Disney bans selfie sticks at theme parks

ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney World has banned selfie sticks at its theme parks, WFTV learned Friday.

Park officials said that the selfie sticks pose safety concerns.

"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," said Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty.

Officials announced Friday that a ban takes effect Tuesday at all four Disney theme parks in Orlando as well as at Disney's water parks and Disney Quest, a gaming attraction at Downtown Disney.

Selfie sticks will also be banned at Disneyland Resort in California on Tuesday and at Disney's parks in Paris and Hong Kong starting July 1.

The sticks can be used to extend cameras out up to 3 feet. Thunder Mountain has had a number of incidents in which the ride had to be stopped because of selfie stick use.

"They tell you can't bring cellphones and stuff on other rides that you have to pay for the locker or the lockers are free, they can do the same for the selfie stick, or implement other rules," tourist Raymond Peters said.

Officials said guests will have the option of turning in their selfie sticks for pickup later, or returning them to their cars or hotel rooms.

"That just shocks me, that really does and so many people had them," tourist Susan Peters said. "I think it's wrong because this place is for attraction and this is where you want memories from, you know, family memories."

The sticks have been banned at a growing list of museums, music festivals and sports venues.

WFTV