Tripod Ban

[Another Voice]

I know that Tokyo Disney Resort has banned tripods and monopods. And I know better than to ask if it's enforced. I can see where full sized tripods can be a definite safety hazard and I also know how sensitive OLC is about 'professional grade' photography in the parks (look at all the money they make just selling DVDs of TDR's live entertainment).

The question I have is there a limit on the size of what's restricted? I shoot high-def video and that format is very sensitive to a hand held work. There are small tripods (about three to six inches) made for still digital cameras that can work - but are "table top" sized tripods banned as well? Are there any restrictions on their use beyond the safety and "sightlines" of other guests? I haven't had problems placing cameras on lampposts, trash cans or other solid surfaces, but even a small tripod would really help.

Or do I just have to get used to all my videos from TDR looking like Battlestar Galactica?

[Roger55]

I asked this question just last month while at TDR and was told by the CM working the screening area that ALL tripods, regardless of size and method of use, are not allowed into the parks.

[JoeInJpn]

Pretty much what Roger55 wrote. Their pretty darn strict about any kind of monopod or tripod used especially for shows and parades. I have seen guests use the mini ones to take quick pictures of themselves though. They place them on tables, trash cans, etc. without being a bother to anyone. If they are seen, the CM will "slowly" walk over to them and politely remind them to "refrain" from using it.

Originally Posted by Another Voice

Or do I just have to get used to all my videos from TDR looking like Battlestar Galactica?

Great line Another Voice. Hahaha. But, now you know my pain since I've taken 100's of videos in the past 15 years. Sigh....

[LeeLeeLuvsDisney]

The others are correct. When we were there 2 weeks ago, a CM saw my husband's little "Gorillapod" tripod in his camera bag, and he gave us the big dreaded X with his arms - not allowed. We didn't even try to use it. We have an HD camcorder and our videos turned out pretty well without the tripod.

[Another Voice]

Thanks everyone, I was afraid of that. I was polite last time and didn't even try to bring the small one it, I had hoped things might has eased up a bit. I see something like 'The Colors of Tokyo Disney Resort' and I get all competitive. I do have a shoulder mount, but it requires using the side monitor...something else sure to get the crossed armed "X of Rebuke". Time to practice controling my breathing I guess.

It's funny that at Disneyland Paris you can basically whip out a tool kit and undo all the bolts & nuts on your ride vehicle and the cast members there couldn't care less.

[ChrisFL]

darn, even the 2-3 inch ones like Sony sells aren't allowed?

[dland_lover]

Why the hell do they care so much about something so small as a gorillapod?

[JoeInJpn]

Originally Posted by dland_lover

Why the hell do they care so much about something so small as a gorillapod?

In Japan, they have tripods of various sizes. So, instead of having CM's carry around a ruler to measure height, they just ban all types. Makes less of a hassle for almost everyone. It's a Japanese thing.

However, some friends and other people I've seen have thought of ingenious ideas of getting stable video of shows. Oh, Another Voice, shoulder mounts are still OK to use.

[TDLFAN]

One more for your information AnotherVoice.. when you do the BinLadden security check point before entering the park, if a security CM see you have a tripod in your possession, they will tell you that you won't be able to bring it in, and will direct you to the nearest locker area to store it for the day.
Also, I did put this to the test.. (do not ask me how I passed my tripod in.. I have friends in some corners of TDR..) and Ichigopara was with me when this happened..
I was happilly using my tripod in the HUb area a few months ago and the CM wasted no time coming over to tell me I had to put it away. The young man *stayed* there until I folded it and put it away.. just to make sure I complied.. Of course.. Me being me, he woould not get off that easily, and as I put my tripod away.. I asked.. "why do you allow that person over there (pointing at the very busy Photopass CM with the BIG A*** tripod) to use a tripod? They must be told to put it away too!!" I think my sarcasm went over his head..
That is the problem I have with the policy.. they ban guests from using tripods but the photopass Cms are everywhere using big tripods all over the park and usually in very congested and popular areas for photo taking. It's very shrewed and underhanded from OLC.

One more thing... roller bags are not allowed inside the parks.. and if they allow it.. you can not roll it, and will have to lift it off the floor and carry around. Don't ask.

[Mr Wiggins]

Originally Posted by Another Voice

I shoot high-def video and that format is very sensitive to a hand held work.

If you don't mind lugging around an extra 3.5 pounds in your bag, and can use it with discretion, the OmniPod "Omni-Pro7 Camera/Camcorder Support Platform" might help. Essentially a flat, 11x7x2" beanbag with a 1/4"-20 tripod screw on one side, it's best used on a solid surface. But even draped over a forearm or handheld, it gives a camcorder more inertia and helps the shakies. Just slap some black gaffer's tape over the logo, carry it mount-side down in your bag and nobody'll be the wiser. Around $35 from B&H Photo and other outlets.

[LeeLeeLuvsDisney]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

One more for your information AnotherVoice.. when you do the BinLadden security check point before entering the park, if a security CM see you have a tripod in your possession, they will tell you that you won't be able to bring it in, and will direct you to the nearest locker area to store it for the day.

We were lucky in that the security did not ask or make us put the Gorillapod in a locker. Or maybe they did ask and we didn't understand, but we carried it around all day, but just didn't use it. We weren't happy about it, but oh well. We found walls and posts to put the camera on, which was an acceptable substitute at times.

[Another Voice]

I assume the reason it's "okay" to have the Photopass people use tripods, instead of us guests, is that they are cast members and covered by insurance and training. Of course it doesn't take away from the fact that Photopass itself is the work of Pure Evil and that if the universe was just and kind they would all be swept away in a tornado. But that's just me.

I've used sandbags before and they work fine, but they are a lot of extra weight to lug around. For most shots I can get away with just propping my arm up against a wall or lamppost...it limits the number of shots. It's those nice, long 'Sunrise Earth' type shots that I really want a tripod for. I could play loop of Meditterean Harbor on my TV set for hours on end.

P.S. - I just looked at the OmniPod. It looks like an improvement over others I've used before. I think I'll give it a go.

[jedimaster7313]

I never did try bringing a tripod in to the parks since I didn't want to bother carrying it around all day, but do feel the pain since if they claim it's a safety issue, then why all of a sudden, placing kids on your shoulders seems to be gaining in popularity more and more- blocking the views of those behind them.

Yes, I know it's beyond the typical seating area & standing area, but it is still annoying when you're somewhere in the back, trying to film the shows and parades to have people walk up and throw their kid on their shoulders- so since one does it- others follow & cast members don't seem to bother them any more.

I recall a few years ago, this was discouraged- holding a child in your arms at head level is perfectly fine- but placing a kid on your shoulders is much more of an obstruction than asking a person to remove their hat!

So truthfully, even if tripods were allowed again- how can anyone see over those kids now.

[TDLFAN]

Originally Posted by Another Voice

I assume the reason it's "okay" to have the Photopass people use tripods, instead of us guests, is that they are cast members and covered by insurance and training. Of course it doesn't take away from the fact that Photopass itself is the work of Pure Evil and that if the universe was just and kind they would all be swept away in a tornado. But that's just me.

If only we were that lucky...
But my take on this is ... MONEY! Why make it easy on guests when OLC can rake in the yen by charging for so-called "pro-photos" in pretty cute and colorful hard paper holders, at the most popular photo spots in the parks???

[DisneySea_Fan]

I can understand why the would ban tripods at TDR, people shoulder to shoulder+Tripod=a problem.

Well we can always count on those pricey photo's the CM's take for us