Why I Make Silly Faces in Every Ride Photo (And Why You Should Too!)

By Emily Claire, 12 years old

If you’ve ever ridden a roller coaster or attraction at a theme park, you know that moment. The ride slows down, everyone is laughing (or screaming), and then you see your ride photo on the app.

Most people look at their picture and say something like, “Wow, my hair looks crazy!” or “I look terrified!”

But I have a different goal.

My goal is to make the funniest face possible in every single ride photo.

And I take this job very seriously.

It started a few years ago. My mom takes a lot of pictures. I mean A LOT. And my sisters and I get tired of smiling for them. So I started waiting until the last split second, making a funny face, and then waiting for her reaction when she realized what I had done. 

Then I decided to get more creative. We visit Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando a lot, so I learned where all the ride cameras were. So on rides like Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Donkey Kong, instead of just screaming like a normal person, I decided it would be way more fun to make the most ridiculous face I could think of.

I’m talking about crossed eyes, giant grins, dramatic shock faces, or pretending to be asleep while everyone else is flying through the air.

Now it’s kind of become a tradition.

The best part is seeing the photo afterward. Everyone else might look cool or scared, but I look so silly. 

Ride photos are supposed to capture the fun of the moment. And honestly, I think the funnier the picture is, the better the memory.

Plus, years later when you look back at those photos, you’ll laugh even harder.

So next time you’re riding an attraction and you see that little camera flash, don’t just sit there looking normal.

Make a face.

Be dramatic.

Pretend to faint.

Trust me, it makes the ride photo WAY better.

And if you want to make your own hilarious ride photo memories at amazing destinations like Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort, the travel experts at Skye's the Limit Vacations can help you plan the perfect trip.

Just remember one important tip from me:

When the camera flashes… make it count.