People taking pictures on Spaceship Earth despite being told to stop

[grimley1968]

I've read many good and positive things that he has posted about vacations.

Agreed. Don't ever bad-mouth the Contemporary to him! He's positive about that resort.

I see nothing wrong with venting about the flash photos on dark rides. It is a problem, and I think it's gotten worse in the last few years. I have been one of those who try to (politely) ask people to stop, and it has never worked with anyone. There really seems to be an increasing "me first" entitlement attitude among WDW guests. Maybe it existed to some degree when I was small, but I don't think it was as pervasive as now. There are other manifestations of this attitude, but the worst lately (IMO) is flash photos on dark rides.

One poster mentioned that CM's need to enforce rules against flash photos more, with people being ejected after failing to heed warnings to stop (park ejection should be part of the warning if they do this). I agree with that. That might be enough deterrent to make a lot of flash photo takers stop. It may be harsh treatment for the family of the flash photo taker, but they are adversely affecting the park experience for hundreds of people throughout their day. Something needs to be done.

 

[minniebeth]

I recently rode POTC and during the ride the couple in front of me turned around to take a picture with a flash and just about blinded me for the rest of the ride..... thank you!

The last time I rode SE, there was a huge high school group in front of us. They were many kids all taking flash photos at the same time, quite often. After a few minutes of biting my tongue, I finally (nicely) said "please stop taking flash pictures" when the kids right in front of me turned around and flashed their cameras directly at us.
I get migraine headaches triggered from bright light and flashes. Not only was I blinded but immediately started feeling nauseous and starting seeing an aura.
So for me, it's not just a matter of infringing on my enjoyment of the ride, it's a matter of making me physically ill. I'm sure I'm not the only one sensitive to light this way. Sure, I go on rides knowing this, tell me not to go on them all you want, but if people just were considerate of the rule, it shouldn't have to be a problem.

Disney really needs to stop this. The CM's know this is happening. The person should be warned and if they continue, security should meet them at the ride exit for a chat.

To me, this would really send a message.
I did talk to a ride CM after my experience, and he did offer for us to ride again. I politely told him thank you, I didn't want to ride again, just wanted them to enforce the rules somehow. He just shrugged and that was it.

 

[Disneylvr1971]

Recently back. Went on POTC. The CM saw a man in the boat ahead of us get his camera out. She specifically told him NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY. We ended up getting stuck for almost an hour on the ride while he continually took flash photographs. He blinded me once and I also ended up with a headache. Some people no longer feel that rules apply to them. (Even when a CM specifically singles them out)

 

[disneysteve]

Some people no longer feel that rules apply to them. (Even when a CM specifically singles them out)

This is really the problem - people don't feel they need to follow any rules. They just want to do whatever suits them and the heck with everyone else. Even when specifically told to stop misbehaving, they continue to do so. I'm not sure what Disney can do without causing all types of confrontations and putting CMs (and other guests) in danger.

 

[WDSearcher]

Agreed. Don't ever bad-mouth the Contemporary to him! He's positive about that resort.

I see nothing wrong with venting about the flash photos on dark rides. It is a problem, and I think it's gotten worse in the last few years. I have been one of those who try to (politely) ask people to stop, and it has never worked with anyone. There really seems to be an increasing "me first" entitlement attitude among WDW guests. Maybe it existed to some degree when I was small, but I don't think it was as pervasive as now. There are other manifestations of this attitude, but the worst lately (IMO) is flash photos on dark rides.

One poster mentioned that CM's need to enforce rules against flash photos more, with people being ejected after failing to heed warnings to stop (park ejection should be part of the warning if they do this). I agree with that. That might be enough deterrent to make a lot of flash photo takers stop. It may be harsh treatment for the family of the flash photo taker, but they are adversely affecting the park experience for hundreds of people throughout their day. Something needs to be done.

Really? Expell someone from the park for taking flash photos? Isn't that a bit of an over-reaction? You'd really advocate kicking dad out of the park for taking a flash photo of his kids on POC?

The vast majority of people who use flash on rides are, I think, simply wanting to take photos of things that delight or amaze them. Sometimes it doesn't even click with them that there's a flash until they take the photo. Sometimes it doesn't click with them that anyone else but their family is there because the other riders are hidden or in other cars. I don't think it's all conscious "me first" thinking. Some of it is just excitement and fun and thinking "OMG -- how cool is that?" And I'll bet its been happening as long as flash cameras have existed.

Enforcement is an issue too. I suppose you could interrupt the ride once or twice with voice-over warnings and then, if the flashes persist, stop the ride completely and pull the offending person off so that the rest of the riders can enjoy the remainder of the ride without flashes, but that would ruin it for everyone else too.

Also ... just because someone takes a lot of pictures on one ride doesn't mean that they are "adversely affecting the park experience for hundreds of people throughout their day". It may be only one ride, because it's a favorite or a favorite of someone who isn't there. Or ... could be that only one person complained while the rest of the ride didn't notice or didn't care.

It's easy to say "pull someone off and kick them out", but really difficult in enforce.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I wish cameras from people intentionally taking flash pictures on dark rides would accidentally fall out of their hands and be lost forever.

It's just something I deal with though. It's an annoyance, but it doesn't wreck the ride for me. I've never experienced anyone continually take flash pictures every few seconds. The only time I always see it is right at the end of Pirates when Jack is on the throne. Everyone seems to need a picture of that.

 

[grimley1968]

The vast majority of people who use flash on rides are, I think, simply wanting to take photos of things that delight or amaze them. Sometimes it doesn't even click with them that there's a flash until they take the photo. Sometimes it doesn't click with them that anyone else but their family is there because the other riders are hidden or in other cars. I don't think it's all conscious "me first" thinking. Some of it is just excitement and fun and thinking "OMG -- how cool is that?" And I'll bet its been happening as long as flash cameras have existed.

I disagree. I'd buy this argument for the first time someone takes a photo, but repeatedly throughout the ride? I don't think so. I have seen WAY too many examples of the same people taking repeated flash photos on PotC, Spaceship Earth and Haunted Mansion to believe it's accidental (after one inadvertent photo). I do think it's "me first" selfish thinking to continue to do this after one surely realizes the flash is on. On all of these rides, and especially PotC, it's hard for me to imagine that people don't notice all the other people going through the ride with them.

Cheap flash cameras have been around for most of my life, but I do feel people are less considerate in this regard than, say, 35 years ago.

And as I mentioned before (and others have as well), people would be warned ejection is possible and it wouldn't happen until repeated violations.

Difficult to enforce? Probably yes, and it would probably be unevenly enforced as well. Still, I think just the chance of being ejected from the ride, or even the park, would be an effective deterrent.

 

[Praying Colonel]

I can tolerate line-cutting, pool-hopping, smoking in non-smoking areas, reusing your refillable mug, wedging in front of me during a parade--heck, even going to a show and only going halfway down a row and then plopping down.

But the one that still climbs all over me is repeated flash photography. It just ruins the experience, and for some people it creates a physical problem.

IMHO those who violate the rule after a warning from a CM should be expelled from the attraction, if not the park.

 

[disneysteve]

I disagree. I'd buy this argument for the first time someone takes a photo, but repeatedly throughout the ride?

I agree. Heck, I've accidentally taken a flash photo when I thought my flash was off and it wasn't, but I didn't do it again - I turned off my flash and apologized to the people sitting around me.

As for enforcement, yes it would be difficult but I've been to other amusement parks where they eject people for cutting in line and I have personally seen them do it. Sure they don't catch everyone but just knowing that they have that policy and enforce that policy hopefully serves as a deterrent.

Perhaps what Disney should do for a time is station a security person at the exit area of the main dark rides and start warning those guests who are seen taking flash photos. Let them know that it isn't allowed and that continued violations may result in them being asked to leave the park. Yes it would cost some money but if they did that for a few months, word would spread that the policy is there and being enforced.

 

[brunette8706]

I agree, but people who are yelling at rude people often don't know how to do that effectively. While I may find the flash photography annoying, it's not nearly as bad as the guy two cars back who yells, "Turn off the @#$(%&^*# flash!" while my 5YO nephew is sitting in the car with me. Frankly, I'd much rather see the flash.

If you feel as though the rudeness (flash photography, cellphone light, talking, PDA, etc) warrants it, then yes -- do say something. But don't try to fix rudeness by being rude in return. I generally look at the offender (if I can see them), make eye contact, and say, "Please stop that." I don't give them a reason why, I don't make it a question to which they can answer "no" -- I state it as a firm request. Usually, it works. When it doesn't, I might make a second request. If that doesn't work, I drop it. Because in the long run, if the worst thing that happens to me in a 24 hour period is that someone used their flash on a dark ride at Disney World, then my life is going pretty good, y'know?

PS. To the OP -- did anything GOOD happen to you on your vacation? I've read all sorts of threads started by you about things that annoyed you (people stopping on the side of the road for pictures, flash photos on rides, etc.). I haven't read any threads that talk about you enjoying yourself!

*
That sounds like good advice, but how do you look them in the eye if you are on a "dark" ride? I like your thought process though.

Brunette

 

[waynesgirl]

After a few minutes of biting my tongue, I finally (nicely) said "please stop taking flash pictures" when the kids right in front of me turned around and flashed their cameras directly at us.
I get migraine headaches triggered from bright light and flashes. Not only was I blinded but immediately started feeling nauseous and starting seeing an aura.
So for me, it's not just a matter of infringing on my enjoyment of the ride, it's a matter of making me physically ill. it.

First, I get those headaches as well. I suffer from migraines and they start immediately. I can be fine standing in line and one pops up in the first 30 seconds of the ride- too late to get off the ride. A flash in my face is like someone ramming an icepick through my forehead.

I,too, get physically ill from this. So, I would have rammed my finger down my throat to speed up the process and threw up over their seat. Then I would have set my camera to strobe and blinded them until they stopped the ride. It makes me no better than them but 20 to 1 odds, I wouldn't have been able to find their parents so it would have been the next best thing.

I agree. Heck, I've accidentally taken a flash photo when I thought my flash was off and it wasn't, but I didn't do it again - I turned off my flash and apologized to the people sitting around me.

I have also taken an accidental flash. I also loudly say (depending on the ride) that I am sorry and I don't do it again. Sometimes sorry goes a long way...

 

[ols386]

I agree. Heck, I've accidentally taken a flash photo when I thought my flash was off and it wasn't, but I didn't do it again - I turned off my flash and apologized to the people sitting around me.

As for enforcement, yes it would be difficult but I've been to other amusement parks where they eject people for cutting in line and I have personally seen them do it. Sure they don't catch everyone but just knowing that they have that policy and enforce that policy hopefully serves as a deterrent.

Perhaps what Disney should do for a time is station a security person at the exit area of the main dark rides and start warning those guests who are seen taking flash photos. Let them know that it isn't allowed and that continued violations may result in them being asked to leave the park. Yes it would cost some money but if they did that for a few months, word would spread that the policy is there and being enforced.

This is it, but Disney won't do that because they are afraid that they might make a guest "angry", and the angry guest won't return to WDW.

They need to give their cm's more authority, but they won't, because heaven forbid they said something that made a guest mad.

And if they did kick a guest out of a park, the guest would probably try to sue them.

Bottom line is that Disney doesn't want to make any waves, even if some guests ruin things for guests who are following the rules.

 

[grimley1968]

I have also taken an accidental flash. I also loudly say (depending on the ride) that I am sorry and I don't do it again. Sometimes sorry goes a long way...

Somebody call security and never let you back to WDW! Just kidding.

But your attitude (correcting the problem and stopping it in the future) is completely unlike what I'm referring to, and I think what the OP is referring to. It is repeated and thoughtless photo flashing by a relatively small number of people on dark rides that is the problem.

 

[Gamegrl1]

It's good to get this stuff out in the open because some people might not be aware that their behavior is bothering others. Like one poster said, the offender might be really enjoying themselves and not meaning any harm but if it's causing a problem to others - no matter the reason - the behavior should stop. We all need to really be aware that what we do affects other people and if your fun is spoiling someone else's - that is not OK.

It's true people are a lot ruder now than when I was a kid (yeah, I'm sure I notice it a lot more now because I'm in my 30's, but still). It's very much an "all about me" attitude with a lot of people. Cell phones in public places (ie restaurants, libraries, church (?!)), the flash pics on rides (haven't experienced but ugh!), loud music with or w/o headphones in public, snapping gum...it all boils down to selfishness.

Saying sorry is really appreciated as long as it's sincere and I agree - being rude back to someone who is behaving rudely is not going to solve the problem. They'll never learn how to behave if we treat them badly...never mind that venting to them right then might make you feel better. Stay strong, peeps! It's hard to be the better person esp. when all you really wanna do is smack them upside the head. *Believe me, I know*! I ride public transit! Bleah!

 

[disneysteve]

Bottom line is that Disney doesn't want to make any waves, even if some guests ruin things for guests who are following the rules.

Perhaps those of us who believe rules should apply to everyone and be enforced when not being followed need to start expressing our concerns to Disney. Maybe if they start getting enough emails and phone calls and letters complaining about unruly guests, they may realize that if they don't address the problem, they'll start losing rule-abiding guests.

 

[Elisa84]

While one book of WDW trivia I have says to actually take a flash picture of the wall on the opposite side of the cave man scene for a surprise (I have NO idea what's there. anyone have a clue?), I really think it ruins the magic to take pictures with flash on a ride. Without flash it's okay, I guess...I've never thought about it before really

I'm still wondering what is in the caveman scene on Spaceship Earth when you take a photo... I'm not bold enough to take a picture

 

[LisaTC]

I always felt a child is a great messenger of the rules.

Mom: "Sorry, honey, you need to turn off your camera (or flash) because, see, that sign?...there's no flash photography."

Child: "OK"

Child: 2 minutes later at the top of their lungs, "HEY MOMMY, I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO USE A CAMERA FLASH?Well, that guy over there keeps taking pictures with his flash, he's not supposed to do that! Hey Mister, don't you know you're not supposed to do that?" ...Every single time they take a picture...

My daughter did this once, can't remember the incident, but I just looked at the "culprit" and politely said, I've taught her to follow the rules. 'Nuff said.

I do digress...I find the people who skirt the rules, often don't care about the rules. You could tell them 20 times, put up 100 signs and they still will do what they wish. Unfortunate. Albeit, some act the way they do because they've been allowed to. Perhaps nobody has ever said no to them. Yelling like a maniac at the the "rule-breaker" likely would have the opposite effect. Even though, some say it would make them feel better, it is tempting, I'll be the first to admit, but I'd allege that most people who follow rules wouldn't feel better verbally assaulting those breaking them, because, after all, you've been one to follow the rules.

The DIS has prepared me for potential rule breakers and I look at it as a gift because, I won't be surprised and won't let it ruin my trip!

 

[MEK]

They should not have taken flash photos when
(1) they were asked not to
(2) the flash degrades the quality of the displays over time
(3) they were in a carriage with other people.

I take tons of pictures at Disney and do not use my flash in rides like this. Well- wait - I lied - I did use a flash once in Spaceship earth to find a wall with hidden calligraphy on it that I had read about in some book. My reasoning was why would they put a wall there like that when you could only see it with a flash? The temptation was too great. Darn book!!!! I'll admit, I caved!

The park was empty. There were no other full cars within sight and I warned my DH so he knew I was doing it. I got my picture and that was that.

I think CM's just assume you will use a flash when its quite possible to take good pictures in those rides without a flash, if you know how to use your camera.

 

[disneysteve]

I think CM's just assume you will use a flash

So are you saying they don't bother trying to enforce the rule because they know people will ignore it?

 

[MEK]

I'm still wondering what is in the caveman scene on Spaceship Earth when you take a photo... I'm not bold enough to take a picture

If I remember, I will look for this photo in my photobucket gallery. It's quite cool and I don't mind being flamed for posting it!