I have never seen the "old" ones, but saw a story today that mentioned the updated ones. I was looking at prohibeted items, letter J, LARGE TRIPODS. No clue what WDW has in mind as a "large tripod" but the rules went into effect today. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/
Would this have included last year's Boardwalk Tour (if it were in effect last year)? "d. Unauthorized events, demonstrations or speeches, or the usage of any flag, banner or sign for commercial purposes, or to incite a crowd."
The old rules were pretty similar, actually - they were general enough to be open to interpretation. Other than the occasional cantankerous ornery cast member having a bad day and being unreasonable, as may occasionally happen at a resort property for example, I think it's still going to be down to how the person behaves in the parks, how much attention they call to themselves, and how they respond to inquiries - the rules will be more lax as they usually are if a person is being courteous and conscious of others, and not being sarcastic or stubborn when questioned...and the rules translated more strictly for the troublemakers. This seems to be how Disney has always applied or enforced the rules, so I can't foresee any great changes. My guess is that 'large' tripods might most likely mean those that cannot be compacted down to a short handheld size, say 23" or less...they really were never happy with those even if there wasn't a specific rule for them. I feel most compacting tripods will still be accepted in the parks, and you won't run into any trouble unless you're setting up the tripod in the middle of the traffic flow or blocking off part of a line, doorway, or access. Time will tell if that's correct, but I don't expect problems. Those with huge carbon fiber pro tripods that stand 3 feet even compacted with huge wimberley heads that have a footprint 5 or 6 feet around might want to pick up a lighter, more compact pod for Disney...those are the ones that most likely will face the crackdown.
Looks like security has a crutch to lean on when it comes to tripods and groups. Really, they should have a procedure for said groups to register or something. Many of these groups bring in oodles of money for them. Guess we will find out fast enough what a "large tripod" is depending on who is in charge. For me, I would say it's the ones which are very tall (over 6 feet) and not being used by an approved media person. Those person are usually escorted by Disney personnel. But, that's just me.
I think photographers won't have any trouble unless they create a nuisance or a CM is having a really bad day. Otherwise I expect it to be business as usual.
I expect the same, too, @mSummers Will be at MK next week and will inquire at the Security checkin and few random Security CMs as I come upon them.
@Scottwdw let us know what you find out. I plan to take the beg for forgiveness route myself as I really don't want to buy another tripod.
Twitter feed back from Don Sullivan, " ‘Large’ tripods have always been prohibited. Rule was if it either attaches to, or fits in a backpack you’re good. No change here." Heard back from @wdw_ben who also lives in Orlando, "I had one in the parks on Friday. Extended it to the full 6.5' tall and had ZERO issues." The tripod Ben uses folds down to 16 inches.
Thanks for sharing that @Scottwdw , I was trying to read that from Twitter yesterday and the data service in my building, well, lets just say it is like dial up when it works well.
I will also double-check next week but Don and Ben live in Orlando and take tripods into the parks frequently. If there was an issue, they would know about it.
