Question re cameras in Disney

[knud]

Hi everyone,

I apologize in advance if this question is in the wrong sub-forum, but I need advice with regard to camera gear in Disney World, so I figured this was the place.

My family has been to Disney World a number of times, and I just take a cheap digital camera that fits nicely in my pocket. This September, however, we are taking my father-in-law for the first time. He is a hobbyist/amateur photographer, and wants to bring some of his equipment with him.

Since I don't have any experience with this sort of thing, I just have a few questions:

1. Are there any limitations on what type of camera equipment you are allowed to bring into the parks?

2. What do you do with your stuff if your camera bag is too bulky to fit in the ride vehicle on some of the more thrilling or space limited attractions?

Thanks in advance for any information or advice you might have.

 

[zackiedawg]

1. Are there any limitations on what type of camera equipment you are allowed to bring into the parks?

No - there is no rule on any particular size, amount, or type of lenses, cameras, or equipment you can bring in. The only rules would pertain to professional photographers taking photos that might be used for profit or sale, which would be forbidden - usually, a very high level of equipment and a lot of time staking out shots will at most get you questioned by Disney security or staff, just trying to suss out if you might be taking photos professionally. Mostly though, there's not much they can do if you are just shooting personally, even with the most serious of cameras and lenses.

2. What do you do with your stuff if your camera bag is too bulky to fit in the ride vehicle on some of the more thrilling or space limited attractions?

Two options if you can't get the gear onboard with you: 1. Have a relative or friend hold it for you while you ride...or rent a locker at the park, so you can at some point store the bag, or some contents, in the locker, allowing you to go ride the rides for a bit, then come back and retrieve the gear for shooting. I have put long telephoto lenses and tripods in lockers before so I could travel a little lighter with family or going on rides, but still be able to go get my gear when I'm ready to take a little photography time.

 

[Groucho]

Disney Security is pretty used to seeing some pretty serious camera equipment, including tripods and such, and generally leave you alone. The most you're likely to get is maybe some guests might hand you a Photopass card if you set up a tripod! (Thinking that you're a Photopass photographer.)

You'd be surprised what you can carry on the rides. Disney is generally pretty forgiving in this regard; I'm sure it helps that you rarely disembark near where you board the ride vehicles, so you usually can't just set something to the side and pick it up when done. Last trip, I was able to ride Space Mountain with a 2' long tripod jammed down by my leg! (I did keep my hand on it, and I think I had a strap around it as well.) Backpacks and camera bags go on most of the rides without any issues.

 

[knud]

Thanks for the responses. I was worried that he would get held up at bag check or cause complications at ride loading, but it seems I was worrying for nothing.

Thanks again.