has been in the PhotoPass game for a while now. They are constantly updating their systems to keep up with the time. Whether that be adding new and improved magic shots or making it easier to view your photos, Disney is always outdoing themselves. I strongly recommend adding PhotoPass and Memory Maker when you go on your next Disney World Vacation. You won’t be disappointed.