Disney World to ban selfie sticks from its theme parks

ORLANDO, Fla. – Walt Disney World is banning selfie sticks from its theme parks, citing safety concerns, a company spokeswoman said Friday morning.

Under a new policy, which takes effect Tuesday, the photo-aiding poles won’t make it past the bag check at any Disney World theme park. The sticks also won’t be allowed in Disney World water parks or DisneyQuest, a gaming attraction at Downtown Disney.

“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.

Selfie sticks will also become forbidden at Disneyland Resort in California on Tuesday. The prohibition kicks in at Disney’s parks in Paris and Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Guests will be checked for the equipment during the routine bag check that happens near the parks’ entrances. They will have an option of turning in their selfie sticks for pick-up later or to go back to their cars or hotel rooms to stow them. Visitors will be told of the policy in locations such as the parking lots and at the resort’s hotels.

Previously, the sticks were prohibited from its rides, and “no selfie-sticks” signs were at select rides.

Several incidents preceded the change, but officials have been discussing the rules for some time, Disney said. This week at Disney California Adventure park, a roller coaster was halted after a passenger pulled out a selfie stick. The ride was closed for an hour.