Disney on Ice?

[Pooh2]

Does anyone know if it is permissible to take a DSLR into Disney on Ice?

 

[kenny]

I took mine in a few weeks ago. No problem

 

[ssanders79]

I would also check with the arena to see if they have a seperate policy. Usually, it is determined by the event promoter, but the venue still might have thier own set of rules. If the Disney on Ice website says it is ok, print out that page and bring it with you in case you run into an issue at the door. Keep in mind not everyone is in the loop.

I'm assuming you are going to the Verizon Arena.. Here is the offical venue policy.

The permitted use of cameras varies by event. However, cameras with professional lenses, detachable lenses or detachable flashes are prohibited from the Verizon Wireless Arena. Use of video cameras, audio recording devices and digital cameras in video mode is strictly prohibited in the arena. The use of any of these items will result in confiscation and possible ejection from the arena.

 

[tazdev3225]

I saw Disney on Ice right after Christmas. They made an announcement that pictures were allowed for private use only.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Sometimes you can get one through, but Feld Entertainment, who runs Disney on Ice, traditionally does not allow cameras with removable lenses. I was denied entrance and had to leave my camera in my car. While rushing back into the darkened stadium I tripped and fell down the stairs of the United Center. I didn't miss the show, which was very good, but one knee/leg surgery later... Still have 11 months for a full recovery!

 

[Pooh2]

Thanks for all your posts.

 

[honeydiane1953]

U know when u die everything you've done flashes before you? Well I hope Disney on Ice is just a flash. Don't tell me I have to sit through that again.

 

[pgowder]

The rule with Disney on Ice is no professional equipment. And their definition of pro is any lens that is longer than your hand.

I had a long discussion with security last year. I told them that their definition does not always apply. I had a 24-70mm with me. It may be a great portrait lens. But for Ice Skating, not really what a pro would want to carry.

He told me that they were briefed by the promoter before the shows. They were told not to allow any lenses longer than their hand.

He did allow me to carry the 24-70mm in though. Of course I didn't mention that I had front row seats!

By the way, the promo code for Disney on Ice is always the same - zxa. You can use that to get early access to tickets. We've had front row seats that past 3 years.

Here are some of my shots.


Disney on Ice by Paul Gowder, on Flickr


Disney on Ice by Paul Gowder, on Flickr


Disney on Ice by Paul Gowder, on Flickr

 

[Pooh2]

Ohhh, thanks for posting the photos! Those are beautiful!

 

[mom2rtk]

It totally depends on the venue. I was turned away one year with mine, but then got in through another gate after burying it further in my bag. Then I was sort of hacked off to see all SORTS of DSLR's in the arena.

Last year I put my 50mm prime on and just carried it in. With that small a lens, it looks more like a bridge camera. I missed my zoom, but having a fast lens was nice.

I've chatted with others since, and have been told our venue now allows detachable lenses, but under a certain length, and they actually measure.

We're skipping this year. It's TS3 and we're just not big Toy Story fans here.

 

[LordAthens]

My experience with Disney on Ice (and other "kids" events) has been good. I generally bury my gear at the bottom of a diaper bag and no issues, including a 70-200 2.8. I once had an usher give me some guff, but after I explained that photography is just a hobby and to archive my kids lives, there was no issue. Don't expect to use a flash though, THAT WILL piss them off. Not that a flash is generally helpful at that kind of distance anyhow. Carry some fast glass and call it a day.

We were all kinds of excited when we heard Disney on Ice was going to be Toy Story 3 this year, but when I went to order tickets, I found that our city (Pittsburgh) got screwed with Princess Classics. My 2.5 y/o daughter loves TS but has started growing away from the Princess's, so we elected not to go this year.

 

[mom2rtk]

We were all kinds of excited when we heard Disney on Ice was going to be Toy Story 3 this year, but when I went to order tickets, I found that our city (Pittsburgh) got screwed with Princess Classics. My 2.5 y/o daughter loves TS but has started growing away from the Princess's, so we elected not to go this year.

Just be patient. They have different shows in different parts of the country all the time. It will get there eventually.

 

[Betsy82]

By the way, the promo code for Disney on Ice is always the same - zxa. You can use that to get early access to tickets. We've had front row seats that past 3 years.

I've been trying all morning (bookmarked this link for the presale code last year) and its not working any which way.

 

[SarahJN]

I brought mine with me last year to Providence with no issue. It was in the bottom of my bag covered with kid stuff but I didn't see them check any bags for anything.

I only had my 35mm lens with me and we were sitting fairly close to the ice.


jan11i by 4forSarah, on Flickr

I didn't take many pictures of the show - I was more interested in taking pictures of my kids watching the show.


jan11h by 4forSarah, on Flickr

Good luck!!

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

The "no professional cameras" thing is tricky -- especially because enforcement of it is so subjective. I got turned away and had to put my camera in my car for a recent event. I was wearing a hip holster bag, and as soon as security saw the extra lenses in it, they pulled me out of the line. I was disappointed at that point, but not upset. I figured the rules were the rules. When I got back inside, though, I did get upset when I started seeing lots of people with DSLRs. One guy had one of the largest lenses I've ever seen. We were queued up next to one another at the snack bar, so I relayed my story about being turned away. I asked him if he had a press pass or something to get his camera in, and he said, no, it was just his own personal gear. No one had said anything to him. (That's when I started stewing about not having my camera.)

So from that experience, a tip: Where you're most likely to get turned away is at the door when you're giving your ticket or having your bags checked. Wear your camera around your neck (or better yet on a strap like a Black Rapid that puts it down at your hip and even less conspicuous), and don't have any camera gear in a bag that will get looked in during the bag check. They're looking mostly at the tickets and the bags.

 

[mom2rtk]

I didn't take many pictures of the show - I was more interested in taking pictures of my kids watching the show.


jan11h by 4forSarah, on Flickr

Good luck!!

What an adorable shot!

The "no professional cameras" thing is tricky -- especially because enforcement of it is so subjective. I got turned away and had to put my camera in my car for a recent event. I was wearing a hip holster bag, and as soon as security saw the extra lenses in it, they pulled me out of the line. I was disappointed at that point, but not upset. I figured the rules were the rules. When I got back inside, though, I did get upset when I started seeing lots of people with DSLRs. One guy had one of the largest lenses I've ever seen. We were queued up next to one another at the snack bar, so I relayed my story about being turned away. I asked him if he had a press pass or something to get his camera in, and he said, no, it was just his own personal gear. No one had said anything to him. (That's when I started stewing about not having my camera.)

So from that experience, a tip: Where you're most likely to get turned away is at the door when you're giving your ticket or having your bags checked. Wear your camera around your neck (or better yet on a strap like a Black Rapid that puts it down at your hip and even less conspicuous), and don't have any camera gear in a bag that will get looked in during the bag check. They're looking mostly at the tickets and the bags.

...... or leave and try another entrance.

But yes, the inconsistency is what drives me nuts. Wearing the camera doesn't really work for me though since our arena has metal detectors. It would have to be set aside on the table anyway.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

After my debacle of falling down the stairs at the United Center trying to re-enter after being denied entrance with my camera, I contacted Feld Entertainment, owner of Disney on Ice (DOI). On March 7, 2011 this was their reply. Note: the security guard that stopped me stated it was Feld's policy and not that of the United Center that prevented them allowing "professional cameras".


I apologize for the time it has taken for us to get back to you, but your inquiry prompted us to take a closer look at our camera policy for all of our brands.

Our policy for Disney On Ice is:

North America - US, CAN, MEX)

DOI - photos/videos permitted for personal (non-commercial) use only

International

DOI - no audio or video recording; non-commercial photos OK

Nothing in our policy outlines restrictions based on the type of camera, and if venue personnel indicated that, then it was in error.

We hope you continue to come to Disney On Ice shows with your family and that you capture special moments with your camera.

Best regards,

Lisa Taylor



Lisa M. Taylor
National Director of Public Relations
Disney On Ice/Disney Live!
Feld Entertainment, Inc.
8607 Westwood Center Drive
Vienna, VA 22182

703.749.5520 office 703.725.3465 mobile

Anytime that I go to DOI, I bring my email!

Terry

 

[mom2rtk]

After my debacle of falling down the stairs at the United Center trying to re-enter after being denied entrance with my camera, I contacted Feld Entertainment, owner of Disney on Ice (DOI). On March 7, 2011 this was their reply. Note: the security guard that stopped me stated it was Feld's policy and not that of the United Center that prevented them allowing "professional cameras".


I apologize for the time it has taken for us to get back to you, but your inquiry prompted us to take a closer look at our camera policy for all of our brands.

Our policy for Disney On Ice is:

North America - US, CAN, MEX)

DOI - photos/videos permitted for personal (non-commercial) use only

International

DOI - no audio or video recording; non-commercial photos OK

Nothing in our policy outlines restrictions based on the type of camera, and if venue personnel indicated that, then it was in error.

We hope you continue to come to Disney On Ice shows with your family and that you capture special moments with your camera.

Best regards,

Lisa Taylor



Lisa M. Taylor
National Director of Public Relations
Disney On Ice/Disney Live!
Feld Entertainment, Inc.
8607 Westwood Center Drive
Vienna, VA 22182

703.749.5520 office 703.725.3465 mobile

Anytime that I go to DOI, I bring my email!

Terry

Thanks for posting that Terri. Maybe I'll have to email them for my own personal "permission slip"!