Which lens for Disney

We're making our first trip to Disney at the end of September with our 5 year old. I'm planning on taking my 60D and would prefer to plan on carrying only one lens during the day with me. Will the 17-55 be sufficient or should I sacrifice image quality and bring the 18-200 for the extra reach? Any other tips or advice related to Disney picture taking?

I know you want just one lens, but noticed your sig line:

I would consider taking both and changing up. Not sure if your child will be on any rides without you & with another adult, but the 70-200 would come in handy for ride shots. I'd have the 17-55 mounted during walk time from one exhibit/ride to the other.

How about taking both the 17-55 & 70-200mm f/4 IS ?

1xSHOT wrote in post #12871513
I know you want just one lens, but noticed your sig line:

I would consider taking both and changing up.

How about taking both the 17-55 & 70-200mm f/4 IS ?

That would be ideal. However, I don't know if that will create too much weight to tote around all day, getting on and off rides, etc. If you have been, do you think I'll need the extra reach of 70-200?

When I went to Disney World last Fall, the only time I wanted a long lens was for the Safari in Animal Kingdom. The problem is, the road is very bumpy and the bus drivers say that they have been instructed not to stop for pictures (although one did for a few seconds), so you can't use a long lens anyway. If I were going back with just one lens, I'd bringthe 17-55, which you'll want to use for the Light Parade after dark and the fireworks.

Last time we went the only place(s) I found to use a long lens was the animal park and at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Hotel where they had lots of animals roaming around outside and I could shoot them from the balcony. I wouldn't want to carry much in the park, minimal is best.

youll need the reach if you go to animal kingdom, otherwise the 17-55 will be just fine.

Just bring 17-55mm.

eyek wrote in post #13194080
Just bring 17-55mm.

Considering it is now October, I'd say the OP has already been and gone.

1xSHOT wrote in post #12871513
I know you want just one lens, but noticed your sig line:

I would consider taking both and changing up. Not sure if your child will be on any rides without you & with another adult, but the 70-200 would come in handy for ride shots. I'd have the 17-55 mounted during walk time from one exhibit/ride to the other.

How about taking both the 17-55 & 70-200mm f/4 IS ?

Agree with this solution!

I just took my 17-55 and it worked out fine.

I went to Disney (Anaheim) in June with my 17-55is and never felt the need for anything longer at that location.

I could shoot Disney with anything between the 17mm and the 1000mm I can generate from my gear but that would be on a dedicated photo trip.

Since you're on a family outing, I'd suggest you stick with a body and a lens and make memories.

17-55 and 85 would be my kit. Enjoy and have fun!

which disney are you going to? in most cases your 17-55 IS is all you really need. you wont need to shoot anything longer than the 55, especially with you cropped sensor.

unless you are going to animal kingdom in disneyworld, then you may want to bring along your 70-200 for the trip but only carry it for the day you are visiting animal kingdom and use your 17-55 the other days.

I assume the OP is already there but having done Disney world twice with the family i can only echo the other posts about just needing the 17-55IS, and maybe one low light lens for the parades.
I took a Tamrc V9 bag with me and took it on all the rides that would allow it. Having the camera with hood on and no lens cap always ready to shoot, in a top loading bag made it a lot less hassle than either carrying a camera around my neck (never have to be honest) or using a backpack that needed taking off to get the camera out each time.
The second time i went i did take a 24-105L but never used it as the 17-55Is was just right. Even in the Animal Kingdom i found the 17-55IS to be sharp enough to crop in quite a bit, but as already mentioned it was a bit bumpy to take many shots.

Lets hope he reports back after the trip.