Using a Camera Tripod in the Parks - Security Questions??

[Bill From PA]

I have a tripod for my video camera, 21 inches when collapsed, it extends to 5 feet or so in total height at which time the legs form a triangle of 36 inches. This last figure would be less as I lower the height. I'd like to use this to capture parades and shows in WDW while enjoying the attraction myself. I figure that for parades our group of 4 adults and 2 kiddies in a stroller would surround the legs of the 'pod, the stroller fitting underneath so no innocent party could trip over it and we'd take up no more space than we would with out it. My questions are, is this something security prohibits at the gate? Anyone here do this as I described? How about using one for shows where taping is allowed? Any suggestions and advice would be appreciated.

Bill From PA

 

[Vavasmon]

In Dec we were near a family at the MK using a similar tripod for the parade. I agree that you need to "surround" it - a small child accidently walked under theirs. I don't know about the offical rules for shows etc.

 

[dbenlee]

I have seen several people in the parks using tripods and have read several post on these boards of people stating that use tripods so I don't think there is a problem with that. I agree that caution should be taken so no one trips over the tripod. Something I am going to try this year is a monopod. I used it at Sea World San Antonio in October with great success. I had a fairly stable platform for my video camera without being in the way of others.

 

[minniedisney1]

We took our with us 12/05. It collapses to about 10-12 inches. Security had no problem with it. We used it for the MVMCP parade and had no problems. It will go up to 60 inches, but we did not need it nearly that high. A lot of the characters & such came right up & looked into the camera & made faces or just a silly comment. It was great! If you are worried about getting thru the security gates, you could put the tripod in the basket of the stroller & either leave it or cover it up. **No flames about covering it please** Have a great trip!!!

 

[Schmeck]

For taping at shows, you'll have to be in the way back of the seats - no one is going to appreciate a tripod in front of them. Don't know which shows will let you stand in the back for the show, maybe some of the outside ones?

 

[tmt martins]

I used my small (8 in.) during our trips it has a strap and the legs are angled to strap to a pole for stability.During th shows and parade I just find a spot with a railing or sit it on a trash can with the legs out.As long as your not impeading a walkway they will not bother you.

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

You will have no problem , my 18 yr son is an aspiring photographer and brought his in, we were there 8 days and went into 2 parks a day, not once was it even given a second notice by security. I put the word security in parentheses because I'm sorry, taking a pencil or whatever they are holding and simply poking around the bags without really looking is not security to me. IN the last years of going since they installed the security kiosks, I have only seen 2 security people actually LOOK through the bags deeply. I also question why don't they look at the person? People could carry all kinds of things on their body, but I'm getting off on a tangent,haha.....You will be fine, and the tripod helped my son take incredible pics, esp of the Wishes Holiday fireworks! Have an awesome trip!

 

[Robo]

Just got back from 11 days at WDW.

Took my video tripod into all the parks and used it every single day.
I bought a very inexpensive ($20) one just for the trip. Its 5 feet tall when extended, about 20" when collapsed.
Its not at all good for PRO work (too "wiggly"), but (if I don't "handle" it too much during the shoot) it WILL hold the camera STEADY.

It fit into my back-pack and went through security at all the parks many, MANY times (park-hopped every day).

A couple of times the guards commented positively about using it to get great pictures.

I used this tripod in ALL the stage shows and parades.
I'm a professional videographer and know HOW to NOT get in people's line-of-sight.
I also staked-out my chosen positions very carefully and early and STOOD THERE (or SAT THERE) to hold my spot to assure the best and least-problematic shooting.

I'm six feet tall so, when seated, I only extend the camera to just UNDER the HEIGHT of my own head. If people can see around/over ME, they can see over my tripod and camera. (Most folks don't even know I am using a tripod unless they are right beside me.)

I have some spectacular footage of the shows, parades, and fireworks!

As to using a MONOPOD:
When I want to move the camera from place-to-place quickly, and don't need the 3 legs... I still use the same TRIPOD, but only extend ONE of the legs.
Instant monopod OR tripod in one unit.
I used this method while walking the two "animal trails" in DAK.
Got steadier shots (compared to hand-held) when supporting the camera on a single leg, but could move "instantly" without setup or tear-down time.

 

[Bill From PA]

Thanks, everyone, I'm looking forward to actually being 'in the moment' more now that I'll be able to set up the camera and forget it.

Bill From PA