Is it worth it to take a video camera into the parks?

[TruBlu]

This is our first visit. We were thinking of buying one of the small digital video cameras for the trip. Would it be worth it? Would it be better to just take a camera?

 

[Todd&Copper]

If you want to tape one of the parades/shows, it can be worth it. I am not a parade person, so I won't be bringing mine. You might get some good footage of the animals at AK as well. You might want to just bring the video camera for part of the day. A lot of them are quite small/lightweight now, nothing like the monster we took back in the 80's.

 

[Micca]

With the kids, I'd say yes, get a video camera

 

[babiesX2]

Our digital camera is also a video camera. Maybe get one like that.

 

[jwfla422]

Our digital camera is also a video camera. Maybe get one like that.

Yes, good recommendation. After many mother/daughter trips I decided to go that route because I got tired of juggling the camcorder in one hand and the camera in the other. I'd always end up missing some great video moment when I didn't bring my camcorder so I FINALLY went and got a digital camcorder with a 2.3 mgp still picture recording. Although it's not a high resolution camera it takes decent photos and makes it much easier to go back and forth! And, the battery lasts much longer than the other 2 together!

 

[orljustin]

If this is your first time, I would recommend using it sparingly, capturing things like character greetings. You should be able to experience things through your own eyes, the first time. Next time you can tape the rides and everything else.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

We only bring ours at night when we don't plan on doing a lot of rides. lugging it around all day and having to carry it on rides is a PITA!

 

[DisneyElf]

I'm one of those that lugged the big camcorders around - but now have a smaller one. My digital camcorder - weighs about 1 lb 6 oz with battery and fits into the WDW camcorder waist bag So bringing it to the parks is not an issue. I usually throw an extra battery into my backpack (I always travel with my ponchos for the rainstorms).

I will say I don't use it everyday -- but have it when I need it. It is also a digital still camera - 3.1 megapixels.

 

[munchkin bunchkin]

I never leave home without it! Especially on vacations - What better way to pass away time on a cold rainy /snowy day then help the kids and myself for that matter to re live the memories( except to go back)

 

[Bev J]

We take ours along some days but tend to take more photos than video.
But since this is your first trip then take it along, we still watch video from our first trip with our kids taken in the 80's when the camcorders were HUGE!!
Thankfully now they are about palm size and take photos too...
After a few trips we started just taking it along in the morning to what ever park we went to. Then one evening for fireworks at Epcot and MK.

We take a gallon size ziploc bag along for those downpours to protect the camera's.

Have a great trip, hope you get some great video of those precious memories..

Bev

Sept 30-Oct 6..Wilderness Lodge

 

[Star Wars Guy]

I offer this advice, if you want to take still pictures and print them off so that the quality looks just as good as a 35mm, don't use your camcorder for that, use your digital camera. Both my digital camera and dv camcorder are so small and light weight (and both fit into a very small bag) work great and I can use both at the same time if needed - tho I usually use the camcorder and the wife uses the camera. That also gives you a different perspective on things when you look at your pictures & video!

 

[CanadianGuy]

Way back in 1995 when I had a 10 day trip to the World... I rented one of the GIANT VHS cameras they used to rent in the parks.

We only kept it for half a day or so cause it was so cumbersome to carry around.. but I will say that, I still go back and look at that tape.. very fond memories. It was worth making the tape.

J

 

[STEAMBOAT209]

I also recommend taking a video camera, capture the magic and take it home. The young ones can watch their favorite moments at home while wating for the next trip. Great for play with the kids, remember when we were in Disney......We'll watch our videos on Sat mornings just to keep that Disney Magic happening while we plan the next trip.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

That depends on what you want it for. If you want it to tape the parades and shows, I actually recommend buying All of WDW on DVD, which is what I did. It's an 18 disc set of virtually everything in WDW, with walk and ride troughs, and the shows.

 

[poutytink]

Where do you get that DVD "All of WDW"? And how much does it cost?

 

[AStamm]

You definitely should get one and videotape. We bought our first camera just before our 1st trip back in 2004 and love watching that video. One of our traditions now is to watch a WDW vacation video each weekend prior to leaving for a Disney trip--it really gets us excited to go.

 

[Ride Junkie]

I say yes! Disney vacation videos are so much fun to watch. My favorite thing to do is video while on the rides, esp. rides like BTMRR and CA Screamin' (at DCA). So, if you don't mind not holding on while on the rides, record a few -- when you watch them again, it almost feels like you're back on the ride! For me, that's bringing home the magic.

 

[7onbuzz]

Definately get a video camera. Almost all decent small digital video cameras have a still photo option. We tape rides, some shows and the scenery as we're wandering around the parks. I also like to tape the DW while we're out and about to catch her reaction to things. It drives her crazy sometimes.

 

[LUVMICKEY]

I say yes to the video camera. We are real camera buffs but there was a time when we weren't and we still had our video and still cameras with us everyday and we are so glad we did. When we watch them now it brings back so many magical memories. And we still do watch them along with others and the most recent ones. We love watching them from time to time while we are waiting for our next trip.

Michele

 

[PA Princess]

I have to say a begrudging yes to taking the video camera. Dh and I always went back and forth on whether to bother, but we all love to watch those videos. Last trip we used our new dvd recorder...so light, so easy...and we captured some priceless memories. And just in case you think it is all kid stuff, nope! We have great video of dh dancing with Belle at the Norway breakfast with a big ole grin on his face and then there is the priceless video of me knocking over a whole table at the GF Princess tea Party - man, how I wish we could erase that but my kids just laugh and laugh every time they watch it