Memory Maker, PhotoPass, and Individual Photos?

[MAD on Disney]

My first post in several years...

I'm trying to decide on whether or not to purchase Memory Maker for our upcoming trip. To be clear, I'm not necessarily looking for peoples opinions on whether or not Memory Maker is worth it (clearly from other threads, some people say "yes" and some say "no"), but instead I'm looking for information to understand what alternatives to Memory Maker might exist. In particular, I am trying to determine what my other options are for buying select Photopass photos, character-meet photos, and ride photos if I do not have Memory Maker. I have just read over twenty threads from the last several months related to memory Maker, and am still somewhat confused. The overall direction of my questions is geared toward looking for a cheaper option for buying just a few photos, since we typically have only purchased between two and five photos on any previous trip. It appears that memory Maker is essentially buying all the photos digitally, whereas I would like to pick and choose and pay for a limited number of photos at the end of the trip. All that being said, here are some (initial) questions:

1. On past visits, there was an option to have photos taken, added to an account (on a PhotoPass Card as I recall). I believe this was called simply "PhotoPass" and will call it that in this thread unless and until corrected. Individual photos from this card/account could then later be viewed and individual pictures could be edited and purchased at a per-picture price. The account/card did not cost anything, only the purchase of the individual pictures. Is this or something like this (where you do not pay for a package, but can store and later buy individual photos) still an option?

2. Am I correct that this "PhotoPass" system is/was different from what is/was called "PhotoPass Plus" (I often find in other threads people using these terms interchangeably, such as when someone asks about PhotoPass but someone answers about PhotoPass Plus, when it is not clear to me that they are the same thing), and what is now called Memory Maker?

3. If a per-picture option is still available, how are the photos tracked and viewed now? Do you still need to get a card somewhere and add the photos to the card, or can they be done through the Magic Bands or your MDE account (without buying Memory Maker)?

4. If a per-picture option is still available, is it only for PhotoPass photographer pictures, or for ride photos as well? I am not asking whether you can buy an individual photo at the end of the ride, but whether it can be added to a photo card or account so that you can consider whether or not to buy it later.

5. If there is still a per-picture option available these days, are you able to purchase just the hard copy, just the digital copy, or both? And does it include the rights to the use of the picture, or is that only available through a package like memory Maker?

I'm sorry for such a long opening post, but my observation is that the extra time for clarity in a post often saves several other posts later need to clear things up.

My thanks in advance for anyone that may wish to respond.

 

[lizard1]

My first post in several years...

I'm trying to decide on whether or not to purchase Memory Maker for our upcoming trip. To be clear, I'm not necessarily looking for peoples opinions on whether or not Memory Maker is worth it (clearly from other threads, some people say "yes" and some say "no"), but instead I'm looking for information to understand what alternatives to Memory Maker might exist. In particular, I am trying to determine what my other options are for buying select Photopass photos, character-meet photos, and ride photos if I do not have Memory Maker. I have just read over twenty threads from the last several months related to memory Maker, and am still somewhat confused. The overall direction of my questions is geared toward looking for a cheaper option for buying just a few photos, since we typically have only purchased between two and five photos on any previous trip. It appears that memory Maker is essentially buying all the photos digitally, whereas I would like to pick and choose and pay for a limited number of photos at the end of the trip. All that being said, here are some (initial) questions:

1. On past visits, there was an option to have photos taken, added to an account (on a PhotoPass Card as I recall). I believe this was called simply "PhotoPass" and will call it that in this thread unless and until corrected. Individual photos from this card/account could then later be viewed and individual pictures could be edited and purchased at a per-picture price. The account/card did not cost anything, only the purchase of the individual pictures. Is this or something like this (where you do not pay for a package, but can store and later buy individual photos) still an option?
Yes. It basically works the same. Only, if you have a magic band, they will scan that instead of a photopass card. They do still havet he photopass cards available too. You can still puchase individual photos or I think they also have some small photo packages that include a couple of different photos.

2. Am I correct that this "PhotoPass" system is/was different from what is/was called "PhotoPass Plus" (I often find in other threads people using these terms interchangeably, such as when someone asks about PhotoPass but someone answers about PhotoPass Plus, when it is not clear to me that they are the same thing), and what is now called Memory Maker?
PhotoPass Plus was discontinued and replaced by Memory Maker. PP+ and MM are basically the same except you don't get hard copies of dining photos (like Chef Mickey's, etc.) like with PP+ and you don't get a photo CD at the end, only digital downloads of all of the photos. MM or PP+ is basically the entitlement for you to print all of the pictures in your Photopass account.

3. If a per-picture option is still available, how are the photos tracked and viewed now? Do you still need to get a card somewhere and add the photos to the card, or can they be done through the Magic Bands or your MDE account (without buying Memory Maker)?
It works the same as previously. You can still buy individual puctures. You still view the photos on their website as before. They can be added to your account via a Photopass card (as before) or through scanning your magic band.

4. If a per-picture option is still available, is it only for PhotoPass photographer pictures, or for ride photos as well? I am not asking whether you can buy an individual photo at the end of the ride, but whether it can be added to a photo card or account so that you can consider whether or not to buy it later.
I think you can only buy the ride photos at the ride, unless you have the MM or the Ride Photo card (not sure of the name, or if it is still offered). I know for my trip last week, I cannot see any ride photos under my login. However, since my mom has a MM entitlement on her account, when I log in to her account ALL of my ride photos (even when she wasn't on the ride or even in the park with me) appear in her account and are available for her to download. I think you have 24 hours to go back to a ride to get a photo, but I don't know that you could get it at the end of your trip, or if you could get it without returning to that particular ride to do so.

5. If there is still a per-picture option available these days, are you able to purchase just the hard copy, just the digital copy, or both? And does it include the rights to the use of the picture, or is that only available through a package like memory Maker?
You can still purchase both. I believe either way would entitle you to the rights to use the picture.

I'm sorry for such a long opening post, but my observation is that the extra time for clarity in a post often saves several other posts later need to clear things up.

My thanks in advance for anyone that may wish to respond.

Hope all of that made sense for you.

 

[MAD on Disney]

lizard1 - Thank you.

 

[RealBlast3]

Wait, I'm confused, I thought I just read on either the Disney or this main site that you still had to get a photopass card for your first picture and then proceed to show that to the photographer each time, for those of us who don't purchase memory maker, and just want to be able to have a photopass account where we can purchase pics later.

Don't I at least need to get the photopass card for my first picture in the park to have that linked to my my disney experience account?

 

[Cais]

Wait, I'm confused, I thought I just read on either the Disney or this main site that you still had to get a photopass card for your first picture and then proceed to show that to the photographer each time, for those of us who don't purchase memory maker, and just want to be able to have a photopass account where we can purchase pics later. Don't I at least need to get the photopass card for my first picture in the park to have that linked to my my disney experience account?

No you don't. A PhotoPass ID is a sixteen digit alphanumeric code to which photos are attached: a MagicBand is a 12 digit code to which photos are attached. You don't need a PhotoPass card to start using a magic band nor do you need memory.

Attractions+ is still available and only sold in parks.

Someone said before that both digital and prints give you the rights to the photos - this is incorrect. Only digital comes with copyrights - print does not.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[maxsmom]

Ok, so do you get the Chef Mickey's and other restaurant pictures added to your account and are they included as downloads if you purchase MM?

 

[RealBlast3]

No you don't. A PhotoPass ID is a sixteen digit alphanumeric code to which photos are attached: a MagicBand is a 12 digit code to which photos are attached. You don't need a PhotoPass card to start using a magic band nor do you need memory.

Attractions+ is still available and only sold in parks.

Someone said before that both digital and prints give you the rights to the photos - this is incorrect. Only digital comes with copyrights - print does not.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I guess I'm confused then, why anyone would need a photopass card then. So, you're saying I can go up to any of the Disney photographers in the park, as well as the ones at character meals (for as long as that lasts) and even though I won't have a photopass card/account or a memory maker, they will scan my magic bracelet and then my pictures will be...where, exactly? On my Disney experience site? Because I know there's a photopass account site. What's the difference then?

I mean, if in the future, all your pics can just be put on your bracelet, than there's no need for the card then, right?

And not to be dense, but do I have to tell/ask the photographer to please put these on my magic bracelet/disney experience account or do they just know/ask you?

Sorry, but I just get nervous about this kind of stuff - I never understood how photopass worked before or I just felt weird about it. It was easier, less awkward to just purchase pics in person from the sellers.

 

[OB1]

I guess I'm confused then, why anyone would need a photopass card then. So, you're saying I can go up to any of the Disney photographers in the park, as well as the ones at character meals (for as long as that lasts) and even though I won't have a photopass card/account or a memory maker, they will scan my magic bracelet and then my pictures will be...where, exactly? On my Disney experience site? Because I know there's a photopass account site. What's the difference then?

I mean, if in the future, all your pics can just be put on your bracelet, than there's no need for the card then, right?

And not to be dense, but do I have to tell/ask the photographer to please put these on my magic bracelet/disney experience account or do they just know/ask you?

Sorry, but I just get nervous about this kind of stuff - I never understood how photopass worked before or I just felt weird about it. It was easier, less awkward to just purchase pics in person from the sellers.

We only used mb on our trip in may. You just use your same login as my disney experience on the photo pass site, and viola - pictures. Really made things easy. The process is to have your photo taken, then the photographer will scan your mb. All mbs in your group will be on the PP site. We really liked the new system.

 

[Cais]

I guess I'm confused then, why anyone would need a photopass card then. So, you're saying I can go up to any of the Disney photographers in the park, as well as the ones at character meals (for as long as that lasts) and even though I won't have a photopass card/account or a memory maker, they will scan my magic bracelet and then my pictures will be...where, exactly? On my Disney experience site? Because I know there's a photopass account site. What's the difference then? I mean, if in the future, all your pics can just be put on your bracelet, than there's no need for the card then, right? And not to be dense, but do I have to tell/ask the photographer to please put these on my magic bracelet/disney experience account or do they just know/ask you? Sorry, but I just get nervous about this kind of stuff - I never understood how photopass worked before or I just felt weird about it. It was easier, less awkward to just purchase pics in person from the sellers.

Not everyone has a MagicBand. Also, shows hand out PhotoPass cards instead of trying to scan everyone's bands and then hand out the card at the end.

Photos scanned to magicbands will show up on mydisneyphotopass.com. You've claimed the reservation or magic band, and mydisneyphotopass is just your MDX account. So the photos show up there.

They don't have to ask you... It's literally take picture scan band go on with your day. You then look on the web site and buy any photos you like.

If you're still afraid of that process you can just buy prints in the parks too. They scan your bands and the photos show up.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[siskaren]

1. On past visits, there was an option to have photos taken, added to an account (on a PhotoPass Card as I recall). I believe this was called simply "PhotoPass" and will call it that in this thread unless and until corrected. Individual photos from this card/account could then later be viewed and individual pictures could be edited and purchased at a per-picture price. The account/card did not cost anything, only the purchase of the individual pictures. Is this or something like this (where you do not pay for a package, but can store and later buy individual photos) still an option?

PhotoPass is the photo-taking service. It was (and still is) a free service. You only pay if you actually want any of the pictures.

Ok, so do you get the Chef Mickey's and other restaurant pictures added to your account and are they included as downloads if you purchase MM?

Yep. Ride pictures, too.

 

[RealBlast3]

Not everyone has a MagicBand. Also, shows hand out PhotoPass cards instead of trying to scan everyone's bands and then hand out the card at the end.

Photos scanned to magicbands will show up on mydisneyphotopass.com. You've claimed the reservation or magic band, and mydisneyphotopass is just your MDX account. So the photos show up there.

They don't have to ask you... It's literally take picture scan band go on with your day. You then look on the web site and buy any photos you like.

If you're still afraid of that process you can just buy prints in the parks too. They scan your bands and the photos show up.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Really? Wow, thank you so much for your detailed response! I appreciate that! I had no idea I could just go in that photo store on Main Street, then, and purchase the pics there! Cool!

 

[Alesia]

Really? Wow, thank you so much for your detailed response! I appreciate that! I had no idea I could just go in that photo store on Main Street, then, and purchase the pics there! Cool!

Yes, you can, but keep in mind that they are very expensive and do not include a copyright release.

$12.95 - 5x7 Print
$22.95 - 2 copies of the same 5x7
$29.95 - 3 copies of the same 5x7 ($9.95 per additional pix)
$14.95 - 2 copies of the same 4x6
$16.95 - 8x10 Print
Single 4"x6" prints of PhotoPass are not available.

 

[RealBlast3]

Yes, you can, but keep in mind that they are very expensive and do not include a copyright release.

$12.95 - 5x7 Print
$22.95 - 2 copies of the same 5x7
$29.95 - 3 copies of the same 5x7 ($9.95 per additional pix)
$14.95 - 2 copies of the same 4x6
$16.95 - 8x10 Print
Single 4"x6" prints of PhotoPass are not available.

Well, this is fine! These are the prices I have always paid for my character dining pictures and ride pictures, more or less. I don't buy alot of pictures on my trips. I'm satisfied with getting photographs for the character dining they offer and the ride pictures. That's all I really want. I have never even used a photopass photographer. I also take pictures with my own camera at the character meals or if I am fortunate, have a cast member take a pic of me and a character.

It's just my way of having special memories I can take home with me, put in a frame for each of my vacations - don't need alot of them, but a few is nice and special.

 

[MAD on Disney]

My thanks to all that have added responses. Here is a follow-up question: If copyright release does not come with prints, but only with digital, is there a way to buy the digital photos individually the same way you can with prints, or is this only available through the packages like MM? Thanks.

 

[Jennasis]

Do ride photos automatically upload to your account or do you have to either go to the ride photo desk after the ride and purchase them right then and there or have them scan your pic onto your band to deicde LATER if you want to buy them...all assuming you don't have MM. We don't want MM but we may want a ride pic or two.

 

[Cais]

Do ride photos automatically upload to your account or do you have to either go to the ride photo desk after the ride and purchase them right then and there or have them scan your pic onto your band to deicde LATER if you want to buy them...all assuming you don't have MM. We don't want MM but we may want a ride pic or two.

NO. Ride photos will not show up later if you do not have memory maker. They will not show up online if you don't have it. You must purchase them in park.

Individual photo downloads are 14.95 each on the web site, comes with copyrights, not available in park.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Jennasis]

NO. Ride photos will not show up later if you do not have memory maker. They will not show up online if you don't have it. You must purchase them in park.

Individual photo downloads are 14.95 each on the web site, comes with copyrights, not available in park.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Super, thanks!