I will be going to the October 26th Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The last time I attended this event I was using a film SLR. ; Yep, it's been that long. ; Disney has really gotten more into the spirit since then as well. I am in need of tips and suggestions for photographing Hallowishes (location ideas, timing, etc.), parade and trying to get a good Headless Horseman photo. ; Also, any other special photo ops like the Living Bride outside of HH which Craig posted?
Great question Scott. ; I've never been there for any of the Halloween events, but I am planning a trip next October, so I can't wait to hear everyone's tips.
I got my best parade pics ever this year. we were in front of tony's town square and the floats turned and I got straight on shots of all the floats and then the sides too as they passed. also, there were only a couple of spotlights too cause problems. the photopass is great too during the party in front of the HM. they superimpose the hitchinking ghosts into the final prints. I love the lighting around the park during the park. everything is lit up red and purple. they also do halloween lighting patterns in tomorrowland on the "canopies" over stitch. Space Mountain had a giant spiderweb on it this year. I've never done the haunted riverboat ride. I didnt see if it was going this year. The highlight of the party is the parade, the fireworks, and any live characters around. There used to be villains dancing at the dance parties, but I didnt pay attention this year. Make sure you get your wristbands as soon as possible. after 7pm the castmembers get super strict about no wristbands and the lines to get them get longer around 7. you can get in to the park at 4pm with your party ticket. I love the fireworks from around the hub because I love the show. But, I would not set up a tripod there. I think it would get bumped during a party because of the costumes
Thanks Craig! ; I am not planning on brining my tripod because we are going to be very mobile with the family so everything I take tomorrow night will be hand held. ; I will see about the other stuff and report back, if I don't forget. Scott, I am in fact down here all the time now, so let me know when you get into town and I will see what my work schedule is and meet up with you during the day one day.
When the headless horseman comes, you need to be ready. ; From listening to podcasts, I was expecting a full gallop, but it's really more of a trot. ; Nonetheless, he will be there and gone before you know it. ; Be sure to catch both parades to double your opportunities. I've shot the parade from both Frontierland and Town Square, but I used a flash. ; (I didn't know better back then.)
Good stuff...now, how about a little technical info. ; Craig, what were you shooting at to get those great photos. ; The fact the floats were coming right at you make it easier? Less motion, perhaps? Dennis, thanks! ; I have seen the Headless Horsemen in the past when he was at full gallop. ; I have been told by others he is only trotting now. I have heard from another photographer, I will need to increase the shutter speed, which will increase the ISO (not so much of a worry for me know) so I hope to get some good ones. Also will be visiting MK on a night of two MSEPs. ; Any tips for that parade?
Scott the Horseman comes from the castle and heads down main street towards the train station. ; I would think that the best spot would be at the end of main street where the road splits into the circle around the flag pole.
we'll be there tomorrow night, 10/22. the headless horseman might call for burst shooting, although it'll be easier if he's trotting, i last saw him in 2006, it was still full gallop, wondered when the lawyers would put an end to that. and i agree right down by the circle might be best, maybe even right onnthe curb if you can stake it out early enough, although like mcvmcp, the second parade is much less crowded.you panning skills should really help you out with this
For the parade (especially the first parade) it is fairly quiet in frontierland. ; And since the parade starts there you are done and off to other events before the folks on main street. ; The only issue here would maybe be lighting. ; But you could probably set up in liberty square and catch the parade head on and again as it turns to the hub. ; I would also suggest setting up on opposing sides for each parade so you get shots of each side of the floats. ; ; As for characters, you will find some here that are nowhere to be found at other times. ; Be sure to hit the photo op in adventureland for Tarzan and Jane. brought to you by an (HTC) "Incredible" Guy.
