Heely's not allowed in Parks

[Disney Doll]

I agree, my kids have them but are only allowed to wear them at home. A few weeks ago, we were in Chili's and there was a kid that kept going back and forth to the bath (over & over), he was hauling *butt* on his. He almost caused a waiter to drop a tray of food.

And had the waiter dropped the tray of food and the child was injured by either the falling tray, the broken glass or the hot food, those same "parents" that allowed their little darling to go screaming around the restaurant in the heelies would have sued.

And yes, "parents" is in quotation marks because people who don't actually parent their children should really be called something else.

 

[Tinkerboy00]

They are a saftey concern, but I dont think Id tell a CM about some kid wearing them.

Id just frown at the parents.

 

[Ariel Mae]

I wouldn't hesitate to report the 'law'/'rule' breakers.

I'd walk up to a CM and report this nonesense.

Not only would I report the Heely wearer, if I saw the 'parent',

And yes, "parents" is in quotation marks because people who don't actually parent their children should really be called something else.

with the child/teen/person, I'd bring them up, too.

 

[JeffR]

Just got back from all four parks and saw very few kids wearing them. I did see a CM twice tell the kids not to use them, but was clearly not trying to enforce it.

At DisneyQuest I saw the lady at the gate simply hand the tool to remove the wheels to a boy in line. She didn't say a word, but the boy got it. He removed the wheels.

This was a great (non-aggressive) way of enforcing the rule. If Disney really wants to enforce the rule, maybe they should consider givng the tool to the CMs that are in the best position to enforce the rule (i.e. ride operators might not be in the best position to see them, but Fast Pass operators, cleaning crews, security, etc would be). Just a thought.

 

[Soubrette]

I am no fan of Heelys in public, but the day I take time out of my vacation to go tattle on some kid is the day I'd like to be shot in the head.

Well said.

 

[NMAmy]

I've always bypassed the heely threads before because I've never seen them before in the stores I frequent and my dd is too old to consider wearing them. We were just at WDW last week and I saw a lot of kids gliding around everywhere on them. And it was crowded and busy last week which made me a bit nervous for them.

I also did not see any of them stopped as they glided right past many CM's.

I don't think they are the abomination many posters seem to but I did think it was dangerous with so many people around. I had no idea they were illegal.

 

[Independent]

Actually, it's not just a WDW law that Heely's or skateboarding is not allowed on property, it is a STATE of FLORIDA law.

I will find a link: 1. 316.0085 f.s.

Abstract: (3) This section does not grant authority or permission for a person to engage in skateboarding, inline skating, or freestyle bicycling on property owned or controlled by a governmental entity unless such governmental entity has specifically designated such area for skateboarding, inline skating, and freestyle bicycling. skateboarding, inline skating, or freestyle bicycling on its property

Most shopping centers around the state have signs posted as well stating that rollerblading, skateboarding, etc is not allowed on public property.

You are mistaken, it is not the LAW in WDW - it is a rule. If you read the abstract you posted- the law states that it is illegal on property owned or controlled by a governmental entity. Neither Disney nor Universal are governmental entities. They are private property. So, it is a rule in Disney, not the law.

If I happen to be down on Main Street and I see a guest wearing Heelys, I am not the least bit shy about informing the parents as well as the child that these are simply not allowed to be used anywhere on property. If that parent gets mad, well then too bad. I just tell them that it is actually against Florida law and to please remove the wheels or leave the park.

Simple as that. I do watch to make sure they have complied. There have only been 2 times that follow up was needed.

Since they are not on public property, they are not breaking any laws. You would be incorrect in informing a parent that they were breaking Florida law. Yes, they are breaking Disney's rules, but certainly not Florida Law.

I don't think they are the abomination many posters seem to but I did think it was dangerous with so many people around. I had no idea they were illegal.

While wearing them is definitely against Disney's rules and Disney has the authority to enforce their rules, they are not illegal in the parks. They are only illegal on public property.

I had no idea that they were illegal in Florida. Wow, that changes things I guess.

They are only illegal on government property - public sidewalks, public parks, or any property owned by the government. The law does not state that they are illegal on private property. Therefore, private entities set their own rules. So, again, it is not law in Disney, but Disney's own rules - ones they can decide whether to enforce or not.

Actually anything on wheels-skateboarding, inline skates, Heelys are banned in any public walkway in the STATE of Florida. Universal must be overlooking the problem. The first time someone gets hurt and attempts a lawsuit though, will be when the all important signs start going up.

Universal is not overlooking the problem. As stated above, the law applies to governmental entities. Universal is privately owned, therefore, their walkways are privately owned. Thus, they can make their own rules.

I am no fan of Heelys in public, but the day I take time out of my vacation to go tattle on some kid is the day I'd like to be shot in the head.

And the first Disney guest who would come up to me and tell me to do something or leave the park would quickly be reported to Disney Management for harassment. They could then leave the parks themselves. If I am correct, vigilantism is also not socially acceptable.

Edited to add: I am not a fan of heelys. I have had my share of having to stop dead in my tracks to avoid a collision. My kids do not have heelys, and thank goodness they are not evenly remotely interested in them. And our family goes out of their way to respect the rules of wherever we are and to respect our fellow guests/travellers/shoppers/etc. However, I wouldn't take kindly to people self-interpreting rules and laws (as the poster did above) and then trying to become the law themselves. That is best left to the proper people in charge.

 

[ChristmasElf]

I stand by every single one of my statements and if I do see anyone's child using the Heelys in the park I will say something. ( as funny thing I am in charge)

While WDW is not owned by the state of Florida, it is located in the state of Florida. Wearing heelys on public roadways, driveways, sidewalks, etc is against the law. PUBLIX supermarkets are not owned by the state either. Just for the heck of it, strap on a pair of Heelys and go zipping around the front doors and see the fun you will have.

 

[ChristmasElf]

No one is interpretting anything:


The 2006 Florida Statutes

Title XXIII
MOTOR VEHICLES Chapter 316
STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL View Entire Chapter

316.0085 Skateboarding; inline skating; freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling; paintball; definitions; liability.--

(1) The purpose of this section is to encourage governmental owners or lessees of property to make land available to the public for skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, and freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling. It is recognized that governmental owners or lessees of property have failed to make property available for such activities because of the exposure to liability from lawsuits and the prohibitive cost of insurance, if insurance can be obtained for such activities. It is also recognized that risks and dangers are inherent in these activities, which risks and dangers should be assumed by those participating in such activities.

(2) As used in this section, the term:

(a) "Governmental entity" means:

1. The United States, the State of Florida, any county or municipality, or any department, agency, or other instrumentality thereof.

2. Any school board, special district, authority, or other entity exercising governmental authority.

(b) "Inherent risk" means those dangers or conditions that are characteristic of, intrinsic to, or an integral part of skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, and freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling.

(3) This section does not grant authority or permission for a person to engage in skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling on property owned or controlled by a governmental entity unless such governmental entity has specifically designated such area for skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling. Each governmental entity shall post a rule in each specifically designated area that identifies all authorized activities and indicates that a child under 17 years of age may not engage in any of those activities until the governmental entity has obtained written consent, in a form acceptable to the governmental entity, from the child's parents or legal guardians.

(4) A governmental entity or public employee is not liable to any person who voluntarily participates in skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling for any damage or injury to property or persons which arises out of a person's participation in such activity, and which takes place in an area designated for such activity.

(5) This section does not limit liability that would otherwise exist for any of the following:

(a) The failure of the governmental entity or public employee to guard against or warn of a dangerous condition of which a participant does not and cannot reasonably be expected to have notice.

(b) An act of gross negligence by the governmental entity or public employee that is the proximate cause of the injury.

(c) The failure of a governmental entity that provides a designated area for skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling to obtain the written consent, in a form acceptable to the governmental entity, from the parents or legal guardians of any child under 17 years of age before authorizing such child to participate in skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling in such designated area, unless that child's participation is in violation of posted rules governing the authorized use of the designated area, except that a parent or legal guardian must demonstrate that written consent to engage in mountain or off-road bicycling in a designated area was provided to the governmental entity before entering the designated area.

Nothing in this subsection creates a duty of care or basis of liability for death, personal injury, or damage to personal property. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to be a waiver of sovereign immunity under any circumstances.

(6) Nothing in this section shall limit the liability of an independent concessionaire, or any person or organization other than a governmental entity or public employee, whether or not the person or organization has a contractual relationship with a governmental entity to use the public property, for injuries or damages suffered in any case as a result of the operation of skateboards, inline skates, paintball equipment, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycles on public property by the concessionaire, person, or organization.

(7)(a) Any person who participates in or assists in skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling assumes the known and unknown inherent risks in these activities irrespective of age, and is legally responsible for all damages, injury, or death to himself or herself or other persons or property which result from these activities. Any person who observes skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain or off-road bicycling assumes the known and unknown inherent risks in these activities irrespective of age, and is legally responsible for all damages, injury, or death to himself or herself which result from these activities. A governmental entity that sponsors, allows, or permits skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain or off-road bicycling on its property is not required to eliminate, alter, or control the inherent risks in these activities.

(b) While engaged in skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain or off-road bicycling, irrespective of where such activities occur, a participant is responsible for doing all of the following:

1. Acting within the limits of his or her ability and the purpose and design of the equipment used.

2. Maintaining control of his or her person and the equipment used.

3. Refraining from acting in any manner which may cause or contribute to death or injury of himself or herself, or other persons.

Failure to comply with the requirements of this paragraph shall constitute negligence.

(8) The fact that a governmental entity carries insurance which covers any act described in this section shall not constitute a waiver of the protections set forth in this section, regardless of the existence or limits of such coverage.

History.--s. 1, ch. 99-133; s. 1, ch. 2004-288; s. 7, ch. 2006-290.

 

[Independent]

I stand by every single one of my statements and if I do see anyone's child using the Heelys in the park I will say something.

While WDW is not owned by the state of Florida, it is located in the state of Florida. Wearing heelys on public roadways, driveways, sidewalks, etc is against the law. PUBLIX supermarkets are not owned by the state either. Just for the heck of it, strap on a pair of Heelys and go zipping around the front doors and see the fun you will have.

That is because PUBLIX has their own policy of not allowing skateboards, rollerblades, etc.

The Florida law you quoted would take care of the Heelys on the sidewalk in front of the PUBLIX. PUBLIX's own policies would take care of the Heelys in the store. But they are not one and the same.

For instance, if I opened a large privately owned store and decided that I was going to allow Heelys in my store, that would be my policy and it would be allowed. Just as Universal has decided to not ban Heelys and they are allowed on their walkways.

If you told somebody in Universal to take off their Heelys because it was against the law, you would be completely wrong. In Universal, their current policy is to allow heelys, therefore the family would be completely in the right to keep the wheels on. The Florida law you stated has no bearing on a private entity's policies.

 

[ChristmasElf]

Listen Independant,

I really dont know why you are turning this into such a debate. You know what you think you know and we will just leave it at that.
Dont bother to respond again, as I have to go down now and have a look around for some Heely wearing law breakers

Have a nice weekend.

 

[auntpolly]

3500 Americans killed in Iraq. 25,000 wounded.

I wish there were as much passion around this topic as there is when the Great Heely Debates pop up.

Seriously, this is what people want to fight for their right to do?

If it's in a place that is allowed, then the people who don't like them should mind their own business. If it's a place that does not allow them, then that should be the final word.

What am I not getting here?

 

[Independent]

Listen Independant,

I really dont know why you are turning this into such a debate. You know what you think you know and we will just leave it at that.
Dont bother to respond again, as I have to go down now and have a look around for some Heely wearing law breakers

Have a nice weekend.

Wow, now you believe you have the authority to tell people not to post just because you don't like that they point out misinformation in your posts?

I am not trying to turn this into a debate. Just pointing out that you have misread the very law you are quoting. Even now, when you have posted the whole thing, it still says PUBLIC, Government owned entities. Disney, PUBLIX, Universal are not public, government owned entities.

No one is interpretting anything:


The 2006 Florida Statutes

Title XXIII
MOTOR VEHICLES Chapter 316
STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL View Entire Chapter

316.0085 Skateboarding; inline skating; freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling; paintball; definitions; liability.--

(1) The purpose of this section is to encourage governmental owners or lessees of property to make land available to the public for skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, and freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling. It is recognized that governmental owners or lessees of property have failed to make property available for such activities because of the exposure to liability from lawsuits and the prohibitive cost of insurance, if insurance can be obtained for such activities. It is also recognized that risks and dangers are inherent in these activities, which risks and dangers should be assumed by those participating in such activities.

(2) As used in this section, the term:

(a) "Governmental entity" means:

1. The United States, the State of Florida, any county or municipality, or any department, agency, or other instrumentality thereof.

2. Any school board, special district, authority, or other entity exercising governmental authority.

(b) "Inherent risk" means those dangers or conditions that are characteristic of, intrinsic to, or an integral part of skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, and freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling.

(3) This section does not grant authority or permission for a person to engage in skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling on property owned or controlled by a governmental entity unless such governmental entity has specifically designated such area for skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling. Each governmental entity shall post a rule in each specifically designated area that identifies all authorized activities and indicates that a child under 17 years of age may not engage in any of those activities until the governmental entity has obtained written consent, in a form acceptable to the governmental entity, from the child's parents or legal guardians.

(4) A governmental entity or public employee is not liable to any person who voluntarily participates in skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling for any damage or injury to property or persons which arises out of a person's participation in such activity, and which takes place in an area designated for such activity.

(5) This section does not limit liability that would otherwise exist for any of the following:

(a) The failure of the governmental entity or public employee to guard against or warn of a dangerous condition of which a participant does not and cannot reasonably be expected to have notice.

(b) An act of gross negligence by the governmental entity or public employee that is the proximate cause of the injury.

(c) The failure of a governmental entity that provides a designated area for skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling to obtain the written consent, in a form acceptable to the governmental entity, from the parents or legal guardians of any child under 17 years of age before authorizing such child to participate in skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling in such designated area, unless that child's participation is in violation of posted rules governing the authorized use of the designated area, except that a parent or legal guardian must demonstrate that written consent to engage in mountain or off-road bicycling in a designated area was provided to the governmental entity before entering the designated area.

Nothing in this subsection creates a duty of care or basis of liability for death, personal injury, or damage to personal property. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to be a waiver of sovereign immunity under any circumstances.

(6) Nothing in this section shall limit the liability of an independent concessionaire, or any person or organization other than a governmental entity or public employee, whether or not the person or organization has a contractual relationship with a governmental entity to use the public property, for injuries or damages suffered in any case as a result of the operation of skateboards, inline skates, paintball equipment, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycles on public property by the concessionaire, person, or organization.

(7)(a) Any person who participates in or assists in skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain and off-road bicycling assumes the known and unknown inherent risks in these activities irrespective of age, and is legally responsible for all damages, injury, or death to himself or herself or other persons or property which result from these activities. Any person who observes skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain or off-road bicycling assumes the known and unknown inherent risks in these activities irrespective of age, and is legally responsible for all damages, injury, or death to himself or herself which result from these activities. A governmental entity that sponsors, allows, or permits skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain or off-road bicycling on its property is not required to eliminate, alter, or control the inherent risks in these activities.

(b) While engaged in skateboarding, inline skating, paintball, or freestyle or mountain or off-road bicycling, irrespective of where such activities occur, a participant is responsible for doing all of the following:

1. Acting within the limits of his or her ability and the purpose and design of the equipment used.

2. Maintaining control of his or her person and the equipment used.

3. Refraining from acting in any manner which may cause or contribute to death or injury of himself or herself, or other persons.

Failure to comply with the requirements of this paragraph shall constitute negligence.

(8) The fact that a governmental entity carries insurance which covers any act described in this section shall not constitute a waiver of the protections set forth in this section, regardless of the existence or limits of such coverage.

History.--s. 1, ch. 99-133; s. 1, ch. 2004-288; s. 7, ch. 2006-290.

FWIW, in 2a - where it says the United States of America, The State of Florida - it is referring to the governments of the USA and the State of Florida. While Disney resides in the state of Florida, it is not part of the governing body of the State of Florida.

Here is a link to a very good definition of what a "governmental entity" is as defined by the Census bureau of the United States of America. It might clear up some confusion.
http://www.census.gov/govs/www/class_ch3.html#S3.23

I am not debating that you cannot wear heelys in WDW. But, maybe it is semantics, but it is because of Disney's policy, not Florida Law.

Therefore, I am just pointing out that it is not against Florida Law to use heelys in private places, although it could be against the private places' individual policies.

Disney forbids heelys, Universal does not. It is within their rights to set their own policies. You cannot wear heelys in Disney, you can in Universal. And it is not against Florida Law to wear heelys in Universal.

Just pointing out that you would be incorrect if you tried to stop somebody from wearing heelys in a private venue that allows it by telling them it is against Florida law.

But perhaps a lawyer familiar with Florida Heely Law can straighten this out.

And I stand by my statement that if a guest approached me at any private venue and asked me to leave the park if I did not do their bidding, I would 1) ask for credentials, and 2) if governmental or employee credentials could not be produced, I would snag the nearest manager and make sure that the guest was written up for harassment. It is not within a guest's authority to police the parks. Report it to a CM and let management do their job. But don't ever come up to me and threaten me with throwing me out of the park! Because you will be leaving right along with me

Have a very nice weekend yourself

3500 Americans killed in Iraq. 25,000 wounded.

I wish there were as much passion around this topic as there is when the Great Heely Debates pop up.

Seriously, this is what people want to fight for their right to do?

If it's in a place that is allowed, then the people who don't like them should mind their own business. If it's a place that does not allow them, then that should be the final word.

What am I not getting here?

 

[KirstenB]

DD's elementary school just banned them, as did our local Y. The most I've seen is some subtle gliding for a few feet at the store. DD doesn't have them, and now doesn't want them, since she can't wear them to school or the Y.

 

[ChristmasElf]

For what it's worth, I NEVER claimed to be a guest And if YOU were wearing Heelys, yes you would be leaving the park unless you removed the wheels.

 

[Independent]

For what it's worth, I NEVER claimed to be a guest And if YOU were wearing Heelys, yes you would be leaving the park unless you removed the wheels.

No, I wouldn't as my kids wouldn't be wearing heelys at Disney because it is against their policy / rules. But if they all of a sudden had an interest in them, I would allow them to wear them, responsibly, at Universal as it is not against their rules. And it is absolutely NOT against the law to wear them at Universal or any other private place that allows them. As a side bar - as in all things, there is a proper way to do things and an obnoxious way to do things. IF my children wanted heelys and wanted to wear them at Universal, they would be allowed and it would be a great moment for us to teach them about respect for others also vacationing. Just like we teach our kids not to run in front of people, to shove, push, etc, they would be taught to use their heelys with manners. But, if we were at Universal and somebody came up to me and tried to tell me to quit because it was against Florida Law despite Universal's policies, then they would be corrected.

Just as an FYI - if you are a CM as you insinuate in your above statement, I kindly suggest you retake the training class to better understand the difference between private policy setting rules and the law. Because, as a CM, if you told somebody it was against the law, instead of against policy to wear Heelys in WDW - you would be wrong and the guest could challenge you with your supervisors. I would hate to see you to get in trouble for threatening guests with misinformation.

But as the self-proclaimed heely and Dis Posting police, I bow to your omnipotence

 

[Taylor]

We have been at the parks all week and have seen them at every park we visited. They are everywhere.

 

[Imagine Ears]

If these are against the rules at grocery stores, and I see one come flying down the isle about to mess something up or hit someone, I WILL NOT hesitate to push my bugee out so they hit it. I am sick and tired of immature kids and even more immature parents not understanding that these just are not things you do inside. I once saw three kids come flying down an isle torwards us, so I pushed the bugee out in front of them. They stopped before they hit the bugee and they stopped "skating" on them altogether after that.

 

[SandraVB79]

Last weekend, I saw Heelies for the first time make an appearance at DLP. I didn't had so much a concern about safety (although that might change after i'll get run over a Heely-kid) but I was concerned for the kids feet/ legs. When they walk with the shoe, they have to walk in a real strange way, and all I could think of was "how will that affect their bones/ muscles/ back/ whatever in the long run". You know, like wearing high heels all the time isn't good either for ones back/ knees/...?

And it's also a way to eliminate the little bit of exercise a kid does in this age... it'll be even more easy for them to grow fat.

 

[Nana Annie]

I am no fan of Heelys in public, but the day I take time out of my vacation to go tattle on some kid is the day I'd like to be shot in the head.

well said