Segway Tour Photos

[MickeyWanaBe]

Has anyone taken the Around the World Segway Tour at Epcot? I booked the tour for DH for his birthday. We are both really excited about it! Does anyone have any photos or advice?

I was thinking about taking my XTi, but I am not sure it would be the best decision. The only time I would be able to use it would be during the free time they give us and I don't think it would be worth it. I will however take my P&S along. What's are you feeling on taking the DSLR on the tour?

I have also seen some videos people have shot during the tour on youtube. DH says he wants to video some of it. For those of you that have taken the tour is that allowed or frowned upon? I tried talking DH into a helmet cam, but he doesn't like that idea.

I hope somebody here has taken the tour and can give me an idea of how photographing the tour will work. We will for the most part be enjoying the tour, but would like to capture it in photo and video so we can remember and relive it for years to come.

Is there a better place to post this? I think the Dis needs a WDW Tours board for descriptions and reviews. Is there such a place that I just cannot find?

Sorry so many questions. TIA

 

[GrillMouster]

Our guide told us that for safety reasons, we were not allowed to take pictures while on the Segway, and we weren't allowed to leave the camera hanging on its strap from our necks. I kept my DSLR in the zip-up compartment in the front of the Segway, and took it out during our breaks. During the main break halfway through the World Showcase, I was able to take pictures of my wife on the Segway she took some of me, and our guide took some of both of us on our Segways in different poses (holding hands, etc). Another group who did not have their camera asked me to take their picture and email it to them. I'd say that it's worth bringing the DSLR, even if you can't take photos during the entire tour.

 

[MickeyWanaBe]

Our guide told us that for safety reasons, we were not allowed to take pictures while on the Segway, and we weren't allowed to leave the camera hanging on its strap from our necks. I kept my DSLR in the zip-up compartment in the front of the Segway, and took it out during our breaks. During the main break halfway through the World Showcase, I was able to take pictures of my wife on the Segway she took some of me, and our guide took some of both of us on our Segways in different poses (holding hands, etc). Another group who did not have their camera asked me to take their picture and email it to them. I'd say that it's worth bringing the DSLR, even if you can't take photos during the entire tour.

Thanks for your response.

So are they real strict about the no picture taking while on the Segway?

Just wondering how this person got these shots...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OCaeyZaN2o&feature=related

 

[Michele]

We have done the Around the World tour twice, in Sept 2007 and Feb 2008. Both times the group stopped in Italy for a few minutes(5-10) for 'free' time on the Segways. You could get off of your Segway and take pictures, or the guide would take a group picture if you wanted them to. But while you are just riding around on the Segways you can't carry your camera and take pictures. You have to stow it in the case on the front. There are a couple of other short times when you could grab a quick pic, bathroom stop and right before you head out of Innoventions. But you have to be off of your Segway. Here's a few

Sept 2007

Feb 2008

 

[Michele]

Just went and viewed some of the video. I'm guessing they cheated (hid their camera) to get most of those, although the ones in the 'clasroom' area look like they were off of the Segway, you could get those.

 

[Alacrity]

From my tour. It's fun to go around WS with no one in the way for pics!

(I'm in the red shirt on the left!)

 

[MickeyWanaBe]

Thanks so much for your replies and the pictures! We can't wait!

I guess I am going to have to talk DH into a helmet cam if we want shots during the tour outside of free time.

One more question. What do you do with personal items like a purse or backpack. They might fit in the case on the front, but would we be able to carry a small backpack with video camera in it hooked to a helmet cam? The backpack is small and the size of one of those hydration backpacks.

Thanks again for all your help!

Anyone have more pictures?

 

[MickeyWanaBe]

You could get off of your Segway and take pictures.

I thought of another question...
Can you just step off the Segway to take a picture? Will it stand there by itself or do you have to find a place to prop it up each time?

Thanks again!

 

[Michele]

I thought of another question...
Can you just step off the Segway to take a picture? Will it stand there by itself or do you have to find a place to prop it up each time?

Thanks again!

You have to prop it against something.

 

[GrillMouster]

The tour moves a little too fast to safely get off the Segway and take a pictures. My advice is to just enjoy the tour, and take pictures only during the restroom break at Innoventions and the main break in the Italy pavilion.

 

[Alacrity]

On the other hand, on my tours there have been periods where we had come to a stop while the guide points out features of the area. During these times I was able to squeeze off a few shots. I do think it would be bad (not to mention difficult to get something worthwhile) to try to take pictures while you were moving. I don't think the segways are that stable. If your camera is somewhere handy, I found time to take one or two pics from time to time while stopped, whithout stepping off the segway...after getting used to the thing of course! It's certainly up to your guides but mine didn't seem have an issue.

 

[MickeyWanaBe]

On the other hand, on my tours there have been periods where we had come to a stop while the guide points out features of the area. During these times I was able to squeeze off a few shots. I do think it would be bad (not to mention difficult to get something worthwhile) to try to take pictures while you were moving. I don't think the segways are that stable. If your camera is somewhere handy, I found time to take one or two pics from time to time while stopped, whithout stepping off the segway...after getting used to the thing of course! It's certainly up to your guides but mine didn't seem have an issue.

Thanks again! That is what I was wondering. I saw in your pictures it looked like one of the places where they stop and I was wondering if I was going to have to get off and find a place to park the Segway. I didn't want to miss any of the information! I wasn't planning on trying to do it while moving.

Don't want this to happen... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjZBey050VE&feature=related

 

[MickeyWanaBe]

DH agreed to it and I ordered the helmet cam today! I can't wait!