How Big of A Camera Bag Can You Take On Rides

[mabas9395]

I will be going to WDW (1st time) the end of March as a chaperone for my son's High School Band. Since the purpose of this trip is to help the high school, be the unofficial photographer and not so much a family vacation, I have already decided that I am going to take as many photos as I can. As such, I have thrown the idea of "traveling light" out the window so that I can bring enough camera gear to get some good shots (walk-around, wide angle, telephoto zoom, fast prime, flash, etc).

I have a regular day-pack that I like to use for the photo trips since it can comfortably hold my camera gear and whatever else I need.

However, while I may not spend very much of my time going on rides, there are a few musts that I have to go on. So my question is, how big of a camera/backpack can a person have and still go on rides? Do they post any restrictions or guidelines about bags on rides? Anyone ever been told they could not go on a ride because their bag was too big?

Thanks.

 

[wbeem]

Backpacks are pretty common in the park, but I'd say it varies by ride. For example, hanging on to a bag is easier in Pirates of the Caribbean than on Space Mountain.

I've taken a Think Tank Sling-O-Matic 30 on several rides without issue, but I never tried to take it on Space Mountain. I just hand-held my camera for that ride.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I take my Lowepro Faspack 200 into the parks and have ridden almost every ride in WDW. The only ride you can't take it on will be Soarin. You can leave the bag on the floor and pick it up after the ride. For rides like Space Mountain and Rock n Roller Coaster, I slip my leg through one of the straps and pin it to the floor with my leg. Never had a problem. I also might mention that while the bag is on the floor, the camera is in my hand.

 

[mcraige]

I carry my LowerPro SlingShot 100AW on all of the rides without issue. Put it in the floor, put my leg thru the strap, and I'm good to go.

 

[AndrewWG]

I take my full sized backpack on just about everything. Sometimes it is a bit bulky but it works just fine for the most part.

 

[2Tiggies]

I carry my LowerPro SlingShot 100AW on all of the rides without issue. Put it in the floor, put my leg thru the strap, and I'm good to go.

This is what I do with mine. Space Mountain is actually one of the easiest to secure the bag on because it has a T-bar type restraint so you get in first, hook the straps one on either side of the lap bar and pull it down.


Space Mountain by 2Tiggies, on Flickr

As for the others, I've never felt the bag is insecure except for BTMR at times but mostly because you slide around the seat a lot in that one, but with a leg hooked in through the loops it's not going to fall out.