Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort have taken steps to further refine the guest experience—and this time, it involves a change in how visitors can access their vacation memories.
Guests who attempt to screenshot Disney PhotoPass images within the My Disney Experience app are now met with a white screen. This adjustment reinforces the need to purchase the official Memory Maker product, which ranges from $75 to $185, in order to download or share park photos. Disneyland Resort’s app has also implemented the same restriction.
Previously, it was common practice for guests to screenshot their ride or character photos—watermarks and all—without purchasing Memory Maker. That loophole is now firmly closed, as Disney further emphasizes the value of its digital offerings.
Disney PhotoPass and Memory Maker are just part of a range of add-on experiences that guests can build into their Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Other customizable elements include Lightning Lane options—like the Single, Multi, and Premier Passes, with the Premier option reaching $449 at Magic Kingdom Park on peak days.
These changes align with a broader evolution across the Disney Experiences division. In recent years, Disney has made several strategic adjustments, including the replacement of FastPass+ with the Lightning Lane system, and more recently, a reimagining of the Disability Access Service (DAS) to attempt more accurate use of the service.
Despite shifts in pricing and policy, guest interest remains high. Spring break and Easter saw strong attendance across Central Florida, with more guests returning even as 2026 ticket prices were revealed to be on the rise.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, addressed the balance between affordability and quality in a recent press release. “The number-one thing we hear from the millions of guests who visit our parks each year is how much a Disney vacation means to them,” he said. “We intentionally offer a wide variety of ticket, hotel, and dining options to welcome as many families as possible, whatever their budget… It’s especially important to give families ways to save on their visits.”
Even CEO Bob Iger—who returned to helm The Walt Disney Company two and a half years ago—recently noted that experiences at Walt Disney World provide greater value than other entertainment events, like concerts or sports. Iger added that guest satisfaction scores remain strong, a reassuring point as Disney positions itself amid a competitive entertainment landscape.
Indeed, competition is heating up: Universal Orlando Resort is preparing to open Epic Universe, and Walt Disney World is unlocking all six of its parks this month.
As the industry continues to evolve, Disney remains focused on ensuring a quality experience for all guests—while addressing the changing realities of cost and value.
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