[Question] What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

[pianoman13]

I'm working on a video project to submit for a local film festival, and I'm just curious about what kind of video camera's they would allow past security. The camera I have in mind of bringing is a big panasonic. It's the kind that I'd have to carry in a duffle bag, so I figure that it would be a problem. But who do I get permission from, and even better, how would I get permission? It's basically just one shot I want of the outside of the main street opera house. If anyone knows the policy and could tell me, It would be much appreciated, thanks.

[Dan - Tasmic!]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

I assmue the regular camers for home videos, not the big huge ones for TV productions.

If you wanted to get permission, I'd say you have to go through the PR department.

[pianoman13]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

^Yeah, I figured, but it's not as if I'm doing it for a company, I just happen to have access to a nice camera.

I found it on the FAQ's page on the official site...

I don't need a tripod or a fancy microphone... and I'm not a reporter. I'm 16 years old! Goodness.

[BasilofBakerStreet]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

You cannot bring a professional video cameras into the park. Disney considers a professional video camera one that sits on your shoulder.

I called guest services once because I own a Canon XL2 and once after a whole day of shooting at Universal I was asked to turn off my camera because it was not allowed in the park (this was 5 minutes before the park closed no one else said anything to me all day). When I explained that to the guest service rep he went to check with his manager and said any camera that rests on his shoulder is not allowed in the park, but I could bring in any hand held camera. The only problem my hand held is very out dated and wanted a camera with better quality like the XL2. I have seen people in the park with pro-consumer hand held cameras that do not rest on the shoulder though.

I was talking to a videographer at DL that did a lot of work at WDW and he said you could get a press pass and it would allow the camera into the park, but a CM would have to follow you around.

Hope that helps! What film fest are submitting too?

[BoogaFrito]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

Just look unprofessional, and they probably won't harass you...

[ChessurInWonderland]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

I know bag check is really alert and careful about letting large cameras through when celebritites are there, because they're often paparazzi trying to sneak in. I know large, proffesional cameras for video aren't allowed either, only home video cameras.

(I have a family member who works bag check)

[k_peek_2000]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

I've brought large camera's into the park, (i.e. DVX-100b and HPX-170), and I just put duct tape and rags on them to make them look alot less nice and never got in peoples ways, so far havn't had a problem. As far as tripods go it depends on the camera, the bigger the camera, the bigger the tripod, at least if you want smooth pans.

[maelstrom]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

Disney considers a professional video camera one that sits on your shoulder.

What happens if you're just really behind the times and your camcorder happens to have been born in 1985?

[OC2Epcot]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

I called guest services once because I own a Canon XL2 and once after a whole day of shooting at Universal I was asked to turn off my camera because it was not allowed in the park (this was 5 minutes before the park closed no one else said anything to me all day). When I explained that to the guest service rep he went to check with his manager and said any camera that rests on his shoulder is not allowed in the park, but I could bring in any hand held camera. The only problem my hand held is very out dated and wanted a camera with better quality like the XL2. I have seen people in the park with pro-consumer hand held cameras that do not rest on the shoulder though.

Many years ago I had my Canon L1 at the park, the older Hi8 version on the XL2. Though I did not have any kind of shoulder mount on it. I shot all day at the park on several rides and nobody said anything to me. I have not shot any video in the park for quite a while. I have a Sony PD150 DVCAM that does not sit on the shoulder unless you have a special mount attached. I've never taken it to any of the parks because I thought they probably wouldn't allow it. I was told to leave the front of the Chinese theater in Hollywood when using that camera ... They told me no professional cameras were allowed, but I could shoot from the sidewalk.

[Sir.Mouse]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

I have seen people in the park with pro-consumer hand held cameras that do not rest on the shoulder though.

I was talking to a videographer at DL that did a lot of work at WDW and he said you could get a press pass and it would allow the camera into the park, but a CM would have to follow you around.

pro-consumer are generally allowed into the park, the only problem is when a cast member who is not privy to the official rules stops you on the assumption that you are breaking the rules. A press pass sounds like a good idea especially if you have a CM follow you around. That would be like having your own Disney production assistant.

[wanderw1]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

i've seen people bring in the panasonic x100 series into the park before. however if you are doing the same scene over and over again i would go somewhere not right by the front gate. there are nooks over in New Orleans Square with similar looks you may be a bit better off. also if you can take it out of the big camera bag and run light you will raise less suspicion. GOOD LUCK!

[pianoman13]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

You cannot bring a professional video cameras into the park. Disney considers a professional video camera one that sits on your shoulder.

I called guest services once because I own a Canon XL2 and once after a whole day of shooting at Universal I was asked to turn off my camera because it was not allowed in the park (this was 5 minutes before the park closed no one else said anything to me all day). When I explained that to the guest service rep he went to check with his manager and said any camera that rests on his shoulder is not allowed in the park, but I could bring in any hand held camera. The only problem my hand held is very out dated and wanted a camera with better quality like the XL2. I have seen people in the park with pro-consumer hand held cameras that do not rest on the shoulder though.

I was talking to a videographer at DL that did a lot of work at WDW and he said you could get a press pass and it would allow the camera into the park, but a CM would have to follow you around.

Hope that helps! What film fest are submitting too?

Yeah it does, thanks

I don't know the exact type of camera it is exactly because I don't own it. My school allows TV production students to rent cameras to take home. They're Panasonic's, but I cant remember what all the numbers where after that. hah

And it's for the Santa Clarita Independent Film festival, it's not anything for a new feature per say and it's only for one location shot I want of the outside of the Man street opera house. So I think that a press pass would be a little bit too much. hah

[DLFreak71]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

Disney def doesn't like when you try to film behind the scenes.
Prob. why a CM goes with you.
I tried to take a picture (with a reg. camera) inside start tours (where the ride does all of it's movements and got yelled at.
Basically they don't seem to mind the exterior, but anything that remotely shows how something works or takes away the magic (ie, sets lite up if a ride goes down etc), they don't take kindly too.

[M82A1A]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

You cannot bring a professional video cameras into the park. Disney considers a professional video camera one that sits on your shoulder.

I remember going to Disneyland with my mom and dad in the 1980s with an old school VHS camcorder. It was huge and rested on your shoulder. Not professional by any means.

Other than odd looks from using a dinosaur, I wonder if any cast member would say anything.

[OldSchoolMickey]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

I remember going to Disneyland with my mom and dad in the 1980s with an old school VHS camcorder. It was huge and rested on your shoulder. Not professional by any means.

Yeah, but back then, those huge things were pretty much all that were available.

We had one. Dang that thing was heavy! :lol:

[OldSchoolMickey]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

What happens if you're just really behind the times and your camcorder happens to have been born in 1985?

You need to blown some coin on a new one! :lol:

Really...

[dmtnt55]

Re: What's the video camera policy at Disneyland?

They tend to allow pretty much all types of digital/video cameras, I've brought about 4 various sized ones (some pretty large), and not a word said at the Security.