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Everything You Need to Know About Memory Maker at Disney World

  • 12 hours ago
  • 8 min read

Are you planning your next Disney World vacation and wondering if the Memory Maker photo package is worth it?


This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Disney World Memory Maker—what’s included, how it works, pricing, and tips to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your family.


You can read through the full guide or jump to the sections you need most below.



What is Memory Maker?

Memory Maker is Disney World’s photo package that includes unlimited digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos taken during your trip.


While PhotoPass photographers can use your phone, Memory Maker gives you access to professional photos, ride photos, Magic Shots, and more—all linked directly to your My Disney Experience account.


Even better, your entire travel party can share one Memory Maker, making it a great value for families and groups.


Benefits of Memory Maker

  • Everyone in your group can be in the photo

  • High-quality, professional photos

  • Fun candid moments (especially at character meet & greets)

  • Includes ride photos

  • Access to Magic Shots (exclusive Disney photo effects)

  • Can include runDisney race photos (rules apply)

  • Easy to share with family & friends


It’s one of the easiest ways to capture your entire trip without worrying about taking photos yourself.

Disney PhotoPass photographer
Photopass Photographer

Is Memory Maker Right for You?

Whether Memory Maker is worth it really comes down to how much you value photos during your trip.


If you love capturing memories, traveling with a group, or want everyone in the photo (without handing your phone to strangers), it’s absolutely worth considering.


I personally love using Memory Maker—on some trips, we’ve ended up with 300+ photos, including candid character moments and ride reactions we would have otherwise missed. Some of my favorite memories are the unexpected ones—like Elsa playfully bopping my niece’s nose and making her smile.


If photos aren’t a priority, you can absolutely rely on your phone—but you’ll miss out on ride photos, Magic Shots, and some of those extra-special moments.



Memory Maker Pricing

  • Advance Purchase: $185

    • Must purchase at least 3 days before use

    • Can be added to your Disney World package

  • Standard Purchase: $210

    • If purchased within 3 days of use, during trip, or after

  • 1 Day Memory Maker: $85


Prices are subject to change.


What is Included with Memory Maker?

Memory Maker includes all Disney PhotoPass photos taken during your trip, including:

Ride Photos

Everyone loves getting to see their favorite (or not so favorite) moments on many of the Disney rides. 


There are two main ways ride photos link to your account:

  • Manual scanning after the ride

  • Automatic linking (via MagicBand or Bluetooth in the My Disney Experience app)

    • Link your MagicBand to your account

    • Turn on Bluetooth in the My Disney Experience app

    • Ensure you’re logged in 


Rides with photos (* means auto load):

  • Magic Kingdom

    • Buzz Lightyear

    • Space Mountain

    • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train*

    • Tiana’s Bayou Adventure *

    • Pirates of the Caribbean*

    • Haunted Mansion*

    • Tron Lightcyle Run*

  • Epcot

    • Test Track

    • Frozen Ever After*

    • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind*

  • Hollywood Studios

    • Rock ‘n Roller Coaster

    • Tower of Terror

    • Slinky Dog Dash*

  • Animal Kingdom

    • Expedition Everest

Character Photos

Meeting characters is one of the most memorable parts of a Disney World trip—but not every location will have a PhotoPass photographer.


At many popular meet-and-greets, a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be there to capture your interaction with high-quality photos (and often some fun candid moments too!).


At other locations, you may find:

  • Photo boxes (automated cameras that still capture great photos)

  • No photographer at all—where you’ll use your own phone or camera (and a Cast Member is usually happy to help!)


👉 Good to know: Even if there isn’t a photographer, it’s still worth meeting the character—some of the best moments happen unexpectedly!


Character Photo Locations that usually have a PhotoPass photographer or photo box*

(subject to change)


  • Magic Kingdom

    • Aladdin & Jasmine

    • Enchanted Tales with Belle

    • Mirabel

    • Ariel

    • Pooh and Tigger

    • Mickey Mouse*

    • Storybook Circus meet and greets (Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy)*


  • Epcot

    • Anna & Elsa*

    • Donald Duck

    • Goofy

    • Pluto

    • Mickey

    • Minnie

    • Figment

    • Winnie the Pooh

    • Jasmine

    • Mulan

    • Alice

    • Aurora

    • Belle

    • Mary Poppins

    • Snow White


  • Hollywood Studios

    • Buzz

    • Woody

    • Jessie

    • Sulley

    • Edna Mode

    • Mr & Mrs Incredible

    • Joy

    • Minnie

    • Mickey

    • Goofy

    • Live Action Ariel


  • Animal Kingdom

    • Mickey & Minnie*

    • Chip & Dale

    • Daisy

    • Donald

    • Moana

Photos around the Parks

There are so many iconic spots throughout the park that are perfect photo spots. There are photographers near all of them and spread throughout the parks. 


Look for the Photopass Photographers in their green outfits and jump in line to get some amazing shots. You can ask for suggestions for poses and feel free to get tons of photos. Some of our favorite photos have been taken at random spots in the park. 


Tip: Skip the photographers right when you enter the park and go enjoy rides while the lines are shorter. Or use that time to get the perfect Castle photo while others are enjoying rides.

Magic Shots

Magic Shots are one of the biggest perks of Memory Maker. These photos include special Disney effects added after the photo is taken—like characters, props, or magical surprises appearing in your picture.


The magic shots change often and you should always ask the photographer to see if they have one at their location. There will be special magic shots depending on the holiday or season. 


Reminder: While most photos will appear on the app instantly, magic shots will take longer to get to the app since magic takes a little time.


Here are some of my favorites: 

Photo Studios

Did you know there are four photo studios for you to take enjoy with the Memory Maker? As long as you have Memory Maker, you can enjoy all of these studios at no additional cost to you. They have tons of fun backgrounds as well as standard backgrounds. 


These are a hidden gem and perfect for:

  • Rainy days

  • Non-park days

  • Kids in Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeovers

  • Air-conditioned photo breaks


Photo Studio Locations: 

  • Magic Kingdom: Sir Mickey's in Fantasyland

  • Epcot: Wandering Reindeer at the Frozen Ride Exit

  • Disney Springs: Photo Studio in MarketPlace section (near Ghiradelli)

  • Grand Floridian 


runDisney Photos

Are you doing a runDisney race? If yes, you definitely want to consider purchasing a Memory Maker. You are able to link your race photos to your Memory Maker. You are allowed up to 5 race bibs linked per race (subject to change). This means you and your friends can get all of your runDisney photos under one Memory Maker. 


To link your race photos, look at the back of your race bib or your expo pass for instructions. It will indicate the code needed to link to your Memory Maker. You will go to the Photo section on the app, select link photos, and type to link PhotoPass card. You will enter the 16 character id as described on the race bib or race guide. The photos may start showing up within a couple of hours of the race. 


Make sure to look for PhotoPass photographers throughout the course. You can find them in the small green tents. They are also usually at most character stops. 

Linking Photos

You always want to link all photos back to your MDE account. There are several ways to do this depending on the type of photo and your preferred method.


Best Method (Easiest):

  • Scan MagicBand


Other Options:

  • Scan physical park ticket

  • Scan a PhotoPass Card

    • You can ask a photographer for a PhotoPass card

    • This will require you to link the card to the MDE app. Once linked, you can use it for the rest of the stay.

  • Scan the QR code found on the MDE Photo Gallery area.

    • Click on the 3 dots and click Show PhotoPass Code

    • Pro tip- If you plan to scan the QR code for the full trip, take a screenshot and save it as a favorite for easy access.

App screenshot for Memory Maker QR code

Note: Most photographers will guide you on linking photos, but it is always good to also remember, just in case. 


Viewing Photos

Photos typically appear within minutes, but some (like Magic Shots) may take a bit longer.


To view your photos, make sure you are logged into your account on the MDE app. From the menu screen, scroll down to Photo Gallery.

App screenshot for finding photos

You can include family & friends photos or filter to just your photos. Use the button at the top to control what you will see. You can also filter by date and location by using the filter button at the top of the screen.

MDE app screenshot for filtering photos

Watermarked Photos: 

  • You will have a watermark on the photos if you are not the primary person on the Memory Maker. Only the owner of the Memory Maker will be able to download the photos. 

  • If you are the owner of the Memory Maker and still have watermarks, you will need to activate the Memory Maker by clicking on a photo and selecting activate.


Thinking You Can Take a Screenshot of the Watermarked Photo?

Trying to save money and you will just take a screenshot of the watermarked photo? Think again. When you try to take a screenshot of a watermarked photo, you will get a black screen. Disney has closed this loophole...sorry.

Capture Your Moment Enchanting Extra

Do you have an extra special occasion to capture? Do you love private photo sessions? Want a little extra magic to capture your visit? This is a great add-on if you want more personalized, less rushed photos compared to standard PhotoPass locations.


These are 20 minute private sessions with a Disney photographer. They are offered at all 4 parks for $99. All photos are included with Memory Maker. You are able to let the photographer know if you are celebrating something special so they can bring props and you can provide suggestions on where you would like the photos. 


These can be booked 60 days in advance.


FAQs:

Is it worth it?

To me, yes! I use it every visit, especially when there with a group. We have captured so many Disney hugs, character fun, and sometimes embarassing ride photos and it makes it all worth it. If you are not a big photo person, it is fine to skip it.


Can the photographer use my phone to take photos instead?

Yes! You can hand off your phone to the photographer. This is a great way to save money, but realize the settings on your phone may not be as good as their camera and you will be missing out on ride photos and magic shots. 


When should I buy Memory Maker?

Purchase at least 3 days in advance to save money with the discounted price.


Does each person need the Memory Maker?

No! You are able to share your Memory Maker with everyone on your Friends & Family list (up to 25 people). The Memory Maker is active for 30 days. Only one person will see the photos without watermarks and be able to download them, but when you get home you can download their photos too! 


How do I download the photos?

  • Only the person that the Memory Maker is linked to can download the photos. Everyone else on the Family & Friends list will see watermarked photos. 

  • You can download the photos through the app or through the website. We suggest using the website for bulk downloads. 

  • Make sure to download them within 45 days before they are deleted!

  • Make sure you are including Friends & Family photos in the filter if you want to see/download those.


I am missing photos. How do I get them linked to my account?

Disney is great at tracking down these photos. You will report your missing photos using this link. They will ask you questions to identify the location, timeframe, and what you were wearing. 


I am a military member. Are there any discounts?

Yes! You can get a discounted Memory Maker during your visit. Go to a guest services counter and show your military id. 


I purchased a Memory Maker but my photos still show a watermark. What do I need to do?

  • There are two things that may be happening: 

    • You are not the lead person linked to the Memory Maker. Only the lead person can download the photos. Everyone else will see watermarks. 

    • You need to activate the Memory Maker. This can be done by clicking on a photo and selecting to activate Memory Maker. 


Looking for more personalized help? Reach out to our partners at Willow + Wand

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