MK before opening photos

[lovemygsp]

Hi all,
I booked ADR at the crystal palace before opening with the intention of doing some photos on Main Street without people. I'm now reading that this isn't possible anymore due to how busy be our guest is? Has anyone had recent experiences with this? I'm a photographer and my plan was to bring my big guns only to the parks on this day then put the camera away for the rest of the trip.
I don't want to waste my time or drag all my gear in if it isn't a possibility. Our reservations were for 8:00 am on Super Bowl Sunday. Anyone have any input//experiences? Thanks for the help!

 

[loves to dive]

It's not going to be completely empty. If you get there early enough and are the very first person in line when they let you in and walk really fast, you might beat the rest of the people going early by about 2 min. You could possibly get a decent shot but I doubt totally empty.

 

[mom2rtk]

If I was doing this now, I would shoot for an 8:30 ADR time so you could let the initial crush of people clear through before you take your photos.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

People will literally run just to get those photos. I enjoy the leisurely stroll down Main Street.

 

[Accident]

I've been first in and wasn't alone. there is always a handful of people who are clueless they are blocking you.. but some of them get it if you run in and photobomb them so they realize they are in front of everyone else.

 

[lovemygsp]

Well this is depressing. This is our first trip in 5 yrs. before that we went almost every month as I lived in WPB.

I'm getting pretty apprehensive about this trip now. I'm not a fan of all these "new" changes.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

My strong advice is to actually do the opposite of what you may think. Don't try to be first. Instead, try to be last! You'll never be able to beat the first people in enough to get a good shot - but you can certainly give them all their 5 minutes of fame and then they'll be gone for the most part.

What I mean by this is to definitely be in line when they let you in (usually happens around 7:40-7:45ish), but let the initial crowd make their way down Main Street and clear out.

You will still never get a completely clear shot - that's really hard to do - but it's much less.

We did this 11/27 and have our most crowd-less photos yet.]

ETA to add we are not professional photographers, just grabbing quick family iphone shots!

 

[scrapquitler]

My experience, the best way to get the Main Street pictures with the least people is to do them at the very end of the night, like after the kiss goodnight.

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

The only way I have gotten a picture of Main Street with no one on it is when I did the Steam Train tour. I planned it for a day with no EMH. We were allowed into the park 20 minutes early. There was no one on Main Street, and we were only allowed to take pictures if there were no CM's or vehicles on Main Street. That was cool doing the tour, because we also got to watch the Welcome Show from the other side of the train station. The only problem is, the railroad will be closed while you are there.

 

[gap2368]

My strong advice is to actually do the opposite of what you may think. Don't try to be first. Instead, try to be last! You'll never be able to beat the first people in enough to get a good shot - but you can certainly give them all their 5 minutes of fame and then they'll be gone for the most part.

What I mean by this is to definitely be in line when they let you in (usually happens around 7:40-7:45ish), but let the initial crowd make their way down Main Street and clear out.

You will still never get a completely clear shot - that's really hard to do - but it's much less.

We did this 11/27 and have our most crowd-less photos yet.

this is what I would do too

but Disney sometimes frowns on professional crammers. I Having heard of people being stoped and having people hire up having to ok them bring in there cameras ( not sure what you have if this would fall under this or not) but I think the main resion they stop people is to make sure they are not trying to get money buy making a movie or what not.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/parks/restricted-personal-items/

Professional Photography and Recording Equipment

Professional photographers with professional cameras or recording equipment, who are visiting Walt Disney World Resort with the intent to take photographs or recordings of people, Walt Disney World Resort properties or icons for professional purposes must make prior arrangements with Walt Disney World Resort Media Relations.

 

[Amelia :)]

I managed to get get fantastic (almost) empty castle photos during my Crystal Palace PPO. When they first let us in at 7.45, there were lots of people milling about so no chance. However after we had eaten breakfast at around 8.35 we got some awesome photos just before the rest of the crowds were let in. So if you can finish your breakfast quick enough, try and get some between 8.30 and 8.45.

 

[MCoryB]

I recommend finding a perfect photo spot and taking several photos from the exact same viewpoint over the course of several seconds or minutes. You can then pull all of the photos into a single Photoshop document (one pic per layer) and erase the necessary portions until you result in a person-free composite. This works best when people are walking around, so getting the PhotoPass spots in your shot will make it more difficult as people stand still in lines for several minutes.

 

[::Snow_White::]

There are going to be minimum people on Main Street for ADRs like that, but it won't be completely empty. And if it is, photopass is always there. Also be aware that sometimes they'll open the park a little early, like 7:55 for an 8am, it just depends on the day. Not sure the opening time of your day. If you're looking for minimum people you'll be fine, it's pretty sparse that early but won't be completely empty.

They also won't stop and ask you about your photography. People are making videos on pro cameras all the time, multiple times families will bring their own tripods and take the family pictures themselves. It only happens when it's clear that there is two subjects and one or more professional photographers and are charging for the session. It's easy to spot a difference and if they do they'll just ask you about it. You'll be fine.