Taking good pics of kids on Dumbo and Tea Cups?

[WendyWhy]

Excited to go with DH and our 1 yo DD and 5yo DS for the first time with the kids right before Thanksgiving. Already trying to figure out best way to take pics of the kids on these two classic rides. We are lucky enough to travel with our friends (also a couple with two young kids). Does any one have suggestions to get a great shot on these two rides?

 

[starshine514]

For dumbo, I don't have any suggestions other than posing in the exterior car beside the ride (they have one of these for the teacups, too). For the teacups, sit across for the kids, focus and snap, snap, snap! I got the cutest picts of my kids and my friend's kids giggling their little heads off on Francis' lady bug boogies (ride similar to the teacups at DCA).

 

[FlameGirl]

Do you have a P&S?

For the teacups I like to steady my camera on the rail and fire away (keeping the camera very still). For Dumbo it's fun to ride in front of your kid and focus on their face. You'll want to keep the camera still here too. Especially if it's dark.

 

[brettandlyndi]

I can't speak to the teacups, but as far as Dumbo, my DW got some great pics of me and my DD4 by hanging out to the left of the ride, on a little platform area that has some tables and chairs. This was a year ago, so not sure if that is still there, but if it is, great way to get pics.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

If you ask, the CM at Dumbo will take a picture of you in the Dumbo car before the ride starts. I have them do this every time we ride it and I have got some really good shots.

As for the teacups, you can do the same thing but I usually have my daughter do the turning while I take pictures of her while riding. Rather than try to set up the perfect shot I just start hitting the shutter over and over again (make sure your wrist strap is tight before doing this). By the time the ride is over I have 20+ shots to go through and there is usually one or two shots that are really good.

And as a PP said, they have the stationary cars to the side of the ride that you can use to get a picture.

 

[skiingfast]

Do you have a P&S?

For the teacups I like to steady my camera on the rail and fire away (keeping the camera very still). For Dumbo it's fun to ride in front of your kid and focus on their face. You'll want to keep the camera still here too. Especially if it's dark.

This is what I would do too. I find the trick in Dumbo is to get the kids to fly as high as they can so they aren't going up and down while trying to shoot. I have a great shot of DS with Donald from doing this.

For the Tea Party great pictures can be had if you are sitting across from them in the teacup(if you can take the spinning).

The other suggestion to take picture in the static Ride Vehicle which is outside the attraction, is a good one too, afterall, that's why it's there.

 

[WendyWhy]

Thanks for all the advice - I appreciate it!

Does anyone happen to know if I can ride Dumbo with DS5 and have DD1 on my lap? I am slim...Thanks!

 

[aliceindisneyland]

For Dumbo, I sit in the Dumbo car ahead of the kids and turn around to get closer shots. For teacups, I sit in the teacup with the kids, lean back, and shoot on "sport continuous" on my camera -- whatever setting takes the most shots in a row.
Yes, you can ride Dumbo with one kid beside you and one on a lap, and if you're slim you can also fit with both kids beside you (though you may not be allowed to sit in the middle of them as they want the little ones on the inside.) I did not know this until our last visit when my 4 yr old wanted to ride with both my husband and me -- it was a tight squeeze until the cast member told us she could ride on one of our laps.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

Thanks for all the advice - I appreciate it!

Does anyone happen to know if I can ride Dumbo with DS5 and have DD1 on my lap? I am slim...Thanks!

When I was 26 I rode dumbo with a 15 year old and a 6 year old (and I am not slim ). You should be fine.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

You can also try panning. Easier with a DSLR but P&S should work also, assuming you can click half way down on the shutter to focus. It does take some practice to get good at this, but the results are often outstanding.

Stake out a spot where you want to get the shot. Start with camera and body at about a 1/4 body twist away from you looking straight forward. As you are twisted, get shot in viewfinder and focus. Follow (pan) the shot and when you are straightened out take the shot.

Think of watching a tennis ball go over the net, just follow it with your body instead of your eyes. Take picture as ball is right over net. If you can open the aperture up, you can get a softer background and hopefully get a pretty dramatic shot.

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

I couple of years ago I was snapping away on the teacups and got one that I liked (i.e. it was not too posed, my kids were fairly clear and the background was fuzzy/spinning)....since we go in Nov/Dec I used it on my Christmas cards. At the time I had a not-so-good point and shoot camera. I have never had any luck with Dumbo though. I'll have to try some of the tips mentioned here....

 

[WendyWhy]

I couple of years ago I was snapping away on the teacups and got one that I liked (i.e. it was fairly clear and not too posed)....since we go in Nov/Dec I used it on my Christmas cards. At the time I had a not-so-good point and shoot camera. I have never had any luck with Dumbo though. I'll have to try some of the tips mentioned here....

Whoa! What a great shot! That is what I am talking about! I would be thrilled with a pic of my kiddos like that! With my luck - my DS will be scowling and my DD will be screaming. Still, good times!

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

This is my favorite teacup shot. I was able to get this with a cheap point and shoot so I don't think a fancy camera is really necessary.