One of the best souvenirs from a Disney vacation is an epic picture! However, the Disneyland and Disney World theme parks ban selfie sticks. This may be a bit tricky to get those selfies, but have no fear! Professional photographers are stationed throughout the properties to capture your memories! So, let’s discuss if Disney’s PhotoPass is worth it…
What is Disney’s PhotoPass?
PhotoPass is a complimentary service for anyone visiting the Disney properties. Located throughout the Disneyland and Disney World Resorts are PhotoPass photographers ready to take your picture! All you have to do is ask. Images are saved directly to your My Disney Experience account after the photographer scans your MagicBand (Disney World only), Memory Maker card, Disney PhotoPass card, or park admission ticket. If you are traveling in a group, everyone can access the pictures via MyDisneyPhotoPass.com.
PhotoPass also includes some pretty magical extras! For instance, the state-of-the-art Disney technology allows photographers to take special “magic shots”. With just little bit of pixie dust, these magic shots get popular Disney characters right into your picture! They now even have animated magic shots! The PhotoPass service also includes pictures and video clips from the attractions.
Just keep in mind that you will need to pay for any pictures you wish to download or print out. Thus, although the PhotoPass service itself is free, obtaining the pictures for use is not.
Pro Tip: The PhotoPass photographers will take a picture of your party with your own device!
So, then what is Memory Maker or PhotoPass+?
Memory Maker is an enhanced option of the PhotoPass service in Disney World. By accessing your MyDisneyExperience account, you can view, download, print, or share all of the PhotoPass pictures. With Memory Maker, you get downloads of all your pictures, videos, and animated magic shots for 1 flat fee. The price of Memory Maker varies depending upon when you purchase it. If purchased in advance of your vacation online it is $169 USD, or $199 USD if you purchase it once you arrive or after your vacation online.
A few side notes… Memory Maker is included in the purchase of an Annual Pass for Disney World, so keep that in mind when deciding if an Annual Pass is right for you! There is also the option to purchase a Memory Maker for 1 day as an add-on to a 1-day Magic Your Way park admission ticket. The cost for this is $39 USD and you receive downloads of all pictures, animated magic shots, and videos taken on that day.
PhotoPass+ is Disneyland’s version of Memory Maker, with a bit of a twist. It is available as a 1-day purchase or you have the option for 1- week access ($75 USD) to all the PhotoPass pictures and videos. If you have an Annual Passport or a theme park ticket with the MaxPass feature, you automatically will have access to PhotoPass+.
Pros to Disney’s PhotoPass service
There are several benefits to the PhotoPass service:
- For starters, the pictures will include everyone! With a photographer present, everyone can pose at once.
- The images are high quality because the PhotoPass photographers use the latest digital equipment to capture the memories.
- You do not need to bring your own camera to capture vacation memories!
- Everyone in your party has access to the photos.
- You can purchase personalized photo products (think mugs, mousepads, etc.) directly through the PhotoPass service.
Cons to the PhotoPass service
In my experience, there are a few cons to this service:
- A PhotoPass photographer may not be right where you want to take a picture since they have designated locations.
- Some of the popular locations have insane lines! For instance, you will likely wait if you want a picture in front of Cinderella Castle.
- Because of lines, you may feel a bit rushed.
- The price can add up if you do not purchase Memory Maker before going on your Disney vacation.
Bottom line… is Disney’s PhotoPass worth it?
In my personal experience and opinion, yes Disney’s PhotoPass is worth it. There really is something to be said for getting everyone into a picture at once! Plus, access to these pictures allows you to make magical souvenirs! Also, the convenience of the service makes it worth it. I highly recommend just paying for access to all of your PhotoPass downloads, rather than paying one-by-one. Thus, if you’re visiting Disney World, I suggest purchasing Memory Maker in advance to save the $30 USD!
Please feel free to contact me directly or write in the comments below if you have any questions about this service! I hope you find the article helpful!
Check back this weekend for our Sunday Snippet series! Until then… Cheers!!