Selfie sticks - is this a thing at WDW yet? Disney clarifies policy

[FigmentsFangirl]

This has to be such a headache for them.
I think the offenders are of the mindset that they are in control. What they fail to realize is as soon as they board a ride they are handing all control of their environment off to Disney. Things twist, spin, go dark. That stick may not be a hand that can get sliced off, but sooner or later one will get spun around and whipped right into another rider's face.

And when this happens you can say goodbye to the selfie sticks! Tour groups take note!

 

[mousehockey37]

And when this happens you can say goodbye to the selfie sticks! Tour groups take note!

More like, the stick will hit part of the ride, the scenery will fall onto another rider. The rider will sue Disney... You can see where this would be headed.

Tour groups won't take note... Remember, they only speak perfect English until confronted!!!

 

[brb1006]

I'm glad selfie sticks are starting to get the same treatment Disneyland did with them. I remember trying to head to Tommorowland and this one guy held up the selfie stick blocking our way to the entrance.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Well, let's see them outlaw it and enforce it. That video from earlier where they stopped the ride? Would've been great to see them evac the dude with the stick (and possibly his party) and take them off the ride then let the other guests finish and re-ride for their inconvenience.

Should they outlaw it, they'll have to stick to it and most importantly... GIVE THE CM'S THE POWER TO CONFRONT AND HANDLE THE SITUATION. Security can't be everywhere and there's only so many managers. The frontline CM's are going to have to be empowered to handle this.

Frontline CMs aren't really empowered to do anything. Other than lifeguards, I can't think of a great example of CMs allowed to do much of anything even if it's a safety issue.

 

[mousehockey37]

Frontline CMs aren't really empowered to do anything. Other than lifeguards, I can't think of a great example of CMs allowed to do much of anything even if it's a safety issue.

Which is why I said what I did. All they can do now is say "please don't do that" and "have a magical day" while they smile and wave (yes, they can do a little more than this, but not much). If the policy should change, Disney is gonna have to loosen up some and let CM's be a little bit forward with what they can do. Sure, it's not a "magical" experience to see someone get tossed off the ride, but if it's keeping me safe from any possible harm, I just witnessed a "magical" moment of its own!!!

 

[CJLove79]

I hope that the guests that have the selfie sticks heed the new rules because if not, I can see Disney resorting to harsh tactics, if not a full ban on them, because Disney has always taken pride in the safety of their CMs and especially the guests. Honestly, here's what I think Disney should do. If you get caught just once using a selfie stick on a ride, they stop the ride, send 3 of the most intimidating CMs they got to tell you that you've been charged a fee to your MDE, & have them escort you out of the park for that day. And to drive the point even further, shut off you and your partie's Magic Bands for that day for all the parks while leaving your room entry & purchases enabled. It would be a devastating whammy because they hit you where it hurts, your wallet, AND you deter them from trying the same thing at another park that day. Yeah, their party is collateral damage but who's to say that they won't do it too right? Plus, it lets that guest know that if you mess up, you'll mess it up for everybody with you. If they do the same thing again the next day, double the charge, shut off the Magic Bands again, etc. Realistically speaking, something like that will probably not happen in the near future, if at all, but Disney can be that extreme & tough if necessary. Point blank, the rules are the rules and they're there for EVERYBODY's safety including the selfie guest. Just saying.

 

[G00fyDad]

They should also flag your MM+ account if your asked more than once to stow a narsisstick. That way when you get to a ride the CM's would know you are a stick user and can proactively remind you. Of course, this would only work if your band was scanned.

 

[mousehockey37]

I hope that the guests that have the selfie sticks heed the new rules because if not, I can see Disney resorting to harsh tactics, if not a full ban on them, because Disney has always taken pride in the safety of their CMs and especially the guests. Honestly, here's what I think Disney should do. If you get caught just once using a selfie stick on a ride, they stop the ride, send 3 of the most intimidating CMs they got to tell you that you've been charged a fee to your MDE, & have them escort you out of the park for that day. And to drive the point even further, shut off you and your partie's Magic Bands for that day for all the parks while leaving your room entry & purchases enabled. It would be a devastating whammy because they hit you where it hurts, your wallet, AND you deter them from trying the same thing at another park that day. Yeah, their party is collateral damage but who's to say that they won't do it too right? Plus, it lets that guest know that if you mess up, you'll mess it up for everybody with you. If they do the same thing again the next day, double the charge, shut off the Magic Bands again, etc. Realistically speaking, something like that will probably not happen in the near future, if at all, but Disney can be that extreme & tough if necessary. Point blank, the rules are the rules and they're there for EVERYBODY's safety including the selfie guest. Just saying.

That's kind of along the lines of what I was thinking. To add... If you have an in-park ADR, forget it. You're getting assessed the fee and you have to eat elsewhere. That or you are escorted by security to and from your meal, so that you can't have access to anything, since your MDE is in essence "suspended" for the day. I think the latter would be better, Disney will still make out on you eating and spending money.

 

[CJLove79]

They should also flag your MM+ account if your asked more than once to stow a narsisstick. That way when you get to a ride the CM's would know you are a stick user and can proactively remind you. Of course, this would only work if your band was scanned.

That too. But the MagicBand is so ubiquitous at Disney, its rare when a guest has one off and even if they do, they have the charge & messed up their Family & Friend's vacation. Now just thinking about it, the BIGGEST punishment would be guilt. Imagine having a group of 10 people, five adult, five kids and ALL their MBs were shut off all because you didn't follow the signs that strictly say No Selfie Sticks on the ride. The embarrassment would be absolutely immense. I want to put a little disclaimer though, I feel that selfie sticks have their place as does any camera accessory. And I feel that Disney is being fair in that they're allowing them in the parks, just not on the rides. This has probably been said before but what they should also do is state how LONG you can extend the stick. I think if Disney was to state that, it would make the experience even better.

 

[mousehockey37]

The hardest part of any "punishment" done by Disney would be the first offenders caught. The reverting of adults to elementary kids would be hilarious... "well, I wasn't the only one on the ride with one...." "the guy in the train in front of us was using his and you didn't kick him out..."

There would definitely be backlash. As long as Disney has it spelled out in their rules, which you consent to when you buy the tickets and any amendments that come along in the time since you bought them, then they'd be good, I guess.

 

[Bairstow]

I think they should have kicked him out of the park. Not only did he knowingly break a rule that is there for guest safety (and not just "because" Disney doesn't like it), but he also caused an interruption in the rest of those guest's experience by breaking a rule just because he's special and wanted to do this.

Interesting.

I've gotten some really amazing footage by strapping my gopro to the handle bar in front of us on Everest, Big Thunder, and Kali using the wrist strap.
All told, I've probably gotten away with this 15 times.
Each time cast members definitely saw it and did not mind.

Granted, this is probably an even safer, more secure way to keep the camera than putting it into the little carry-on pouch on those rides.

 

[Arthur Wellesley]

Sure, it's not a "magical" experience to see someone get tossed off the ride, but if it's keeping me safe from any possible harm, I just witnessed a "magical" moment of its own!!!

Exactly this. If I'm on a ride and witness someone get scolded for selfie sticks, flash photography, etc...I'm not going to think: "Wow, there goes my magical experience. I'm never coming back to this tight-collared place again."
Instead, I'm going to think: "Wow, Disney has the courage to back up it's own rules so more of us can enjoy the experience. I respect this place even more."

I'm certain that (most) others would feel the same way. Those who would be most offended by stricter enforcement of policies would probably be the ones likely to break rules themselves....and I'm sure most CM's & other guests wouldn't lose any sleep if those types choose to never come back.

 

[G00fyDad]

Interesting.

I've gotten some really amazing footage by strapping my gopro to the handle bar in front of us on Everest, Big Thunder, and Kali using the wrist strap.
All told, I've probably gotten away with this 15 times.
Each time cast members definitely saw it and did not mind.

Granted, this is probably an even safer, more secure way to keep the camera than putting it into the little carry-on pouch on those rides.

Strapping it to the ride is still not as safe since Disney is in no way responsible for the strap you use to secure the GoPro. However, to me that is more acceptable than what the guy in the video did by using a narsisstick.

 

[mousehockey37]

Interesting.

I've gotten some really amazing footage by strapping my gopro to the handle bar in front of us on Everest, Big Thunder, and Kali using the wrist strap.
All told, I've probably gotten away with this 15 times.
Each time cast members definitely saw it and did not mind.

Did you watch the video? He had the stick fully extended. Not a GoPro on his wrist or strapped to the handle bar. If the item is on your arm (wrist strap) and you keep your arms where they are supposed to be, you're not breaking the rules. You are within the obligation to keep your hands, arms, feet and legs inside the ride vehicle at all times. His use of the stick fully extended was not this.

 

[Bairstow]

Did you watch the video? He had the stick fully extended. Not a GoPro on his wrist or strapped to the handle bar. If the item is on your arm (wrist strap) and you keep your arms where they are supposed to be, you're not breaking the rules. You are within the obligation to keep your hands, arms, feet and legs inside the ride vehicle at all times. His use of the stick fully extended was not this.

What do you mean did I watch the video?
If I hadn't watched the video, why would I have made my comment?

 

[G00fyDad]

If someone wants to wear a GoPro on a ride then go for it. I won't be the silly looking one. I've seen people walking and riding around with these things strapped to their bodies. Yikes. Not a fashion statement anyone should be proud of.

By the way...

What you think you look like with a GoPro.....

What you REALLY look like with a GoPro.....

 

[mousehockey37]

What do you mean did I watch the video?
If I hadn't watched the video, why would I have made my comment?

There's a big difference between a 2-4 foot stick and a device strapped to you...

 

[CJLove79]

Interesting.

I've gotten some really amazing footage by strapping my gopro to the handle bar in front of us on Everest, Big Thunder, and Kali using the wrist strap.
All told, I've probably gotten away with this 15 times.
Each time cast members definitely saw it and did not mind.

Granted, this is probably an even safer, more secure way to keep the camera than putting it into the little carry-on pouch on those rides.

I spoke to a Cast Member earlier and he told me that if you have a small camera like a GoPro or for example a Sony ActionCam like the HDR-AS200V strapped to a head strap or chest strap, that's cool because they're not extending so far past the car that your in. So that's probably why they didn't have a problem with you strapping it to the handle bar. But he did say that Disney will not be held accountable if your camera gets damaged or lost during the duration of the ride, which everybody already knows. At the end of the day, we all needs to use common sense whether we have a selfie stick or not.

 

[SpaceMountain75]

I have now reached the point where I'm more eagerly anticipating the banning of selfie sticks than the overhaul of DHS.

 

[TiggersPooh]

You are no longer allowed to attach anything to the ride vehicle.