Going with the family for 4th of july to wdw will i even be able to use a tripod?

[nvtsallo]

It just occurred to me that I have never been to wdw on the 4th will a tripod be a bad option with kids and the crowds? Just curious if anyone has experience with that time of year.

 

[photo_chick]

I was at MK on July 3, 2011 for the fireworks and at DHS on the 4th.

I didn't see a whole lot of tripods. That doesn't mean they weren't there, but people were shoulder to shoulder so I coudln't see much and we never made it close to any of the prime spots for shooting the shows. I did see people claiming spaces to watch the show when the park opened on those days.

 

[mamaCta]

I just bought a $15 monopod from Amazon. It will give a little stability while being fast and light to deal with. My kids are not going to wait for me to fiddle with a tripod.

 

[nvtsallo]

I just bought a $15 monopod from Amazon. It will give a little stability while being fast and light to deal with. My kids are not going to wait for me to fiddle with a tripod.

Thats my concern I will be with 5yr old twins and the wife whole all could careless if I brought a tripod. Well then I will leave it behind since it sounds to be crowded.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

At least one day before (and maybe more), they do the same fireworks show. I would photograph on that day and just enjoy the 4th.

 

[2Tiggies]

I did see people claiming spaces to watch the show when the park opened on those days.

Please tell me I'm reading this wrong or it doesn't read like you meant it ....

 

[nvtsallo]

At least one day before (and maybe more), they do the same fireworks show. I would photograph on that day and just enjoy the 4th.

Yeah thats a good idea but it still sounds like it will be too crowded.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Yeah thats a good idea but it still sounds like it will be too crowded.

That goes without saying, its Summer at WDW!!

 

[nvtsallo]

That goes without saying, its Summer at WDW!!

I thought that but just figured I would ask since I have never brought a tripod to the park and do not see the point if its shoulder to shoulder plus I would go crazy if people kept bumping my gear and ruining the shot as the crowds can shift on you very easily. Thanks for confirming that.

 

[PythonFan888]

I've brought a tripod during the busy summer months (though not the 4th of July) and have been very productive with it.

If you plan to shoot the Wishes fireworks show from Main Street then July 4th would be a very difficult proposition. I would suggest alternative locations which may not be too busy. The Transportation and Ticket Center just next to the ferry landing is a favorite spot. The Rivers of America in Frontierland/Liberty Square with the Liberty Belle in frame also makes a great fireworks spot. I've been able to set up here with no problems.

I've also been able to take great fireworks shots from the New Fantasyland area. You can have Beast Castle or the Little Mermaid ride in the foreground and get really nice compositions. This area was virtually free from "crowds" when I was there last month and you should be able to set up your tripod without any problems.

Finally, I would take advantage of evening EMH to get really nice night images. During evening EMH most park guests are usually at the rides and I'm usually free to roam and set up my tripod anywhere. My family knows I like taking night shots so while they're enjoying the attractions I'm out shooting with the tripod.

Good luck!

 

[photo_chick]

Please tell me I'm reading this wrong or it doesn't read like you meant it ....

On the 3rd at MK there were people setting up their spots we got in the park, about 20 minutes after opening. I imagine it was even worse on the 4th there.

Also, the July 4th show is different from Wishes. There are fireworks all around the park.

 

[nvtsallo]

Thanks everyone. Good to know. I think I will bring a tripod but see how crowded it is where ever we end up. The most important is fun with the family plus its my twins 6th birthday so I need to focus on that. The pics will come at some point.

 

[rdunative]

I wear a yellow reflective safety vest with a glow stick hanging from the center of my tripod. It does well with making people keep their distance and my wife can easily find me.

 

[nvtsallo]

Good idea thanks but it will be hot enough. I think I am going to bring it and wing it.

 

[havoc315]

I've brought a tripod during the busy summer months (though not the 4th of July) and have been very productive with it.

If you plan to shoot the Wishes fireworks show from Main Street then July 4th would be a very difficult proposition. I would suggest alternative locations which may not be too busy. The Transportation and Ticket Center just next to the ferry landing is a favorite spot. The Rivers of America in Frontierland/Liberty Square with the Liberty Belle in frame also makes a great fireworks spot. I've been able to set up here with no problems.

I've also been able to take great fireworks shots from the New Fantasyland area. You can have Beast Castle or the Little Mermaid ride in the foreground and get really nice compositions. This area was virtually free from "crowds" when I was there last month and you should be able to set up your tripod without any problems.

Finally, I would take advantage of evening EMH to get really nice night images. During evening EMH most park guests are usually at the rides and I'm usually free to roam and set up my tripod anywhere. My family knows I like taking night shots so while they're enjoying the attractions I'm out shooting with the tripod.

Good luck!

Python, was looking at your flickr, fantastic fireworks shots from "alternate" locations.

I really recommend your advice to others, and will follow it myself if and when I get to shoot Wishes again. Everyone has seen the Main Street fireworks photos, and you have to push through crowds to take them.

But you can find an alternative location, easily set up your tripod, and get a really unique view that you haven't already seen a million times.

 

[nvtsallo]

Python, was looking at your flickr, fantastic fireworks shots from "alternate" locations.

I really recommend your advice to others, and will follow it myself if and when I get to shoot Wishes again. Everyone has seen the Main Street fireworks photos, and you have to push through crowds to take them.

But you can find an alternative location, easily set up your tripod, and get a really unique view that you haven't already seen a million times.

Thanks. I think ill have the tripod but see how i am feeling that day. I will be at every park 2 days so plenty of time. Definitely do not want a pic everyone has done. Even if I get it that just proves I can take a picture. I want to capture that moment. Thats the goal.

 

[PythonFan888]

Python, was looking at your flickr, fantastic fireworks shots from "alternate" locations.

I really recommend your advice to others, and will follow it myself if and when I get to shoot Wishes again. Everyone has seen the Main Street fireworks photos, and you have to push through crowds to take them.

But you can find an alternative location, easily set up your tripod, and get a really unique view that you haven't already seen a million times.

havoc315: Thanks!