Suggestions for what to do when flash-blinded on dark rides

[Mr Anderson]

I think we've all been there at one point - you're on Pirates of the Caribbean (or another dark ride, but PoTC seems to be the most common for this issue) when out of nowhere... a blinding flash from a camera lights up everything around you. You're temporarily blinded, and it also ruins the ambiance of the entire ride (IMHO.)

On my previous trips, I'd loudly and firmly tell the offender(s) to turn off their flash with a clearly annoyed, almost angry, tone of voice that gradually gets louder the more times I had to repeat myself. However, I've worked to become a much more calm & patient person over the past couple of years, so my question is this:

Do any of you have a tried-and-true method for getting people using flash on dark rides to stop, in a polite & calm manner? Also, any funny stories about this are welcome (especially involving karma!)

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I got behind a guy on small world once that was recording video with one hand and taking flash pictures with the other. He turned around a couple times and used a flash that was aimed right in my direction. The third time he turned around to take a flash picture in my direction I aimed my camera right back at him and took my own flash picture. He didn't turn around again.

 

[BasiltheBatLord]

When I was 15 or something I annoyingly moaned at a woman who was taking flash on PotC and her big, bald husband turned around and went "Hey, easy!" in a threatening-ish voice. Didn't do it again, didn't wanna get beaten up at Disney World of all places.

 

[trainplane3]

If there's someone using a iPad on the ride, I'll usually bring it up throughout the ride to whoever is around me (friend/family) and say "Wouldn't you feel dumb holding up a baking tray on a ride? I mean, you'd realize you're phone is just as good as a iPad right?". I've used other bakery themed jokes for iPad and tablet users. Or if there's no other families on the ride and just the offending group, I'll just get slightly obnoxious and call out dumb things to get pictures of ("WOAH That's a reaaaallly nice barrel!" and "Wait for iitt...wait for it...NOW get a picture of that person while it's still doing a...oh you missed it!"). I've got a couple looks. My response to that is just my dumb smile. Tablets being used as cameras is just as bad as "being flashed" since people aren't smart enough to turn the screen brightness down on a dark ride so everyone behind them is consistently blinded by it.

I have no issue with bugging the offending group but I won't ruin it for people that aren't with them.

 

[raven]

I got behind a guy on small world once that was recording video with one hand and taking flash pictures with the other. He turned around a couple times and used a flash that was aimed right in my direction. The third time he turned around to take a flash picture in my direction I aimed my camera right back at him and took my own flash picture. He didn't turn around again.

I've done the exact same thing on PotC and still have the photo.

 

[ford91exploder]

I've done the exact same thing on PotC and still have the photo.

The 'Open Flash' button on a professional grade strobe like a Nikon SB900 is useful in these cases for taking a 'Flash Picture' they will be seeing a blue afterimage for at least 10 minutes...

 

[marni1971]

I had someone directly behind me on SSE doing that.

By the Phoenicians I made sure my forearm was directly in the middle of every photo. She stopped by Rome.

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

I had someone directly behind me on SSE doing that.

By the Phoenicians I made sure my forearm was directly in the middle of every photo. She stopped by Rome.

I trust you remembered to thank the Phoenicans

 

[disney4life2008]

I trust you remembered to thank the Phoenicans

I bet you just wanted to type Phoenicians lol.

So did i haha.

 

[AndyS2992]

Nothing because the people talking/yelling/swearing at the shutterbugs can be more obnoxious and annoying than the flashing.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

I was at Disney in 2014 with my family. Some of us went to see Voyage Of The Little Mermaid (including me). The women in front of us held up her tablet and was taking video even though it wasn't allowed. My Dad had to tell her several times not to do that.

 

[JIMINYCR]

In the past, I've given a firm reminder that flash photography is prohibited but I've pretty much given up on saying anything anymore because its doesnt get them to stop. Its happening all over because they want to get that photo no matter what and are mindless about how it might affect everyone else. They just continue on doing it because no one is stopping the ride and pulling the camera out of their hands.

 

[ᗩLᘿᑕ ✨ ᗩζᗩᗰ]

I don't know if it works or not but in the past I've said something to the offender as we exit the ride. It's a little too late by then but a reminder after the fact helps establish that you were disappointed as the flash ruined the experience. People taking photos are in the moment; they're trying to capture the magic for themselves often unaware of the annoyance it causes. Shouting while on the ride might work but I'm almost certain telling them after the fact is the better option. Alternatively; you can always follow them to their next ride, wait until it's REALLY dark in the queue then take a flash picture right to their face shouting "No Flash Photography Please! #worthit

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

I don't say anything. I do get annoyed, but I feel that the person breaking the rules might not listen to me if I say something.

 

[AndyS2992]

I don't say anything. I do get annoyed, but I feel that the person breaking the rules might not listen to me if I say something.

This, or they could become aggressive and start yelling at you causing a big scene ruining the experience for everyone even more. It's best to ignore it and reride the attraction later, hopefully with no cameras on board. It's really not worth getting into a scuffle over.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

That's exactly how I feel. Not worth the confrontation.

 

[righttrack]

I might have a quiet conversation with my wife that goes like this, "Honey didn't they just say NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE RIDE!?!?"

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

In my head, however, I'm always screaming "What part of no flash photography do you not understand?!?".

 

[larryz]

Hold your hands up to your eyes, put on a pained expression, and yell, "My EYES! My EYES!"

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

Ha ha.