Is it rude to film on a Disney ride? Etiquette expert weighs in on the controversial theme park topic

Is it rude to take videos while you're on a ride at Disney World? An etiquette expert has weighed in on the controversial topic.

Between YouTube and TikTok, vlogging while at amusement parks has become extremely popular.

But whipping out your phone to record in the midst of a ride can ruin the experience and be quite annoying to other guests - raising the question: is it acceptable to film while you're on an attraction?

Thankfully, etiquette expert Myka Meier has spoken about the subject exclusively to DailyMail.com - and she said it actually 'depends on the circumstances.'

Is it rude to take videos while you're on a ride at Disney World? Etiquette expert Myka Meier has weighed in on the controversial topic exclusively to DailyMail.com

Between YouTube and TikTok, vlogging while at amusement parks has become extremely popular

She explained that it comes down to a few key things - including whether or not it's safe and if it will 'distract from the enjoyment of others on the ride.'

'Filming on a theme park ride can be okay or considered rude depending on the circumstances,' she explained.

'Firstly, make sure it's allowed. Many theme park rides (especially rollercoasters) do not allow cameras or filming, mostly for safety purposes, but also to not distract from the enjoyment of others also on the ride. 

'If there are signs saying not to film or record, it would be considered rude to do so. Consider whether the ride is actually appropriate for filming.

'For example, on a slow, scenic ride, filming might be more acceptable than on a fast, intense rollercoaster where your attention should be on safety and not losing control of your camera and seriously hurting yourself or others.'

Myka - who teaches classes on proper etiquette through her company Beaumont Etiquette - added that 'anything that makes the ride less enjoyable to others is inconsiderate' and should be avoided.

She advised against filming on a dark rides because the light from your screen could negatively impact the attraction for others, and also warned against blocking people's views with your phone.

'Holding up a camera or phone can block the view of those seated behind you, making it distracting and frustrating for other riders,' she continued. 

Myka said that 'anything that makes the ride less enjoyable to others is inconsiderate' and should be avoided

She advised against filming on a dark rides because the light from your screen could negatively impact the attraction for others, and warned against blocking people's views 

'Additionally, the light from screens in a dark ride can take away from the experience for everyone on the ride. 

'If you're planning to film friends or family members on the ride, make sure they're comfortable with being recorded. 

'Respect their wishes if they'd prefer not to be filmed. Not everyone on a rollercoaster wants their faces in shock captured forever on camera.'

If you search 'Disney ride' on TikTok, thousands of videos taken on the various attractions pop up

She said if you do plan to record, to try to keep it as 'quick and unobtrusive' as possible - and to consider using a go-pro or hands-free camera that attaches to your clothes.

'Instead of continuously recording the entire ride, take short video snippets to lessen the distraction of others,' she suggested.

'Avoid selfie sticks or holding your phones out - it can be extremely distracting and considered rude on rides.

'Instead hold the phone low or near your body and out of the way and view of others. 

'Or wear a go-pro or hands-free camera that attaches to your clothing so you are not blocking the view of others with your hands.'

On Disney's planning website, it encourages guests to take videos 'around the Walt Disney World theme parks and Resorts' but doesn't mention rides specifically.

It says it is prohibited to 'record for unapproved commercial purposes,' adding, 'If the recording is done for personal reasons, it is absolutely acceptable.'

However, certain rides, like Space Mountain and TRON at Magic Kingdom, do state that 'hand-held or loose articles, including cell phones and cameras, are not permitted while riding,' so it's important to check the rules for each ride.

Back in February, a debate erupted over the act after someone complained about it on Reddit - and claimed that someone using their phone had forced a ride to be 'shut down'

Someone else explained in the comment section that '90 per cent of the time that a ride breaks down it's due to someone dropping something'

Many others took to the comment section to complain about the subject

Others, however, defended the act. One comment read, 'I film my kids on the teacups every single time. 'And I watch those videos ALL the time. Sorry not sorry'

If you search 'Disney ride' on TikTok, thousands of videos taken on the various attractions pop up. 

Back in February, a debate erupted over the act after one park goer complained about it on Reddit - and claimed that someone using their phone had forced a ride to be 'shut down.'

'Why is it so hard for people to not use their phone on rides?' the user posted in the Disneyland subreddit.

'It is the epitome of self-centered behavior resulting in significant inconvenience for others for a stupid Insta post nobody but you cares about. Stop.'

While the poster did not elaborate as to how someone using their phone on the ride caused it to get shut down, someone else explained in the comment section that '90 per cent of the time that a ride breaks down it's due to someone dropping something.'

'It's actually rare that a ride breaks down due to some sort of mechanical issue,' they claimed.

'It's mostly when someone drops something or a failsafe is activated due to ride vehicles not being sent fast enough from the boarding station.'

Many others took to the comment section to complain about the subject.

'And even if they're not dropping their phones on the ride they have the flash on while recording the ride and are blinding people as they wave their phones around,' someone else scathed.

'Even if the flash is off, the screen is super bright,' a different user chimed in. 'I've been on so many rides or even worse, watching the beautiful, serene snowflakes dance down the castle at night, holding my daughter, caught up in the magic of the moment - then someone's screen is eight inches from my face 'cause they're holding their phone up in the air right in front of me to film the ENTIRE show. Enjoy the magic of the moment for god's sake.'

Award-winning theme park journalist and travel expert Carlye Wisel previously told People magazine that she thinks it's totally okay to take videos on rides at Disney 

She told the publication that she thinks guests shouldn't be 'expected to put their devices away' while on a ride 

But the reporter added that those trying to video tape should be 'hyper conscious of their surroundings' and ensure they don't 'impede on the experience of those around you' 

Another person asked, 'Why get on a ride if you aren't going to pay attention?' 

'We had someone FaceTiming someone in front of us on Rise of The Resistance it completely ruined the ride,' revealed someone else.

'The entitlement is unreal. I was lucky enough not to have to deal with any streamers during my rides on my last visit. This is my biggest fear,' said a different user.

Others, however, defended the act as one comment read, 'I film my kids on the teacups every single time. 

'And I watch those videos ALL the time. Their giant smiles, and us laughing, and saying faster. Sorry not sorry.' 

'I don't see a problem with recording most rides as long as you aren't shoving it in people's faces and you aren't being an a**hole about it,' another said.

Award-winning theme park journalist and travel expert Carlye Wisel previously told People magazine that she thinks it's totally okay to take videos on rides at Disney.

Carlye, who is described as 'the go-to magazine reporter for all things Disney' on her website, told the publication that she thinks guests shouldn't be 'expected to put their devices away' while on a ride.

'Using your phone to film on rides tends to be a hot button issue, but I actually see no problem with it,' she said.

'These places are intended for memory making, so filming your loved ones or even your on board surroundings is to be expected.'

But the reporter added that those trying to video tape should be 'hyper conscious of their surroundings' and follow a few simple rules to ensure they don't 'impede on the experience of those around you.'

'That means don't block people's view, turn your phone brightness down, and whatever you do, never ever use flash,' she added.