Why can't we bring cameras into tours?

[ChisJo]

I was seriously thinking about doing one of the behind the scenes tours, and actually had the Safari tour booked. I ended up cancelling because it really bothered me that we were not allowed to use a camera during the tour. I don't want to photograph backstage, or perhaps something I shouldn't be, but I really was thinking about the Hidden Treasures tour, and got to thinking - you get full access to WS for 2 hours before others arrive, pay $55, and yet not able to take photos? I am confused as to this policy. I would think if I still need to pay for admission and additionally need to pay for the tour, I could at least take some pictures of WS when there is no one present.
Why is this policy is effect, does anybody know?

 

[LibertyBelle]

The policy is that there are no cameras allowed on the tours because they go into backstage areas...

Now, with that said, it totally depends on the tour guide. For example on the Magic Behind the Steam Trains tour (which by the way I am a tour guide for), when you book the tour they will tell you no cameras allowed (as it is the standard speil) but we welcome cameras on our tour (even have a special camera moment). We just ask that in our roundhouse facility there are no photos allowed because it is technically a backstage area.

Good rule of thumb is this, if you want to bring the camera then bring it... Anywhere that you "could" take a picture as a regular guest in the park feel free to. When you are in an area that you would not normally have access to then put the camera away. The tour guides will usually make a comment to remind you that they are entering a backstage area and cameras are no longer allowed.

 

[miste76]

I just came back from the backstage magic tour... I had left my camera in the car but when I got there, the tour guide let me run back and get it. No pictures were allowed backstage and we were reminded of this everytime we went anywhere behind the scenes.
The world showcase is closed until 11am as you already know and it's considered a backstage area (even though later in the day it's onstage) because there are a lot of workers fixing/painting the buildings and trimming the greens during this time. Hope this info helps... the tours really are worth it, even without the pics!!!

 

[WDSearcher]

The policy is there because even when people say, "I don't want to take any pictures of backstage areas," lots of them do. And so the blanket policy is that there won't be any cameras allowed. However, as you've read, many of the tours will allow cameras, although I've personally taken cameras away from guests who were having trouble minding the "no backstage photos" policy! (We'd take them away as the guests walked backstage, and would then return them after the entire party was safely onstage.) One particular woman was so "trigger happy" that we ended up taking the film. Disney processed all the photos for her, kept the negatives and photos of backstage areas, and sent her the rest.

The general rule of thumb is ... if you want to take pictures, ask. And if the Tour Guide says "no", then respect that. But to not take the tour simply because you can't have pictures seems to be a little drastic! Then again, if all you REALLY want is a picture of World Showcase with no one else there, just book a Princess Breakfast at Norway and arrive early. You'll be sharing the park with a few dozen people, and will be able to get all the photos you want of an empty World Showcase.