WASHINGTON — Walt Disney World is banning selfie-sticks at its theme parks, after growing safety concerns, including a ride being recently halted when a passenger pulled out a selfie-stick.
Under the new policy, as of June 30, selfie-sticks won’t be allowed past bag check at any Disneyland, Disney World theme park, or Disney World water parks.
“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,” says Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty.
The prohibition begins in Disney parks in Paris and Hong Kong on the following day.
Guests will be checked for the sticks during the routine bag check near the park entrances. They’ll have the option of turning-in the sticks for later pick-up, or visitors can return to their cars or hotel rooms to stow the devices.
Disney says it will be notifying visitors of the ban in pre-arrival postings, and once they arrive on Disney properties.
Earlier this week, the California Screamin’ roller coaster at Disney California Adventure’s was stopped, when a rider took out the elongated stick while the ride was in progress. A person on the ride tweeted it was stopped at the top, right before a dramatic drop.
The ride was closed for approximately an hour, according to a Disneyland spokesperson.
Selfie-sticks had previously been prohibited on rides, with the expectation that riders would stow them, but this change will eliminate the sticks from anywhere at the parks.
