BREAKING: Selfie Sticks Entirely Banned at Walt Disney World; Hong Kong and Paris to Follow

Previously, Disney banned selfie sticks on rides, to the surprise of some Guests. However, it makes total sense: there's a reason that before each ride, you're warned about keeping your hands, arms, feet and legs inside the vehicle.

It's just plain dangerous.

People on Big Thunder extending selfie stick beyond reach envelopes. This HAS to stop!!! #BanSelfieSticks #Dangerous pic.twitter.com/7MOnymAEWN

— Theme Park Review (@ThemeParkReview) January 10, 2015

Many of us hoped that Disney should take it a step further and completely ban the sticks from the Parks entirely. (Here's 5 reasons why.)

Finally, they've done it.

Even the Big Cheese and his girlfriend can't do this!
Image via a Google search.

Effective June 30, all selfie sticks will not be permitted inside Walt Disney World, for any reason. Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Paris are to follow suit soon, WDWNT reports. According to the same report, though not officially confirmed by Disney:

By July 2015, guests will not be permitted to even bring these items into any of the Walt Disney World theme parks due to safety concerns imposed by the items being brought onto rides (and the rather careless ways some guests use them when not on attractions). Guest relations cast members will be assigned to the security screening areas in front of all of the parks to assist the security cast in dealing with guests trying to bring their “selfie sticks” in. If found, guests can opt to take the stick with them and leave, or they can check it with the guest relations cast member who will have the item stored, give the guest a ticket, and request that they retrieve the item upon leaving the park later that day.

Personally, I am quite glad they finally banned them...as tempted as I was to buy a selfie stick for use as a monopod... What are your thoughts?

ttfn!

***UPDATE***

After all, usually one's not in Walt Disney World alone...why not just have a friend take a picture? Or if you want a friend in the photo, ask someone to take your photo for you!

A Better Kind of Selfie Stick: "Friend"
A Better Kind of Selfie Stick: "Friend" - Finally, take selfies so good they're just called "pictures".
Posted by CollegeHumor on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 

***UPDATE***

Apparently, the reason this policy is going into effect is as a response to the California Screamin' roller coaster incident on Wednesday. The Disneyland ride was stopped after a guest pulled out a selfie stick on the coaster.

What's the lesson learned? Obey the rules. They're there for a reason. Because at Disney, safety is the most important of the Four Keys.

Today: Hatbox Ghost and his Triumphant Return!

After almost 50 years, the wait is over.

Concept art via the Disney Parks Blog.

Perhaps you’ve heard about the Hatbox Ghost? He appeared in the Disneyland Haunted Mansion when it first opened in 1969, but due to the guests being able to figure out the effect, he was removed almost immediately.

But he’s back! Just in time for Disneyland’s Diamond Anniversary.

And we’ve got the video to prove it. Take a look.





Originally, the effect was that the Hatbox Ghost had two heads—one in his box, the other attached to his body. Different lights would go on and off. But guests were close enough to decipher how the effect worked, so he was removed and never brought back.

Despite this, he’s remained a huge fan favorite, so it was no surprise that Imagineers perfected how to raise him from the dead…well, not literally: he’s still a ghost, ya know.

If you’re not sure how they’re doing the trick now, I think I know, but I’ll only tell you if you ask.

Otherwise, enjoy the magical resurrection of the Hatbox Ghost!

First official spotting of #HatboxGhost #welcomeback to the #HauntedMansion 👻

A photo posted by Bridget McCarty 💖🐭 (@bridgetmccartyart) on May 9, 2015 at 9:32am PDT

ttfn!

BREAKING: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Fire!

Just today, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train caught on fire at Walt Disney World. Guests saw trees in the attraction on flame.



According to the local Fox channel in Florida, the fire was first reported at 10:20 p.m., and that witnesses reported it being out by 10:45.

Getting bigger. Fire department here. Structure partially collapsing 🔥

A video posted by Lane the Wee One (@ferdalump) on Nov 11, 2014 at 7:35pm PDT

No exact causes have been given, but rumors say that fireworks are to blame.

There was a small fire tonight at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train mountain, most likely caused by fireworks. It's out now. No reports of injuries.
— Attractions Magazine (@Attractions) November 2, 2014

Cms are telling the guests that the dwarves are having a bonfire
— do as dreamers do (@DoAsDreamersDo) November 2, 2014

Reedy Creek Fire Department responded to the fire, with fire trucks arriving at Magic Kingdom,

FIREFIGHTERS EXITING MINE TRAIN pic.twitter.com/4MbFcu04g3
— do as dreamers do (@DoAsDreamersDo) November 2, 2014

No injuries have been reported. All guests on board the Mine Train were evacuated when the fire started, and now the ride is closed.

See you all real soon.

***UPDATE***

There has been no structure collapse, and guests are now being allowed back into the queue.

@DisCastShow they're letting guests back into the queue. No collapse, only cosmetic damages
— Spot Mickey (@SpotMickey) November 2, 2014

And of course, there's a simple lesson to be learned from all of this:

@ThemePark This is why the old Snow White ride was drenched in water during fireworks...they knew the Evil queen would try anything! :)
— Elizabeth Rasmussen (@TheRaz2007) November 2, 2014

***UPDATE***

Inside the Magic reports that firework fallout caused the fire.

Post by Inside the Magic.