In the eyes of Doctor Disney, one of the biggest rules of Walt Disney World etiquette that can be broken is…”Absolutely no flash photography allowed on the attraction.”
Almost every single attraction (that includes rides and shows) in Walt Disney World and Disneyland does not allow flash photography or video lighting of any kind. This is no secret at all because there are signs up advising of this, and Cast Members make the announcement all the time. Yet…as soon as the boat leaves the dock or the vehicle heads backward into time, someone turns on their overhead video light or starts flashing away like crazy with their camera.
Ladies and gentlemen, Disney does not prohibit flash photography just because they are trying to get you to purchase their pre-taken photos. Can’t say I would blame them if that was the case though because they are indeed a business. You want to know why flash photography is not allowed on Disney attractions? Let Doctor Disney Explain…
There are a number of reasons that flash photography isn’t allowed on Disney World attractions, so let’s take a look at them.
1.) Bright lights ruin the magic for other guests – Have you ever been stuck inside of Space Mountain when it breaks down and the lights come on? Not very magical and mystic and out of this world, is it? Rides are dark and there is special lighting for a reason. These attractions are meant to take you away from the real world and into the places that they represent.
When you hop on Peter Pan’s Flight, you’re supposed to be whisked off to Neverland. When you set sail on Pirates of the Caribbean, you’re meant to travel from town to town pillaging and living the life of a pirate.
If you’re shining a bright light from your video camera or flashing pictures, than you’re exposing the backgrounds, walls, mechanics, and other things that take away the magic for all other guests. There are plenty of pictures that can be taken without a flash and some cameras even take phenomenal pictures in the dark anyway. Don’t ruin the magic for everyone else.
2.) Some guests have certain medical conditions – A number of people suffer from severe migraines and epilepsy. Both of these ailments can be triggered by sudden bright lights that occur in dark locations. Disney is well aware of these medical conditions and that is why they warn guests if such instances will happen in a particular attraction. The problem with this is that they can’t always control what every guest does.
If you’re riding an attraction such as the boat ride in Epcot’s Mexico pavilion (Gran Fiesta Tour), then you are in close proximity to a number of other guests in what is considered to be a “dark ride.” Should you decide to flash your camera, than you’re going to momentarily blind others near you and could very well trigger one of those
medical conditions listed above. Think about that the next time you aim for a picture.
3.) Disney entertainers and performers can be greatly affected – If you’re in an attraction that has live performers, flash photography and external lighting could mess up their execution and also prove to be very dangerous. These performers are moving around with set movements and know where they are supposed to be, but they aren’t always alone on stage or in their locations.
If a light momentarily alters the vision of a performer, they could run into a prop, collide with another performer, or possibly even fall off stage. This could cause serious injury to the performer or a number of people. Help safety concerns by don’t being one of your own.
Folks, Disney World and Disneyland aren’t just trying to “ruin your vacation” by telling you that no flash photography is allowed on rides and attractions. There are very specific reasons as to why this is a strict rule, and they are all legitimate. Don’t be someone that causes a problem or even worse, causes injury to someone, just because you wanted to have a little more light on your vacation pictures.
Make sure to get in touch with My Mickey Vacation Travel so they can give provide plenty other details and take all the stress out of planning to create the magic for you.
They will make sure to connect all the dots and get everything in order for your next Walt Disney World or any Disney Destination vacation while saving you time, stress, and money.
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