Disney Discriminates Against Photographers

[ramkam]

I had a shocking experience tonight. I have been an annual passholder at Disneyland for years. Our family goes to Disneyland at least once a month. On most of those occasions, as recently as last week, I brought my camera (Nikon D50 or D300). Everything was great until tonight. As I went through the security check I was told that there was a problem with my camera because it had a zoom lens. Apparently zoom lenses are no longer allowed in Disneyland Resort theme parks. After getting into California Adventure I asked about this new rule at Guest Services. Initially the folks in guest services did not know what I was talking about. They called security and were told that a new rule was initiated banning zoom lenses. However they could not tell me the difference between an acceptable camera and an unacceptable camera. The only explanation I received for the rule was that people were some how abusing the privilege of bringing in a camera. I was told I could comment on the policy to Guest Communications at 714-781-4669.

After getting home I looked on the Disney web site and found the following in a list of items that cannot be brought into the park.:

"Professional cameras and recording equipment. (Reporters must make prior arrangements with Disneyland® Resort Media Relations.) Folding tripod stands that can fit inside a standard backpack are permitted."

What a ridiculous rule. First, it makes no reference to zoom lenses. Even if it did it would be arbitrary because point and shoot cameras can have optical zooms of 10x or greater and they are not banned. Second, how do we know what a "professional camera" is? Some might think my D300 is a professional camera. My D50 certainly is not a professional camera. Do you think the average security person at Disneyland would know the difference?

Disney if you are listening, you are going to have some very unhappy people at your parks because of the over reaction of some suit who probably does not have a clue about photography.

 

[JR6ooo4]

Ya, that is a shame. I go for the photography (and atmosphere) more than the rides!

Mikeeee

and then when you get to the gate with a camera, what do you do with it?

 

[Code]

What a ridiculous load of hooey, I would have demanded to speak to a manager on the spot. Sounds like we all have a call to make to Guest Communications if this proves true and not just some clueless security guards. The professional equipment rule was always there but was only for preventing commercial use of photos taken in the parks.

 

[jann1033]

i understand the rule for commercial aspects but that would mean anyone with a dslr is a pro? and how about the bridge cameras, they zoom even if it's attached..however i go forthe rides more so that would be an excuse to leave my dslr home and not feel guilty

 

[KimAshton]

That is stupid cause a lot more people are buying DSLRs. Shakes head. I am still bring mine when I go and if they say something I will just say that is the only camera I have. D50. Don't they know it's the photographer and not the camera. Shakes head.

 

[Groucho]

That sounds like a clueless security guard for sure. There will be a revolt if they're going to start turning away everyone with a DSLR and lens. Claiming that zooms are forbidden is especially silly considering primes have better quality. What if I walked it with a giant 300mm F2.8 lens? It's not a zoom, so should be OK, right?

I've certainly walked into both DL and WDW many times with a bag full of lenses and accessories and never gotten a hard time in any way from security, as have countless others here. DSLRs are very common at Disney and everyone who just bought an entry-level DSLR kit from Best Buy and doesn't know how to use it has got a zoom lens. I just can't believe they're suddenly going to turn away everyone sporting a DSLR.

If that happened to me, I would definitely demand to speak with someone higher up. I would also speak to guest relations, regardless of what happens next, and complain that I was inconvenienced by this. Disney is usually pretty good about listening to guest complaints.

 

[pxlbarrel]

Actually, this is becoming common place.... people being harrassed as pros even when they're not and based solely on their camera equipment. If you're shooting in NYC and you look like a pro even when you're not, you may get stopped (you need a permit).

Disney has left it up to the security guard to decide who's a pro and who isn't. So...what criteria are THEY using?

I took a tripod and telephoto lens with me to the parks earlier this month. The tripod would have been small enough to fit into a backpack but it was in its own bag carried separately. And your best shots at AK are with a telephoto so you can't very well leave that behind...

Just out of curiosity.... what does your gear look like? Can you post a photo of what you tried to bring into the park that day?

 

[KimAshton]

More and more people are buying DSLR's. And I will be the first to admit I am not a pro by a landslide. I usually have the camera on my shoulder anyways when they search the bags cause it is easier for me to take pics as soon as I walk through the gate.

 

[wenrob]

It sounds like he was mistaking you for a pro. No doubt they were told a zoom was a sure sign. Like others I would have demanded to speak to someone higher up. That's all the need it to start turning away guests because of their cameras. Not good. Did you end up bringing it in?

 

[YesDear]

It would be interesting to walk in with an 18-200 then a 70-200. both are zooms and the 18-200 has a longer range but physically they are totally different lens. My point being I am not certain security would know the difference.

I have a friend that works at WDW security. I will ask him what he has heard.

 

[Villainess]

During my trip in April, i was stopped by security at DTD and they asked who I was with. I answered my parents and children but they already went back to the hotel since the baby fell asleep. She shook her head and pointed to my camera and tripod, asked if I was a pro to which i replied no. She then said to have fun/good night and also told me that if I went to the westside area around dusk the hanging lights look light bubbles floating in the air.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I was at WDW last October. I was carrying a pro-sized DSLR (Canon 1D Mark II); a large, white 70-200 f/2.8 lens; a large 24-70 f/2.8 lens; a 17-40 f/4 lens; a large 580EX II flash, a tripod, several filters, a backup battery, and a few other assorted items. I fit the pro-photographer demographic pretty well - middle aged guy; bit of a paunch (mine's not as big a serious pro); goofy looking. I was there by myself (well, there were other people at the park, but they weren't in a group with me). I was taking pictures of odd things that a typical tourist doesn't shoot. In short, except for the quality of my pictures and my lack of credentials, I sure looked like a pro shooter plying his trade.

During my trip, I had two encounters with Cast Members questioning my activities. One was outside the FOTLK show (when I was taking a picture of a Stroller Parking sign) and the other was when I was going into Epcot. In both cases I was asked if I was shooting for commercial or personal use. In both cases I explained that I was just shooting for fun and had no commercial intentions. In both cases the explanation satisfied them and I was left to my business (or rather lack of business).

I did talk to the person at the Epcot entrance a little more about the subject. She said that pro's need permission and a license and are usually always escorted. She also told me that I should strictly avoid shooting anything behind the scenes as those areas are considered very sensitive.

Maybe things have changed. I doubt it. If you get questioned, don't get defensive or accusatory. Just let them know that you are there for fun and that you are excited about taking pictures there.

I hate to say it, but if Disney ever did ban good photo equipment from the parks, I would not be enthusiastic about going back. Taking pictures there has become a big part of my fun there. Even though it would be fun without it, I'd be grousing about the loss the entire time and would have a hard time being happy.

 

[Pooh_Girl]

I agree COMPLETELY Mark; we would DEFINITELY go back if they banned our cameras, but I would feel like I was forgetting something or missing an arm/attachment. My DH (RBennett) and I were there in December for a couple days with his Pentax K100D, 18-55 lens, 50mm f/1.4, Tamron 70-300mm, and tripod (and not a small one) in it's own case. I guess they could tell that DH was pretty rookie because they never even questioned us. It will be interesting to see what they say in two weeks at the World.

 

[boBQuincy]

Many sporting events and shows ban "professional" cameras even though they would not know pro from amateur even on their best days. The standard definition is usually if the lens comes off it is a pro camera, pretty stupid.

I carry a 30D, 24-105, 70-200 and occasionally a tripod and have not been questioned yet but have been given "the look" by security a few times.

I can't imagine Disney banning any sort of handheld still camera. They might try to stop tripods on some sort of safety issue but as mentioned before, tripods are a lot smaller and less dangerous than the SUV strollers!
Overall, I don't expect any changes from today.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

It probably just depends who's at the gate that day.

It might not be a bad idea for anyone carrying in anything remotely similar (pun intended) to "professional" equipment to print out a copy of the actual policy and keep it in your camera bag when visiting Disney. If there's a question, you can ask for an administrator and you'll have the policy right there.

I agree that not being able to photograph Disney would be a major letdown. I doubt that's what Disney wants for us.

 

[bob100]

I've heard about bans on some cameras at sporting events and concerts but Disney? That's ridiculous. Fortunately it's never been a problem for me, when I go through the gates they say amateur and quickly let me pass.

 

[seashoreCM]

Did they ultimately let you bring the equipment into (California Adventure)?

Have there been problems with large camera equipment getting in other peoples' way, for example long zoom lenses blocking others' view at parades and shows?

Digital camera hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/digicam.htm

 

[handicap18]

This whole thing always bugged me. I have a friend who is a professional photographer and he uses a Nikon D80. I have a D300, but have never sold 1 image I've ever taken. Now what is it that makes the professional, the gear or the person?

If I drive a Ford F250 does that make me a contractor? If I drive a full size van, does that make me a plummer? If I have a Gibson LP-295 Goldtop does that make me a professional musician?

It seems as though to more and more companies its the equipment that makes the person a professional. Its definitely annoying.

 

[MICKEY88]

Actually, this is becoming common place.... people being harrassed as pros even when they're not and based solely on their camera equipment. If you're shooting in NYC and you look like a pro even when you're not, you may get stopped (you need a permit).

that's a common belief, but is untrue, permits have only been required under certain circumstances, but many police and security people did not understand the rules, so the city clarified the requirements this year..

http://www.pdnpulse.com/2008/07/nyc-adopts-impr.html

 

[Uncle Servo]

Oh geez... the DW and I have brought in various cameras over the years (with tripods at times) and have never even gotten "the look" as far as I can remember.

I can understand Disney not wanting unauthorized photos being sold or otherwise widely distributed... but banning zoom lenses as a blanket policy is as ridiculous as I've heard lately. If you're a professional, you could go in there with a $300 point-and-shoot model from Best Buy and get some quality shots... and if you're not carrying any bags you wouldn't even get stopped by security as you walk in the gate.

Sounds to me like it was a case of an individual CM either making a newbie mistake or just having a day with their head up their aperture...