Using Video Cameras On Rides

[mcfly530]

Hey everyone. I just have a quick question. I'm wondering if its ok to use video recorders on rides. With the exception of a few cases, i've never been told i can't, but i'm going back in april and would love to be able to film some of them. If anyone knows a definate responce, let me know.

thanks

 

[dolbyman]

I filmed a lot on my trip ..
(see my topic on the media thread)

only some new attractions and rollercoasters the filming was prohibited

soarin
ellens energy adventure
stitchs great escape
magic of disney animation

on all others filming was allowed :slurp:

 

[EpcotGrl]

A friend and I sat behind a family with a video camera on Dinosaur last year, and just to make their movie all the more interesting, we screamed like little girls the whole time :lol:

 

[BRER STITCH]

Announcements are made before most attractions where filming is prohibited. You'll notice that these are mainly attractions incuding films and theater seating of some sort (Philharmagic, Honey I shrunk the Audience, etc.). Also, rides where your camera could be a hazard to you or other riders (ie. Spac Mountain, Test Track, etc) if dropped or bounced around.

Please, for the sake of those around you...if you must film an attraction, do not make the mistake I've witnessed lots of people make, by becoming an annoying rookie videographer who thinks they are going for their first Oscar nomination! :lookaroun

Turn off the video lights, annoying audible narration, and staged family poses, and allow others to enjoy the attractions too!

:wave:

 

[The_CEO]

I only film attractions when I get my own vehicle. Including Tower of Terror.

I hate people with external light and I make sure to avoid it myself.

 

[rainfully]

A friend and I sat behind a family with a video camera on Dinosaur last year, and just to make their movie all the more interesting, we screamed like little girls the whole time :lol:

Aww.. that's mean... that can really ruin home movies...

And even if you're not trying to ruin a video, I HATE it when people scream just to be annoying. Last summer I waited an hour for the ToT, and then the ride was ruined for me because there was this group of teenage girls screaming at the top of their lungs and making rude comments the whole time. It's not cute... and I was really dissapointed.

Sorry about my rant... it's just one thing that really really annoys me.

 

[brich]

Also, if you can not use the screen the extends off of the side of your camera, that would be a nice gesture. I usually use the view finder so as not to project an annoying light from my screen. Just a recommendation... trying to be nice to those around us...

 

[PhotoDave219]

Yeah, thats not kosher by any stretch of the imagination. When me and my friends shoot photo or video in teh parks, we go out of our way to make sure we dont ruin anyone's experiences....

With that said, the original question. They will announce what rides you cant shoot on. That being said, .... whiel i dont recommend or condone this behavior, just keep it in your lap and when the ride starts, bring it up. If you really want a smooth shot, try using a tripod w/ a small video fluid head. Or a superclamp with the same. (Ask Donickco, he can explain vidoe better than i)

For illuminations/wishes, i'd use your manual exposure settings on your caemra, else the fireworks will be blown out and look kinda poopy.

 

[Shaman]

I think you can film as long as you don't use external lighting...and/or the "night vision" function...and you don't use the LCD screen...

Could be mistaken though...

 

[PhotoDave219]

Also, if you can not use the screen the extends off of the side of your camera, that would be a nice gesture. I usually use the view finder so as not to project an annoying light from my screen. Just a recommendation... trying to be nice to those around us...

If you try to look through the LCD screen while riding a rollercoaster (Big Thunder), odds are you'll make yourself sick. Not like i know or anything :lookaround :lol:

 

[dolbyman]

And even if you're not trying to ruin a video, I HATE it when people scream just to be annoying. Last summer I waited an hour for the ToT, and then the ride was ruined for me because there was this group of teenage girls screaming at the top of their lungs and making rude comments the whole time. It's not cute... and I was really dissapointed.

Sorry about my rant... it's just one thing that really really annoys me.

yeah had the same in several rides .. (e.g. my Dolby Headphone recording of Star Tours.. all those stupid screamin kids and parents) .. well THEY may be able to go to wdw every week .. .but this was my first time there for over 13 years ... so comments like "BORING!" or scremin while I'm filming makes me mad :brick:

 

[Expo_Seeker40]

Now take the carousel of progress for example...somehow over the years or since I can remember past 1994...they technically don't allow videotaping on that attraction.

However when I go down to the world in a couple of weeks I do plan on filming the show. Now I've already talked to a few people about this...

I plan on literally walking up to in and out of the theater while filming.

Howver I am making sure that I am sitting in the last/back row with all bright or annoying recording lights turned off, no LCD screen...I use my viewfinder cause it saves battry...and I don't talk when I film...LOL I hate talking on film.

I've been told I shouldn't have a problem since I am taking precautions into making my filming better formyself and for the guests in the theater. Any suggests on this? This is the one ride I HAVE to film for my own reasons. :zipit:

 

[NitroStitch]

yeah had the same in several rides .. (e.g. my Dolby Headphone recording of Star Tours.. all those stupid screamin kids and parents) .. well THEY may be able to go to wdw every week .. .but this was my first time there for over 13 years ... so comments like "BORING!" or scremin while I'm filming makes me mad :brick:

That really irritates me too. And the people who yell out the script of the show... Even though it's something they've obviously seen many times before, it's really rude to ruin the experience for other guests. :fork: Sure wish there could be a separate ride vehicle/theater for people who want to do that. Then they could just annoy each other. :animwink:

 

[subhuman31]

The rides I filmed were:

Space Mountain (although you can't see much, it was still fun to here all the screaming)

Dinosaur

Splash Mountain

Test Track

Haunted Mansion

Living With The Land

It's A Small World

Spaceship Earth

Pirates Of The Caribbean

El Rio del Tiempo

Primeval Whirl

The Great Movie Ride

TTA

Backlot Tour

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Hall Of Presidents

I remember the CM's telling us NOT to use video cameras on Universe Of Energy, Rock & Roller Coaster, Misson Space, The American Adventure (I have no idea why), Tower of Terror, Star Tours, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Carousel of Progress, any of the 3D shows.

 

[dolbyman]

I filmed the COP one week ago without any problem (viewfinder and because my camera hasn't got those .. no video light or night vision).. looks great ..

 

[WDWRLD]

I have taped many rides and usually try to make sure I get the ones that are rumored to be changed or removed all together on my vacations to the world. I use a run of the mill sony handycam and for most rides like IASW or POC I leave the LCD viewfinder closed and never use external lighting because it dosent do anything anyway. I simply hold it about chest level and using a nice fluid motion point it in the direction that im looking. By doing this you get a pretty good video plus you get to see the ride too. When you get home you end up with a video that looks as if you were right there riding the ride and you dont end up with any jerky video thats hard to watch. Also some rides say "No video taping or flash photography" so on those I use the video mode on my dig camera and use the same filming method. I try to get about two complete rides each vacation.

 

[marni1971]

I`ve got everything on video over the years (funny how CM`s and company policy changed as more and more guests had cameras - our first one was a full size shoulder mounted camera in 1990 :lol

As said above, don`t use the LCD screen,

keep your finger away from the start / stop button (I found this out first hand on my first BTM recording - it starts and cuts out all the way through :lol

Use manual focus - if in doubt set the focus to infinity before boarding and leave it on this. Changes in light levels can fool the autofocus, giving the classic `hunt` in and out of focus you see on some videos. Same with exposure (if possible) - you can manually ramp it up for dark scenes, and ease it down as you enter a lighter area (plus a sudden zoom in to an illuminated area can burn out before the auto exposure can compensate)

Have more than enough tape and power for each attraction

And above all, secure everything. IASW may not be that fast, but even the drop on PotC could loose your camera (tie the wrist / shoulder strap around your forearm) - and remove any lens caps, even if they are on a string. Imagine a plastic lens cap flying backwards into the row of guests behind you at 60mph for example - potentially lethal. Not that I condone video taping on extreme attractions, but a lot of people do it. Just think safe if you do!

 

[rainfully]

keep your finger away from the start / stop button (I found this out first hand on my first BTM recording - it starts and cuts out all the way through :lol

I have to second that! One year we went with the mantra "videotape EVERYTHING" and since the Haunted Mansion is my favorite, I was definitely going to tape that. When I went to watch it, the tape only went to the stretching room... after that.. nothing. GRRRR!!! So I still don't have my own personal copy of HM!

 

[rainfully]

Oh, here's YET ANOTHER recommendation.. whatever you do... and no matter how clever you may think it sounds... do NOT add your own commentary! :lol: I've been known to do this... and I HATE myself for it afterwards.

My Splash Mountain video is like "uh oh! looks like Brer Rabbit got himself into some trouble!" :hammer:

 

[maxime29]

I honestly advise not to use NightVision if your camera has it. Some attractions like PotC are dark not only to give it the theme and direction, but to hide a lot of decay and other nuiances that would not meet Disney quality. It sort of takes away from it.

The people up in the booths that watch the cameras can see you have it on, and it's very difficult to discern that from external lighting.

For some reason, the CMs at Timekeeper are very picky about no videography.