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? Anyway, cameras are not professional, people are.
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.
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? Anyway, cameras are not professional, people are.
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.
