I travel with my whole family often, and one destination consistently works for trips that span kids, parents and grandparents: Walt Disney World Resort.
In the past 18 months, we’ve taken three multigenerational trips to Disney World — plus one on Disney Cruise Line — and all have been fantastic. But what I cherish most isn’t the rides or the character breakfasts; it’s the photos that capture all of us in one frame. Disney’s professional photography is unmatched, and having extended family together in beautiful images is a gift.
As a mom and journalist, I’m usually behind the lens, not in front of it. So on our first family trip to Disney World years ago, I bought Memory Maker, Disney’s all-inclusive digital photo package. I haven’t visited without it since.
Here’s what to know about the upgrade Disney travel advisors consistently call the best purchase for multigenerational families.
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What Is Disney Memory Maker?
The author with her dad during a recent multigenerational trip to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.Photo courtesy of Disney
Memory Maker is a product of Disney PhotoPass, the complimentary professional photography service available throughout the theme parks and resorts. Photographers are stationed at picturesque landmarks and character encounters, while automated cameras capture action shots on select rides. Every image links digitally to your My Disney Experience account, where it’s ready to view, download or buy.
Getting photos taken is completely free, and guests are encouraged to stop for as many photographers as they like. Memory Maker is what unlocks unlimited downloads of everything captured.
“Memory Maker is something I always recommend. The photographers are wonderful, the images are high-quality and you’ll have memories that will last forever,” says Matt Brandabur, a travel advisor with The Magic for Less Travel and founder of the podcast and website Adventures of a Disney Dad.
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How Much Does It Cost?
Disney’s Memory Maker photo package includes digital downloads of all images captured by PhotoPass photographers, including character encounters.Photo courtesy of Disney
Pricing depends on timing and duration:
$85 — Memory Maker One Day, for single-day visits $185 — 30 days of photos and videos, purchased at least three days before your trip $210 — The same 30-day option, purchased during or after your vacationAdd-on packages are also available for Annual Passholders and eligible Disney Vacation Club members.
Buying the package is far more economical than purchasing photos individually, which cost $16.95 per digital download (or included when purchasing prints). Guests with Lightning Lane Multi Passes or the Premier Pass already get their attraction photos and videos included, but Brandabur says many still buy Memory Maker for the photo opportunities beyond the rides.
For something more exclusive, book a private 20-minute Capture Your Moment session with a Disney photographer for $99, at spots like Main Street, U.S.A., or EPCOT’s Germany and Italy pavilions.
“We splurged on a private session at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with our kids, and it was fantastic,” Brandabur says. “The PhotoPass photographers already know the best spots to get the fewest crowds in the shot, and they’re great at making it fun.”
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Why It’s a Multigenerational Game-Changer
The author with her family during a multigenerational trip to Walt Disney World’s EPCOT.Photo courtesy of Disney
You don’t need to seek out photographers at Disney World—they’re stationed along routes you’re already walking, making it easy to corral everyone for a quick family portrait. On a recent check of the app, there were 175 photo opportunities across the four theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs and Disney resorts.
The photographers themselves are the real asset: well-practiced at photographing every age group and skilled at getting everyone in the family relaxed and camera-ready. “Magic Shots,” where characters or special effects are digitally added into the final images, are a particular hit with multigenerational groups.
“The special thing about Magic Shots is that the final photos truly are a surprise. Most of the time, you don’t know exactly what the photographers are creating, and it’s so much fun to see a character like Tinker Bell appear—or special effects like a spooky black-and-white image for Halloween. You’re sure to be surprised with new characters and effects every vacation,” says Hannah Anderson, a travel advisor with Dreams Unlimited Travel and co-host of the DIS Unlimited travel podcast.
And the photography opportunities extend beyond Walt Disney World; Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line have similar programs with all-inclusive photo packages. On Adventures by Disney trips, dedicated Adventure Guides take professional group and candid photos throughout each trip, which guests then receive as digital downloads at no extra cost.
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How to Use Disney Memory Maker
View this post on InstagramLook for PhotoPass photographers in bright green uniforms and nametags stationed throughout the parks. Scan your MagicBand, park ticket or a PhotoPass card to link each photo to your My Disney Experience account.
Guests can view all captured watermarked images within the app for free; removing the watermark and downloading full resolution requires either a Memory Maker package or an individual purchase.
To find lesser-known photo spots around the parks, open the My Disney Experience app, tap the map icon at the bottom and select the top filter menu. Scroll right and choose “PhotoPass” to view all photographer locations, schedules and photo examples.
But keep parade and fireworks timing in mind, says Lauren Reasoner, a former Disney PhotoPass cast member who estimates she took 175,000 photos during 10 months of working while in the Disney College Program.
“After sunset, it can be difficult to predict when photographers will be out due to parade times, and each day is different, so I’d recommend getting at least one round of photos taken before sunset. Photos at golden hour are gorgeous,” Reasoner says.
Seasonal props and celebrations add another layer of fun. Past examples include Women’s History Month photo ops honoring Disney Legends Mary Blair, Harriett Burns and Leota Toombs Thomas, Magic Shots with Encanto’s Luisa and The Incredibles’ Mrs. Incredible and Edna Mode, and commemorative shots marking the debut of the “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” nighttime parade.
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Tips for Getting the Best Photos
A screenshot of a map within the My Disney Experience app showing where Disney PhotoPass photographers can be found at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.Screenshot courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort's My Disney Experience App
Ask the photographers for their favorite spots. “My all-time favorite spots for castle photos are in front of the flower gardens, to the right and left of the Partners statue,” Reasoner says.
Stay spontaneous. “You get the best value out of Memory Maker when you treat the photos as an impromptu experience rather than chasing a specific spot. It’s more fun that way,” Brandabur says.
Get closer to the castle for big groups. “The farther you are from the castle, the smaller it will be in a photo with a big family. For a family of five or more, I’d recommend any spot past Casey’s Corner,” Reasoner says.
Splurge on an all-new Signature Portrait Session for upscale resort photos. “A private 40-minute session with PhotoPass photographers at select Disney Resort hotels runs $399 and includes downloads and retouching,” Anderson says.
For the best photos that include Main Street U.S.A., aim to be about halfway down the street. “I’d recommend the spot across from Main Street Bakery,” Reasoner says.
Mind the light. “Bring sunglasses if it’s bright, but also consider returning to certain spots later in the day when trees provide shade,” Anderson says.
Let the moments happen. “If grandma and grandpa want a photo together and the grandkids aren’t cooperating, let them take it. It may end up being one of your favorite photos,” Brandabur says.
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