Whether you’re visiting Disney World for the first time or returning to experience the magic all over again, Memory Maker adds that extra pixie dust to your trip. It’s not just about having someone else take your pictures; it’s about collecting beautifully designed digital souvenirs that help your memories live on long after your vacation ends.
With high-quality images captured by professional Disney PhotoPass photographers, Memory Maker lets you relive the magic again and again.
This complete guide breaks down exactly what you get with Memory Maker and helps you decide whether it’s the right fit for your Disney adventure.
What is Disney’s Memory Maker?
Memory Maker is a Disney photo package that gives guests unlimited digital downloads of all their Disney PhotoPass photos and videos captured throughout their visit.
Whether it’s a perfectly posed shot in front of Cinderella Castle, a candid character meet-and-greet, or an adrenaline-filled ride photo, Memory Maker ensures you don’t miss a moment.
All your magical memories are saved in one place, ready to download, share, and cherish forever. No need to fumble with your phone or worry about getting the perfect angle.
Make the Most of Memory Maker
Are you thinking about Memory Maker? If you’re on the fence, here’s how to truly take advantage of it so it’s worth every penny once you’re in the parks.
1. Attraction Photos & Videos
Relive the thrills with automatic ride photos and videos from some of Disney’s most iconic attractions across all four parks. These unforgettable moments are captured while you ride, no need to stop or pose, so you can stay immersed in the magic:
- Space Mountain – A high-speed journey through outer space
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – A musical drop into the heart of the bayou (opening in 2024, replacing Splash Mountain)
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Help defeat Emperor Zurg in this interactive laser-blasting mission
- TRON Lightcycle / Run – Race through the Grid in this sleek, high-speed coaster featuring on-ride video and photo capture
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – A high-speed launch into the LA rock scene, complete with ride photo. Note: With the upcoming retheme to a Muppets-style attraction, we hope on-ride photos will still be offered after the transformation!
- Slinky Dog Dash – A playful coaster ride through Andy’s backyard
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – A chilling drop in a haunted hotel elevator
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Expedition Everest – A high-speed race through the Himalayas with a surprise encounter with the Yeti
To collect your ride photos, simply locate your picture at the photo preview screens near the ride exit, then scan your park ticket, MagicBand, or Disney app to link it to your account.
Some attractions make it even easier by automatically linking your photos using Bluetooth or MagicBand technology, perfect for those moments when you forget to scan.
2. Character Meet-and-Greets
One of the most magical parts of any Disney trip is meeting your favorite characters, and PhotoPass photographers are right there to capture every smile, hug, and autograph moment.
Whether you’re sharing a warm hug with Mickey Mouse, having a royal encounter with Cinderella, or striking a heroic pose with Buzz Lightyear, photographers are stationed at most designated meet-and-greet locations throughout the parks.
You’ll also find PhotoPass at many character dining experiences, especially in the restaurant’s lobby. This makes for extra special, candid photos you might not be able to capture yourself.
These moments are often some of the most cherished, and with Memory Maker, you won’t have to worry about juggling your phone or camera; just enjoy the magic while Disney handles the photos.
3. Magic Shots
With Magic Shots, Disney takes your photos to the next level by adding special effects and surprise characters, turning ordinary moments into truly magical memories.
The photographer will guide you into a specific pose, maybe ask you to look surprised or point at something, but they usually won’t tell you why.
That way, the magic is revealed when the enhanced photo appears in your account later, adding a fun element of surprise to your photo collection.
You might find yourself holding Tinker Bell in the palm of your hand, surrounded by a shimmer of pixie dust, or even being photobombed by the Hitchhiking Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion. Other surprises could include characters like Olaf, Simba, Stitch, floating balloons, or themed overlays tied to the season or specific location.
Magic Shots are available in select areas across the parks, and many photographers will offer them proactively, but it never hurts to ask! It’s a creative, enchanting way to make your Memory Maker experience even more unforgettable.
4. Tiny World & Super Zoom Magic Shots
For a unique twist on your Disney memories, Tiny World and Super Zoom Magic Shots offer creative, cinematic-style photos and videos at select park locations.
Tiny World Magic Shots use a 360-degree camera to create a globe-like image with your party at the center, surrounded by iconic Disney scenery, like you’re standing on your own magical planet.
Super Zoom Magic Shots start with a close-up and zoom way out to reveal stunning views of landmarks like Cinderella Castle or the Millennium Falcon, capturing both still images and video.
These experiences are only available in specific areas and handled by specially trained PhotoPass teams, so check the My Disney Experience app or ask a cast member to find them. They’re one-of-a-kind keepsakes that add serious wow-factor to your Memory Maker collection.
5. PhotoPass Studio Sessions
If you’re looking for a more polished, professional touch to your Disney photos, without the pressure of a busy park backdrop, PhotoPass Studio Sessions are for you.
At the Disney Springs PhotoPass Studio, you can drop in without a reservation and enjoy a full indoor photo session. Skilled photographers will guide you through various poses and use high-quality lighting and backdrops to create classic portrait-style images. This is perfect for family photos, celebrating a special occasion, or just capturing a moment when everyone looks their best.
You’ll also find mini-studios in select parks, often near character meet-and-greets or themed areas, where the photos include fun digital backdrops featuring Disney scenes or seasonal designs. These spots add a little extra magic and are great for guests who want something a bit different from the typical in-park snapshots.
Best of all, there’s no additional cost beyond Memory Maker, and all the photos are added to your account just like the rest. It’s one of the most underrated features, and a great way to get frame-worthy shots without booking a full photo session.
The Ugly Side of Memory Maker
It’s pricey.
There’s no way around it, Memory Maker comes at a premium. While it can be a great value for those who plan to make the most of PhotoPass opportunities, the upfront cost can feel steep, especially for smaller groups or shorter stays.
If you purchase it at least three days in advance, Memory Maker costs $185 and covers all your PhotoPass photos and videos for up to 30 days. Wait until the day of your visit, and the price jumps to $210.
Are you just visiting for a day? There’s a one-day option available for $75, which may be a better fit if you’re only spending limited time in the parks.
Photo spots can eat up your time.
Iconic locations like Cinderella Castle, the Tree of Life, or the Millennium Falcon often have long lines for PhotoPass photographers. Waiting for that perfect shot can cut into valuable park time if you’re trying to maximize your day.
Ride photo syncing isn’t foolproof.
Not all rides have touchpoints at the exit to manually link your photo to your MagicBand or park ticket. Some rely on automatic Bluetooth syncing if your phone has the My Disney Experience app open nearby. But when that tech fails, and sometimes it does, you might miss out on capturing that epic ride moment.
Downloading your photos can be a hassle.
While viewing your pictures on the app is easy, saving them to your phone is a manual, one-by-one process. Want to download all your photos at once?
You’ll need to log in from a desktop or laptop, which is not ideal when you want to share highlights of your trip quickly on the go.
Photos remain available for 45 days after they are taken, so be sure to download them before they expire!
Is Memory Maker Worth It?
If capturing memories is a big part of your Disney experience, Memory Maker can be a fantastic investment, especially for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting to be in the photos instead of behind the camera.
Consider purchasing if:
- You’re traveling with a large group. You can split the cost among your party, and everyone’s photos (as long as they’re linked in My Disney Experience) will be included in a single Memory Maker purchase.
- You’re visiting for multiple days and want unlimited access to professional photos.
- You love character meet-and-greets, ride photos, and those surprise Magic Shots.
- You want high-quality family pictures without carrying your own camera.
- You plan to print or share your vacation memories afterward.
Let the Memories Begin!
Memory Maker lets you be fully present in the moment while capturing every magical detail. From iconic ride photos to heartfelt character hugs, your entire trip becomes a beautifully preserved digital album.
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, adding Memory Maker can be the difference between a few snapshots and a treasure trove of memories.
Have you used Memory Maker before? We’d love to hear your favorite PhotoPass moments!
