Change in Heelys Policy?

[valjane]

I agree Disney needs to post the rules regarding heelys in a very conspicuous place. I don't think I've ever seen it posted anywhere except in tiny print on the website.

Of course it should be common sense that heelys don't belong out in most public places (duh!), but obviously many parents don't seem to understand that.

[Grim Grinning Marathon Runner]

No, the policy hasn't changed, it's just getting harder and harder to keep people from breaking the rules. We try to control the problem, but many adults don't listen.

When I'm at work, I'm not in a position to say anything. When I'm off of work and visiting as a Guest....I make a very loud and obvious point of laughing hysterically when the child falls and hurts themselves.

Please tell me you're not serious about that.

[CaptainJessicaSparrow]

It depends on how seriously they got hurt. Tha harder they get hurt, the harder I laugh....

LOL, of course I was! I'm surprised it took that long for someone to say something. But when they do fall with the Heelys, I take care to remind them that this is why they are not supposed to wear them in the parks.

[JPL]

This is just another case of Disney not having the backbone to enforce their own rules. Very simple have the kid remove the wheels and have them checked at City Hall like a coat check so they don't have access to them until they are leaving the park. If they refuse escort them out of the park. I have seen people refused entrance for offensive t-shirts and told they must either change their shirts or they will not be admitted what makes wheelys any different.

[Von-Drake]

Pretty soon it will be like airport security.
"Please remove your shoes for inspection."
It is sad when park security has to do the job that responsible parents should be doing.

[EmmMOM2]

Personally i would NEVER buy these for my children, how obnoxious!! Kids use them only in places they shouldn't it seems. I even see them skating down the aisles of the grocery store when i'm trying to get shopping done.

If I see kids skating on them when i go, i will be sure to remind their parents of the rules.

[thrillme]

I have NEVER had ANY problem with kids in heelys. I see them all the time, my DS has them and if there's an open area he might use them if it's crowded he doesn't even bother. They're really nice at Disney and places where there a looonnnnggg strech of open area to skate down or hang on to Mom while she pulls. It's FUN!

My only problem is that I'm jealous because I know I'd bust my keester if I tried.

Now if they really want to outlaw these things let's outlaw all those little kids that are allowed to run wild, bash into people, roll on the floor, tear up the giftshops. I've had a LOT more of kids in regular shoes crash into me or trip and bust themselves up because they were running, chasing each other, hanging on the chains, ropes, bars etc...bashing into me because they're bored in line and they start play fighting or pushing each other...than I've had ANY kid on heelys do ANY harm or annoyance to me. A parent can tell a kid NOT to heely here just like they can tell one not to RUN.

Skates have been around forever, so have bikes, moon shoes, skateboards, etc. Kids have fun with all this stuff. Sometimes they get hurt. But I've found that even if they're just running around in $150 sneakers, helmet, arm guards, wrist bands, knee guards, shin guards, goggles, face masks, cups and mouth guards, and gloves...they STILL get hurt.

Believe it or not there was a time kids were kids. They played baseball with rocks and a stick, they made mud pies (and sometimes ate them), they jumped out of trees with parachutes made out of sheets, string and a shoe box and SWORE they worked, they made skateboards out of a box and wheels and rode it down the steepest hill they could find. Apparently enough of them survived to become parents.

I stand if the child is in a crowded area and is annoying others. The CM should simple ask them to "Please Remove the Wheels" just like they say "Please Don't Run". If they're wheeling around in an area that's open and bothering no one...no big deal.

Now we venture into the lawsuit department. Sure someone can bring forth a lawsuit but most are only going to be "annoyances". If someone falls because something wasn't properly/reasonably maintained then it's one thing if they fall because of their own stupidity...it's another. (Personally I wish we could CHANGE the policy on these STUPID lawsuits...a lot of countries have a "loser pays" system and a lot of this frivilous JUNK never makes it to court) Post a sign that states no heelys in crowded areas. "Disney is not responsible for accidents cause by improper use." Heck...why not throw in "Disney is not responsible for improper use of feet too."

It's just really sad with everything else going on in the world we're so worried about a kid on wheeled shoes. They're fun but I'm just too uncoordinated for them to have them for myself

[FlaTinkRAMESAM]

I have NEVER had ANY problem with kids in heelys. I see them all the time, my DS has them and if there's an open area he might use them if it's crowded he doesn't even bother. They're really nice at Disney and places where there a looonnnnggg strech of open area to skate down or hang on to Mom while she pulls. It's FUN!

This is the whole point--THEY AREN'T ALLOWED... it doesn't matter how good your kids are in them or if he doesn't use them in a crowded area. There are rules and by allowing your children to use them in any capacity, you are contributing to the problem and breaking the rules. It might be fun, but there are reasons why they are not allowed at the parks.

I understand the point of your post, and while it would be nice if everyone complied with a certain set of standards that made them safe for all concerned, that isn't the case and Disney has said no. And who determines what "crowded" is exactly? There is no sure fire way to monitor that, nor should there have to be. They shouldn't be used in the parks, at all.

[TheMartellFamily]

Busy or not they are not allowed!!!

[Flash]

I just wonder - how many kids who use Heelys in public would use roller skates in the same locations? Isn't that really what they are? I would never let my child roller skate through a store, a theme park, or any close quarters.