Developing Story:NOT a Rumor~Selfie Sticks Will Not Be Allowed in Disney Parks by July 1, 2015!

Update June 26, 2015~ Disney has released an official statement banning selfie sticks from ALL Disney Parks! The ban goes into effect Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at Walt Disney World Parks and Disneyland Resort Parks, and July 1, 2015 for international Disney Parks.

“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. (CNN Money)

The internet has been buzzing with rumors about a full ban on selfie sticks at Disney parks all week.  Well, it’s looking like these rumors are true.  According to many sources including Disney Park Cast Members, by the time July 1, 2015 rolls around the popular selfie sticks will no longer be allowed within the parks.

In April, we reported that Disney was banning these beloved devices on all of the rides for safety reasons (Selfie Sticks Not Welcome on Walt Disney World Rides). Shortly afterwards signs started popping up at the entrance of many rides letting guests know that selfie sticks were to be properly stored before boarding the ride.  Unfortunately, there are still guests who have chosen to ignore the posted signs.  This causing the ride operators to have to shut down the ride if they see a guest using a selfie stick while on the ride.  The selfie sticks can get stuck in tracks of Disney rides or even fly out of the owners hands and injure other guests.

The most recent report of a ride being shut down due to a selfie stick being used was just Wednesday, June 24, 2015. California Screamin’ at Disney’s California Adventure Park was shut down for about an hour when Cast Members noticed a guest using on of the sticks. (KTLA.com)

According to WDW News Today, Cast Members will be at security check points at the entrance of each Walt Disney World Resort parks to assist guests with their selfie sticks.  Guests can choose to keep their selfie sticks and leave the park or they can check it with the Cast Members who will see it safely stored for them. If guests choose to check their stick they will be given a claim ticket, and can retrieve their selfie stick when they leave the park for the day.

Disney Parks has not officially confirmed or given any specifics on when the new policy will debut, but we will keep a close eye on this developing story and update soon!