Walt Disney Co. started banning selfie sticks at its theme parks around the world, joining a growing list of attractions that restrict the camera accessories for safety reasons.
As of last Tuesday, the company is not allowing selfie sticks—extension rods used for taking self-portraits with smartphones—at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, or Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The ban will begin on Wednesday at parks in Hong Kong and Paris.
“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,” Disney spokesperson Kim Prunty said in a statement.
Disney tried allowing selfie sticks in the park but not on rides, according to Prunty. But violators were forcing park staff to stop rides for extended periods of time, including late last month when a roller coaster was shut down at Disneyland, frustrating other guests.
Security personnel will ask Disney guests who arrive with selfie sticks at the parks to stow them at a storage facility or return the sticks to their hotels or cars, the company said.
Major museums worldwide, including those in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, have banned the sticks. Other major tourist destinations such as the Palace of Versailles outside of Paris and the Colosseum in Rome as well as music festivals such as Coachella and Lollapalooza have also prohibited them.
Universal Studios also bans selfie sticks on rides in its parks, spokesperson Tom Schroder said
SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. allows selfie sticks in the company’s parks but not on rides or over animal habitats, spokesperson Becca Bides said.
(Editing by Frank McGurty and Susan Heavey)