I have a very nice digital SLR camera and am not planning on bringing with. I just don't want to risk losing/ruining something so expense, nor do I want to feel like I'm "babysitting" it the whole time. But being to used to the quality of my camera, I'm not sure I'd be completely happy with just a point and shoot for the whole trip. I am planning on ordering the photopass cd deal before we leave. I think that way I'll have the best of both options.
That's a very good point. I think I will probably pre-order the photopass CD, as I believe you can be refunded if you don't want any of the pictures they take (or if they don't take any!)
I will also bring a small point and shoot camera (Cannon ELPH) that I am less worried about losing.
I'm still thinking we will bring at least one of our DSLRs, reason why later in this post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas!
We don't really do character meet and greets, but I'm pretty sure there is usually a photographer there to take pictures when peopel are meeting characters.
I have never experienced the "meet and greets" before at WDW. The last time I was there in '98 things were much more free for all. It was something of a game to hunt down Tigger in the parks. (Or at the time, Meeko... I was rather in love with that Racoon!
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I have to say that it is not just me that my DH reluctantly photographs. I sent him with my camera when he took my youngest son to HS while I stayed behind with my older son who was not feeling well. My son was chosen for Jedi Training (he did take pictures of that) but afterwards, Ben was invited to have his picture taken with Darth, Storm Troopers and the Jedis who run the show. My DH took ONE picture. It is a really good one, but the characters could not believe it when he told them. "All set. I got it!"
My DH response when I brought this up to him. "Why do you need 20 shots of the same people?" They don't understand the whole: what if someone's eyes are closed/mouth open/bad face / fat side: argument
Ok, I'm in on the Fun Pig guess!
My guess is $123.17 (sorry I'm weird & have to guess down to the last penny!
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Yay! Entering your guess in, expect to turn him in next week...I for one am hoping he comes in on the high end!
BTW, that is not weird at all... I have one the "how many jelly beans" competition time and time again for doing just that!
I'm not 100% sure about the events planning, but an acquaintance of mine actually works in that area at Disney. We aren't close friends, only acquaintances, so I don't know everything about it, but I do know that there are event planners at all of the resorts not just the Deluxe. However, I do believe that all of the planners, no matter where their "home base" is located, are able to plan for any of the 4 parks. Just wanted to add that because I noticed a few different people asking you about the planners!
I hope that helps even though I'm not sure of the exact details!
Thank you! That is a very good bit of information to share! I think some of the resorts have more "convention" focused planners, and others are very good w/ Private Dining. From what I've heard out there, it's somewhat luck of the draw. Besides the loooooooong wait time for a response (!!
!!) the two women I am working with at YC are amazing.
About the camera -- honestly I don't know what to say! I have a Canon Xsi which is an entry-level DSLR with a $350 lens! Because my camera & lens cost so much, I am very nervous about taking them to Disney. But I am definitely taking it!!! I do know there's no way my camera would ever fit into one of those tiny safes at the resort! And I would feel safer having it with me. But, on the other hand, because I carry it around all the time, I do have to worry about it getting dropped or falling off a table at a restaurant or something along those lines. I know what you mean about "babysitting" the camera the entire trip! I am a photographer (as a hobby not a career!) and I think there are soooo many great shots you can get at the parks & resorts!!! I know there's no way I'd ever do it, but there's honestly a huge part of me that just wants to go without a camera! We usually go to each park 2 days -- so one day with a camera & one day without! I think it would be a different perspective to experience the parks without taking pics every 3 seconds!
Last year, I came home with 4 memory cards full and over 4,000 pictures (plus what the PhotoPass photogs took at the parks & at our Photopass Portrait Session!)
Before I inherited my dad's D70, I had a Cannon Rebel XT which we've used for about 4 years now. Love that camera...but love this Nikon even more. We're not getting rid of the Cannon by any means, too many lenses have been purchased for it.
I was thinking the same thing about the safe... even taking the lense off the camera.... probably still wouldnt' fit in there! I have considered getting a locking case for multiple lenses / bodies, but we'll see.
That is a GREAT idea about the on/off day at the parks! We are going to have 2 days each at MK and Epcot... so I think I am going to take your advice on that one. One day SLR, one day point and shoot.
I can't wait to see how many pictures we come back with from our 9 day trip.... I'm actually scared!
However, my father left me about 400GB worth of memory cards... so I think we're covered.
I agree with photographymom... my experience has been this: I am in fact a photographer professionally, and as a result have a lot of expensive equipment - however, I am actually insured. Therefore, in the event of loss, theft or damage... I can replace my equip. Ive brought several (Canon of course!) DSLR camera bodies and lenses with me in the past. Ive left them in a small camera bag with a lock and had no problems in the room. They are a little bit heavier (and you cant exactly rock the water rides) but I find that when I DONT have it, I regret it and end up seeing all the shots I WISH I could take, but cant. On days that are outrageously hot or I know we'll be going on water rides, the camera gets locked in the bag and ill snap a few pics with my phone or small point and shoot, and be fine.
I think it comes down to what you'll want more in the long run. I dont mind lugging a big camera - because I LOVE seeing and catching things no one else does, and then coming home and editing through them. The pros outweigh the cons (says the girl with no children, diaperbag, carriage, etc. This could change when I have kids!!) But, if you're fine with a low risk point and shoot camera - bring that and work it out with no worries. Either way, just make sure you're having the most fun possible.
I didn't think about the insurance, all our other cameras/lenses are covered under our homeowners policy. I need to add this one as well! I've seen the larger locking cases in the past, but they are all hardshell/case style. Do they make good ones in the softshell backpack fabric that you could suggest?
I'm with you on the weight issue, but last weekend my DH was wonderful carrying the camera case, I flitted around with the camera while he sipped wine in the tasting room. Have to figure out a way to make that work in Epcot....I'm thinking tequila bar.
We don't have any little ones either. Perhaps I should take advantage of the fact I can carry around a camera bag before I'm lugging the diaper bag through the parks!
Thank you all so much for your suggestions, I think we'll be travelling with two cameras AND the photopass option in our back pocket.
If there isn't a picture of me after THIS trip, I give up!
But, you are very good looking at the bright side of things. I try to do that whenever my job gets frustrating. "At least I am getting paid, which means I can take vacation and go to Disney."
