Just to chime in on the tripod issue: Disney is wide open as far as "regular" photo equipment goes, although you may have security question you at Downtown Disney if you're using a tripod (never happened personally, but I know people who have), but in the parks I've only heard of a few incidents. Universal, on the other hand...that depends entirely on who is at bag check that moment. I've taken my tripod in a few times without hassle, even had managers and team members back by Potter try to help me out or ask to see some of my shots the one night I actually ended up using it. However, CityWalk is a completely different animal. I no sooner had my tripod out of my bag then a security guard came over and told me to put it away and that they're not allowed on property. I was a little incredulous at the moment, but complied and promptly went over to guest relations to further inquire. Turns out it evidently is policy (although at least one person at the desk at that time had no clue about it), and one that they fail to mention anywhere on websites, maps, anything a guest might read. All of my team member friends had no clue about the policy, their leads and supervisors they asked didn't either. If I ever try to set up in CityWalk again, it will likely only be on the parks side (previous spot was directly in front of a trash can by Pastamore so as to not be a issue with crowd flow as much as I could help).
I really want to try my hand at some Rockit shots, though, so I'll be testing the waters again before too long.
