WDW says Heelys not permitted in Parks

[Amy&Dan]

I personally am glad to see all of these responses, WDW's in particular. When I took my elderly, frail parents to WDW this past October, I remember more than once when some kid wearing those type shoes almost wheeled/rolled right into one of my parents. It was very aggravating and in my opinion they are very dangerous in a crowded environment like WDW. Some day (if it hasn't happend already) some kid will get seriously hurt or seriously hurt someone else and the inevitable lawsuit will be the end of these shoes. Too bad since like most things, most kids and parents have enough sense to use them a safe, sensible manner.

 

[seven dwarfs]

Thank you Disney in advance for saving my and my childrens life! LOL

I just hope they enforce this rule. Last Oct my husband and I almost became a new decoration in the pavement in frontiertown. Very scarey.

 

[Barak's Disney]

Never heard of these ... we had "pop wheels" in the early 80's, sounds similar.

 

[Uncleromulus]

As with many things at WDW, enforcement of a rule or policy seems to vary widely. Dosen't sound like the "no heelys" rule is being enforced.
How do those things work anyway--can you walk normally in them w/o "skating".

 

[eeyoreiscool]

I have seen CM's stop a couple of kids before but the problem is when they are out of sight they start using them again. If they were made to walk around barefoot it might help with enforcement.

 

[Laurajean1014]

You might not even want to take them at all... even the resorts don't allow rollerblades or scooters so I would doubt they would be too receptive to heely's either.

The resorts due allow or at least let you use them. GF, BWV, OKW, AKL, Poly and CR to name a few.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

This e-mail made my day!! I hate Heelys and it gets really old getting hit by kids wearing them while in WDW.

 

[Chuck-PA]

As with many things at WDW, enforcement of a rule or policy seems to vary widely. Dosen't sound like the "no heelys" rule is being enforced.
How do those things work anyway--can you walk normally in them w/o "skating".

The wheels are in the heel of a sneaker-type shoe. I have seen them in either white, black and brown colors. The child learns to walk slightly leaning forward on their toes. The wheels can be removed and a cover is placed over the hole so that the shoes can be used as a normal shoe.

 

[Dolce27]

The resorts due allow or at least let you use them. GF, BWV, OKW, AKL, Poly and CR to name a few.

I was under the impression that you aren't susposed to wear them at the resorts either. Maybe the resort CMs aren't always enforcing the rules - same as the park CMs.

 

[Schmeck]

Skateboarding and rollerskating are not allowed at the resorts - it's posted on the resort signage by the walking paths.

 

[PatriciaH]

http://searchwarp.com/swa5933.htm

"The natural skating position of the Heelys forces the neck to push the head outwards to balance a body that is now poised to fall backwards. The neck and shoulder muscles are strained to push the head forward to counteract gravity. However, our neck muscles were not made to hold our head out on a horizontal plane. This is a stop gap measure by our body to prevent us from toppling. Sadly, the damage is not going to be stop gap nor temporary"

"The skating position of the Heelys compels the lumbar curve of our backs to flex AGAINST its natural curve, creating a flat lower back instead of a concave one."

"Constant walking on shoes that pivot on rollers (now that wheels have taken the place of the heels) conditions our gait muscles to walk in a manner contrary to natural stride patterns. This leads to knee, shin and foot injuries later in life."

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/03/03/earlyshow/living/parenting/main1365761.shtml

"Brzezinski spoke with Valerie Poston of San Diego, whose nine-year-old daughter, Katrina, suffered a concussion when she lost her balance wearing Heelys at a mall.

"It just didn't dawn on me that they were so dangerous," Valerie told Brzezinski, adding she never thought twice about letting her girls wear Heelys.

Katrina's sister says, "My sister took a few steps, and then her foot just slipped out from under her and she just fell back."

"We both heard the big thump, terrible, terrible thump," says Valerie, "and we came running and found her on the floor crying, holding the back of her head."

 

[Cruz Family]

I agree with you about your feelings on these being used in inappropriate places. My 9 y/o ds begged for these for quite awhile, dh took him to get a pair a few weeks ago. He uses them around the neighborhood mostly. He and about 10 other boys use them all around our Country Club. I am very strict about where I let him wear them. I don't let him wear them in my house obviously or in stores or restaurants. I would never dream of letting my ds bring his heeleys to Disney, much to his disappointment.

It is so refreshing to find a parent who is responsible when it comes to these things. I can't even go to the grocery store with out seeing some kid zipping around on them. I have two boys (who know better then to even ask for a pair) and one day we were shopping, as I walked over to the cart a young boy carrying a gallon of milk almost took me out. As we continued we saw his mom lurking around the deli and fish counter while he flew up and down isles getting her groceries. I strolled by he and mentioned quite loudly to my 13 yr old. "If that boy with those roller shoes almost hits me again, he will be the one going down. I don't know what parent in their right mind would let a child fly around a store in those thing" my son new exactly what I was doing and just replied "Mom, parents just don't want to tell their kids no these days and let them do what ever they want. I am glad you and Dad aren't like that!"
Thank goodness WDW will not put up with them!

 

[yankeepenny]

thanks for posting- I am certain there will be people who choose to ignore this rule,ie; like no pool hopping and such....

 

[plutolovr]

Just wanted to let you all know that I also emailed Disney about these shoes, and said that although I understand they're not allowed, that recent reports have stated enforcement of this rule, along with the no smoking rule, is lax. And that my concern is for my senior mom who will be joining us next week. I suggested perhaps some very visual signage at all the turnstyles with warnings that if the wheels are not removed, or the child is caught "rolling" the family will be asked to leave. I also noted that the thicker sole on these shoes may also mean that children not tall enough for some rides may be riding them afterall if they're wearing these shoes. I'll let you know what they say.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Thye are not allowed in parks.
2) They also are not allowed in resort lobbies.
3) I have seen far too mnay kids using them INSIDE hotels.
4) They almost run down others, including older people.
5) The uncaring parents just laught at it.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I also noted that the thicker sole on these shoes may also mean that children not tall enough for some rides may be riding them afterall if they're wearing these shoes. I'll let you know what they say.

Good point. Most of the kids I see wearing them are over the minimum height anyway, but it is something to consider.

I teach middle school and we've had a terrible time with Heelys this past year. The administrators have been telling students to take the wheels out during school, but the kids pop them right back in as soon as the admin. is out of sight. TWO of our 400 students had casts on BOTH forearms from Heely accidents. I've decided to take the wheels myself on sight, pop them into a labelled ziploc bag, and make them stay after school to get them back (we have an early bus for students who have all their work done and another bus half an hour later for those who didn't do homework or who earn disciplinary detention). In your own driveway or skate park, with necessary helmet and protective gear - fine. Anywhere else - they're a menace!

 

[I'mAlittleBitGoofy]

My DD and I were in Target about a month ago and saw a boy, maybe 9 or 10 happily going through an aisle. Somehow he wiped out and hit his head on a shelf. Seriously folks, I thought he broke his neck as he just lay there in a heap. My DD was horrified! His parents ran over and he sat up in a daze, crying his eyes out. I do not know what happened from there because I thought it was impolite to stare. However, it is something I NEVER want to see again. Skates are fun, but there is a proper place for their use. I know I sound like a spoilsport, but witnessessing that accident really changed my perspective on heelies.

Ya know, I witnessed the a similar situation at my Target. I was shopping with my 2 little ones and my dd 5 was walking next to me when this boy came zooming by on those stupid things and knocked my dd over because he lost his balance. I was sooooo furious. I turned to look for the mother and she was just strolling along not paying attention. Ugh!!

 

[JESW]

It won't help unless Disney actually enforces the rule - same with so many other things we see violated in the parks. (Last trip I was disgusted by some of the wording on some folks clothing - thought Disney had a "rule" about that, too?)

I fear that Disney is trying to be so "PC" lately and they don't want to offend anyone that they don't speak up. I would prefer if they start enforcing the rules more. But that's just me..

Jill

 

[notnothin]

Hopefully they'll actually start enforcing this rule.

 

[Shubunk]

i always thought that the kids who had those looked pretty cool and i thought it was a great idea for the parks so they dont have to walk all the time, i even saw a full grown man with them at epcot, once i saw him with it i wanted some for myself, it beats walking in the sun! but i guess disney wouldnt ban them if they werent unsafe. I was going to buy a pair for when i go to the world but i guess now that is out of the question.