Why Disney’s PhotoPass Memory Maker Is SO Worth The Extra Money

I can be a bit cheap. I don’t see the need for something new if you already have something tried and true at home, no matter how worn out it may be. I’ll hold onto purses and shoes for longer than is attractive. Just ask my daughter. And in the early days of PhotoPass, also known as Memory Maker, I struggled with the cost and if it was truly worth it. Now, we don’t take a Disney vacation without it. Here’s what you need to know…

The family photographer (usually me) gets to prove they were on the vacation, too! I can’t tell you how many times I’d sit down to scrapbook a vacation and not be able to find a single picture of myself. “It’s as if you weren’t even there!” my four-year-old exclaimed one year. “But we know you were,” he said, patting me on the arm. With PhotoPass, there’s proof!

Photographers are located in front of iconic park symbols and backdrops. Whether you want the castle or the Tree of Life (beautiful at night!) or the iconic “golf ball” at EPCOT there are multiple Photopass Photographers in front of popular park symbols.

No more hunting down random strangers to take your group photos. Not only will a PhotoPass photographer take a quality shot with his camera but she’ll take a picture with your camera or phone, as well. All you have to do is ask!

Character meet and greets can be simply enjoyed. You can delight in your child’s wonder, being teased or greeted by their favorite characters instead of wondering if the setting is right on your camera or if junior’s eyes are closed for the shot.

A PhotoPass photographer can add digital enhancements, Magic Shots, that only PhotoPass can provide. My kids love to check out our pictures to see what magic was added. When you’re at home, you can add borders and dates and other embellishments to make your pictures stand out.

Photographers are also located in beautiful “hidden” settings that add variety to your album or scrapbook. Look around the corner at some of the “hidden” spots, especially at Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom. A new perspective on the castle or a favorite character is waiting!

PhotoPass works when you’re not even looking. Buzz Lightyear’s Ranger Spin, Splash Mountain, Expedition Everest and Test Track, just to name a few, have cameras hidden on the ride to snap a picture of you at an “opportune” moment.

Purchasing the Memory Maker package is an added expense. And if you’re going for just a couple days, it may not be worth it to you. But, especially for those significant vacations (family reunions, special celebrations) Memory Maker is an amazing way to document your trip…and provide evidence that you, the resident photographer, were actually there!