Comments on: Disney Thinks Photographers Are Terrorists

By: Jenna Michele Shumate

Jenna Michele Shumate — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:38:00 +0000

“When the terror comes, it will be with a Casio exlim.”
Hah. Exactly.

By: William Beem

William Beem — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:26:00 +0000

I think you’re right. A cast member at Animal Kingdom told me the guys at Downtown Disney were probably much more heavy-handed because it’s an “Open” area – meaning there’s no ticket required for entry. On the other hand, I’ve also shot photos at the Boardwalk without incident. The only issue I had there was the confusion of the guard when I drove up to the parking lot. She asked me why I was there and I told her I was going to take some pictures. She replied that she had NEVER heard of anyone coming there just to take pictures. I got the feeling she didn’t like the idea at all, but she let me park and that was the end of it.

By: Jenna Michele Shumate

Jenna Michele Shumate — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:18:00 +0000

I can attest that this is how it works now. I was photographing the holiday inn directly across the street from universal studios, and during the shoot I went over to the top of the parking lot levels with the gm from the hotel, to shoot the hotel – not universal studios. Within 10 minutes there was a guard on a bike telling us to stop taking images while he called his boss…. the short story is that we were told to leave. The guards weren’t accusing or harassing, but we weren’t even allowed to take photos of another structure from the parking lot!…. that said, shooting at disney boardwalk was not a problem at all. I think certain areas have different security issues?

By: William Beem

William Beem — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:12:00 +0000

Of course it’s private property. However, I was NEVER asked to leave. I was harassed. The security manager demanded my ID, claiming he needs to know who I am in case something “bad” happens. What nonsense is that? If someone else does something “bad”, I’m automatically to blame because I took a photograph?

The 911 attackers didn’t use photography in the planning of their attacks. So why are security guards still citing that tired excuse that has absolutely no bearing on protecting property? It’s a tourist destination. Plenty of people take pictures and post them online. There are satellite pictures on Google of the entire property. A terrorist doesn’t show up with a large camera and a tripod – something that causes him to stand out in a crowd.

Downtown Disney is a public place. My home is not a public place. Comparing the two in that manner isn’t really equivalent.

However, I was nice. I cooperated. I showed them my photos. That’s when it got WORSE for me. That’s when Don started making accusations, so I told him I was leaving. He called up every other available security guard. I was circled by nearly a dozen Disney guards. Don told them to make sure they got pictures of me, my car, my tag, etc. Basically, photos are good for security guards, but not for guests.

I haven’t patronized Downtown Disney in the past couple of years since this experience, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone else.

By: TammyNaborsMiddleton

TammyNaborsMiddleton — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Beautiful photography! But everyone should remember – Walt Disney World is PRIVATE PROPERTY. As a security manager there, for many years, I know that security officers have to right to question any guest, not harrass, but question. The same right you would have if someone came into your home. The event of 911, has put high security everywhere for good reason. Cooperation goes a long way. And you are correct – it is a beautiful place to photograph.

By: Walt Disney World, Disneyland and DCL News & Deals 4/13/10

Walt Disney World, Disneyland and DCL News & Deals 4/13/10 — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:01:25 +0000

[...] • Read one man’s experience with Disney security while taking photos at House of Blues. <http://williambeem.com/?p=330> [...]

By: Kyle

Kyle — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 02:03:21 +0000

Are you sure you even took photos as I cannot find them anywhere except the painting.

By: Disney Security Guards Still Don't Like Photographers

Disney Security Guards Still Don't Like Photographers — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 07:04:37 +0000

[...] that it’s been a year since my last negative encounter with Disney Security. (Read about it here, here and here. Also, note the pathetic response from Disney here.) Fortunately, this one [...]

By: Shutter Expressions

Shutter Expressions — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 06:57:43 +0000

I’m sorry to hear that happened to you, and sometimes there really is no rhyme or reason for another person’s action. I feel you handled it very well as it could have been worse. Now, I don’t know why you are not considering yourself a professional as from what I saw on your website, you surpass those who charge professional rates. AMAZING!!!

By: Re-Process old photos as your photoshop skills improve | Fine Art Photography of William Beem

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 03:05:13 +0000

[...] not a perfect image for many reasons. In fact, it brings back some unpleasant memories with Disney Security when I was there (still the most popular post on this blog). I stopped by this place on [...]