Tripod Question

[Gianna'sPapa]

After 14 years, we are heading back to Disney World for a quick 5-day trip. What are the latest rules on tripods at the parks? I would like to shoot some fireworks and possibly get some night shots.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Per the Disney website:

• Selfie sticks, hand-held extension poles for cameras or mobile devices, flags and banners are not allowed in any theme park or water park.
• Tripods or monopod stands that cannot fit inside a standard backpack or that extend over 6’ (182 cm) are not allowed in theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, or ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

My plan was to sling this and carry it through the park. Do you see any issues with my plan?

 

[KVH]

From several experiences I've had over the last 5-6 years, I think it will depend on the attitude that day of whatever screening guard you end up with. Consistency is definitely not their strong point. I'd say your chances are 50-50.

 

[Scottwdw]

When I bring a tripod to a park, I rent a large locker to put it and any extra photo equipment for the day. I come back later to get it. No need to keep it with you throughout the day that way.

 

[jec6613]

My plan was to sling this and carry it through the park. Do you see any issues with my plan?

That's a pretty hefty tripod, about as big as my Gitzo GT2545T that I use with 70-200 lenses. Yes, I'd suspect that would give you trouble coming in - not least of which because the maximum possible extension is about 75", so over 6' (height x 1.15 gives approximate maximum leg extension), assuming that's the Vanguard VEO 3 GO 265HCB with included ball head.

You want fireworks and night shots: what sort of camera and lens do you have? Both for weight concerns, but, also many of them have techniques for doing those sort of things hand-held or with minimal support.

For what it's worth, if I bring a tripod into the parks at all it's usually a Joby Gorillapod 5K or tabletop tripod that doubles as a pistol grip - I don't need the ultimate stability of my Really Right Stuff, and there are plenty of places to rest the camera on that aren't the ground where people will trip over the legs.