pakoaster Posted June 18, 2006 Posted June 18, 2006 Just got back from a tour of the "Show Me" state. (Not sure what that means.) While I was taking a video at the Superman Tower -- and what little I could see of Screamin Eagle -- I noticed a uniformed security guard standing inches away from me. He asked if I was videotaping my kids. (I have none.) I told him I take pictures of the coasters, I travel to all the parks, etc. He then said, "my boss has told me to tell you to refrain from taking any videos or photos of the rollercoasters or any other rides." I asked why, and he said that "he wasn't sure, but it probably has something to do with people possibly stealing our ideas." Is this something unique to 6Flags St Louis, or is this some new chain wide policy? I realize the new managements' emphasis is now on families, but does this mean that those of us without a wife and kids are not welcomed in their parks anymore? Are such people now viewed as some kid of suspicious characters or something? I know lots of people here complain about their parks. I've never had any real issues with the parks -- except for closed rides -- but if this is some new policy, I will think twice about going to another one of their parks! I don't appreciate having to walk around a park, looking over my shoulder, wondering if some security officer is going to confiscate my photo and video equipment! Also, in Hurricane Harbor, 2 lifeguards stopped me and told me that video taking was prohibited in the water park, but photos were allowed. Videos were only allowed to be taken at the theme park. (Wish these guy would get the policy straight!) I double checked the entrance signs and brochure, and found no mention of this. Anyone else have problems there? Could this be some kind of Missouri law? (2 days earlier, at W. O. F., I took a 10sec. video of a marching band. One of the members then came over to me and told me not to video them or any other performances in the park.) Overall, I enjoyed my trip -- and finally topped the 300-coaster mark in S. D. C.! -- but these incidences did leave a bit of a questionable impression of the "Show Me" state.
rjholla2003 Posted June 18, 2006 Posted June 18, 2006 We haven't be informed of any such policy at Great Adventure. I don't know why they'd do that.
ParkTrips Posted June 18, 2006 Posted June 18, 2006 I've run into this in several instances. Twice in the past month at least, once with Deja Vu in Chicago (security guard gave me crap about it, but allowed me to continue), and again while trying to take photos of the Minor Mike in Houston (I had to get permission from property management), which was also cited as "policy" in hopes to deter "idea theft" (not that the Blue Flash isn't more creaive ) As for the video taping in the waterpak, duh! Kinda like cameras being prohibited in bathrooms.. Filming the marching band may have more to do with copyright issues with the songs they are performing more than anything, kinda like how kids have to return their scripts after their school play is over. Its usually pretty silly and slightly annoying, but fortunately, pretty rare in my experience.
shesaidboom Posted June 19, 2006 Posted June 19, 2006 I've gotten dirty looks from people for taking pictures of coasters, but never had trouble from park employees. When I took pictures of Pegasus at Mt.Olympus I got dirty looks from one woman because her family were the only people on the train and she probably wondered why I wanted them in my pictures. I have gotten trouble for taking pictures in a mall before, I was told it had something to do with it being private property and my pictures weren't authorized. Maybe it's the same thing at the park? I can understand a no pictures rule in a waterpark, but I don't think there should be a problem otherwise..especially if there's no rule posted about it.
Twister II Posted June 20, 2006 Posted June 20, 2006 In the state of Missouri, you have to have a filming license to record video. At least that's what a cop told a bunch of my friends who got their camera taken away (not taken, and given back, away, forever!) at the St. Louis arch.
pkdcoaster Posted June 21, 2006 Posted June 21, 2006 As for the video taping in the waterpak, duh! Kinda like cameras being prohibited in bathrooms. I do not understand why people believe this, If I want to take pictures or video at waterparks what is the problem???? Bathrooms and Waterparks are completely different. Its not like you go around snapping pics of womens asses and videotape the wedgie pulls. Yes THAT should be prohibited but general photography of rides and atmosphere is fine IMO You can take video and pics at the beach right? It is a public place and if somebody does not want to be filmed or photographed they should stay at home. It would probably blow peoples mind if they knew how often their pics were taken or how often they are videotaped. JEFF
ParkTrips Posted June 21, 2006 Posted June 21, 2006 While I totally agree with you, remember we live in America, a nation full of dumbasses and the ACLU
pvcoasterguy Posted June 21, 2006 Posted June 21, 2006 The ACLU gets so annoying after awhile. They back anything that is mildly controversial... even if two subjects contradict themselves.
GAcoaster Posted June 21, 2006 Posted June 21, 2006 Ummm...in this case I think the ACLU would be fighting FOR the right to take pictures and videotape. People don't understand the ACLU fights for EVERYONE'S Civil Liberties. People who bash the ACLU generally don't understand it. Just wait until it's YOUR rights that are being threatened... Back on topic-- I've had someone at PKI tell me I couldn't take pictures of the rides (specifically Drop Zone) and also at SFGAdv I had a Security Guard tell me picture taking was not allowed. In both cases I countered with, "Then why do they sell film, cameras and batteries in the park?", and both times I was told you could take pictures of the people but not the rides.
trustkill22 Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 You cant just say America because people in Canada do the exact same thing. ex- A local hockey arena got sued for over a Million Dollars because a guy wasnt wearing a helmet while at a public skate and fell and hit his head. He was allowed to sue because there wasnt a sign that its your own risk for not wearing a helmet.
sixflagsmagicmountain Posted June 27, 2006 Posted June 27, 2006 One day when I was at SFMM, I stopped to look at Tatsu(before it was open), and some damn security guard told me I couldn't take any pictures, I thought that was pretty stupid. I had already taken a bunch of pictures anyway, so I just left.
Carnage Posted June 27, 2006 Posted June 27, 2006 Maybe they didn't want you to have any proof that SFSTL is a dump that is not worth going to unless you're a die hard credit whore.
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