Everything PhotoPass & Memory Maker

[CarolynFH]

How will the the photographer know that you purchased memory maker? If i remember correctly, Disney Land gave you a different pass to show the photographer, that you purchased the prepackaged photos, I've heard that they were more inclined to take more pictures and add special elements to the pictures at the time. You also could get the "free" photo claim ticket but the photographers just took normal pictures.

The photographers don't know whether you have Memory Maker or not. They take photos for everyone regardless, always take at least a couple of shots, and often enough, add in Magic Shots. How many shots they take, how much time they spend with you, in my experience, is largely determined by how busy they are. If you are lucky enough to come across a photographer whom doesn't have a line, they are quite likely to spend some extra time and effort on your photos.

I fully agree with TomH! My husband is especially adept at spotting photographers who aren't busy, and we've had some of our best photos and magic shots from them. When there's a long line (such as on Main Street in the morning), they just can't take the time to do a lot. But whether you have Memory Maker or not makes no difference to them. If you don't have it, and they take an especially lovely photo of you, you might spend the $ to buy that photo and more!

 

[DizneyMommy]

How will the the photographer know that you purchased memory maker? If i remember correctly, Disney Land gave you a different pass to show the photographer, that you purchased the prepackaged photos, I've heard that they were more inclined to take more pictures and add special elements to the pictures at the time. You also could get the "free" photo claim ticket but the photographers just took normal pictures.

This is not true. They take the magic photos for anyone who asks

 

[Ikcerog]

Hi, all! I am hoping to get PhotoPass shots in front of the Partners statue during an upcoming visit to MK [7 days as of this writing!!], with dear ol' Dad.

Any tips for timing a trip to the hub, and being able to find a photographer? I understand stage shows in front of the Castle would not be an optimal time to show up, but I wasn't sure if there were known 'good times' to show up, based on time-of-day or entertainment lineup in the vicinity.

Thanks very much!

 

[Tomh]

I know we often see a lot of photographers on Main Street in the morning when the park first opens, though to be honest, I've never noticed whether there were photographers in the hub area at that time as well.

I have noticed photographers in the hub after dark, getting pictures with the illuminated castle in the background.

 

[camnhan]

Once you have made your purchase, you can download from the computer. However, for what ever reason, the only way to purchase the one day Memory Maker is through the mobile app.

AND just an FYI....they have changed the app so the memory maker is an in app purchase for the Iphone. thank goodness we got a knowledgeable tech on the other end of the phone because we didn't have any payment source set up for in app purchases and it doesn't let you just put in your card information. He had to walk us through how to set the phone up with our card to purchase...
My question now is....we purchased yesterday. Do we now have 30 days to play with the stickers and such and then download them?

 

[bonjing]

This is not true. They take the magic photos for anyone who asks

True, if you ask. My first time at DisneyLand I didn't know about the extras that they could add to the photos, so we just had a regular photo claim ticket, basic photos were taken. Next adventure we had, I bought the photopass. All the photographers took their time, "did this, did that" regardless of the line behind them, without me asking for any special effects.

 

[Tomh]

True, if you ask. My first time at DisneyLand I didn't know about the extras that they could add to the photos, so we just had a regular photo claim ticket, basic photos were taken. Next adventure we had, I bought the photopass. All the photographers took their time, "did this, did that" regardless of the line behind them, without me asking for any special effects.

I have never asked for a Magic Shot, and have always gotten at least a few during our trips.

 

[CarolynFH]

True, if you ask. My first time at DisneyLand I didn't know about the extras that they could add to the photos, so we just had a regular photo claim ticket, basic photos were taken. Next adventure we had, I bought the photopass. All the photographers took their time, "did this, did that" regardless of the line behind them, without me asking for any special effects.

I have never asked for a Magic Shot, and have always gotten at least a few during our trips.

This thread has led me to realize that WDW and DL are very different when it comes to photos! There’s no “regular photo claim ticket” at WDW. It’s all PhotoPass. If you have a MB the photographer will scan it; if no MB, get a PhotoPass card from the first photographer and have all of them scan it. In any case, the photos show in your MDE for you to pay for individually or as some version of MM.

 

[DizneyMommy]

True, if you ask. My first time at DisneyLand I didn't know about the extras that they could add to the photos, so we just had a regular photo claim ticket, basic photos were taken. Next adventure we had, I bought the photopass. All the photographers took their time, "did this, did that" regardless of the line behind them, without me asking for any special effects.

I’m not sure what a “regular photo claim ticket” is? We have AP’s and for a while had photopass included, so we’ve had it paid for, not paid for, and used MaxPass. The photopass photographers don’t know what you have, and don’t scan anything until after they’ve taken the photo. We’ve been offered magic shots just as often when we had an AP, had MaxPass, and when we just took the photopass card they handed us. Often we don’t bother with pulling up the app anyways and just take the new card and add it later. At DL, photopass costs a whopping $10 a day, and is free with some AP levels, the photogs really don’t care what you have.

 

[DizneyMommy]

Hi, all! I am hoping to get PhotoPass shots in front of the Partners statue during an upcoming visit to MK [7 days as of this writing!!], with dear ol' Dad.

Any tips for timing a trip to the hub, and being able to find a photographer? I understand stage shows in front of the Castle would not be an optimal time to show up, but I wasn't sure if there were known 'good times' to show up, based on time-of-day or entertainment lineup in the vicinity.

Thanks very much!

there are almost always photographers at the Partners statue and in front of the castle in the hub!

 

[1stDzneyMom]

Everything PhotoPass and Memory Maker​

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Overview​

Together, Photopass, and Memory Maker are a way for Disney guests to take home many precious memories of themselves and their families enjoying many different Walt Disney World experiences.

Product Definitions​

Photopass: Getting your pictures taken​

Photopass is the name of the Disney World service which takes photos of you and your family all around the Disney World parks, and resorts. Having photos taken by Photopass Photographers is free for any guest, with no obligation to buy anything.

View attachment 301272
Photopass Photographer taking a photo of a family with Cinderella’s Castle in the background.​

My Disney Experience​

This encompasses the My Disney Experience mobile app, and the website as well. This is where you will view, edit, and delete photos. You will also manage your friends and family here, so that photos of your traveling party can also be included in any photo products you may purchase.

Gameday Photos Sports Photographer​

https://www.espnwwos.com/complex/services/sports-photographer/ Gameday Photos Sports Photographer is a new service offered by ESPN. Packages can be purchased for single player, the team, and times can be from an hour to the length of the game. Prices vary by event.

Fine Art Photography​

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/fine-art-photography-video/] Fine Art Photography is an extra charge service providing a dedicated photographer in one of a range of Disney World locations who will pose, and photograph your family. There are numerous locations, and session lengths to choose from. Some of these packages provide the photos immediately on a flash drive. Others include retouching, and send the photos by mail several weeks later. The Magic Kingdom Family Portrait also comes with a 16" x 24" canvas print of one photo of your choice, and a 20 print photo album.

Photo Download​

Photo download is a product you can purchase which will allow you to download a single Photopass Photo.

One Day Memory Maker​

The One Day Memory Maker purchase allows you to download all of the photos that were taken on one day of your stay.

Memory Maker​

Memory maker is a product which you can purchase. Memory Maker allows you to download digital copies of all of the Photopass Photographs you and your family have taken over the course of your stay.

Magic Shot​

Magic shots are special photos which can be taken by Photopass Photographers, and add special elements into your Photopass photos.

View attachment 301270
Magic Shot from Pandora showing a Banshee flying overhead.​

Visit the Magic Shots – Current Listings thread to see all of the Magic Shots that are currently available in each of the parks.

How it works​

My Disney Experience​

The first step to using PhotoPass, and / or Memory Maker is to set up your account on My Disney Experience. This can be done through the DisneyWorld Website, or through the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device.

Once you have set up an account, you can then link your park tickets, and connect any Magic Bands you have. If you don’t have Magic Bands yet, they can be connected when you get them. It is also possible to use PhotoPass without a Magic Band

Next, make sure everyone who is travelling with you is also set up in My Disney Experience. Now, using the Friends and Family feature of My Disney Experience, connect everyone to your account, and enable sharing and purchasing of PhotoPass photos.

You are now set to get your photos taken.

Choosing the right photo product​

This can be tricky, as it can be difficult to know how many pictures you are going to want before you actually have them taken, and choosing the right product depends largely on how many photos you want to keep.

The Photo Download allows you to download a single Photopass photo (as well as some edits of that same photo) from your trip. If you are only going to want a couple of photos, this may be the least expensive option.

The One Day Memory Maker allows you to download all of the photos that are taken on one day of your trip. If you know that you are really only going to want the photos from your Animal Kingdom day, for instance, or you are only going to be in Disney World for one day, then this could be the best deal. Note, the One Day Memory Maker costs slightly more than 4 individual Photo Downloads, so if you want 4 photos or less, it will be less expensive to buy them individually.

If you are going to want photos from more than one day of your trip, and you are going to want 10 or more photos, then the Memory Maker Advance Purchase will be your best deal. For $169, this will allow you to download all of the photos that you have taken over the full length of your Disney World stay. Note, this must be purchased at least 3 days before you have your first photo taken (If you purchase during the day on Friday, then the earliest you can get photos taken will be on Monday).

If you want to purchase Memory Maker less than 3 days before you have your first photo taken, then you will have to pay the regular purchase price of $199, which is slightly less than the cost of 12 single photo downloads.

Members of the military can take advantage of a military discount on Memory Maker, and purchase it for $98. The military Memory Maker is retroactive, so that it includes photos that have already been taken. Therefore, it can be purchased at any point during your trip. This has to be purchased in person in Disney World, from a Guest Relations window, or ticket booth.

Annual Passholders. Most Annual Passholder levels include free digital downloads of PhotoPass photos. If you have this, there is no need to buy any of the above Photo products. When you activate your Annual Pass, any photos which are currently in your PhotoPass account, as well as any you have taken while your Annual Pass is valid, will be available for you to download at no additional charge.

In addition to the above options, you can also purchase merchandise through PhotoPass customized with your PhotoPass photos. Options include CD’s or DVD’s with all of your digital images on them, mugs, cups, calendars, and a host of other products. It is worth noting that if you purchase the digital download of your photos, you can then use other companies to create many of these same products, and likely at a considerably lower price.

The hard part in choosing the right product is knowing what you are going to want. 9 individual Photo Downloads will cost you less than the Memory Maker pre-purchase price. 11 individual Photo Downloads will cost less than the Memory Maker at the non pre-purchase price. If you can figure out ahead of time how many photos you will be happy with, then you have the best chance of picking the right product. If you go into the trip thinking you’ll only want a few, then decide halfway through it that you really want them all, you wind up paying $199 for Memory Maker when you could have had it for $169. Take your time, look online to see what kinds of photos other people are getting from PhotoPass, and hopefully, you will pick the right product before you start your trip.

Getting your photos taken
​

You can have photos taken in many different ways.

Photopass Photographers can be found at scenic locations throughout the Disney World parks, waterparks, resort hotels, Disney Springs, and at some special resort meals (usually character meals. These change from time to time.) Resort photographers are most often found in the decorated lobbies of the deluxe resorts around the holidays. Don't be afraid to approach them and ask them to take your photo, that is what they are there for, and they will walk your group around the lobby for the best spots. *tip* Photopass photographers are always willing to take your picture with your own camera, or cell phone, in addition to taking the Photopass photo. Since there is no obligation to buy the Photopass photos, this is a relatively easy way to get family photos taken without asking another park guest to help out.

*Current character meals with PhotoPass photographers:​

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot's Norway pavilion
Cinderella's Royal Table in Magic Kingdom's Cinderella's Castle
Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Resort

*These locations are accurate as of 2/15/18​

Ride Photos and Videos. Some rides automatically take photos and some even take videos of you on the ride.

Photobooths. Spread around Disney World are some photobooths. There is no official list of where they are, but they can often be found in resort arcades, and around the boardwalk. Sometimes you will spot one in a park. Disney has been converting these photobooths from pay only to pay, or photopass, so some of them aren't photopass yet, but some can be activated with your Magic Band, and the photos will be added to your PhotPass account for free

Character Meet and Greets nearly always have a PhotoPass photographer on hand. Some dining packages (Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Chef Mickey’s for example) have an option to get your photo taken.

Photopass Studios. There is a photography studio in the marketplace at Disney Springs.

Having PhotoPass photos taken is free. There is nothing to buy, or sign up for. Anyone can approach any of the PhotoPass Photographers, and have their photo taken at any time with absolutely no obligation. You can view that photo in your My Disney Experience account on your mobile device, or through the PhotoPass website.

There are also other photography services available for purchase. These include:

Fine Art Photography. This service provides a dedicated photographer in one of a range of Disney World locations who will pose, and photograph your family. There are numerous locations, and session lengths to choose from. Some of these packages provide the photos immediately on a flash drive. Others include retouching, and send the photos by mail several weeks later. The Magic Kingdom Family Portrait also comes with a 16" x 24" canvas print of one photo of your choice, and a 20 print photo album.

Gameday Photos Sports Photographer. This is a new service offered by ESPN. Packages can be purchased for single player, the team, and times can be from an hour to the length of the game. Prices vary by event.

Editing your photos​

Once your photos have been taken, it is time to edit. Usually, you will wait until you return home to do this. On the Disney World website, under My Disney Experience click on My Photos, and log in. There, you will have options to view, and edit your photos. Editing options include cropping, adding borders and stickers, changing aspect ratio, changing color to black and white, or orientation from Landscape to Portrait. Once you have edited a photo as you see fit, you can select “Create a Copy” to save the edited photo. You will now have both the original, and the edited version. You can really get creative, and have lots of fun with the editing tools.

Downloading​

On the Photopass website, you have two options. You can download a single photo, or you can create a download set with all of your photos. For those using Memory Maker, my suggestion is make all of your edits, then make a full download set. Once you have downloaded your photos, you can get them printed as you see fit, or use them to create products for unique family keepsakes.

Memory Maker Specifics​

There are some things to keep in mind with Memory Maker. You will be able to download all pictures taken of anyone that you have linked through Friends and Family, as long as you have enabled “My Disney PhotoPass Photos.” If you aren’t sure, go to your friends and family list, and click on “Update” next to their name. Make certain there is a green box by the “My Disney PhotoPass Photos” option, and you’re set.

Each photo you have taken will stay on the PhotoPass server for 45 days from the day it is taken. This means you need to finish your editing, and download your photos within 45 days of having them taken.

In addition, once you download your first photo, you can add more photos to the Memory Maker for 30 days. After that, you will no longer be able to add new pictures. These deadlines are important to keep in mind, especially if you are taking a longer trip, have a big group whose trips may not all begin and end at exactly the same time, or have other circumstances that might delay your editing and downloading of photos.

Conclusion​

I hope this gives you a good idea of what PhotoPass and Memory Maker are all about. For sure, these products aren’t for everyone, but they can provide wonderful family photos that will be cherished for many years to come.

If you have any questions, please post, ask.

This was the best explanation of the Memory Maker I’ve read!!
Thank you so much!!

 

[Tomh]

This was the best explanation of the Memory Maker I’ve read!!
Thank you so much!!

You are quite welcome, and thank you so much for the kind words!

These forums have been of unmeasurable value to me over the years, and so it is wonderful to be able to give back something to the community that has helped me so much!

 

[Jan Bee]

One day memiry maker question.

We did a very last minute trip to MK last Nov. I had no clue about photopass and am sad we didn't get any pics of the 3 of us in front of the castle. Also my 5 year old loved haunted mansion so would be cool to have a fun shot of him in front. We are going to AK in a couple weeks so am def taking advantage of pics in the park. Was planning on getting a 1 day memory maker. Just saw that Disney springs has a studio that has backdrops so we can recreate our Nov trip. We are going to DS the day before AK. If I buy the 1 day memory maker while at AK will the photos from the day before at DS be included? If not, would I just buy a few pics at the DS location?

Also on a Tues afternoon how busy would the DS photopass store be? Is there several photographers working at a time?

Thanks in advance.

 

[hiroMYhero]

If I buy the 1 day memory maker while at AK will the photos from the day before at DS be included?

No. Disney calculates everything in ‘Disney Days’: park open through park close is 1 day.

You can buy two 1 day Memory Makers or individual photos for either of those days. The good thing is that you can view your photos before you decide which specific day you need for the 1-day MM.

 

[Jan Bee]

Thank you. Just so I don't make a mistake. I can get pics done at DS. Then pics at AK. At what point do I have to purchase the 1 day memory maker and decide how I want to purchase the photos. Can this wait till I get home? Do the pics just sit in my MDE until I choose what to do with them?

 

[hiroMYhero]

Can this wait till I get home?

Yes. Using the app, you'll have the ability to purchase the 1-day MM after you select a photo to “Buy.”

All your photos will sit in your account with the Photopass watermark covering them.

 

[Jan Bee]

Yes. Using the app, you'll have the ability to purchase the 1-day MM after you select a photo to “Buy.”

All your photos will sit in your account with the Photopass watermark covering them.

You have been super helpful. Thank you!!

 

[Tomh]

Thank you. Just so I don't make a mistake. I can get pics done at DS. Then pics at AK. At what point do I have to purchase the 1 day memory maker and decide how I want to purchase the photos. Can this wait till I get home? Do the pics just sit in my MDE until I choose what to do with them?

Any pictures you have taken will stay in your MDE for 45 days from the day they are taken. After 45 days, they will be deleted, and you will no longer have the ability to purchase, or download them. At any point before the 45 days have passed, you will be able to purchase photos either as a Memory Maker product (lenght of stay, or single day) or as single photos.

 

[Jan Bee]

Any pictures you have taken will stay in your MDE for 45 days from the day they are taken. After 45 days, they will be deleted, and you will no longer have the ability to purchase, or download them. At any point before the 45 days have passed, you will be able to purchase photos either as a Memory Maker product (lenght of stay, or single day) or as single photos.

You guys are the best! Thank you. I am so excited to get a pic of the 3 of us.

 

[Cinderella94]

Hi all!

What are your thoughts on this? We have Memory Maker, activated and first used during our trip last July. I've been slowly working on a photobook on Disney's photopass website using the photos. Today, I opened the book to do some work on it and saw this message for the first time:

"5 of your photos have been removed from this product as the photos are no longer available" any ideas why this happened, or how to get them back?