Walt Disney World Memory Maker - Is It Worth the Cost?

In the sixteen years my husband and I have been married we've probably been to Walt Disney World theme parks 40+ times. For a couple of years, when our oldest boys were little, we had Seasonal Passes. Some years we went to the seasonal parties, like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas and the Not So Scary Halloween Party. Other years we would just go to one park for the day. Nonetheless, our visits have added up over the years. Each one being just as magical as the last.

It seems like every time we would go to Walt Disney World we would get one of those Photo Pass cards from the photographer standing in front of Cinderella Castle {at the Magic Kingdom} or the Tree of Life {at the Animal Kingdom}, but we never stopped at the front of the park at the end of our day to look at our photos. And, truth be told, by the end of the day we had run out of money to buy any photos that were on that card to be viewed and purchased.

The Imagineers at Disney must've been hEARing my thoughts on wanting more photos WITH my family and wanting to not really worry about them until I got home from vacation. Enter the Disney Memory Maker.

When we started planning our vacation a couple of months ago I knew I wanted to add this feature to our budget. Let me tell you all of the wonderful reasons why:

• PhotoPass Photographers are in hundreds of locations all over Walt Disney World theme parks. Have photos taken each time you see one. 
• EVERYONE in your party will be IN the photo. I'm talking to you, moms. {I can count on one hand how many pictures I'm in with my family in our past trips to Walt Disney World. It's sad, really.}
• Photos in front of Cinderella Castle, with Mickey and Pluto or Anna and Elsa, wherever you can snag a PhotoPass Photographer, take a picture and it'll be included on your Memory Maker.
• Did you make character dining reservations? Those photos are included!
• You know those silly faces {and frightened faces} you have on ride attractions? Even THOSE pictures are included in your Memory Maker!
• Every.Single.Photo you have taken by a PhotoPass Photographer is included in your Memory Maker.
• Memory Maker is Magic Band compatible. If you're family is wearing the new Magic Bands you'll just have the PhotoPass Photographer scan your band after he's taken your photo. No more keeping up with that card. 

When came home from our mini-vacay to the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom we had 84 pictures available to download right to our home computer. Guess what? I'm in all of our family photos!

{at Hollywood Studios}

{You have the option to add borders or stickers to your photos.}

{Scary ride photos are the best! Without the Memory Maker we wouldn't have purchased the photo...individually, they're just too costly.}

{every magical character photo opportunity is forever yours! Here are Jett and McKinley with Wreck it Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz.}

I still have Days 2 and 3 to write about this vacation so I don't want to give away too many of the photos but, I wanted to share with you the greatness of the Memory Maker. If you're on the fence about whether or not it's a good use of $149, I'd say it absolutely IS worth the money. The cost is minimal considering the priceless photos you'll come home to. AND, you'll have 90 days to play with your photos and download them to your computer. {in other words, they'll be saved on the Disney server for 90 days so you'll have time to come home, unpack and unwind before needing to even worry about those photos.}

My Disney Tip: Purchase the Memory Maker online at least 3 days prior to your trip. You'll save $50! 

Edited to add: Disney has now made Memory Maker an added perk to having an Annual Pass. Seriously, that's an AMAZING perk!! 

Don't forget to read this post on how to make Disney Autograph Books for the kids!

Disclosure: This post is written from a real mom's perspective. No one from Disney asked me to write this. My family purchased the Memory Maker with our own money. The opinions are my own.

Walt Disney World Resort's Silver and Weekday Annual Passholder Blackout Select Dates Lifted

The rumor is true! Walt Disney World Resort is FABULOUS and has lifted select blackout dates for Silver and Weekday Annual Passholders. Beginning June 8, running through June 29, you can enjoy all four Parks (Disney's Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios), when your passes would've ordinarily been blacked out! Weekday Passholders still have Saturdays and Sundays blacked out.

This added benefit comes just before Disney's Hollywood Studios NEW Toy Story Land's Grand Opening on June 30. Don't worry, Annual Passholders will have the opportunity to experience Toy Story Land in an exclusive event in September 2018.

Now that you've heard the news, are you planning any trips in June? I am checking my calendar now, to plan for some day trips!!

5 Must See Attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney has four major theme parks in Florida. The Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Ask me which is my favorite and I'd probably say, "I love them all." Ask my youngest son, Jett, and he'd say, "Animal Kingdom!"

I've heard differing opinions on how much time is needed to see everything "worth seeing" inside Disney's Animal Kingdom. Some say it only takes half of a day, while others like to visit every nook and cranny. If you ask me, Animal Kingdom is an all-day theme park. Even then, you might not get to see it all, it becomes a two-dayer.

I'm going to tell you my family's TOP 5 Must See Attractions in Disney's Animal Kingdom. Ready? Let's go!

{photo courtesy of Disney}

1. Finding Nemo {The Musical} - Located in DinoLand U.S.A., this is number ONE on our agenda each and every time we visit the Animal Kingdom. The show is entertaining, bright, lively, everything you love about a musical. The puppeteers are cleverly camouflaged to match their character, yet I find myself watching them over the puppet each time. They all are truly talented at what they do and it shows in their facial expressions that they love their roles. I suggest using the NEW My Disney Experience app to get a Fast Pass for this one! You're going to LOVE it! {Fun for ALL ages}

2. Expedition Everest - Located in Asia, this thrilling expedition through the Himalayan Mountains on a weather-beaten train is number two on our list. Climb a steep incline and navigate through a ceremonial stone tunnel before reaching the summit. Once at the "top of the world," hold on tight as you pick up speed and race inside the dreaded mountain. Did I mention a face-to-face encounter with the Yeti? Once at the top of the mountain, you'll come to a screeching halt when you reach a broken track. Where to now? You'll have to ride this thrilling coaster to find out!

{photo courtesy of Disney}

3. Primeval Whirl - Like Finding Nemo, this ride is located in DinoLand U.S.A. This spinning rollercoaster is SO.MUCH.FUN! Sudden dips and hairpin turns take you back in time to a cartoon-esque dinosaur era. The overall appearance of Primeval Whirl is like a ride right from the town carnival. But, as with 99% of Disney's rides, it's everything you look for in a thrilling ride.

4. Kilimanjaro Safaris - Unmistakably, Jett's FAVORITE ride within all of Animal Kingdom. Climb aboard your open-aired safari truck and travel through the 110-acre Harambe Wildlife Preserve. See wild animals in their natural habitats and maybe even have to wait for some giraffe to cross your path. Each and every time you step foot on this safari your experience will be different because, the more than 34 exotic African species have minds of their own. Last time we rode Kilimanjaro Safaris we saw a hippopotamus out of the water. In all of my years I've never seen a hippo out of water. If you have an aspiring zoologist, this is an absolute must-see.

{Disney's Memory Maker photo}

5. DINOSAUR - There's something about not knowing what lurks around every corner that will keep you coming back to this attraction year after year. Travel back in time on a mission to rescue an Iguanadon. Once there though, you'll discover that you landed just in time for a giant meteor to hit the earth and cause the extinction of dinosaurs. Will you make it back to 2014 before it all takes place? 

There you have it, my family's TOP 5 Must See Attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Are there more just as fun and super amazing attractions to see? Of course! 

My family would be disappointed if I didn't give you a bonus selection {of sorts} and tell you about It's Tough to be a Bug! A 3D interactive show featuring the characters from Bug's Life takes you underground into the tunnels where the bugs live. Don't be surprised if you encounter some 4D effects! {I just checked Disney's website. Check before you travel to see if this attraction has been re-opened. Unfortunately, it's currently, July 2014, closed for enhancements.} Update: As of October 17, 2014, It's Tough to be a Bug! is now re-opened!

What are a few of your favorites when you visit Animal Kingdom??

10 Essentials to Pack for Disney

If you know me in real life then you know I'm not the most prepared person for any situation. I've been known to be "that mom" with a baby with a full diaper and not a diaper bag in sight. Or, 25 minutes into my 30 minute drive to the beach I realize I forgot the sunscreen at home. It's just who I am, guys. I forget stuff...not my little people, though, so there's that. :o)

When preparing to pack for the Type-A Parent Boot Camp being held in Walt Disney World last week I actually made a list. And as I remembered things to add to it I stopped what I was doing and added them. I was NOT going to be unprepared for this conference or spending days with my family in the theme parks. I wanted a smooth trip for all of us!

Once I started to pack my new American Tourister suitcases, I marked things off of the list. People do this everyday...why is it so hard for me? Marking things off of the list helps when I get distracted, as I so easily do {SQUIRREL!}, and I can look back later and know what's already in the suitcase. It's the little things.

So, what essentials did I want to know for certain were in my bags? Aside from the normal clothing and undies and such? I'm gonna give you 10 Essentials to Pack for Disney. These are truly essential items that you would want to have somewhere on your person if you head out to any theme park. Here we go.

1. Sunscreen - seems like a pretty obvious item to have in your bag. Well, I've forgotten it a million times and we've paid out the wah-zoo at whatever place we were at to make sure we weren't fried at the end of the day. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 70 is our favorite for the adults and big kids. It goes on smooth and isn't greasy or oily. For the baby we bought the Neutrogena Baby Lotion SPF 45+. Again, goes on smooth and not greasy or oily. That's my BIGGEST pet-peeve about sunscreen...the greasy feeling after applying. Not at all the case with Neutrogena!
2. Rain Ponchos - I have NO idea what the weather is like in Disneyland, CA, but I can attest to the fact that if you come to Walt Disney World, FL you're going to see a rain shower or two. They're usually over in just a few minutes, but they're there. And without a rain poncho it might ruin your day. Or at least your next couple of hours. Before you leave for your vacay, run into the nearest dollar store and pick up a few. You'll be glad you did!
3. Snacks - Trust me on this one. You are going to want to have something in your bag or backpack to snack on while in the theme parks. Sure, you can buy snacks there. Treat yourself to a Mickey ice cream or an Olaf Caramel Apple! But, when you're standing in line and hunger strikes you'll be glad you have a little something tucked away. These KIND bars are the best. Few calories, high protein, dairy free...I could go on. Try them. You'll like them!
4. Baby Food - I mean, if YOU have a snack, be sure you packed them for the baby, too. Have you seen the new {well, new to me since Mabry is my first baby in five years.} squeeze pouches of baby food. GENIUS! They're {mostly} mess-free and baby loves them! Mabry's favorite right now is made by Plum in the Banana and Pumpkin flavor. 
5. iPhone Charger - You laugh. I see you. I kid you not, I maybe pulled my DSLR from it's bag twice while in Disney this last week. I pulled my phone out for just about every photo op. Of course, I should've taken my own advice here because my phone was completely dead each night that we left the parks. Had I had my charger in my bag I could've found an outlet and recharged for a few minutes here and there. Better yet, if I had a Mophie Juice Pack Plus I wouldn't have even had to worry about my battery life. Now I know.
6. Extra Memory Cards  - If you're going to be using your "big girl" camera more often than your iPhone then you'll not want to get the MEMORY CARD FULL message. Not gonna lie, it's happened to me more than once! Pack extra memory cards.
7. Extra Clothes for the Kids - Before last week I probably wouldn't have done this one. Even though I've been a mom for more than 12 years, I always forget the extra clothes. Always. Boy, am I glad that I had them this time. Don't ask me how, but Jett sat in poo somewhere between the hotel to Animal Kingdom. And it wasn't his own. I was so thankful to have an extra shirt for him!!! Aside from the poo incident though, you'll want extra clothes for drippy ice cream covered tees, a potty accident {of your own child's poo} or coming off of Kali River Rapids drenched!
8. Reusable Zipper Bags - Those extra clothes you're bringing? Put them in a reusable zipper bag to stay dry until you need them. Remember the rain showers I talked about? Well, if you forget the rain ponchos and you and your bag gets wet you'll still have a set of dry clothes if you follow this advice. Pop an empty bag or two in your bag/backpack for just in case reasons. You never know. {I discovered these 2.5 Gallon Hefty bags before our last trip. They were the perfect size! Big enough to fit a few sets of kids clothes!
9. Activity Books and Crayons - Do you love the parades at Disney? I do. I love to find my spot on the curb at least 30 minutes early and people watch. Er, I mean, wait for the parade to begin. My kids liking this?? Not so much. Activity books and crayons keep them busy so I can people watch wait.
10. Refillable Water Bottle - The very last thing you want to do while at a theme park is become dehydrated. Drink lots of water to prevent this. Duh, right?!? Take a refillable water bottle and just refill at any water fountain you run into. {Disney Tip: Did you know you can ask any Quick Service food location for a cup of ice water and they'll give it to you for free? Yep. You can.}

So, there's my list of 10 Essentials to Pack for Disney. What'd I forget? Anything? What would you add? Tell me in the comments.

Disclosure: The links within this post are affiliate links. That means if you click through and purchase one or more of these products I will get a small commission. :o)