First time bringing video camera!! Tips and advice please!

[Laurabearz]

I know, a silly question. But this will be our first trip with a video camera and I dont want to tape, what I am not suppose too.

Parades I can tape, right?... what about rides? Can you film in Buzz?? What about the shows at MVMCP??? I would love to tape the 'Twas the Night Before Christmas show to watch the night before Christmas.... Can I??

And any tips for filming??? I am thinking about bringng a monopod for the parades... thoughts??

Thanks bunches!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

We do quite a a bit of filming at WDW. Many of the rides (TOT comes to mind) will tell you not to videotape at all. You can always ask a cm before you board a ride if its okay. Just remember that sometimes your camcorder can be distracting to people around and behind you. My dh never holds his up high to film as it blocks other's view. We really enjoy watching our footage once we get home and then again right before our next trip, gets us in the mood! We have filmed on some rides including Splash Mountain and BTMRR. Primevil Whirl caused the tape to stop working and jam, rendering that tape useless (it worked fine when we put in a new tape).

 

[Laurabearz]

Thanks for the inforamtion!

Anyone else have any tips for a first timer???

 

[phisigprincess]

We taped everything as long as they didn't say it was restricted. I know in 2003 we could tape all the parades and shows, Great Movie Ride, Festival of the Lion King, most of the ride lines, all of the holiday shows... hm... there's probably some more that isn't coming to mind. My tip? Have the camcorder (and extra batteries and tape) easily accessible at all times. You'll never know what you'll catch on video!

 

[Markstudy]

I see too many people with a video... get lost with the filming process and a week goes by and they've missed thier entire vacation.

You don't need 90 hours of footage.

Best idea.... shoot the kids around the resort, and one day in the park and then put the camera down and enjoy your vaction too.

Filming the rides is not as much fun as riding the rides

 

[raven69david]

I've taped everything when i've visited the parks. If there is a large sign saying not to, then i abide by the rules. If not, i just film everything. I can only foresee something being illegal if you rebroadcast or sell the video to make a profit. Anyway, just follow the signs. If there are none telling you that you should NOT be recording then just have fun and enjoy your vacation. If in doubt ask a CM.

 

[Robo]

In some shows like the "Festival of the Lion King", the pre-show announcement actually states that you CAN videotape it.
They do request that you TURN OFF any video LIGHTS on the camera.

There are no restrictions on taping PARADES of any kind.
"Fantasmic!" and "IllumiNations" are wonderful shows to tape
--if you know what you are doing--
Otherwise, a shaky shot of fireworks is not a beautiful thing to view.

Each show and attraction is very specific as to what is and is not allowed, just pay attention to the signs and announcements.

The main thing is SAFETY and not infringing on the ENJOYMENT of OTHERS in the attraction.

Be alert to those conditions and have fun.

 

[Laurabearz]

I see too many people with a video... get lost with the filming process and a week goes by and they've missed thier entire vacation.

You don't need 90 hours of footage.

Best idea.... shoot the kids around the resort, and one day in the park and then put the camera down and enjoy your vaction too.

Filming the rides is not as much fun as riding the rides

Thanks for the advice Mark, but in our case I have been to WDW 2 or 3 times a year for the past several years... This isnt a once in a lifetime trip for us, and the novelty of watching the trip thru the eyepiece is welcome! LOL

I have one 4 hour battery, and a 1 hour one. I will ahve them both charged up and will start with the 4 hour, and use the 1 hour as a back up. The only time I may be in trouble in MVMCP night. I want to tape the Twas the night Before Christmas show, the parade, Belle's story time, SNOW on Main Street, fireworks, and lots and lots of shots of the kids with hot coco and cookies.