Disney World bans Crocs on escalators following several incidents: report (2024)

Crocs have become a danger at Disney World — but not the ones with teeth and scales.

Walt Disney World has reportedly declared war on Crocs, the ones you wear on your feet, following multiple incidents involving the foam slides jamming escalators.

The Florida amusem*nt park has “outlawed” the popular footwear — at least on its escalators — where the shoes have been getting chewed up and stuck in the escalator teeth, Inside the Magic reported.

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Escalators inside The Land Pavilion in Disney’s EPCOT feature stickers with the unmistakable silhouette of a Croc crossed out in a red circle, according to photos shared on X Wednesday.

The shoes are the common culprit of out-of-service escalators in The Land Pavillion.

Last month a dad shared a video on TikTok of a single white Croc sticking straight up with its front wedged into the top of the escalator treads with comedic music overlayed.

And in January, photos of a similar mishap began making the rounds online.

A “Walkway closed” tent sign was placed atop the same escalator — with a pair of rainbow tie-dye Crocs jammed toe-first into the machine’s teeth hiding underneath.

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Similar Croc fiascos have been reported at The Land Pavillion in years prior as well.

A clip from July 2022 shows a woman walking up a stationary escalator only to reach the top and find a black Croc nearly half eaten by the machine.

“Alright then, Cinderella lost her Croc and she caused me to have to walk,” the woman says with a laugh.

A quick Google search turns up dozens more pics of the same shoe type jammed into the moving stair machines, dating back multiple years.

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The No Crocs signage has been on escalators at Disney Springs since at least 2021, according to a post that year from the Disney Food Blog.

While the images of the trapped Crocs have gotten chuckles online, the shoes are a real safety hazard –especially for young children.

A 5-year-old British boy reportedly lost a toe when his Croc got caught in a moving escalator at a Dubai hotel while the family was on vacation in 2017.

It’s unclear if there have been any injuries in the Croc versus escalator incidents at Disney World.

The theme park did not immediately respond to a reporter’s questions about the number of incidents involving the shoes or if any ended in injury.

Disney World bans Crocs on escalators following several incidents: report (2024)

FAQs

Why are Crocs banned on escalators? ›

“This friction generates heat which then melts the plastic just enough that it can be drawn into the gap between the step and the side of the escalator,” the website states. “Once the shoe has been drawn into the side of the escalator, it is all too easy for it to get caught in the mechanism driving the stairs.

Are you allowed to wear Crocs to Disney World? ›

According to information from a Disney forum, Crocs are permitted within the park premises and on all rides.

Why are Crocs banned at airports? ›

Let's put the matter to rest up front: No, Crocs are not banned from airports. But, like all good myths, there's a grain of truth that might explain the confusion. Certain airports, and even some malls, have posted signs indicating that Crocs or similar foam-based clog-style footwear is prohibited on escalators.

Why are Crocs banned in schools? ›

If you're getting kids ready to go back to school you might want to think twice about sending them in Crocs. A number of primary and secondary schools are banning the footwear due to the issues they're causing in the playground.

Why is Crocs shutting down? ›

As we streamline our business to meet growing demand for Crocs, we're simply shifting production to third parties to increase our manufacturing capacity." The closing factories manufactured less than 10 percent of Crocs' proucts, said Steven Marotta, an analyst at CL King & Associates.

Why are Crocs so controversial? ›

Crocs lack support, aesthetics

According to the New York post, Crocs are not suitable to wear daily like regular shoes. They do not provide proper support for your heel, which causes your toes to grip.

Are Crocs allowed at Epcot? ›

The shoes aren't allowed on escalators at the Magic Kingdom, according to the "Inside the Magic" Disney fansite. That's because of reports of Crocs getting stuck and forcing the escalators to shut down. There have been several reports of that happening at The Land Pavillion at EPCOT.

Is it OK to wear flip flops at Disney World? ›

While shoes must be worn, there is no specific footwear requirement for attractions within Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, although skates or shoes with wheels are prohibited. I have seen Guests wearing everything from basic flip-flops to stilettos.

Should kids wear Crocs to Disney World? ›

Crocs are absolutely great Disney shoes for stroller riding kiddos! In fact, Crocs are the only shoes my kids have ever worn while vacationing at the Walt Disney World Resort. I love that they're comfortable, easy to take on and off, and quick to dry if wet from playing in a splash area.

Are Crocs banned in hospitals? ›

For the same reason Crocs-style clogs have been banned in hospitals in the US, Sweden, Canada and Austria.

Why are Crocs not allowed in healthcare? ›

Hospital leaders there cite safety concerns raised after a needle fell through one of the holes and inside the shoe of an employee at a hospital in Tampa.

Why do Americans wear Crocs? ›

They're comfortable, they're fashionable, and most importantly it's fun to bring your own style to how you wear them.” Under the banner of ugly fashion, any so-called style sins are absolvable, even trendy, making Crocs a liberating channel of self-expression.

Are Crocs bad for your feet? ›

When Crocs aren't used as they were designed for, they place additional strain on the sole and the heel pad. Inadequate support would mean that the toes need to grip, leading to tendonitis or worsening any preexisting issues. You may also develop issues such as corns and calluses or other toe deformities.

Why do Crocs have 13? ›

There are exactly 13 holes on each pair of Crocs. The holes serve as ventilation and let out excess moisture to keep the shoes fresh. That's where the thirteen holes come into play – they allow air to circulate around the foot and for sweat to evaporate.

Why do middle schoolers wear Crocs? ›

After the pandemic, more teenagers have purchased Crocs because of what the shoe provides: comfort, practicality and personalization. According to the New York Times, Crocs sales have doubled since 2019.

Is it against OSHA to wear Crocs? ›

It's not about style or comfort alone; your footwear must provide adequate protection against potential hazards at your workplace. OSHA doesn't specifically approve or disapprove brands like Crocs. Rather, they outline general guidelines that all work shoes should follow.

Is it OK to wear Crocs on a roller coaster? ›

I've worn Crocs on everything from roller coasters to carousels to flight simulators like Soarin' Around the World and Avatar Flight of Passage, and I haven't lost a shoe yet!

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