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Capturing the Magic with Memory Maker




PhotoPass Photographer on Main Street USA

One of my favorite tips that I love to pass on to Walt Disney World guests is to take advantage of Disney’s Memory Maker. This is a program that has gone through great changes in recent years- including a name change from Photopass in late 2013-  and is a convenient way to help guests record their vacation memories.  If you have visited before, you have probably noticed photographers throughout the parks and water parks.  They take free, no obligation pictures that may be viewed and purchased either in parks or online.  While the price for individual prints may seem high, I have some tips to help you get the greatest value from this service.

Enhancements and Borders can be added at home
-Pre-purchase Memory Maker.  For the cost of a few prints, you can have UNLIMITED pictures available for download on your home computer. The normal cost of Memory Maker is $199- but if you purchase at least 3 days before you arrive, you pay only $169. You can now also add Memory Maker to your vacation package, making it even more convenient. Once you are home, you will be able to perform minor edits and add enhancements (such as borders and character autographs), and then download them- no more waiting for a CD to be delivered.  You can also edit your pictures in as many different ways as you'd like- they really do mean “unlimited!” 
Ride Photos at several attractions are included with Memory Maker

-Link your Memory Maker to your My Disney Experience account. If you have purchased it as part of your vacation package, it should already be in your account. Then, connect yourself to everyone you're traveling with via the "Family and Friends" list. This allows you to view and download their pictures as well.

Photographers are at many Character locations
-Look for photographers, and take as many pictures as possible.  They are located in every park and water park, near the main icon (such as Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom), as well at many character meet and greets.  You may find them in other locations throughout the parks as well; just keep your eyes open! The photographers are not pushy, and will not solicit you.  Simply approach them and ask them to take your picture; your Memory Maker is linked to your Magic Band, so just tap the band, smile, and click!

-Ask for “magic shots”.  You may feel like you are taking a silly picture- staring into your empty hands, or grabbing something imaginary in the air- but when you view your pictures later, you will have a fun surprise!  Tinkerbell, Sebastian, Stitch, and others have been known to find their way into many  pictures.  Not all photographers or locations will have magic shots, but it doesn’t hurt to ask- just be willing to get creative and have fun
Magic Shots will give you a surprise later!
 
-Don’t forget to edit and download your pictures online when you get home.  Photos will only remain in your account for 45 days from the day they are taken before they expire and are deleted, so be sure to add any enhancements and download your pictures before the deadline.  Extra time can be purchased if necessary.

-Be sure to add attraction  photos to your Memory Maker account.  Current attractions included in Memory Maker are Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, Test Track, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and Tower of Terror.

**NEW** Memory Maker now includes an on ride video from both the Mine Train and Tower of Terror! So in addition to pictures, you'll capture a video of your on-ride experience at these attractions. More videos and interactive elements are rumored to be added in the future.

-Remember that any pictures taken within 3 days of purchasing Memory Maker will not be included- so be sure to purchase at least 3 days before you arrive at Walt Disney World. 

- Only the guest who purchased Memory Maker may download the pictures- so if you're traveling with friends and family, remember to perform any edit's in that person's account. 

Even if you are a photography fanatic like I am, Memory Maker can be a great asset to your vacation.  It is an easy way to make sure your entire family is in the picture, and bring home photos with an extra touch of magic. 

Carissa
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