Hmm, never thought of this. Now I'm wondering if I need some sort of tarp to put round the tripod so they can't get in - like a tens without a zipper .....
I've never had a kid try to sit
under my tripod, though it wouldn't shock me too much if they did. The problem I've experienced most often is a child sitting very close to the legs. Children move around a lot, and if their feet are near the legs you may have them kick the feet, which will, at minimum, ruin any shot you might happen to be taking at the time. Another issue is that you'll be in the dark. In most cases, people do tend to stay in one place once the show begins or shortly thereafter, but you'll want to be on your guard against people tripping over the legs. It will mess you up, but they could also be injured. And if too much of that happens, Disney might decide to prohibit tripod use in the parks, which would make us
all sad.
What I do is use "natural" cover -- a railing, trash can or any other item or feature that blocks the way of pedestrians will naturally divert them away. At best, though, you're going to reduce the threat, as there will likely still be some directions open to someone walking. I will usually spread my feet apart enough that I cover the width of the legs on the ground with my body, which people are more likely to notice. Some sort of light under the tripod (dim and directed down, like those Photopass photographers use) or on the legs might help as well, but remember that a significant number of people walk while looking in a direction other than that in which they're traveling -- there are a lot of things to look at and distract even a relatively careful person. You could have a neon sign on all sides and it still won't prevent all possible collisions. And children run when they shouldn't and aren't generally as careful as adults. So your final line of defense is vigilance. As much as possible, especially just before and just after the show, be as aware as possible of others coming into and moving through your vicinity. Keeping a grip on the camera strap (but with some slack in the strap itself) can avert damage if the tripod takes a hit. And if people with children are close near the beginning of the show, I sometimes tell them that I'm going to have the tripod set up and that I wanted them to know so the kids don't trip and hurt themselves (and my equipment, but I don't mention that part). Sometimes they'll rein in the kid or move them out of reach, and sometimes they won't, but it's worth a shot if you're nice about it and keep it about
their safety and enjoyment.
The worst problem I've experienced in probably 25 times shooting during Wishes is a kid's feet bumping the tripod during a shot. I've bumped the thing myself more often than anyone else. But anything
could happen, so use due care.
SSB
With everything else I have to drag along, I don't want to take my full size tripod but I'd like to try a table top.
