where is photography not alllowed

[rtphokie]

Help me put together a list of places in WDW, DL, resorts, other parks, etc. where still photography is not allowed. Particularly places where photography of any kind (flash or otherwise) is not allowed.

All dark rides, no flash photography
All live performances, no flash photography
Tower of Terror (California Adventure only, allowed at Disney Hollywood Studios)
Carousel of Progress (varies)
Finding Nemo the Musical (varies)
Rock n' Roller Coaster
all movies (Epcot/France, Monsters Laugh Floor, Soarin, etc.)
backstage tours?
Where else?

[MarkBarbieri]

Flash photography is allowed at some live performances. I know for a fact that it is allowed at FotLK.

It is not allowed in any backstage areas. That includes shooting behind any construction walls.

Photography isn't allowed on the DL ToT but is at the WDW ToT.

Photography used to allowed on CoP but has been prohibited the last few times I rode it.

Photography used to be banned at the Nemo show (and the recorded intro still says it is), but it is now allowed.

I remember IaSW not allowing flash photography in the past, but it is allowed now.

[Gdad]

I saw some Disney artwork for sale yesterday- framed paintings and such- that had 'No Photography Please' signs posted. Not sure if that policy is new or common- these were at a booth at the F&G Fest. I have never noticed signs like that before.

[Gdad]

I also noticed No Photography signs and was told such in the Rockin' Roller Coaster queue- in the 'recording studio' part where you see Aerosmith. That is a new policy also I think.

What if we have pictures like that where they have a new policy?

[MarkBarbieri]

It would be interesting to know the rationale for the rules.

For the R&R queue area, I'm willing to bet that it is a contractual agreement (or lack thereof) with Aerosmith. For dark rides, I assume that it is for the enjoyment of other guests. For backstage areas, I assume that it is to protect the mystique and to control information about changes.

Why one ToT and not the other? Why was it not OK for Nemo and now it is? Why was it OK for CoP and now it is not? Why allow flash at FotLK (where there are guests directly across from you) but not at other shows? Why allow flash but not video lights at FotLK?

BTW, Disney security has been known to stop and question photographers about their intentions with no real reason. I've been questioned simply because I was carrying an extra lens and a few other items. They didn't do anything but ask a few questions (no waterboarding). Who knows what they'll do if you look Middle Eastern or Midwestern or whatever the flavor of the day is.

Has anyone heard of anyone getting in trouble for anything photography related at WDW? At the Nemo show under the old rules, I saw several people quietly admonished, but nothing on the order of forced deletion, expulsion, etc was ever done.

[MICKEY88]

I've been questioned simply because I was carrying an extra lens and a few other items. They didn't do anything but ask a few questions (no waterboarding). .

you keep forgetting we've seen pictures of you in your paramilitary looking getup...LOL

plus as I recall the shorts you were wearing were kind of scarey also..:lmao: :lmao:

[MICKEY88]

Has anyone heard of anyone getting in trouble for anything photography related at WDW?

never at WDW, but at Hersheypark I once had security waiting for me at every exit of a show..

[Pea-n-Me]

you keep forgetting we've seen pictures of you in your paramilitary looking getup...LOL

plus as I recall the shorts you were wearing were kind of scarey also..:lmao: :lmao:

Hey, it was Halloween. :teeth:

[handicap18]

I also noticed No Photography signs and was told such in the Rockin' Roller Coaster queue- in the 'recording studio' part where you see Aerosmith. That is a new policy also I think.

What if we have pictures like that where they have a new policy?

When I went on RnRC back at the beginning of Dec the CM that was at the end of the que before going in to view the video of the band and their agent, gave an announcement of no photography at all. The announcement that was given right before they started the video (or maybe it was right after) said no flash photography.

I took pictures, but without a flash. Has that announcement changed in the last 3 months? Sometimes I wonder what the CM's really know.

I remember an announcement for PotC for no flash photography. Same for GMR. Also no flash photography for The Grand Fiesta ride in the Mexican pavilian at EPCOT.

I remember hearing announcements before each of the movies in the World Showcase (France, Canada, China,etc...) for no photography of any kind.

[Master Mason]

I was told specificlly no pictures alowed on the Dinosaur Ride at AK, but to be truthfull, without a flash I don't think you could ever get anything anyway. I was also told specifcally no pictures at all on Rockin Roller Coaster.

Soarin, at least in DCA specifically calls out no photography or video of any kind as well. During the ride, the que area is fine.

[Abby's Dad]

Sometimes :confused3 I tend to be a little slow on the uptake, and I've only been to WDW twice (first time being not that long after MK opened - and there wasn't anything else) - can we define dark rides? Would that be rides that the only things that you see are by virtue of the lighting effects on them? Sorry to be dense - now back to my second time reading through my camera manual - I'm going to figure that out yet:rotfl:

[Master Mason]

Sometimes :confused3 I tend to be a little slow on the uptake, and I've only been to WDW twice (first time being not that long after MK opened - and there wasn't anything else) - can we define dark rides? Would that be rides that the only things that you see are by virtue of the lighting effects on them? Sorry to be dense - now back to my second time reading through my camera manual - I'm going to figure that out yet:rotfl:


Dark rides are as you said, those that require the creative use of lighting for their effect.

Peter Pan
Snow White
Mr Toads Wild Ride
Pinoccio
Pooh Bear
Haunted Mansion
Pirates of the Carribian
Monsters Inc in DCA

I am sure there are more, but that's what came to me off the top of my head.

[Alztybrn]

I had a buddy just get back from SSE a few weeks ago, and he asked a CM and she told him that flash photography WAS allowed. I was kind of shocked to hear that...but then again...it could have been an uninformed CM.

[Gdad]

When I went on RnRC back at the beginning of Dec the CM that was at the end of the que before going in to view the video of the band and their agent, gave an announcement of no photography at all. The announcement that was given right before they started the video (or maybe it was right after) said no flash photography.

I took pictures, but without a flash. Has that announcement changed in the last 3 months? Sometimes I wonder what the CM's really know.

They said no photography several times and there was a sign behind the glass next to the lava lamp.

[Gdad]

I had a buddy just get back from SSE a few weeks ago, and he asked a CM and she told him that flash photography WAS allowed. I was kind of shocked to hear that...but then again...it could have been an uninformed CM.

SSE=Spaceship Earth? If so I was on it yesterday and they say no flash. They even made a human announcement for the person taking flash pictures to please stop. There was someone a few cars behind me not only using a flash but I guess it was a red-eye thing because his flash strobed like 10 times for every picture he took. :confused:

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I've heard live humans make the "no flash photography" announcement on Splash, Pirates, and IASW. I was told once on R&RC that the reason why they say no photography during the ride is because of the fear that someone may drop their camera while using it and have it go flying into someone elses (who may be riding behind them) face. Yeah. That would hurt. The thing is, most serious photographers would make sure to have a good grip on their camera and also wear the strap around their neck, or double wrapped around their wrists, so they don't lose their camera. They also tend to keep it tucked into their bodies for safety and balance. I'm sure they're more concerned with the less serious photographers and the clueless. :teeth:

[donaldduck1967]

SSE=Spaceship Earth? If so I was on it yesterday and they say no flash. They even made a human announcement for the person taking flash pictures to please stop. There was someone a few cars behind me not only using a flash but I guess it was a red-eye thing because his flash strobed like 10 times for every picture he took. :confused:

That strobe could have been auto focus assist.

[Alztybrn]

SSE=Spaceship Earth? If so I was on it yesterday and they say no flash. They even made a human announcement for the person taking flash pictures to please stop. There was someone a few cars behind me not only using a flash but I guess it was a red-eye thing because his flash strobed like 10 times for every picture he took. :confused:

It was definately Spaceship Earth. He rode it twice, and wanted a pic of one of the new audioanimatronics. Like I said...he asked one of the CM's and she said no problems (even flash).

But like I said...I attribute it to a CM who may have not been as informed as she should have been. He did not get in trouble for taking the pic either :confused3

[Master Mason]

Another line of attractions that do not allow photography are the 4D shows, ie Bugs life, Muppet 3D, Philharmagic etc.

[handicap18]

They said no photography several times and there was a sign behind the glass next to the lava lamp.

Then it must be new then. They did allow non flash photos in the past. I wonder if when I was there that that was when they started the no photogrphy policy and thats why the CM was stating that, but the pre recorded message said no flash.

Here is a pic I took. Is it one of the lava lamps in this pic?

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c351/kgendron12/2007%20Trip%20Photos%20-%20Nov-Dec/MGM%20Studios/DSD_2332.jpg

[JR6ooo4]

Restrooms?

Mikeeee

[Gdad]

Then it must be new then. They did allow non flash photos in the past. I wonder if when I was there that that was when they started the no photogrphy policy and thats why the CM was stating that, but the pre recorded message said no flash.

Here is a pic I took. Is it one of the lava lamps in this pic?

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c351/kgendron12/2007%20Trip%20Photos%20-%20Nov-Dec/MGM%20Studios/DSD_2332.jpg

Yes- the one in the forground are actually on the inside of the window ledge- right there IIRC.

[Groucho]

I was told specificlly no pictures alowed on the Dinosaur Ride at AK, but to be truthfull, without a flash I don't think you could ever get anything anyway. I was also told specifcally no pictures at all on Rockin Roller Coaster.

Soarin, at least in DCA specifically calls out no photography or video of any kind as well. During the ride, the que area is fine.
Of all the rides, I would think that Dinosaur (and by extension, Indiana Jones in DL) would be the most likely to make you accidentally lose your grip on your camera and have it go flying away.

I didn't remember Dinosaur's policy on cameras... if it's not specifically forbidden, I was planning on taking a few next trip. While holding on VERY tightly and wrapping the strap around my wrist! :teeth:

What about Universe of Energy, err, I mean, "Ellen's Energy Adventure"? (Insert "roll dem eyes" here!) I don't remember if it's forbidden but I can't remember ever seeing anyone post a photo from here from it... well, maybe one blurry shot of the Ellen audio-animatronic once.

[cmwade77]

It would be interesting to know the rationale for the rules.

For the R&R queue area, I'm willing to bet that it is a contractual agreement (or lack thereof) with Aerosmith. For dark rides, I assume that it is for the enjoyment of other guests. For backstage areas, I assume that it is to protect the mystique and to control information about changes.

Why one ToT and not the other? Why was it not OK for Nemo and now it is? Why was it OK for CoP and now it is not? Why allow flash at FotLK (where there are guests directly across from you) but not at other shows? Why allow flash but not video lights at FotLK?

BTW, Disney security has been known to stop and question photographers about their intentions with no real reason. I've been questioned simply because I was carrying an extra lens and a few other items. They didn't do anything but ask a few questions (no waterboarding). Who knows what they'll do if you look Middle Eastern or Midwestern or whatever the flavor of the day is.

Has anyone heard of anyone getting in trouble for anything photography related at WDW? At the Nemo show under the old rules, I saw several people quietly admonished, but nothing on the order of forced deletion, expulsion, etc was ever done.
Ok, I will try to answer all of these to the best of my ability......

R&R - I doubt there is a lack of a contract there, I would bet that if anything the new contracts says no, but my guess is that more than likely it is the same reason as on COP (see below).

Dark Rides - It is due to the fact that the lighting is part of the show and the flash ruins the effect (I have indeed seen some people escorted out of the park for taking flash pictures on POTC at DL).

DL TOT - Because at least one of the effects can be altered or ruined by a camera, WDW doesn't have the same effect (I will not post which one fore those that may not have been to DL).

Nemo - When it first opened there were certain contractual issues with the performers that prevented photography, they have since renegotiated those contracts (Note "Professional" equipment is still not allowed and some people with such equipment may be asked not to used it during the show, this includes Tripods, Digital SLRs and the like).

CoP - The official rule is no flash photography, but a lot of times if there are too many people or the CM doesn't want to have to sort it out afterwards they say no photography period, so every time that they only mention no flash photography, I take full advantage of it.

Monster's Inc. - No photography in the attraction or que (this one is due to copyright issues with Pixar, although I am surprised this hasn't been worked out by now).

FOTLK - No video lighting as it interferes with the carefully planned theatrical lighting and can blind the performers. The theatrical lighting has been set up in such a way that it minimizes the impact of the flashes on the performers and the guests across from you and a brief flash doesn't bother the performers as they have it happening all the time, usually when no flash is allowed it is not so much for the performer's safety as it is for the comfort of those around you and to no interfere with carefully planned lighting).

I have never been questioned by security, but I have been asked not to use a tripod at Snow White (at DL) and one time I was taking pictures at Aladdin (at DCA) in the box seat on the mezzanine, and the CM by the door kept pacing back and forth, I finally turned around and asked her not to do so as it was distracting to us watching the show, she then told me to stop taking flash pictures (my flash was off the entire time and the lead confirmed this when I talked to her as she was in Orchestra directly opposite of where I was at and would have seen, it should be noted that the lead took us over to TOT and we got to go in on the FP side, this was at a time when the standby was over 2 hours, so that was very nice indeed). I have only had one problem at WDW and that was at Monster's Inc., the CM said no flash pictures were allowed inside the auditorium (I know, because I listened very carefully as I know some Pixar attractions are particular about what you can and can not take) and then I was told no pictures at all, I protested but lost the battle.

Also from time to time there are exceptions, for example I went to Who Wants to Be a Millionaire play it during star wars weekend once and they had a special show before hand that they did allow photographs during, so always listen for what the current rules are and when in doubt, just ask.

[Master Mason]

(I have indeed seen some people escorted out of the park for taking flash pictures on POTC at DL).

I would love to see a little more of this. Word would get around pretty quickly and very few people would want their kids to see them being escorted from the park.

[matthew_hull]

I remember IaSW not allowing flash photography in the past, but it is allowed now.

I'll be disappointed if this is true. I'm one of those who really finds flash photography in the dark rides objectionable. What's your source?

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I'll be disappointed if this is true. I'm one of those who really finds flash photography in the dark rides objectionable.

::yes:: Me too. And I've spent a pretty penny to be able to take useable photos inside the ride and NOT use a flash.

[Gdad]

Nemo - When it first opened there were certain contractual issues with the performers that prevented photography, they have since renegotiated those contracts (Note "Professional" equipment is still not allowed and some people with such equipment may be asked not to used it during the show, this includes Tripods, Digital SLRs and the like).

That is interesting- the only thing I heard last time was about the flash. OT but the last few times I have been to Disney I have seen a LOT of DSLR's running around. I think they are becoming dramatically more common and certainly not all 'professional' equipment.

[MarkBarbieri]

Dark Rides - It is due to the fact that the lighting is part of the show and the flash ruins the effect (I have indeed seen some people escorted out of the park for taking flash pictures on POTC at DL).

That would be cool, but I've never seen anything like it. One of my complaints is that I've seen Disney allow pretty outrageous behavior (flash photography, smoking in appropriate areas, talking during presentations) with very little action taken. It's always a tough call to know when being too lenient for some people is ruining the experience for others, but I'd personally be happier to see a Disney that enforces it's rules with a little more vigor.


DL TOT - Because at least one of the effects can be altered or ruined by a camera, WDW doesn't have the same effect (I will not post which one fore those that may not have been to DL).

That would be an argument for not allowing flash photography, but I can't see why they would ban all photography. A non-flash photo is a very passive activity that is not likely to ruin anything (except perhaps the silence).

Nemo - When it first opened there were certain contractual issues with the performers that prevented photography, they have since renegotiated those contracts (Note "Professional" equipment is still not allowed and some people with such equipment may be asked not to used it during the show, this includes Tripods, Digital SLRs and the like).

I shot Nemo with a pro DSLR and a big (by theme park standards), white 70-200 f/2.8 lens. Maybe they realized that I was just a schmoe and not a pro, but they didn't flinch. I don't think that there is any limitation on gear other than flash for this show.

CoP - The official rule is no flash photography, but a lot of times if there are too many people or the CM doesn't want to have to sort it out afterwards they say no photography period, so every time that they only mention no flash photography, I take full advantage of it.

On my last two trips the explicitly said "no photography." The last time, asked if non-flash photography was allowed and they said no. Maybe I just got unlucky, but I think something has caused them to change their rule for this attraction.

Monster's Inc. - No photography in the attraction or que (this one is due to copyright issues with Pixar, although I am surprised this hasn't been worked out by now).

Since Pixar is part of Disney, it seems odd that there would be copyright issues. Still, you never know how the contracts were written.

I'll be disappointed if this is true. I'm one of those who really finds flash photography in the dark rides objectionable. What's your source?

The times I've ridden it since the makeover, they have said nothing about photography. Many people on the ride were taking flash shots. CM's saw and said nothing. It's more of an indoor ride than a "dark" ride, so it doesn't really ruin the effects. I didn't find it objectionable. The song, on the other hand, .......

[Geoff_M]

One other "no photography" rule at WDW I didn't see mentioned here is when riding in the speedboats on Seven Seas Lagoon/Bay Lake. It's on the rules sheet you sign when renting the boats. I asked the CM if it was because some of the MK backstage areas are visible from the water and they said "no", and went on to say that it was due to fears of driver distraction.

[Groucho]

It's strange that Monsters Inc would have anything to do with copyright stuff? Not only because of other Pixar stuff being OK, but the Monsters Inc dark ride in California Adventure allows photos (and is relatively bright for a dark ride, so it's easy to gets lots of decent onride photos.)

[DisneySuiteFreak]

It's strange that Monsters Inc would have anything to do with copyright stuff? Not only because of other Pixar stuff being OK, but the Monsters Inc dark ride in California Adventure allows photos (and is relatively bright for a dark ride, so it's easy to gets lots of decent onride photos.)
::yes::

I've taken many photos in DL's Monster's Inc ride (without flash, of course). Roz even says funny things to you when she 'sees' you taking photos. I can't remember exactly what she says, as I only go once a year, but it's along the lines of things like, "Did you get my good side." Stuff like that. It's obvoious that someone/something is controlling the things she says because it changes everytime you ride. I was surprised to read that they don't allow it at WDW, because based on things Roz 'says' to you, it's like they encourage picture taking at DL.

[Gdad]

Okay now I am really confused- I rode the RnRC on Thursday and guess what- no sign and no CM saying anything about photography anywhere in the queue. :confused3 I swear I'm not crazy. :rolleyes1

[MarkBarbieri]

Okay now I am really confused- I rode the RnRC on Thursday and guess what- no sign and no CM saying anything about photography anywhere in the queue. :confused3 I swear I'm not crazy. :rolleyes1

I believe you about the rules changing. The part about not being crazy...well, let's just say that the jury is still out.

[Gdad]

The part about not being crazy...well, let's just say that the jury is still out.

Probably out drinking by now. ;)

[matthew_hull]

Flash photography is permitted at "it's a small world" and also the B&B musical at DHS. I asked beforehand.

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/501/113222iasw_tp_1-med.jpg

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/503/113222bb_musical_1-med.jpg

[Villainess]

This past trip (Apr 23 - May 8) I was allowed to take non-flash photos on COP. The CM stated no external video light and no flash photography.

[ThurlFan]

Last time I saw American Adventure at Epcot (May '07) the rule was no photography of any kind.

[Gdad]

Last time I saw American Adventure at Epcot (May '07) the rule was no photography of any kind.

Really? We always go on that attraction and I have never heard that. Disney needs to get everyone on the same page with the photography rules. :confused: :confused: :confused:

[ukcatfan]

Last time I saw American Adventure at Epcot (May '07) the rule was no photography of any kind.

They said that last time I was there as well. I couldn't have taken any anyway though b/c I was asleep within minutes!

[tripodjw]

I noticed last week the CM's policing the no flash photography rule quite strictly in The Little Mermaid show at DHS.

The CM's had red batons with flashlights in them that they shone at the eyes of the offender to tell them to stop.

Still wasn't all that effective at putting other people off and noone got ejected, but they did approach maybe 12-20 different people.

This i can fully understand aswell on the basis it is for performer safety (during the UV enhanced sequences) as much as for other people's comfort..

A similar low light UV enhanced show is at the Studios in Paris (Animagique - in this case the whole show is UV enhanced) and the notices only forbid flash photgraphy but they seem to approach you if they say you take non-flash pics.

In fact the way they do the notice at Animagique is quite clever, the intro where theys ay no photography/eating etc is said by a cutesy kid and they put it as "Please don't take any flash pictures, else they will have to stop the show and the rest of the audience will be vwery vwery angry with you" Spells out that the perfromace could be stopped not just you ejected.

Personally i would like to see a joined up policy on the pictures situation. One set of basic rules to make it simpler for the public and for the CM's.

IMHO it should be


No flash pictures or video lighting on any dark ride/show
Non-flash pictures and videotaping ok
No pics at all if there is a specific reason why pictures are not allowed at all on a particular attraction.


I would hazard a guess that more than 99% of visitors have either a digital camera or a disposable which has the option to not use the flash - so there really is no excuse.

[ThurlFan]

Really? We always go on that attraction and I have never heard that. Disney needs to get everyone on the same page with the photography rules. :confused: :confused: :confused:

Before the doors opened, they announced "No flash photography". So I decided to see what my S3 could do sans flash (with low expectations, but thought I'd try anyway since I had just gotten the camera). As soon as I started screwing on the monopod when we were in our seats the CM at the front said "Let me remind you that there is not photography of any kind". So I put it away. Given the available lighting, I probably didn't miss out on much with the aforementioned camera, but still... the DO need to get their act together regarding the rules, and at least keep it consistent among CMs within a single showing. Is that so much to ask? :confused3

[Tnkrbelle565]

Definately can't take flash pics in Monster's Inc at WDW. I learned this the hard way when totally didn't pay attention to the announcement at the beginning and took a picture of the screen when DD was picked as that show's "princess". The CM holding the microphone practically smacked me for taking a picture. I asked a CM about it and I was told that it was because the flash can cause interference with the technology that they use for the characters to "interact" with you.

[Groucho]

Really? We always go on that attraction and I have never heard that. Disney needs to get everyone on the same page with the photography rules. :confused: :confused: :confused:
We did the American Adventure and they did say a few times that all photography was prohibited, "in order to preserve the dignity of the presentation."

Of course, that dignity was broken somewhat for me by the guy who snored for about five minutes right behind me in the middle of the show... :lmao:

We'd skipped it last trip, and the trip before, I spent most of the time trying to corral my then-9-month-old - we ended up way in the back of the theater for most of it, not even in the seats - so it'd been a while since I'd seen it "proper". (My wife didn't even remember it at all!) It really is quite a show, and it takes a pretty tough person not to at least get a little bit choked up during the Golden Dreams montage.

That was, IIRC, the only thing we saw that specifically prohibited all photography. (I didn't get on CoP this trip, so I can't comment on it - wife/son did do it while I did Space Mt though.)

[Gdad]

It really is quite a show, and it takes a pretty tough person not to at least get a little bit choked up during the Golden Dreams montage.

Especially now since they added 9-11 footage.

http://www.capturelifeinaction.com/photos/273571854_rEHi4-L.jpg

Sorry if I broke a rule but I really do not think they said that when I was there.

[MarkBarbieri]

Non-flash photography was definitely allowed for The American Experience in the past.

http://photos.barbierifamily.org/photos/117480315_Dx76S-M.jpg

http://photos.barbierifamily.org/photos/117480323_K2vja-M.jpg

http://photos.barbierifamily.org/photos/117480311_3pUsC-M.jpg

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Flash photography is permitted at "it's a small world" and also the B&B musical at DHS. I asked beforehand.


Wow, I would have sworn that I've heard them say over the microphone to stay in your boats and no flash photography (at Disneyland anyway) during the ride when people would take flash photos. :confused3