Heelys Banned?!

[bluwater]

Disney will need to get the word to guests BEFORE they enter the park. Once kids are inside, what are they supposed to do? Go back to the room to change? That surely doesn't go over well.

 

[Mariposa]

And what happens when your child gets distracted in public because she is busy looking at XYZ off in the distance and walks right into me on accident? If you see a child headed straight for you, the obvious thing to do would be to a) get out of the way and b) tell the child to look out, watch where he/she is going, etc. (Not only for the offender's sake, but also the sake of others around you.)

THAT is EXACTLY the point. There's already a lot of people milling about, no one needs to add extra wheels to the mix. A child walking into you at a normal pace is going to do you virtually no damage, as you well know. A child smacking into you at full Heely speed is a whole separate thing and can be seriously dangerous to everyone involved.

I think the fact that you've been shown the rule posted on Disney's website and have implied that you'll still do as you wish speaks volumes about your concern in regards to this matter, though. Go ahead and do whatever you think is best.

 

[Ariel Wanna-be]

Disney will need to get the word to guests BEFORE they enter the park. Once kids are inside, what are they supposed to do? Go back to the room to change? That surely doesn't go over well.

Take the wheels off.

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

I am not a fan of Heely's. I have seen some kids be very nice while wearing them. I have also had a bloody nose from one that was not so good on them.

It seems that no matter how many times Disney replies to an email saying Heely's are banned, or how many times you reference the park rules, posted who knows where, that do say "No bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, inline skates, or wheeled shoes of any kind" (And I KNOW I saw that somewhere!) people are going to do whatever the heck they please, without regard for others.

Things are in a sad state when no one gives a rats patootie about anyone else.
I was almost bumped into by a kid on Heelys in the Tusker House. Would he have hurt me? No, probably not. But I would have hurt him pretty bad, considering I had one of their lethally hot cups of coffee on a tray in my hand at the time. He could have been seriously burned. His parents didn't seem worried. I sat there having a heart attack everytime someone walked in with a tray.

My kids don't own Heely's. But if my 12 yr old did and wanted to bring them, I would say No. If this was a problem for him, I would let him stay home and skate while the rest of us went to Disney. End of story. I don't understand why that is so tough.

 

[FergieTCat]

I'd venture a guess that Disney will ban Heelys the first time a child falls, breaks his/her arm/leg and his/her parents try to sue Disney for the damages.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'd venture a guess that Disney will ban Heelys the first time a child falls, breaks his/her arm/leg and his/her parents try to sue Disney for the damages.

They already have banned them. The problem is that there is not good enough enforcement and many parents allow their children to wear them despite it not being a good idea (as well as being against the rules).

 

[Brer_roadrunner]

The parent's who let their kid's wear those "shoe's" to the parks because they like them and they want to, I'd like to thank you... You have given me a BRILLIANT idea! I love driving my car, and nowhere is it posted that I can't drive my car down Main St or throughout the entire park for that matter... Plus I've never hit anyone and I'm very careful (I always buckle up) and as I stated before I love driving it... Anyone going to the World in December watch out! When that rope drop's at the opening of the park guess who's getting on Splash Mountain first? Look for a gray RX-8 to be in the front of the line... If this sounds assinine it is... So is wearing skates to a theme park... Grow up... No one cares that little Johnny love's his heely's, he can love them all he want's when he get's home...

 

[Kimmie5870]

And what happens when your child gets distracted in public because she is busy looking at XYZ off in the distance and walks right into me on accident?

She won't, she is in a wheelchair and her dad and I push her through the parks. We are well aware of the distractions and that is why we move slow and try to stay over to the side as much as possible.
And besides were not talking about walking , were talking about kids wearing heelies in busy places, not only busy, but full of distractions.

If you see a child headed straight for you, the obvious thing to do would be to a) get out of the way and b) tell the child to look out, watch where he/she is going, etc. (Not only for the offender's sake, but also the sake of others around you.)

It isn't so obvious to everybody. Try hopping out of the way with a heavy wheelchair (or elderly, or have a hidden handicapp). Me telling your child to "look out" isn't an answer, they could already be up our butts before I notice them so it would take fast ACTION to protect my DD's legs. I'm sorry but if I can't think of something better I will trip your child in order to protect my DD and if that makes me evil or sick . So be it.

I must say that we must be extremely lucky, because never have we been bumped into by a child on Heelys, neither at WDW nor anywhere else in public. We've been bumped into far too many times to count by people (not just children) who simply don't watch where they are going, or who don't care to "share" common walking areas...we've also been cut off numerous times during this trip by people who are impatient and dash right in front of us.

You are extremely lucky compared to some people, just like I am. Unfortunatley my daughter and many othe rpeople aren't . My DD has had multiple fractures over the years because her bones are brittle and it doesn't take much to cause a break.
I am not petrified of heelies, I don't hate them , I'd love to try them myself If I weren't such a clutz. But I AM concerned about there use in places like WDW and I feel like I have every right to be.As does anyone everyone else who goes there .

Any reasonable suggestions that could work for people who aren't as spry on there feet as you?

 

[Tinkerbell424]

lol..those shoes are annoying.I tried them out once on a sidewalk and a fell backwards..haha.

Kids def. got skills to ride them.

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

Arugh, I hate these darn things so much!

Personally? I have a hidden handicap, and any blows to the legs can make me pretty much immobile for a while. You better believe if any brat runs into me, makes me fall, anything on heelies FH will be after them faster than they can glide, and will make the brat take them to the parents. And yeah, I do say brat because any kid that runs into someone and injures them but keeps going is one.

I don't understand this ENTITLEMENT mentality of "well there's no signs so I'll do what I want". It's pretty obvious to me that not only is it against Disney rules, but it's also against the LAW (shoes with wheels in a public place without permission) but people who know about these two things still do it? That's complete and total crap and I swear one of these days I'm going to start saying things, that are not nice, to the parents.

And no, I don't care if I make their trip "unmagical". Follow the RULES.

 

[Smooshdog]

I am not a fan of heelys and I sincerely hope that Disney will start enforcing the ban. Those shoes are a danger to other park guest. I think Disney should take a little bit from tonights 20/20 of "Enough is Enough."

 

[FergieTCat]

They already have banned them. The problem is that there is not good enough enforcement and many parents allow their children to wear them despite it not being a good idea (as well as being against the rules).

I was just at Disney, and I saw kids wearing those things in MGM. I didn't realize they were banned.

While I understand it's inconsiderate to use those things in a crowded place where you might actually bump into another person, most people don't grasp that idea (obviously). So, As I said, the minute the lawsuits start, Disney will start being more vigilant (or vigilent) in enforcing the rule.

 

[kaytieeldr]

As long as he continues to control himself properly while using his Heelys, and there are no clear rules posted banning Heelys from the parks, I'll continue to let him wear them.

There are no "clear rules posted" about roller skates or roller blades either - but all three types of footwear are prohibited in the parks, AND you are aware of the rules.

There is a huge difference between wearing rollerblades in the park and Heelys in the park.

No, there isn't. They are both footwear with wheels, they are both not permitted in the parks, this information is provided on the official Disney website and, most important - YOU are aware they're not permitted.

The question then is if there was a clearly stated sign at the entrance would you then let your child wear them still?

No- absolutely not.

So, why is the official Disney policy on this matter which is posted and readily available on their website, any different? You know NOW that they are prohibited. You don't even need to bring them with you on the chance that they're permitted. You can leave 'em home and avoid all temptation.

First you should know the law before you try to quote it. But I'll play along, how is it battery to "hold" someone who just ran over (assaulted) and injured a handicapped child ?

Good point, Flametamr. The person committing assault and battery is the one wearing the Heelys who runs into another person. Assault is the threatening/endangering approach, battery is the physical contact (y'all can check the dictionary, but as a victim of this legally-defined attack, I feel qualified to post this brief description)a person without the person's consent "

actually I prefer this to the rolling backpacks that the adults use

Those are banned, too - check that list of items prohibited a couple of pages back.

Now that you do know and have been shown proof from Disney's website in this thread that Heely's are not allowed in the Park, will you continue to allow your children to wear them there?

Kindly go back and reread my post, #45. You will find the answer to your question there

I reread post 45. It does not answer the question. This http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/helpFAQ?id=HelpFAQThemeParkPage#q13 page provides the OFFICIAL policy on wheeled footwear, rolling backpacks, and other items. Common sense, it's a FAR more reliable and accurate source than an individual Cast Member (who may never even have been to any park, and who may even be 'borrowed' from another reservation service).

Smoking IS allowed in the parks, in designated areas, and as such I think anyone caught smoking anywhere but those designated areas, then they should have their cigarettes taken away however

Oh, I LIKE this solution!!!!!! Then we can pick 'em up at Guest Services outside the park gates

 

[Timon_n_Pumba]

What area of law enforcement are you in?!

You can enact a citizen's arrest on an individual until law enforcement gets there WHEN A CRIME IS COMMITTED. A child wearing Heelys who accidentally runs into another person (handicapped or not- not sure what being handicapped has to with it ) DID NOT COMMIT A CRIME. You cannot enact a citizen's arrest for civil matters.

Two words: reckless endangerment.

I have to admit, I also dislike these things, and 99% of that is resultant from careless and unskilled children almost running into my kids, my handicapped mother, my wife, or myself (that's not just at WDW, where it happened several times at Epcot and MGM, but also at WalMart, where it happened in the PHARMACY to my mom).

Do I lump your child into the category of "careless and unskilled" Heely users? Hey, of course not!

Is he breaking the law (misdemeanor though it may be) and are you responsible for that (since he's a minor) since there are clearly posted signs at WDW stating that "wheeled footwear" or "shoes with wheels" are not allowed?

I think everyone here knows the answer to that question, yourself included.

I also agree that the first time there's a civil action naming Disney due to an injury involving these things that the enforcement of the ban will become evident overnight. Think about TSA at the airport and how they examine your shoes...which Disney has every RIGHT to do if they deem it necessary, not for the same reason that TSA does it, but to protect their assets from the litigious who are abetted by the rule-breakers who choose to wear (or allow their children to wear) wheeled shoes in violation of a stated (on the website) and posted (at the front gates) prohibition. (The fact that doing so also violates a Florida statute will only make winning the civil case easier).

Just imagine the longest line at WDW being at bag check (hmmm, not sure it isn't already, actually...) since they now have to inspect everyone's shoes for wheels as well.

Two hours at Space Mountain or Everest--expected.

Two hours at the main gate turnstiles at MGM--not so much.

And who will be to blame? Why, it'll be those who choose not to follow the posted rules.

****Can someone PLEASE take a picture of the sign at the entrance to MGM (I know there's one there, at least) or another park and POST IT here under a sticky at the top of the page, showing that Heelys are PROHIBITED in Walt Disney World theme parks, so we can AVOID future discussions of this? It's bad enough that some people don't read the DIS and will still be wheeling around, but for DISers who KNOW and still choose to debate, well, I hope they brought their refillable mugs from the Disney Inn because it's gonna be a long night...****

Best Regards,

Scott in MO

 

[truebelievers]

They already have banned them. The problem is that there is not good enough enforcement and many parents allow their children to wear them despite it not being a good idea (as well as being against the rules).

Agreed, but even though Disney has already banned the shoes, that won't stop people from "playing dumb" about it to their own advantage. For example, if a child wearing Heelys falls and is injured on property, the parents could sue Disney for having nonexistent/insufficient signage stating the ban, regardless of whether or not the family knew the shoes weren't allowed.

IMO, there should be a sign by the turnstiles or a warning in the Times Guide/park maps concerning the Heely ban. But that's wishful thinking, I guess!

 

[CinderellasSister]

We allowed my 8 year old DS to wear his Heelys to the parks this past week, during our visit to WDW. He is not allowed to skate in crowded areas, and NOT ONCE did he bump into anyone or anything. Flame me all you want, but my DS enjoys wearing his Heelys in the parks...and yes, he wore them all day long for 3 days in a row. As long as he continues to control himself properly while using his Heelys, and there are no clear rules posted banning Heelys from the parks, I'll continue to let him wear them.

Yet another responsible parent in the world teaching their kids to follow the rules.

 

[Marilou]

The parent's who let their kid's wear those "shoe's" to the parks because they like them and they want to, I'd like to thank you... You have given me a BRILLIANT idea! I love driving my car, and nowhere is it posted that I can't drive my car down Main St or throughout the entire park for that matter... Plus I've never hit anyone and I'm very careful (I always buckle up) and as I stated before I love driving it... Anyone going to the World in December watch out! When that rope drop's at the opening of the park guess who's getting on Splash Mountain first? Look for a gray RX-8 to be in the front of the line... If this sounds assinine it is... So is wearing skates to a theme park... Grow up... No one cares that little Johnny love's his heely's, he can love them all he want's when he get's home...

<~~this was me before I read Brer roadrunners post....shortly afterwards I was wiping the coffee I spewed on my monitor from laughing. That was great!! I hope people see thru the sarcastic tone the point you are making..which is an excellent point!

Someone a couple pages back made a comment that it wouldn't be feasible to tell people at the gate that they may not enter w/heelys. I think the inconvinience would get the point across quite nicely. These days, you really need to research your travel plans. Perfect example is the long list of items U can't take on planes now. Same applies for what U cannot bring (or wear) into the parks. Most likely 1/2 the ones wearing heelys didn't know, sadly enuff the other 1/2 prob don't give a darn and feel they are above the rules.

Also, (as a smoker) the first thing my Mom & I do is check the map to see where it is allowed and ONLY go there. I do realize there are inconsiderate smokers as well as inconsiderate heely parents. I am all for inconviniencing smokers that disobey the rules. You smoke in the wrong place...hand em over!
Rollerskating, whether it be blade form, 4 wheel form or sneaker form should be for recreational purposes with proper safety equiptment in appropriate areas.

 

[snugglepeas]

maybe if they start turning people away at the gates when they have heelys on like they do for people trying to bring wagons into the park then maybe the parents that think there kids are above the rules will get a clue.

 

[Wendy1953]

Well from my experance with some parents I know. "It's easier to let them wear them then argue with the children about it."

I will admit I've never had children. But it seems to me just letting kids do what they want underminds your ablitity to keep them displined. But hey someone is going to flame me for not having children and not understanding the pressure.

That is my feeling if you tell you child not to do something and then insist you can't give in.

johno

BRAVO....that is the excuse lots of irresponsible parents use to make up for their lack of disciplining! I've heard this comment so many times, it makes me sick! I am a mother, and my child would not be wearing anything that was against any policy, anywhere! It may be easier to give in, but you are now teaching a child that if he/she complains about a rule you've set, they won't have to abide by it, and in time they will not listen to anything or anyone unless it's what they want.

With that being said, NOW THAT EVERYONE HERE, reading this post, KNOWS THAT WEARING HEELIES IN WDW IS PROHIBITED AND AGAINST THE LAW, there should be a few less heelies in WDW to contend with, and when we all get to WDW and see someone wearing heelies, make a complaint to management (at the end of the day, stop at Guest Services and tell them the number of people you saw using them), if we all complain enough, maybe they'll start enforcing their own rules.

 

[boomhauer]

maybe if they start turning people away at the gates when they have heelys on like they do for people trying to bring wagons into the park then maybe the parents that think there kids are above the rules will get a clue.

Us Bostonians must think alike - That's just what I think they should do.