Camcorder in the parks question

[simba2]

Just bought our first camcorder (mini DV) for our upcoming trip to the Mouse. I have a couple questions. I've seen people filming and have seen and heard the warning, but never paid attention before since they did not apply to me. Can I film on attractions like Splash Mt., Small World, etc.? Which ones can't I film on? Has anyone ever had a problem with the video film getting wiped out going through the xray machine at the airport? I don't want to film my trip and then lose it on the way home. Any other tips would be helpful. thanks!

 

[crow11ad]

On our trip in April of 2004 I did nothing but filming because I didn't know when we were back. If your camcorder has night vision, you should be ok. The main problem is when people use external light (bright white light) that may distract others from enjoying themselves. Best thing to do is ask before you get on. I think they really didn't mind because me and DW were on our DIsneymoon and we wore our groom and bride hats.

Most of all have fun. NOW I AM NOT GOING TO TELL YOU TO BE SNEAKY AND PUSH THE RECORD BUTTON AND COVER UP THE RED LIGHT THAT SHOWS YOU ARE FILMING, BECAUSE THAT WOULD BE WRONG.

But just have fun. Filming of the parades and shows are not a problem. Just don't use a tripod. They seem to frown on this. And if you hear the voice of GOD when you are on POC, then there must be a reason.

 

[Disneylovers]

Yes, you can video on Splash and Small World. I have, along with Big Thunder, tea cups, dumbo the safari. Don't use your light, and turn down your view finder, so it doesn't cast too much light. Rides that are dark like haunted mansion won't turn out. I tried to tape Pirates at DL this summer, mostly I got the soundtrack, but hey, at least I have something to remember the ride with. I like to tape us on a ride, to get our younger DD's reactions. (Big Thunder & Primeval Whirl were priceless!) I won't tape on really wild rides, like RockNRoller coaster, or space mountain. If I remember correctly, they tell you not to tape on Tower of Terror, but that's the only one I remember hearing that on. I have the mini cassette, and I haven't had any trouble with the carry on xrays, just don't put the tapes in your checked luggage. Have fun!

 

[iwynlea]

My DH is the video man in our family, while I stick to the still pictures. (Between us, we cover all the memory bases! LOL!) Anyway, we have filmed in many places, and never been asked not to. He does use a tripod to film the parades, since his hands get very unsteady after that long, but as long as we don't use any external light the CMs have always been fine with the tripod.

Have fun filming the World!

Erica

 

[cosmo531]

i really am NOT trying to be rude here, so please don't flame me..this is a legitimate observation/question.
Do people who video wdw trips REALLY watch them later? Maybe I'm spoiled that I get to go pretty often, but I really see people completely obssess over capturing stuff while looking through a view finder and completely missing the "real" world around them.
Does it really look good on TV watching illuminations or splash mountain later on at home?
My family never really took pictures of anything...but I still have these wonderful memories of all my trips and adventures (disney and non-disney alike) and I wouldn't trade them for hours of video.

Now that I'm married, my in-laws have shown me videos of their trips and i would honestly rather have a root canal without anesthetic than watch someone elses videos.
I guess, my advice is to not worry about the video camera...take a still camera (digital or otherwise) and take a few pix here and there...and actually look at the World through your own eyes...experience the full atmosphere of the ride rather than just looking at it through a viewfinder.

sorry to wax romantic...just my humble opinion.

 

[Timon]

I've taken TONS of video on my last 4 trips to Disney. It was an old crappy camcorder that was acting up but I take the footage and make small 5-10 minute movies which I LOVE watching over and over!

I plan on taking tons more video this trip as we just bought a new mini-dv camcorder and I plan on making more small videos, like one per park kind of thing. Something that people can sit and watch and be entertained but not bored to death!

Here's ONE I did not too long ago from the Disney Magic.

I have taped on the TOT and nobody ever said a word, and the CM looked right into my camera and was hamming it up, so he knew I was taping. The next trip, however, I was told no taping.

I've also recored on RNR and it was easy! Sit in the chair furthest away from the loading platform (if you are right handed) get settled in and then place your camera up just to the right of your right shoulder and lean it against the back of the seat. It stays there the whole time and you still enjoy the ride. Hint: get the back seat so your camera has time to focus when all the signs light up! Front car doesn't work so well

 

[MOmousefan]

Cosmo 531: No offense taken, we usually watch the videos when we get home and I make a 15-20 minute highlight video. We now watch the old(10+ years) on occasion and laugh at how young we were!.

This past May I was filming our RnR launch and a CM told me to put the camera away. We filmed Oh Canada on previous visits and this year they had a sign prohibiting this. The latest camera I have allows me to turn the viewfinder around and film the family in the car behind me.

 

[maliboomer]

You can film practically everywhere in WDW. The only reason you can't film on The Tower of Terror is for copyright reasons.

 

[cosmo531]

thanks for understanding that i wasn't slamming anyone.

i guess i was really thinking about rides like Haunted Mansion. I've been going on that ride since as far back as I can remember (my first trip to WDW was in '73...course, i was only 6 months old!!!) and everytime I go on it, even now, i see something new! I guess I just feel that if i was looking through a view finder i would miss SOOOOOO much that makes this ride truly a classic and that there's no way others could understand the magic through a video.

I just want everyone to love WDW as much as i do, and get the BEST experience out of it!