We all like memories from our vacation. While we can now all take almost professional photos from our mobile phones, sometimes it is nice to have an extra special memento. Disney’s PhotoPass and Memory Maker might be able to provide this.
What is PhotoPass?
Disney PhotoPass is Disney’s in-park photography service. Photographers shoot your family at icons and character stops, and many attractions snap on-ride photos (and some videos). Photos are linked to your Disney account and visible in the My Disney Experience app. There’s no charge to have pictures taken or to view watermarked previews; fees apply to download. You can also buy personalized photograph products such as mugs and photo books.
PhotoPass operates in all Disney Parks and often at Disney Springs. Link photos by having the photographer scan your MagicBand, your park ticket, annual pass, MagicMobile pass, or a free PhotoPass card. On attractions, photos/videos link automatically when you either wear a MagicBand or via your phone with Bluetooth enabled for the My Disney Experience app.
Disney PhotoPass photos are typically available for 45 days after the photo was taken.
What is Memory Maker?
It is pretty easy to get several hundred photographs in a week at Walt Disney World. Purchasing these individually is not cheap.
Memory Maker is a package that gives you unlimited digital downloads of all the PhotoPass photos and videos captured during your vacation. However, it isn’t cheap.
At the time of publication, Memory Maker prices were:
Last checked: 15 August 2025
- Advance purchase (≥3 days before first use): $185 — save $25.
- During trip/after trip: $210.
- Memory Maker One Day: $75 for all photos from one calendar day.
Tip for UK & Ireland readers: Adult Disney Magic Tickets sold by Walt Disney Travel Company UK, and other UK vendors, commonly include Memory Maker. Check your ticket inclusions before making a sepearte Memoy Maker purchase.
Once activated, Memory Maker includes photos and videos captured within 30 days of activation (or the window tied to a bundle ticket). Photos stay in your account for 45 days from capture. Disney currently offers a one-time 15-day extension inside the gallery. Download as many times as you like before expiry.
How to make the most of Memory Maker
We visit Disney World, usually using UK tickets, several times a year. Nearly always, we have an included Memory Maker. I’ll be honest, we don’t make great use of it, probably wouldn’t buy it out of pocket, and often forget to download the photos. However, these tips will help if you are purchasing Memory Maker as part of a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.
- Enable Bluetooth for the My Disney Experience app (or wear a MagicBand+) to auto-link attraction photos.
- Ask for Magic Shots at major icons. Magic Shots enhance your photos with animated effects and music. They are not always easy to find, but if you ask any photographer, they should be able to advise on whether they can do a Magic Shot or where you can find one.
- Check within 24–48 hours that important shots appeared. If something is missing, visit a PhotoPass desk with the approximate time and location. They can nearly always find your missing photo.
Is Memory Maker worth it?
It depends on your budget. Everything in Walt Disney World is expensive, so “worth it” is very subjective.
If you plan to ride the major attractions, meet characters, and grab photos at park icons across several days, Memory Maker often costs less than buying downloads à la carte. You will soon collect a large number of photographs.
There is no shortage of opportunities for photographs at Walt Disney World, so if you do decide to purchase, it is unlikely you will feel shortchanged.
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Our Beginners Guide to Walt Disney World is a great starting point if you are planning a Disney World Vacation.
