Disney World’s Selfie Sticks Ban Extended To Include Other Theme Parks

Disney World’s selfie sticks ban has Walt Disney’s company claiming they are dangerous and could potentially be used as an accidental weapon. While originally Disney’s selfie sticks rules only included select rides, the company is extending the selfie sticks ban to include many other theme parks around the globe.

In a related report by the Inquisitr, Mexico City tried to grab the title for the world’s biggest selfie earlier in the month. Ironically, the previous record holder used a selfie stick to pull off the Guinness World Record.

At one point in time, Disney World selfie sticks were actually sold within the theme parks, but a new policy claims the Walt Disney company is trying to put the safety of its customers first.

“We strive to provide a great experience for the entire family, and unfortunately selfie-sticks have become a growing safety concern for both our guests and cast,” Disney World spokeswoman Kim Prunty said.

There have been multiple incidents that led to the outright ban. At Disney California Adventure park, a roller coaster was stopped after a passenger pulled out a selfie stick, and the ride was closed for an hour. Certain Disney World rides, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom, have advertised “no self stick” signs, but many customers either do not notice or do not listen.

Disney World’s selfie sticks ban will be enforced at the gate now. Customers will have their bags searched for the offending item, and if their self sticks are confiscated, they have the option of turning in their selfie sticks for pickup later or to go back to their cars or hotel rooms to store them safely away.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Disney World’s selfie sticks ban goes into effect on June 30, 2015, for both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland will also begin enforcing the new policy starting July 1, 2015. According to Fox 13, Disney World’s selfie sticks ban includes all four Disney theme parks in Orlando (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios) as well as at Disney’s water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon) and Disney Quest, a virtual gaming attraction located within Downtown Disney.

Disney is not the first major theme park located within Florida to ban selfie sticks outright. SeaWorld Orlando also has a selfie sticks ban at the gate, and Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure also prohibit selfie sticks on certain rides.

[Image via Movie Pilot]