Memory Maker...worth it for ride photos?

[Meeko5]

I already know I'll be lugging my trusty Canon 7D and my Sigma 30 1.4, and probably my Tamron 28-75 2.8 to the parks. I'm no pro, but for being self taught over the last 6 years do pretty well for myself as a hobbyist.

From what I've seen, the MM photo quality isn't something I'd be overly thrilled with - especially for the cost. But this is our first family trip to WDW and my 6 year old is all about the coasters and rides. Do I *need* all the ride photos? No. But will I regret not having them later? Maybe...

If you were in my situation, would you just save the money and choose a few ride photos? Or pay for the MM package?

thanks all! Loving looking at all the talent on this board. So excited to take pictures at the world this fall

 

[mom2rtk]

Are you doing any character meals? Some of those have photos too. But if you're likely going to get more than just a few shots, you're probably better off buying MM.

It's a tough call with how expensive MM is these days. I think you get a $30 price break if you order in advance. I'd check to see if it's refundable if you don't like what you get so at least you are eligible for the pre-purchase price break.

I think a lot of it comes down to how fully you would avail yourself of the photopass opportunities. Some come back with a handful of photos and say it wasn't worth it. On a weeklong trip we always came back with hundreds. But I hardly ever passed up an opportunity.

I always go to the parks with a DSLR but have also always gotten photopass/MM on our trips. You can ask the Photopass CMs to take photos with your camera, but that's hit or miss. I know you set the camera before you take the photo, but they frequently will take 4 or 5 shots with their camera and 1 or 2 on yours. Sometimes this works out, sometimes it doesn't. And I like being in some shots along the way.

Mostly I like being able to add some of the Disney borders and stickers to the photos, and you can't do that on your own camera.

 

[Meeko5]

We are doing Tusker House and Garden Grill, but nothing that comes with a photo (I dont believe?)

I also am not planning on meeting a lot of characters, because my 6 year old could care less about costumed characters. However my little one loves Mickey and if he isn't too afraid of them we may try for some. If I go with the MM I feel like I'll be wasting touring time by seeking out photopass photogs to help justify the cost. Quantity over quality right?

I just peeked at your Flickr stream, and your photos are stunning! If the MM photos dont make you totally cringe, I imagine I could be ok with the quality in order to capture some pictures I wouldnt be able to take myself. And maybe even be IN some pictures for once

 

[mom2rtk]

Thank you!

We're really into meeting characters so our decision has always been easy. The Photopass photos sometimes are a total miss, but most of the time are just fine. As I said, I enjoy playing with the photos later and adding the parks borders and such. I also like having at least one photo in front of the castle lit up at night, and they can do better with a tripod than I will get giving them my DSLR for a handheld shot.

I get what you're saying about not wanting to spend too much time seeking out Photopass, but if you want to be in some photos, you're going to have to spend that time anyway. It sort of forces me to remember to stop and get in some photos.

Are you going to MNSSHP? If you are, then there will likely be some photo ops during the party you want to take advantage of as well. They usually have the hitchhiking ghost photo with is really cute. I think there are others as well.

 

[Meeko5]

I haven't seen any nighttime photpass castle pics, but that may sway my decision! Good to know.

No MNSSHP for us this year - too late for our little one and the big kid isn't into characters so I just cant justify the cost. Yet haha!

Thanks for your advice! Love your character pictures in your signature - I need to borrow a little girl so I can live vicariously through her with dressing up and meeting princesses. I'm just hoping I can talk my son into meeting Baymax if he's still around when we go - I just *need* a fistbump and squishy hug

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks. Our first 2 are boys so I've been where you are. I'm just thankful our daughter is still loving Disney at age 14.

Keep in mind that everyone is a kid at Disney. If you want to meet Baymax, you definitely should go.

 

[basketlacey]

Thanks. Our first 2 are boys so I've been where you are. I'm just thankful our daughter is still loving Disney at age 14.

Keep in mind that everyone is a kid at Disney. If you want to meet Baymax, you definitely should go.

I want to meet Baymax ;-)

OP - I carry my DSLR on most park days but I still like to get the MM if the trip is long enough to justify it (4 days or so for me). I think stopping at the park entrance for the PP Photographers is faster if I don't have to hand them my camera and I always get several good shots. My kids are older but still do some character meets. You might find that your older once will want to meet characters and be in pics with his younger brother.

 

[elmoandzoey]

I thought the Tusker House meet with Donald at the beginning was with PP? At least it was when we were there last. Has that changed recently?

 

[jamez2014]

Having got back recently from a trip we had the memory maker and it really is hit and miss with images, worth getting just as it makes life easier and it's quite fun sometimes. Biggest prob is being a pro tog I looked at their metadata was shocked at the settings, but they got for classic auto mode and blast you with flash but if your half good at post most things can be sorted calling them 'photographers' is a bit of a long shot but some were better than others, but like I say it is a bit of fun and means everyone is in the pictures and if I went back would certainly do it again.

I'm curious if the photographers previously worked on commission as they really don't seem as pro-active or as keen on the whole now?