Hi Amy!
We almost always purchase Memory Maker in advance of our
Walt Disney World Resort vacations. However, on a recent trip when we visited for two days, we decided not to do it, and afterwards, I wished we had! For a three and a half day trip, I would suggest purchasing Memory Maker in advance. I think you'll appreciate the value and convenience. However, if you decide against it, you can pay a per picture price and download just the photos you want to keep.
Disney PhotoPass Service is the system used at Walt Disney World Resort to take your pictures in the theme parks, on certain attractions and at some Character Dining locations. Memory Maker allows you to download all of those photos and videos for one price. There are many opportunities for Disney's PhotoPass photographers to take your picture!
With your Memory Maker purchase, you will have the rights to use your photos in any way that you'd like, including printing them from any service that you choose. In addition, you will also get on-ride videos and animated Magic shots that are only available to Memory Maker purchasers. You will also receive many stock photos that are great for scrapbooks or photobooks. Our family loves the photos and videos that only the magic of Disney can deliver, like a slow-motion video of all of us on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or an animated photo of our family with Joy and Sadness!
If you decide to purchase Memory Maker, you will want to be sure you make your purchase three days before your arrival so that it will include the photos taken on the first day of your trip. When you purchase Memory Maker in advance of your trip, you can also save some money! Here's a
link to the current pricing and rules for the advance purchase.
I hope this helps, Amy! Please let me know if I can answer any other questions about your upcoming trip. Happy planning!
Erin