Walt Disney World Resort guests are reportedly finding ways to bypass park rules and bring banned items, including selfie sticks, into the Central Florida theme parks. Despite Disney’s long-standing ban on these devices due to safety concerns, some guests exploit loopholes in the rules to sneak them past security.
The Ban on Selfie Sticks
In 2015, Walt Disney World Resort implemented a ban on selfie sticks and similar filming devices across all four parks: Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The ban was enacted after concerns arose about their safety on attractions and in crowded park areas. Official Disney Property Rules prohibit:
- “Selfie sticks”
- “Hand-held extension poles for cameras or mobile devices”
- “Tripods or monopod stands that cannot fit inside a standard backpack or that extend over six feet.”
However, tripods and monopods that meet the size requirements are allowed, and this is where some guests are reportedly exploiting the system.
A Loophole at Walt Disney World Resort
Recent discussions on Reddit reveal how some guests are using the rules around monopods to bring in selfie stick-like devices. While these monopods technically fit within Disney’s size restrictions, guests are using them in ways that mimic banned selfie sticks, creating safety concerns.
“I’ve seen several people with selfie sticks this trip, even ones with stands and them having 5+ minute photo shoots of identical shots on a timer,” Reddit user u/liambrazier wrote. “I thought these things were banned.”
Others confirmed that monopods are being used as makeshift selfie sticks to skirt the rule. “A lot of people are bringing monopods and collapsible tripods,” said u/ebockelman. “Monopods are especially easy to confuse with a selfie stick if you aren’t looking closely.”
“They have been exploiting a loophole lately where monopods are ok but selfie sticks are not,” u/nevets4333 added. “I expect the rule to be updated before too long because the monopods are being used as selfie sticks.”
How Guests Sneak Items Past Walt Disney World Resort Security
Central Florida Disney Park guests noted that Walt Disney World Resort’s updated security screening process may contribute to the problem. The elimination of manual bag checks means that some prohibited items are slipping through undetected.
“Now that all bags aren’t physically checked, the sticks get through and [cast members] don’t want to stop someone once they are in,” said u/jodi4869.
This lack of enforcement has caused widespread frustration among other Disney park-goers. “A family almost hit me in EPCOT yesterday as they popped out their selfie stick as soon as I was walking by,” shared u/worldstopkerion. “I had to jump to the right to avoid getting hit.”
Space Mountain had an E-stop and a subsequent ride evac a couple of nights ago because of a selfie-stick,” u/SeriousStrokes69 replied.
Why Selfie Sticks Are Banned
Walt Disney World Resort’s ban on selfie sticks is rooted in safety concerns. These devices can become hazardous in crowded areas, potentially hitting other guests or obstructing pathways. They pose an even greater risk on attractions, as they could interfere with ride mechanisms or create dangerous situations if dropped.
Despite these risks, the current loophole allows items that blur the line between permissible and prohibited, leading some guests to push the boundaries.
Many Disney Parks fans are calling for stricter enforcement of the current rules or an update to close the loophole. Adjusting the language around monopods and expanding security measures could help address the issue.
Should Walt Disney World Resort unban selfie sticks and other filming devices? Share your thoughts with How to Disney in the comments!
