Heely Roller Shoes are EVERYWHERE!

[bleeps]

My son is receiving a pair for Christmas and I'm sure he'll be using them in January while we're at Universal. If he is incapable of controlling himself while using the shoes, either because of balance problems or lack of self-control, the shoes will be impounded.

I'm perfectly capable of making the best decisions myself and my child.

Greg -- whose wife hopes people don’t' start flaming us since we share this account.

This is all I ask -- that parents supervise their kids and make them stop doing things (even if what they are doing is annoying, but not physically harming, others). And no, I'm not so grumpy that I'd be *annoyed* by a child's simply having fun, but if I'm trying to walk and a kid is zipping back and forth and up and around so that I can't actually negotiate a clear path, then I'm annoyed. Honestly -- am I being fair? Totally looking to have a nice, friendly conversation -- not looking to encite flames, either!

 

[Sammie]

Well we're not talking about swearing, running with knives or playing with matches. So stay focused on the subject at hand.

I'm confused why you care if the child is using the shoes if they're not posing you or others any harm. If you go to vacation looking for stuff to complain about (to CM or others on this board), you're going to find it.

I can't speak for how other parents rear their children. I believe in letting a kid be a kid, but I do keep my son on a pretty tight leash. I go out of my way to teach him how to avoid being rude and discipline him when he crosses a boundary.

I guess I'm frustrated with the attitudes being exhibited in this thread about children wearing and using these shoes. If the child is out of control and in danger of hurting themselves or others, then of course they need to be asked to stop using them.

My son is receiving a pair for Christmas and I'm sure he'll be using them in January while we're at Universal. If he is incapable of controlling himself while using the shoes, either because of balance problems or lack of self-control, the shoes will be impounded.

I'm perfectly capable of making the best decisions myself and my child.

Greg -- whose wife hopes people don’t' start flaming us since we share this account.

Whether you think your child will harm anyone or not, is truly not the issue. They are not allowed, against the rules. Does that not apply to your child? If not then I guess that truly is the problem, isn't it. Your child is above the rules.

 

[JESW]

Greg - If it is posted at Universal that they are not allowed, will you still let your son wear them??

And that is good that you watch out for and take care of your child. Unfortunately, not all parents are like that and they don't care what their kids are doing.

I think they look like a lot of fun and I am sure the kids enjoy them. I personally find them a nuisance as kids around here wear them in the stores (despite the signs banning them) and they zoom around, many of them not paying attention. When my 81yo Mom almost got knocked down by a kid wearing them in the supermarket, yes, I got mad.

Follow the rules, that's all we ask...if they don't allow them at Disney, then don't bring them and let your kid wear them because "all the other kids are wearing them.."

 

[CheshireVal]

Well we're not talking about swearing, running with knives or playing with matches. So stay focused on the subject at hand.

I'm confused why you care if the child is using the shoes if they're not posing you or others any harm. If you go to vacation looking for stuff to complain about (to CM or others on this board), you're going to find it.

I can't speak for how other parents rear their children. I believe in letting a kid be a kid, but I do keep my son on a pretty tight leash. I go out of my way to teach him how to avoid being rude and discipline him when he crosses a boundary.

I guess I'm frustrated with the attitudes being exhibited in this thread about children wearing and using these shoes. If the child is out of control and in danger of hurting themselves or others, then of course they need to be asked to stop using them.

My son is receiving a pair for Christmas and I'm sure he'll be using them in January while we're at Universal. If he is incapable of controlling himself while using the shoes, either because of balance problems or lack of self-control, the shoes will be impounded.

I'm perfectly capable of making the best decisions myself and my child.

Greg -- whose wife hopes people don’t' start flaming us since we share this account.

I've seen plenty of kids harm themselves while wearing the darn things. At the summer camp where I work, we've decided to completely ban them next summer because we had so many accidents with them this year. Kids have no self-control when they're wearing wheels. You can tell them not to skate around crowds all you want, but they're going to do it because it's just too irresistible not to.

And when the kids end up slamming into unsuspecting park guests, then it becomes a hazard to everyone.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Whether you think your child will harm anyone or not, is truly not the issue. They are not allowed, against the rules. Does that not apply to your child? If not then I guess that truly is the problem, isn't it. Your child is above the rules.

That's what I don't understand. Why are parents letting their kids do something that is not allowed? The shoes are banned. What is it teaching kids?

 

[NashvilleTrio]

This is all I ask -- that parents supervise their kids and make them stop doing things (even if what they are doing is annoying, but not physically harming, others). And no, I'm not so grumpy that I'd be *annoyed* by a child's simply having fun, but if I'm trying to walk and a kid is zipping back and forth and up and around so that I can't actually negotiate a clear path, then I'm annoyed. Honestly -- am I being fair? Totally looking to have a nice, friendly conversation -- not looking to encite flames, either!

IMHO, you're being totally fair. Yeah a kid shouldn't be zipping back and forth when there are people around (heavy/moderate crowds). If you're having to change the pace or stop for my kid while he is using heelys, then off the wheel comes.

Most of the time at the parks -- wheels or no wheels -- I get kids, parents, workers, who walk right in front of me and cause me to stop/backup/etc.

Whether you think your child will harm anyone or not, is truly not the issue. They are not allowed, against the rules. Does that not apply to your child? If not then I guess that truly is the problem, isn't it. Your child is above the rules

I didn't say my child was above the rules, but I don't stop at guest services when enetering a park to have a rule discussion either. I use common sense. If a CM instructs me or my child that they need to be removed, then that is fine and we'll abide by those rules.

I see kids everywhere here in town with these Heelys. Most of the time, the kids are using them to coast for 2-3 feet. There not competing in a roller derby for goodness sake.

Greg - If it is posted at Universal that they are not allowed, will you still let your son wear them??

Well here is where the rubber meets the road. Probably not. However, a lack of enforcement is sign that the rule isn't that important. In my mind the rule would be more important to follow while in the parks (safety during boarding rides, crowded walkways) than it would while walking to the parks from the hotel or outside at CityWalk.

Now before I start getting peppered with replies about rules... How many of you were speeding on the way to school/work today? How many of you have snuck that bottle of apple juice or package of graham crackers into the parks --- when it clearly says NO OUTSIDE FOOD?

I'm being honest with you. Are you guys being honest with me?

At the summer camp where I work, we've decided to completely ban them next summer because we had so many accidents with them this year. Kids have no self-control when they're wearing wheels.

Kids, whose parents aren't around while at summer camp, have no self control while wearing heelys. My hand on the bottom and impounding of video games do a lot to encourage self-control, and solves the problem when the DS hasn't been exhibiting any.

The conversation in my house goes something like this.

What happens when we do good things?
DS: Good Things Happen.

What are some good things?
DS: Amusement Park, Play Video Games, Ride My Bike

What happens when we do bad things?
DS: Bad Things Happen.

What are some bad things?
DS: Spanking, No TV, No Friends Over To Play

Why are parents letting their kids do something that is not allowed?

Because Disney has decided that the rule isn't important enough to enforce. Disney thinks the rule to ban hand guns is important to have security look through your bags before entering the parks. If they were concerned about it, Disney would enforce it.

 

[MyGoofy26]

Back in October mom and I wer having lunch at Tony's and watched these three kids skating around Main Street, totally reckless. They'd start in that out of the way area between the side of Tony's and the shops (hat store, DVC) and get a running start so that by the time they hit Main Street they could fly around that loop at the hub halfway, turn around, skate back, and do it again. Yes, against "traffic" as people are walking in. This went on for a good 20 minutes til they left. As we finished up and left the restaurant, that Family Fun Day parade started and who do we see? Those same kids wheeling down Main Street as part of the parade! So not only were they not reprimanded. . .they were REWARDED!

I don't care what anyone says - you don't have to just "let kids be kids" when they're a nuisance. Flame away.

 

[bleeps]

Now before I start getting peppered with replies about rules... How many of you were speeding on the way to school/work today?

ya got me there!

 

[mom*to*2*princesses]

That's what I don't understand. Why are parents letting their kids do something that is not allowed? The shoes are banned. What is it teaching kids?

I was just about the write the exact same thing. Nobody is saying that they should be banished from existence, just that they shouldn't be worn at WDW, which is the rule. I really don't get why the rules shouldn't apply to everyone.

 

[NashvilleTrio]

ya got me there!

Thanks for the honesty.

They'd start in that out of the way area between the side of Tony's and the shops (hat store, DVC) and get a running start so that by the time they hit Main Street they could fly around that loop at the hub halfway, turn around, skate back, and do it again.

That sounds like it would be a blast, but please know my child wouldn't be doing this sort of thing. And yes I hear you all, against the rules, etc. I guess I just haven't seen the kids using them like this here in town. Heading to the mall tonight, I'll let you know what I see.


BTW, this is to everyone. Most people are not Disney/Universal freaks like us in need of a 12 step program, so how is average joe supposed to know that they are banned?

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

I didn't say my child was above the rules, but I don't stop at guest services when enetering a park to have a rule discussion either.

You kind of did say that your child is above the rules:

Because Disney has decided that the rule isn't important enough to enforce. Disney thinks the rule to ban hand guns is important to have security look through your bags before entering the parks. If they were concerned about it, Disney would enforce it.

Disney posted their rules, it is up to YOU to follow them.

I use common sense. If a CM instructs me or my child that they need to be removed, then that is fine and we'll abide by those rules.

Some CM's will say the shoes aren't allowed, but why should they have to? The rules are posted. Use common sense and FOLLOW THE RULES. You obviously know that WDW prohibits them, so don't allow your kid to wear them.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

Well we're not talking about swearing, running with knives or playing with matches. So stay focused on the subject at hand.

I'm confused why you care if the child is using the shoes if they're not posing you or others any harm. If you go to vacation looking for stuff to complain about (to CM or others on this board), you're going to find it.

I can't speak for how other parents rear their children. I believe in letting a kid be a kid, but I do keep my son on a pretty tight leash. I go out of my way to teach him how to avoid being rude and discipline him when he crosses a boundary.

I guess I'm frustrated with the attitudes being exhibited in this thread about children wearing and using these shoes. If the child is out of control and in danger of hurting themselves or others, then of course they need to be asked to stop using them.

My son is receiving a pair for Christmas and I'm sure he'll be using them in January while we're at Universal. If he is incapable of controlling himself while using the shoes, either because of balance problems or lack of self-control, the shoes will be impounded.

I'm perfectly capable of making the best decisions myself and my child.

Greg -- whose wife hopes people don’t' start flaming us since we share this account.

Greg, you DO realize that the shoes ARE a danger to others, to the child(ren) wearing them, and are also banned at the parks, RIGHT???

Your wife is going to be mad for sure if she has any respect for WDW's regulations!

 

[TinkerbellMama]

IMHO, you're being totally fair. Yeah a kid shouldn't be zipping back and forth when there are people around (heavy/moderate crowds). If you're having to change the pace or stop for my kid while he is using heelys, then off the wheel comes.

Most of the time at the parks -- wheels or no wheels -- I get kids, parents, workers, who walk right in front of me and cause me to stop/backup/etc.




I didn't say my child was above the rules, but I don't stop at guest services when enetering a park to have a rule discussion either. I use common sense. If a CM instructs me or my child that they need to be removed, then that is fine and we'll abide by those rules.

I see kids everywhere here in town with these Heelys. Most of the time, the kids are using them to coast for 2-3 feet. There not competing in a roller derby for goodness sake.



Well here is where the rubber meets the road. Probably not. However, a lack of enforcement is sign that the rule isn't that important. In my mind the rule would be more important to follow while in the parks (safety during boarding rides, crowded walkways) than it would while walking to the parks from the hotel or outside at CityWalk.

Now before I start getting peppered with replies about rules... How many of you were speeding on the way to school/work today? How many of you have snuck that bottle of apple juice or package of graham crackers into the parks --- when it clearly says NO OUTSIDE FOOD?

I'm being honest with you. Are you guys being honest with me?




Kids, whose parents aren't around while at summer camp, have no self control while wearing heelys. My hand on the bottom and impounding of video games do a lot to encourage self-control, and solves the problem when the DS hasn't been exhibiting any.

The conversation in my house goes something like this.

What happens when we do good things?
DS: Good Things Happen.

What are some good things?
DS: Amusement Park, Play Video Games, Ride My Bike

What happens when we do bad things?
DS: Bad Things Happen.

What are some bad things?
DS: Spanking, No TV, No Friends Over To Play




Because Disney has decided that the rule isn't important enough to enforce. Disney thinks the rule to ban hand guns is important to have security look through your bags before entering the parks. If they were concerned about it, Disney would enforce it.

So you ignore the rules and hit your child...and that makes everything right with the world?

I am stunned.

 

[CheshireVal]

Kids, whose parents aren't around while at summer camp, have no self control while wearing heelys. My hand on the bottom and impounding of video games do a lot to encourage self-control, and solves the problem when the DS hasn't been exhibiting any.

Well, actually when we had conversations with some of the parents whose kids were out of control with the heelys, the parents weren't all that supportive. They took the line of "Well, he's at summer camp. Let a kid be a kid." Similar to "why take the fun out of Disneyworld" from earlier in this thread.

 

[NashvilleTrio]

You kind of did say that your child is above the rules

No I didn't. You're imaging that. Before reading this post today, I had no idea that Heelys were banned. I still don't know that they are banned, but I'll take everyone's word for it.

Everyone is bathing in their own righteous indignation about following the rules, but only bleeps was willing to respond to my speeding/food in parks inquiry.

Greg, you DO realize that the shoes ARE a danger to others, to the child(ren) wearing them, and are also banned at the parks, RIGHT???

There are lots of things that are dangerous to a child. The child that got his foot ripped off on BTMRR might say that roller coasters are dangerous, but you don't want to hear that. RIGHT???

So you ignore the rules and hit your child...and that makes everything right with the world?

I am stunned.

CREWS OUY (word scramble!)

I have never beaten my child. Have I spanked my child for correction? Because I love him and want him to be the best person he can be? Absolutely. Your disgusting for implying otherwise. Thomas Reed should be proud!

I DON'T WANT, NEED OR SEEK YOUR AFFIRMATION AS A PARENT.


In closing, I didn't intend for this to turn into flame wars. I'm sorry that it went there. Again, if the shoes are prohibited from being used in the park, then there won't be any kids using them. Whether that means that parents enforce the rule, security checks for them on the way in, or they more clearly post and enforce the no-heely rule. I still just don't understand everyone's delight in reprimanding a child for a parent's mistake.

Off to the Universal side of the boards, to take cover.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

 

[NashvilleTrio]

Your wife is going to be mad for sure if she has any respect for WDW's regulations!

So you ignore the rules and hit your child...and that makes everything right with the world?

FYI - I do have respect for the rules/regulations at WDW or any other place for that matter. And you're right - I am mad - but not because of what my husband has been saying all this time. I support him 100% on everything he's said. I'm mad and very upset that anyone could say we "hit" our child. Yes, we do spank, but we, by no means, consider that hitting in the sense of beating. You probably didn't mean it that way, but that's how it came across to us. You should be more careful when it comes to expressing your opinions about parenting issues. I know that there are many parents who don't believe in any sort of corporal punishment and that is great. I am so glad for you. But everyone parents differently and you need to remember that.

-Melissa

 

[seashoreCM]

I still just don't understand everyone's delight in reprimanding a child for a parent's mistake.

But kids are so smart and know everything so they are better able to understand what the reprimand is all about compared with their parents.

Speaking of being smart, a Ph.D. is not needed for this: The word is "deflect". It's a transitive verb. Now to relate that word to this thread.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[KCMiller]

Hi, everyone,

I haven't actually read all the posts on this thread, because I know how quickly people get their hackles up, but I wanted to share with you my experience while at WDW last month.

We saw LOTS of kids with heelys. And I was all ready to be annoyed and point them out to CM's. But I have to say, and I'm being totally honest, they didn't bother me at all. In fact, I thought they were sort of neat.

That being said, I think what most people are concerned about is kids using them with the same recklessness as someone who has never used an ECV before, or someone shoving a double stroller through a crowd with no regard for anyone elses space. When used properly, these things are useful and good - when used improperly, they are harmful and annoying.

I know that heelys are not allowed, and so I wouldn't have allowed my children to wear them (they are all grown now, so it's moot). But they truly didn't bother me, and believe me, I went with the thought in my head that I would be really bothered by these. I guess if a child had run into me, I would have had a different feeling about this.

Just my two cents. Have a great night!

KC

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

No I didn't. You're imaging that. Before reading this post today, I had no idea that Heelys were banned. I still don't know that they are banned, but I'll take everyone's word for it.

Actually, I'm not imaging it and I quoted what you said to prove that. You stated since Disney wasn't enforcing the rule, you didn't need to follow it.

CM's, like police, can't be everywhere all the time. Do people speed and get away with it? Yes. Does that mean that everyone should speed? No. Rules and laws are made for a reason. Disney (as well as many other places) have banned Heelys because they can be dangerous. Until every single person wearing them can stay in control and not cause an accident, they need to be banned (DH agrees, as a kid slammed into him because of these shoes).

Everyone is bathing in their own righteous indignation about following the rules, but only bleeps was willing to respond to my speeding/food in parks inquiry.

No, I don't bring food into the park (and I didn't speed to work today). That being said, people that bring food into the park are probably not going to slam their food into another person and hurt them. Not so with people on Heelys.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Hi, everyone,

I haven't actually read all the posts on this thread, because I know how quickly people get their hackles up, but I wanted to share with you my experience while at WDW last month.

We saw LOTS of kids with heelys. And I was all ready to be annoyed and point them out to CM's. But I have to say, and I'm being totally honest, they didn't bother me at all. In fact, I thought they were sort of neat.

That being said, I think what most people are concerned about is kids using them with the same recklessness as someone who has never used an ECV before, or someone shoving a double stroller through a crowd with no regard for anyone elses space. When used properly, these things are useful and good - when used improperly, they are harmful and annoying.

I know that heelys are not allowed, and so I wouldn't have allowed my children to wear them (they are all grown now, so it's moot). But they truly didn't bother me, and believe me, I went with the thought in my head that I would be really bothered by these. I guess if a child had run into me, I would have had a different feeling about this.

Just my two cents. Have a great night!

KC

I agree that most kids didn't annoy me with these shoes. However, one did run into DH. Unfortunately, because not everyone can use these without incident, then no one should be allowed to wear them.

As for the ECV's, I didn't have issues with these at all, but if I did most people need them for a medical condition. Not so with Heelys.