"Selfie Sticks"

[nicholsbears]

:bar:

I have read where various museums, concert venues, etc have banned the ubiquitous, pretentious and obnoxious "selfie sticks." Hope Disney will catch the ball here and do the same: ban the sticks from the Parks. I spent a week at WDW in Dec. and was poked in the face 4 times by narcissistic boobs who couldn't be bothered to watch where they were going; they were too preoccupied with watching their own faces in their cameras. They almost poked my eye out ..:doh: Selfies are great, but the sticks have to go ! I have never encountered a Disney visitor who was not overjoyed to take a picture for me; and I always offer to reciprocate.
:goofy:

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

Wouldn't this be wonderful? I doubt that Disney will ban them, but it would be a great idea, as far as I'm concerned. :)

[MyDisneyworld]

I noticed the tour groups go crazy with the sticks.

[manutd1]

I don't know....
I guess i never noticed them, until I read it here. But, there is ALOT of things that one doesn't notice or thinks is a big deal....untill its read on a forum. And then all heck breaks loose..

[John]

I don't know....
I guess i never noticed them, until I read it here. But, there is ALOT of things that one doesn't notice or thinks is a big deal....untill its read on a forum. And then all heck breaks loose..

I don't know - we've talked about this a lot on the podcast. How you can be sitting for an hour behind someone thinking you have a good view of a show - and all of a sudden the selfie stick goes up...

[manutd1]

I don't know - we've talked about this a lot on the podcast. How you can be sitting for an hour behind someone thinking you have a good view of a show - and all of a sudden the selfie stick goes up...
Just never paid attention...i suppose if i were looking for it..id see it. Kinda like when you buy a new car...all of the sudden, you see that car a lot. When before, you never noticed.

[TheVBs]

Our last trip was a year ago, so we haven't yet seen these in the park. But, yeah, I could see Disney banning these for the same reason the museums do.

For the most part we don't notice or get hung up on what other people are doing. But if someone sticks any kind of device right in your view, you'd have to be blind not to notice. Not to mention the poor OP and others who have mentioned getting hit with these. How exactly are you not supposed to notice someone nearly taking your eye out?

I also think as a community of WDW guests, we need to not be afraid to tap someone on the shoulder and tell them that they're blocking our view and to please move the device.

[Maddie]

The entire time we were on safari in AK someone kept holding up a selfie stick. The driver kept telling them to stop because it was hanging over the edge but they did not speak English so they kept doing it! It was nerve wracking everyone thought they were going to drop it over the side. Very distracting, ruined the ride.

[Speedy1998]

When I was at WDW a couple of weeks ago they seemed to be everywhere.

I did have one funny experience though. My son and I were in the restroom at the exit of POTC, when a guy came in and stuck the selfie stick in the back of his pants while he used the restroom. When we walked out of the restroom, my DS turns to me and says "Wow that guy literally had a stick up his butt." :funny:

[Mrs Bus Driver]

When I was at WDW a couple of weeks ago they seemed to be everywhere.

I did have one funny experience though. My son and I were in the restroom at the exit of POTC, when a guy came in and stuck the selfie stick in the back of his pants while he used the restroom. When we walked out of the restroom, my DS turns to me and says "Wow that guy literally had a stick up his butt." :funny:

Out of the mouths of babes:D

[azcavalier]

So, gotta admit to having a selfie stick here. I got it because we bought some GoPro's here at work, but they didn't buy any accessories at all. No mounts. Nothing. So I picked up a selfie stick and took it to WDW in january. My thought was that it would allow me to get angles on videos that you can't normally get. My thought was NOT to hold it up above my head in a crowd during Wishes or on a ride.

I used it on Kali River Rapids, and it worked really well. It allowed me to keep it pretty steady.

I also used it on Expedition Everest. I asked the CM before it started if I could use it, and he said that I could, as long as it didn't go above the level of the seat back in front of me. Since I was in the second row, it wasn't a problem.

Admittedly, I pride myself on being aware of my surroundings and trying to not invade other's space or block their views. Because it annoys me when it happens. Not trying to hold myself up as "better" than others. Just trying to be a responsible park attendee.

[MNNHFLTX]

I don't know....
I guess i never noticed them, until I read it here. But, there is ALOT of things that one doesn't notice or thinks is a big deal....untill its read on a forum. And then all heck breaks loose..If you have been to WDW in recent months I don't know how you could not notice them. They were rampant at both the Disney Parks and Universal Orlando. That said, the people using them provided more entertainment than annoyance. However, I have to agree that if someone used one of them during a show or parade and it blocked my view I would have to say something and hope for cooperation. People should have common sense about these things, but many don't. :shake:

[MNNHFLTX]

Admittedly, I pride myself on being aware of my surroundings and trying to not invade other's space or block their views. Because it annoys me when it happens. Not trying to hold myself up as "better" than others. Just trying to be a responsible park attendee.Wish there were more people like you. :thumbsup:

[manutd1]

If you have been to WDW in recent months I don't know how you could not notice them. They were rampant at both the Disney Parks and Universal Orlando. That said, the people using them provided more entertainment than annoyance. However, I have to agree that if someone used one of them during a show or parade and it blocked my view I would have to say something and hope for cooperation. People should have common sense about these things, but many don't. :shake:
We went to WDW last Sept. Went to DLR last May during the wifes meetings.. No, didn't notice. We will be going back to WDW May2-9, I suppose I could make it a point to look for the dastardly selfie sticks....but Im sure we will be having way too much fun in the "world" to notice...as we always do!!:thumbsup:
Now fanny packs.....thats a different story....those MUST be banned..

[EeyoresBestFriend]

Now fanny packs.....thats a different story....those MUST be banned..

Hey, hey, hey now . . . .

My fanny pak does not poke people in the face, wipe them out while I'm standing in line or knock off small children when walking past them.

Selfie stiks are FAAAAARRR more annoying :D:D and people with flashes on rides . . .

Leave the archaic fanny pak folks alone . . . :funny:

[manutd1]

Hey, hey, hey now . . . .

My fanny pak does not poke people in the face, wipe them out while I'm standing in line or knock off small children when walking past them.

Selfie stiks are FAAAAARRR more annoying :D:D and people with flashes on rides . . .

Leave the archaic fanny pak folks alone . . . :funny:
:D
and those wrong number dialers..what the heck are we going to do about them!

[MrPeetrie]

Before this post, I did not know what a selfie stick was. (Showing my age and tech ignorance, I guess.)

I hope when we return this September after a three-year hiatus, they aren't a distraction that takes away from the trip.

[DNS]

Hopefully this post will help people realize that they should watch out for others around them.

[manutd1]

Before this post, I did not know what a selfie stick was. (Showing my age and tech ignorance, I guess.)

I hope when we return this September after a three-year hiatus, they aren't a distraction that takes away from the trip.
Thats my point....you probably would not have EVER noticed them.....until now.

And with around 25-30 million annual visitors to WDW.....this post has 19 comments..And a few are mine. I don't think the selfie stick is much of an issue. Don't look for them and you won't even notice...or if you do, probably won't care.

[joonyer]

I had never noticed them anywhere either, . . . . until we went to WDW this past Christmas week. They were everywhere, but especially in front of the castle. When crowds gathered there for fireworks, parades, shows etc., there were hundreds of them, everywhere you looked. In the shoulder to shoulder crowds, I didn't get hit by any, but others did. You couldn't avoid noticing them.

[JRocker]

Gah! Now I have another accessory to purchase before the trip.

I'll be wearing a fanny pack to hold up my jorts, pushing a double wide stroller from my scooter while holding up a brand new, top of the line, selfie stick.

It's getting more and more difficult to keep up with my tour group.

[azcavalier]

I think the reason I noticed them this last trip is because I had one, too! Have the rest of you ever had that experience that when you buy a new car, then you noticed all of the other cars on the road that are the same model as yours? Same phenomenon.

[EeyoresBestFriend]

I didn't know what they were either.

After two days in the parks though, at a busy time, and you could not help but notice them since they almost hit you in line on a regular basis.

Narcissism at it's best. :D

[TinkerbellT421]

I did not know what they were until this past January trip. I infact didn't know what it was until I saw someone using it, after of course they whipped it out in front of me and clothes-lined me in the throat. So, yes, you can't help but notice them, whether you know what they were or not, because for every ONE person using the iPad there were FIVE more using the selfie stick. After being whacked in the head, one to the throat and poked in the back in line, my tolerance for them was dear I say, ZERO. By the fifth one I saw I wanted to break every one I saw. I was bitter to say the least.

[nicholsbears]

:mickey: Especially difficult when your'e walking with your head down, eyes glued to your cell phone.:wave:

[Wayne]

Gah! Now I have another accessory to purchase before the trip.

I'll be wearing a fanny pack to hold up my jorts, pushing a double wide stroller from my scooter while holding up a brand new, top of the line, selfie stick.

It's getting more and more difficult to keep up with my tour group.

:thumbsup:

[lawgirl]

Oh my gosh I sure hope so. Those things are so obnoxious...I get if you are on Mt. Everest (the real one) or something "once in a lifetime" spectacular, but come on. I appreciate a great photo op, but please! I wish people would just "be" in the moment, and not have to take a pic of themselves ever 5 seconds.

[Main Street Jim]

"Selfie sticks" are now officially banned on all rides and attractions, including shows:


It has been a long time coming, but Walt Disney World today officially notified all cast members that selfie sticks being used on rides and attractions will no longer be tolerated.

The elongating sticks that guests use to take cell phone “selfie” pictures have been a huge problem since their introduction, with many guests sticking the rods out beyond ride vehicles and such at the parks, posing a major safety threat to themselves and other guests.

Cast members at greeter positions in front of attractions are now instructed to ask any guest with a visible selfie stick to stow the item for the duration of the experience. A guest using the stick while enjoying a ride or attraction will be asked to stow the item over the attraction’s PA system or the attraction will be stopped immediately by the cast members according to the policy.

While not really a new policy, this is the first step by Disney to make sure all cast members handle use of the selfie sticks by guests in the same manner. Disney’s rules about sticking any items out of a moving ride vehicle have always been the same; it is completely prohibited. The memo to cast members today simply ensures that all of the employees know about the issue and are trained to resolve it.

Selfie sticks are still allowed at Walt Disney World theme parks outside of rides and attractions.

[MrPeetrie]

Thank you for the update, Main St. Jim. I am glad to see this in print.

[nicholsbears]

:goofy:
It's a great start...now to confiscate them at the gates.... They are a hazard to everyones safety when people walk around with their eyes glued to them. There seems to be a direct correlation between irresponsibility and "selfie sticks."
:bar::bar:

[MrPeetrie]

...There seems to be a direct correlation between irresponsibility and "selfie sticks."
:bar::bar:

I LOVE this statement! So true.

[DizneyFreak2002]

I wouldn't hold my breath on this being enforced what so ever... Just like how they enforce no flash photography on attractions... Oh right, they don't... Or rarely do...

[Speedy1998]

I wouldn't hold my breath on this being enforced what so ever... Just like how they enforce no flash photography on attractions... Oh right, they don't... Or rarely do...

I think the problem is the number of people that break the "No flash Photography" rule. What are they supposed to do? Kick everyone who takes a flash picture out of the park, it would be a public relations nightmare.

[DizneyFreak2002]

I think the problem is the number of people that break the "No flash Photography" rule. What are they supposed to do? Kick everyone who takes a flash picture out of the park, it would be a public relations nightmare.
The rule is in place so that people can enjoy the ride without it being disrupted by flash photography, plus, many of the dark rides have the no flash pictures rule because it ruins the "magic" of the set/show scenes... If someone is breaking that rule, stop the ride... give a warning over the loud speakers... if the knuckleheads do it again, security can be waiting for them at the end of the ride to yes, escort them out or take away their camera... If you have a rule, and don't enforce it, then why have it to begin with?

If they want to ban these stupid picture taking selfie sticks, then they need to follow through... Warn one time, then either remove the person from the park if they don't listen, or confiscate the selfie stick/camera/phone...

[joonyer]

I realize that Walt Disney World theme parks is a far cry from the Augusta National Golf Club. Perhaps it is not the best analogy, but with the Masters Tournament coming up, I am reminded that if you are caught with a cell phone or camera on the course at the Masters, you will be escorted off the property and your tournament badge confiscated, no ifs, ands or buts. Therefore you don't hear cell phones ringing or cameras clicking at the Masters. Guests know without a doubt the rules are strictly enforced, and therefore they rarely have to be enforced. But when they are, the rules abiding patrons will generally applaud and cheer the club marshals for removing the rule breakers.

[MrPeetrie]

The rule is in place so that people can enjoy the ride without it being disrupted by flash photography, plus, many of the dark rides have the no flash pictures rule because it ruins the "magic" of the set/show scenes... If someone is breaking that rule, stop the ride... give a warning over the loud speakers... if the knuckleheads do it again, security can be waiting for them at the end of the ride to yes, escort them out or take away their camera... If you have a rule, and don't enforce it, then why have it to begin with?

If they want to ban these stupid picture taking selfie sticks, then they need to follow through... Warn one time, then either remove the person from the park if they don't listen, or confiscate the selfie stick/camera/phone...

I so wish they would enforce the no flash photography rule.

On our last trip, while riding the Pirates of the Caribbean, we had someone with a very sophisticated camera. He fired off in rapid succession, multiple flash shots of EVERY SCENE!!!

ga-SZEZH, ga-SZEZH, ga-SZEZH, ga-SZEZH! [FLASH], [FLASH], [FLASH], [FLASH]

So annoying! I joked he must have been a "LIFE" Magazine photographer.

ga-SZEZH

[PopPhan]

I so wish they would enforce the no flash photography rule.

On our last trip, while riding the Pirates of the Caribbean, we had someone with a very sophisticated camera. He fired off in rapid succession, multiple flash shots of EVERY SCENE!!!

ga-SZEZH, ga-SZEZH, ga-SZEZH, ga-SZEZH! [FLASH], [FLASH], [FLASH], [FLASH]

So annoying! I joked he must have been a "LIFE" Magazine photographer.

ga-SZEZH

For someone like that, you need a mirror on a selfie stick to put in front of their flash and blind them!!! :D

[DizneyFreak2002]

I so wish they would enforce the no flash photography rule.

On our last trip, while riding the Pirates of the Caribbean, we had someone with a very sophisticated camera. He fired off in rapid succession, multiple flash shots of EVERY SCENE!!!

ga-SZEZH, ga-SZEZH, ga-SZEZH, ga-SZEZH! [FLASH], [FLASH], [FLASH], [FLASH]

So annoying! I joked he must have been a "LIFE" Magazine photographer.

ga-SZEZH

It is very annoying... And yes they need the guts to finally do something... But they are too worried about people getting upset... and forget if a CM ever does follow protocol or the rule, management will reprimand that CM, at worst case fire him/her...


For someone like that, you need a mirror on a selfie stick to put in front of their flash and blind them!!! :D
Oh maybe you found the only good use for these annoying creations... :)

Disney needs to put in a park wide ban... when someone walks up to the front gate with one of those egomaniac sticks, they need to be taken away (the sticks not the person)... If that person puts up a stink, escorted off property... End of story... Don't like it, bye bye... :)

[manutd1]

It is very annoying... And yes they need the guts to finally do something... But they are too worried about people getting upset... and forget if a CM ever does follow protocol or the rule, management will reprimand that CM, at worst case fire him/her...


Oh maybe you found the only good use for these annoying creations... :)

Disney needs to put in a park wide ban... when someone walks up to the front gate with one of those egomaniac sticks, they need to be taken away (the sticks not the person)... If that person puts up a stink, escorted off property... End of story... Don't like it, bye bye... :)
I do agree with the statement that if Disney is going to have a rule....it needs to be enforced. I have not encountered the selfie stick issue....but, If WDW/DLR bans them..then YES..you bring it...you lose it!

[azcavalier]

Even though they are called "Selfie Sticks", they do not just serve the sole purpose of taking selfies. In fact, the reasons I bought one were to:

1. get a better angle for some video clips (I used mine ONLY with a GoPro)

2. be able to hold the camera more steady

So, not everyone who uses selfie sticks are narcissists.

I will also state that I had no intention of taking mine back to WDW, before it was banned. It was far more trouble than it was worth. Been there, done that, downsizing my equipment.

[nicholsbears]

:goofy:
I couldn't agree more about the annoyance of camera flashes on attractions like Pirates or Haunted Mansion; but I feel the policy is virtually impossible to enforce. I even embarrassingly admit that the first time I saw the Country Bear Jamboree I thought I had turned my flash off, but hadn't, and shocked myself when a blinding light shot out. I felt so ashamed and guilty...I slumped down on the bench and expected to be arrested by Park Police. I just knew I had ruined the show for everyone present.

[nicholsbears]

Are you the one with the sandals and black knee socks ?:mickey:

[JRocker]

Are you the one with the sandals and black knee socks ?:mickey:

Flip flops and knee length, multi-colored, toe socks. :thumbsup:

[Altair]

Do a youtube search for "selfie sticks on rides" to see them in action. :(

[MrPeetrie]

Altair, I just did. A video of people using them on It's A Small World popped up. How precarious!!! I'm even more thrilled they're banned.

[azcavalier]

Altair, I just did. A video of people using them on It's A Small World popped up. How precarious!!! I'm even more thrilled they're banned.

Well, that's ONE side of the story. You can also look at these two vacation videos where I used one with a GoPro. Very responsibly, I might add.

Expedition Everest - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yUKIUTCaq0

Kali River Rapids - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yUKIUTCaq0

On Expedition Everest, I asked if I could use it, and the CM said as long as I kept it below the level of the seat in front of me. I thought that was reasonable. The guy in front of me also used one (not extended).

In fact, in both cases, I didn't have mine extended. I used it much more like a handle. I just wanted it to be able to keep the video smooth.

[MstngDrvnDsnyLvr]

The issue isn't the stick itself, it is in how the stick is used. Too many selfish people are only there for their vacation and are bound and determined to get their vacation well documented. The other people that have paid just as much or even more if they have saved for YEARS - they just don't matter.
If people used it discreetly and in a courteous manner, then the ban would not have needed to be placed. I personally don't like them, but until I was beaned in the face by a teen not paying attention as she was doing a panorama at Kings Dominion, I had no opinion on them. After suffering a black eye and bruised bone (She whacked me hard), I abhor the things.

[MrPeetrie]

azcavalier, I watched your videos (and subsequently subscribed to your page,) and riding along with you on Expedition: Everest really made me miss it, as well as realize why I enjoy that ride so much. My DS and I plan to watch them all this weekend!

Regarding the selfie sticks themselves, as others have stated, it really does come down to the responsibility of the user. Unfortunately, too many vacationers have an "It's Me! It's Me!" attitude and little regard for others on vacation.

[azcavalier]

azcavalier, I watched your videos (and subsequently subscribed to your page,)

Well, you'll probably be sorely disappointed with the quality of videos I put on my YouTube channel. I'll try to step up my game!

[MrPeetrie]

Azcavalier, at least you have a game, which is more than I can say for myself.

[nicholsbears]

Just heard the news that "selfie stick" were banned completely at WDW and Disneyland starting June 30...thank you Disney. They are to be confiscated at the park entrance.

[tiggerbuddy]

Yeah !!!
Rude & ignorant people, Think only about themselves.

ust heard the news that "selfie stick" were banned completely at WDW and Disneyland starting June 30...thank you Disney. They are to be confiscated at the park entrance.
Reply With Quote

[EeyoresBestFriend]

For someone like that, you need a mirror on a selfie stick to put in front of their flash and blind them!!! :D

OMG!! :funny: I think you just came up with the ONLY decent use of a selfie stick ever!!! :rotfl: I may have to change my stance on them . . .

[texas211]

For those that say a selfie stick can be used for other things:
If you need a selfie stick to take a photo, you shouldn't be taking photos/video.

Good for disney. Every person who gets one confiscated, or brings one, should loose Fastpass privileges, and be sentenced to 3 showings of Stitch's Escape.

[11290]

For those that say a selfie stick can be used for other things:
If you need a selfie stick to take a photo, you shouldn't be taking photos/video.


I am in TOTAL AGREEMENT with Disney on banning them (more so than you would know or realize), however, some folks with a condition known as "familial hand tremors" might take some issue with your generalized "put down".

A "selfie stick" for those individuals can be a very useful tool to steady a phone camera for taking pictures.

[Goes4FastPass]

Absolutely NO selfie sticks in WDW parks at all ever no matter when or why. I don't care if you're Cecil B. deSpielberg with a GoPro XXXXXXL and you're refilming Gone With The Wind for the Smithsonian Institute. Wave a camera attached a selfie stick in my 4 YOs face and we'll test camera to pavement impact resistance. And give me a break. A selfie stick would only amplify the effect of this week's hand tremor.

Simply put, we'll enjoy our vacation without interfering with your vacation and we expect you to do that same.

[ThanxForNoticin]

What is rude and what is not rude is a conversation we've had for years, and the opinions are very individual. The topics have change over those years. Anywhere from people smoking in the parks (not too many years back!), to flash photography, to phones/tablets being turned on in dark theaters, to loud talking, to texting, to kids on parents shoulders at shows, to strollers/wheelchairs. And now selfie sticks. The one thing I can see about these sticks is some of the people using them seem oblivious to the safety hazard they can be on certain rides. And it's likely someone besides the person with the stick will get hurt. But this is just another chapter..... There will likely be something new next year! And the year after.... All I know is I haven't found anything so rude that I won't be heading back to the parks just as soon as I can!!

[WiltonJohn]

The issues are from people's attitudes....... the "me, me' me" business....... the problems with various devices are just manifestations of the attitude.

Unfortunately it seems that the "me, me, me" attitudes are expanding in the population.

Sad really.

best,

...............john

[Goes4FastPass]

Hey Thanx, congrats on 2,000 posts.

Sometimes I think human rudeness is almost increased and WDW. It's often crowded, sometimes warm and standing and waiting whether it's for rides or busses or parades or meals is few people's idea of a vacation... and a vacation that families look forward to and plan and save for, often for months. The anticipation level is warp factor 7.

My view is, we're all here to see Mickey and fly with Dumbo and oo and ah when Tinkerbell flies down from the castle... and garsh, we're here not back home posting replies on Intercot.

So let's get along and wait our turn and give each other a smile (and photograph those smiles without selfie sticks).

[texas211]

I am in TOTAL AGREEMENT with Disney on banning them (more so than you would know or realize), however, some folks with a condition known as "familial hand tremors" might take some issue with your generalized "put down".

A "selfie stick" for those individuals can be a very useful tool to steady a phone camera for taking pictures.

Yeah, don't care. Long live the ban.

[Mendelson]

Just to offer one counter to the general opinion here (and I do not own a ST) - in the past, someone wanting a picture taken would hand a camera over to a friend or stranger and ask them to take a picture, which takes up a lot of theme park real estate, with other passersby having to stop and wait for the picture to be taken (if you want to be courteous).

A selfie stick, by comparison, takes up relatively little space, even when fully extended, and I can go about my own business while the user snaps a picture in front of the Castle or a favorite trash can or what-have-you.

[texas211]

Yeah, but you can't do that on the Haunted Mansion or Splash or whatnot.

[mydisneygirls]

Not to go off subject - but I think the selfie stick blocking my view of a ride or show would be just as annoying as the Mickey/Minnie ears that I can't see over (I'm only 5'3") while watching Mickey's Philharmonic!!!!

PLEASE be considerate of the people being you and take your ears off until the end of the show! I make my daughter.