Bringing an SLR into a theme park

[nohnst]

Hello, I'm planning on shooting some random videos & pictures of a family's little boy in Disneyland, Florida. The video will be used as a documentary to track the progress of the boy's health. This is a medical video. And for the theme park, it will just be only a few minutes of footage. I will simply be following the family around the theme park. Nothing fancy, 5D Mark II will be used with a few lens that I have. Possibly 16-35L, nifty 50mm, and 85L. I like to know if anyone ever had any experience or know the rules about bringing in an SLR camera. I would like to bring in a monopod if possible but I'm afraid that would bring in too much attention and would be a distraction.

My primary question is, what are the rules of the Disneyland theme park. Are DSLR's allowed? Are monopods allowed? Is it possible for me to bring in multiple lenses or should I just go minimal with only a nifty 50mm? Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[JWright]

I take my 40D to Disneyland in California all the time and I would think the rules are the same for both resorts. I've also seen monopods and tripods in the parks, but there are times when they would be impractical because of the crowds. At this time of year, the Disneyland Resort in California and Disney World in Florida are going to be mobbed. I'd leave the monopod at home...

I usually take only one lens, but there is no reason you couldn't take more than one. Disneyland/California Adventure has a bag check at the entrance, but I've never seen them turn anyone with a camera bag away.

[Wilt]

Originally Posted by nohnst

Hello, I'm planning on shooting some random videos & pictures of a family's little boy in Disneyland, Florida. The video will be used as a documentary to track the progress of the boy's health. This is a medical video. And for the theme park, it will just be only a few minutes of footage. I will simply be following the family around the theme park. ...My primary question is, what are the rules of the Disneyland theme park. Are DSLR's allowed? Are monopods allowed? Is it possible for me to bring in multiple lenses or should I just go minimal with only a nifty 50mm? Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Certainly Disney properties aren't equipment limiting in terms of SLR vs P&S. But you might want to check the Disney park management and inform them precisely how your footage would be used, to determine if specific permissions are needed for possible distribution outside a very limited usage in the future. Model releases for identifiable bystanders and property release from Disney might well be in order!

[DeanAU]

Yeah best check in with Guest Relations when you get in the park - DSLR's shouldn't be a problem tho.