A few questions from a first timer

[jenkh]

Hey Everyone.

I've been lurking for a few weeks reading all your wonderful threads and eagerly anticipating my first ever trip to disney (34 days and counting)

I'm 20 years old and am going with my parents (who have never been either) from Oct 10-17 as a college graduation present. Words can't even describe how excited I am (hehe) (btw- were staying at the music resort with a 7 day hopper pass)

I have a few questions and was hoping a few of you may be able to answer/help. Originally part of my graduation present was a digital camcorder for the trip. But I've debated it heavily and really don't want my parents to spend so much when the trip is already so much. Looking through some guides I saw that Disney offers camera rentals. Was just wondering if anyone had any information as per cost and where etc etc. I don't want to lug a camera around the whole trip, but would love to rent one the last few days and park hop and film all the cool things after I've already experienced them. (I always hate missing the experience because i'm filming, or someone else in my family is filming)

Also. A question specific to those who have booked a trip through a travel agent. Being our first trip I booked everything through him (next time I'll know better, and where to get all the good deals) Well from the start it's been an iffy thing as he was all gun-ho until we confirmed the trip and he frankly stopped caring as he already got the sale. Our confirmation says we have magical express included (which really is a must for us) We just made our last payment on the trip 2 weeks ago. Does this mean we should be getting some sort of package from Disney/Travel Agent soon. I know the ME passes come later, but at what point should I stop trying to get in touch with my travel agent, and just get them from the one who's there at the time. Our travel agent seems to convienetly not be there anytime we're in. And has yet to return a phone call from 2 weeks ago. I'm a but nervous as I've never been, and am one of those people that really like having everything organized.

Thanks to anyone who can lend a helping hand

Jen

 

[webmomom]

Bump!!!!!! aw:

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Don't have answers for you but want to congradulate you on your graduation That is a major turning point in your "adult" life...what better way to celebrate than by going to Disney..... this will bump up your question.... maybe someone else will read it.
One thought is, you can email Disney (go to the offical web site & on the bottom there is a place where it says "contact us" and ask them your question about the camera & confirm your pick up with the Magical Express....

 

[Micca]

Hi Jen and welcome to the Dis I believe each of the main parks has a camera center where you can rent cameras, camcorders, etc. You'll be charged a deposit on a credit card (used to be in the $500 range) which will be refunded when you return the camcorder. There is an additional daily fee.
I think you are right about not lugging a camcorder around every day...you see so many people weighted down with their stuff, much of which is not needed.

You might check one of the guide books for more details on the camera sitch.
I don't know what to advise about the deal with the TA, but I'd stay on them and call the head of the agency. I don't see how many TAs can stay in business with the ease of on-line booking. They are fortunate to have your family as customers.

You and your parents are in for the trip of a lifetime.

 

[jenkh]

Thank you all, your all so great! And thank you for your congradulations

Will definatly be calling the TA tomorrow. From now on I'm just gonna book trips myself. I've done it in the past with smaller trips, but thught with Disney it might be nice to have a personal contact. Boy was I wrong.

If anyone happens to know the daily cost(rental) of a camcorder that would be great. If not I'll give disney a mail tomorrow.

Thanks again!

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

Congratulations on your graduation. Have a great trip!
You may want to look over the WDW information on allearsnet.com and mousesaver.com.

 

[seashoreCM]

Not sure whether recording motion sequences is your desire but I have preferred ordinary (still) cameras and have never used or owned a video camera. If you want to extract still frames later, keep in mind that video still frames are almost always less sharp than pictures even a disposable still camera takes.

With 7 days you should have enough time to do some things twice, once while filming, once while not.

Camera flashes and lights are not permitted during rides and shows. For a still camera you can put your finger over the flash window if you absolutely must try to take that picture.

You must have bus vouchers and an assigned bus time for the Magical Express trip back home. The time is usually about 3 hours from your plane departure. Often you get these at the airport Magical Express desk ("A" side lowest level) when you arrive in Orlando but you can also get these at the resort at least a day before you go home.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[CharityLynn]

For Magic Express you'll get your packet in the mail 2-3 weeks before your trip. You get luggage tags that you need to place on your bags so that the ME people know your bags need to be taken for ME...I know you can do this even if you don't get tags so don't get too nervous if you don't receive them...

 

[CamColt]

Is the camcorder rental something new? We inquired about that on our trip in 2000 when my camcorder broke at the airport, and we were told at the camera store that no, they don't rent camcorders. Instead we bought a new one there for way more than we could have gotten it for at a regular store. I guess it wouldnt be the first time I got wrong info.

Good luck, Jenkh, and congrats on your graduation!

 

[Otter49]

Let me see if I have this straight.

A 20 year old, graduating from college, and going to WDW with her parents, and looking forward to it??!!

And to boot - trying to find a way so her folks don't have to spend money on a camcorder!!

Holy cow, what's wrong with this picture.

Jen - you're a gem. If you're parents ever need a break, we'd gladly adopt you.

 

[Frantasmic]

Congrats on the graduation, trip, and everything.

Do you have a CVS Pharmacy nearby? I think they have the portable Video Recorders with about 20 minutes worth of video that you can take. Once you find the cost of renting at WDW, you can compare the cost of purchasing one or two of the disposable ones. I will see if I can find a link. Pricess are 29.99 for the camera and 13 bucks to process the camera when complete. You get a DVD with your 20 minutes of video and sound.

 

[jenkh]

Again, thank for all your kind words

I've e-mailed Disney and will let you know as soon as I hear back.

Frantasmic - No I never knew about these portable video cameras. Unfortunatly here in Canada we don't have CVS. But I'll definatly check it out. I can always go to buffalo before the trip to get them.

Thanks again, you all rock!

Jen

 

[owtrbnks]

"Camera flashes and lights are not permitted during rides and shows. For a still camera you can put your finger over the flash window if you absolutely must try to take that picture."
Not permitted? Ha, Ha, Ha, please tell the idiots who ride behind me on Pirates, Splash, etc. and take 100's of flash pictures from the beginning until the end of the ride. Last time (July) the guy in the boat behind us took no less than 50 pictures in PotC ride and ruined it for a first timer!!
ANYHOW - Congrats Jen and be sure to attend the Hoop Dee Doo dinner show while you're there - my #1 recommendation.

 

[jenkh]

Just heard back from Disney, so thought I'd post in case anyone was waiting for an answer. They actually stopped doing camcorder rentals.

Oh well, still got the still camera.

And woohoo my countdown is down to days

 

[CamColt]

Thanks for letting us know.
Did they happen to say when they stopped renting them?

Have a great trip!