Is Disney PhotoPass Worth It? A Scrapbooker’s Guide to the Magic and the Trade-Offs
When planning a Disney vacation, you’re bound to run across the option to add Disney PhotoPass or its upgraded version, Memory Maker, to your experience. For scrapbookers, family memory keepers, and anyone who wants to be in the photos (instead of always behind the camera), this can seem like a dream come true. But is it worth the cost? Let’s take a look at the benefits, drawbacks, and some smart ways to get the most value out of this magical service.
What is Disney PhotoPass?
Disney PhotoPass is a photography service offered at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. Professional photographers are stationed throughout the parks—at iconic locations, with characters, and even on select rides—to capture high-quality photos of your vacation. You can preview these photos in the My Disney Experience app, and with Memory Maker, you get unlimited downloads of every image, video, and magic shot taken during your trip.
The Benefits of PhotoPass
1. You’re in the photos.
Let’s be honest: how many vacation albums are filled with pictures of everyone but you? With PhotoPass, you can be in front of the camera with your whole family, and those group shots are often the ones we treasure most.
2. Professional quality.
PhotoPass photographers use great equipment, know how to frame shots with iconic backdrops, and can direct even the wiggliest kids into sweet poses. The lighting and composition are often far better than what you can grab on your phone in a rush.
3. Magic Shots and Ride Photos.
This is one of PhotoPass’s best features. With Magic Shots, Disney adds fun surprises—like Tinker Bell in your hand or Stitch popping out of the ground. You’ll also get photos and short video clips on select rides like Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
4. One purchase covers everyone.
If you’re traveling as a family or group, one Memory Maker purchase gives you access to everyone’s PhotoPass photos, as long as you’re linked through your My Disney Experience account. This makes it a great value when shared across multiple guests.
5. Easy download and access.
Once the trip is over, all of your photos can be downloaded in high resolution. This is a dream for scrapbookers who want clean, crisp images for layouts, albums, or digital books.
The Drawbacks of PhotoPass
1. The price.
Memory Maker isn’t cheap. At Walt Disney World, it currently costs around $185 if purchased in advance, or $210 if you buy it after arrival. That’s a significant add-on, especially for budget-conscious travelers.
2. Not every moment is captured.
While there are photographers at popular spots, you may find that your favorite interactions or spontaneous moments don’t make it into your PhotoPass gallery. It’s still important to snap some personal photos along the way.
3. Wait times for photographers.
At iconic locations like Cinderella Castle, you may have to wait in line for a PhotoPass photographer—especially during peak hours. This can eat into your park time if you’re not strategic.
4. Limited character coverage.
Not every character meet-and-greet has a PhotoPass photographer, especially some of the roaming or surprise interactions. Be prepared to hand off your phone to a cast member or take some shots yourself.
Tips to Maximize Your PhotoPass Value
If you decide to invest in Memory Maker or plan to use PhotoPass frequently, here are some ways to make it count:
- Purchase in advance. Save money by buying Memory Maker at least three days before your trip. The advance-purchase price is about $25 cheaper than same-day.
- Start early and plan locations. PhotoPass is available throughout the day, but morning light and early crowds often make for better photos. Use the app to locate photographers and plan your route.
- Ask for Magic Shots. Not every photographer will offer them by default—don’t be shy! Ask if they can add a Magic Shot to your photo, especially in areas like Main Street, Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life, and near EPCOT’s World Showcase.
- Use it across all parks. Don’t limit yourself to castle photos—there are great PhotoPass opportunities in Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT too. Even resort lobbies sometimes have photographers during the holidays.
- Take advantage of ride photos. These are automatically added to your account if you’re wearing a MagicBand or have your phone set up with Bluetooth and location services. Make sure everyone in your group is linked so you don’t miss out.
- Scrapbook pro tip: Create a folder and download your photos as soon as possible. Disney stores PhotoPass photos for a limited time (usually 45 days), so don’t wait to organize and save them for your scrapbook layouts.
Final Verdict
If you’re someone who values high-quality family photos, plans to meet lots of characters, or wants to be present in your memories (and not just behind the lens), PhotoPass can absolutely be worth it—especially when used to its full potential. For scrapbookers, it provides professional-level images perfect for albums and layouts, and it frees you from the stress of always needing your camera ready.
That said, if you’re doing a short trip, traveling solo, or don’t mind snapping your own pics, you may be just fine without it. The key is knowing your style, your pace, and what memories you most want to capture.
Whichever route you choose, one thing is certain: the magic of Disney will show up in every smile, every sparkle, and every snapshot—PhotoPass or not.
MASCrapping 