Smoking at Poly

[PaulaJ]

One member of our party is a smoker, but never smokes indoors. Is smoking permitted on balconies of n/s bldgs? Are there designated smoking areas on the grounds? We'd rather not have smoking rooms, but also want to prevent a nicotine meltdown. Be kind... it's an awful affliction.:rolleyes: Also, any bldg. sugestions would be appreciated.

[floridafam]

I don't know what Disney's official policy is and I'm not trying to start a debate but I would assume a non-smoking room meant a non-smoking balcony.

We just returned from a week in Clearwater Beach and were in a non-smoking wing and yet we had smokers on either side of us who sat out on their balconies and smoked. We had to stay in our room several times with the door shut-instead of looking at the Gulf of Mexico. I just didn't think it was right.

From what I have heard, most of the smoking rooms at WDW don't smell heavily of smoke. Maybe you could reserve a smoking room in this case. If it smells like a non-smoking room and your friend can smoke in it or on the balcony, then you have the best of both worlds.

I'm sure there are designated smoking areas at most of the resorts. I'm sure someone will be able to help you with specific room numbers and buildings.

Good luck with your planning.

[RIPaula]

Floridafam, I see your point about balcony smoking. Being an ex-smoker I never mind/ often don't smell smoke when others do. I have been in smoking rooms in restaurants where I could not smell a thing, and others that were heavy with stale smoke, so I agree... the smoking designation can be fine or not so fine, depending. Thanks for your POV.

[lindamg]

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[skiwee1]

Originally posted by PaulaJ
One member of our party is a smoker, but never smokes indoors. Is smoking permitted on balconies of n/s bldgs? Are there designated smoking areas on the grounds? We'd rather not have smoking rooms, but also want to prevent a nicotine meltdown. Be kind... it's an awful affliction.:rolleyes: Also, any bldg. sugestions would be appreciated.

I was told that it was not permitted by the manager of the Polynesian. If a building is non smoking then obviously the balcony is part of the building and is non smoking too. Do everyone a favor and get a smoking room so non smokers can get the non smoking building they should get. I'm sure all resorts have smoking or smoking optional buildings.

[floridafam]

PaulaJ,

Will you have more than one room? You didn't mention if the smoke smell was a problem or non-issue for you. You could always get 1 smoking room and 1 non-smoking room.

[PaulaJ]

We will have 2 rooms, but would like to be adjoining or on same floor. It is not an issue for me, we would just like to be considerate of others. It's been pointed out pretty clearly that this means "stay in a smoking bldg". The reason I ask is that this person NEVER smokes indoors, and some in our party would prefer a clean smelling room.

[floridafam]

I guess this is one of thosse tough situations.

It does sound like your best option would be to book 2 smoking rooms. I don't think you will have too much of a problem. I have seen several posts from people staying at the Poly and they ended up in a smoking room and had no complaints.

If you do end up making a request for 2 smoking rooms, maybe if you were on the 1st floor it would be nice.

I guess the only way to make everyone happy it to book 1 room of each kind but only if the smoking/non-smoking issue outweighs your desire to have the rooms close to one another.

I know you will get a variety of responses from this board and from CM's at Disney as to what the official policy is. There is no easy solution to your problem. Obviously, you may have a little discomfort if you are in a smoking building but other families may have discomfort if you are in a non-smoking building and the member of your party smokes on the balcony. My DS has chronic bronchitis and it was really bad for him to have to sit in our room in Clearwater Beach.

I think Disney does what they can as far as having smoking and non smoking in seperate areas of their hotels and the only way to make sure this continues to work is to stick to that policy in rooms and on balconies.

[LadyLt]

The most logical solution here is to request two rooms in a non-smoking building on the first floor. All first floor rooms at the Polynesian have patios. Your smoking member could just walk outside on the first floor and a little ways out from the building. Then he/she could smoke without being next to non-smokers.

All outside areas away from the buildings allow smoking. There are ashtrays near the marina (near Fifi and Auteroa) and at both swimming pools. There are tables and chairs outside Captain Cook's (behind the Great Ceremonial House) where smoking is allowed.

[DNSDisney]

PaulaJ- Why not ask for a 3rd fl room on and end of a building. Smoke doesn't go down, it goes up and the only room next to them would be yours. So no one should complain. I too have been told that it is ok if a smoker smokes on a balcony of a non smoking fl or building by Poly management.

[ncligs]

If you are in a non-smoking buiding.......you should NOT smoke http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/smokin.gifhttp://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/smash.gif on the balcony.It would be very inconsiderate if you do for the guests that requested non-smoking for medical reasons. Your smoking guests can always walk http://www.smilies-world.de/Smilies/Smilies_klein_1/walksmil.gif outside to smoke.

[Nysie]

I feel that the balcony of a non-smoking room is part of the room!! If someone requested non-smoking and was out on their balcony or patio relaxing, it would be very inconsiderate for someone's smoke to be coming their way! I would either get a smoking room, or if you do get a non-smoking room then smoke away from the bldg!!:sunny:

[PaulaJ]

Remember that old addage "Never discuss politics, sex, or religion!" I think smoking should be added to the list. We will deinately be trying to keep a low profile in a smoking bldg.

[Threehearts]

I was also told by the Poly management that smoking was allowed on non-smoking room balconies. I'm not passing judgement here just relaying what I was told when we had a third floor room and smoking versus non-smoking wars broke out on the balcony. It seems funny now since the people were really going at it but at the time my small children were party to these 2 families on either side of us screaming at each other about the situation. The one family was doing the Lysol spraying thing which went into our room and made us all choke(how did her smoke-allergic kids handle this?) and the other family had the husband chain smoking cigars. What a situation! Best wishes. I think thay should have designated smoking areas at the resorts(cohorted rooms), just like at the parks and then you can avoid or enjoy the smoke as you see fit. Threehearts

[ncligs]

Originally posted by Threehearts
I'm not passing judgement here just relaying what I was told when we had a third floor room and smoking versus non-smoking wars broke out on the balcony. It seems funny now since the people were really going at it but at the time my small children were party to these 2 families on either side of us screaming at each other about the situation.

http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/mad/249.gif.................I can't wait for the day when all WDW resorts become non-smoking, then none of these problems will happen.When guests have to sign a waiver at check in that says if there room has a smoke smell in it, or you are caught http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/smoking/rauch25.gif on the balcony, your credit card will be charged $100 or more for a cleaning, which a lot of hotels do now.

[lindamg]

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[skiwee1]

And just hope you are not next to me in my non smoking room or I will alert the front desk. i've been through that before and it is not pleasant having smoke drift into my room where I have to shut the door. You may have to put up with someone's stench but I will not allow my 4 y/o to breath it. We too like to sit out on the balcony and enjoy the lush foilage and the monorail cruising by. Hopefully there are still some polite smokers out there that do not smoke in non smoking buildings and that does include balconies. A CM may not know but the manager of the Poly does and says it is a no no.

[peachgirl]

I can't wait for the day when all WDW resorts become non-smoking, then none of these problems will happen.


Since that day isn't here yet and there's nothing to indicate that it's coming anytime soon...

I suggest you do whatever those in charge at WDW say. From what I've read on these boards, a vast majority of people are told that they can smoke on balconies. In fact, I've never read a single post from a guest who smoked on a balcony and had any problems as far as the resort was concerned. The complaints from non-smokers should be directed at WDW, not those who are following WDW rules.

Btw..nonsmoker here.....

[Tracie]

I can't wait for the day when someone ask a smoking question in a kind manner will not have the post turn into "us" vs "them" debate, then we would have a happier DIS

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by Tracie
I can't wait for the day when someone ask a smoking question in a kind manner will not have the post turn into "us" vs "them" debate, then we would have a happier DIS

I am a smoker so would that make me one of "us" or "them"?:D

[lindamg]

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[Tracie]

Pick one! I feel like a "THEM!!!!" when I read some of these threads. So I will not be reading or responding to anymore "smoking threads"

Tracie

[PaulaJ]

Boy, am I sorry I ever started this thread! I even tried to delete it, but was not "allowed". I'm not feelin' that Disney spirit, kids!

[floridafam]

PaulaJ,

Don't feel bad. You have a legitimate question.

Personally, I do not smoke, either does my DH or anyone in my family but I understand that you have a situation and you were looking for answers.

I think this is another area that is so "touchy" because, once again, some people at Disney say one thing and someone else says something totally different.

They should have one policy, enforce it and that is it.

It is only my opinion when I say that smoking or non-smoking designations should extend to the balconies of rooms. It only makes sense for everyone. This way, all of the non-smokers don't have to worry about smoke and all of the smokers are allowed to enjoy their balconies.

The only time where this policy wouldn't work is in a situation like yours. Since you have one smoker in your party you would have to book a smoking room-if the above scenario were actual Disney policy.

We just returned from a vacation where this issue became a real problem for us. The hotel actually had an entire non-smoking wing and yet people still smoked on the balconies. We will not be returning to this hotel and that's a shame because we were married there and it was very special to us.

Even if Disney said it was "legal" to smoke on the balcony of a non-smoking room, I still wouldn't feel right doing it. Just a matter of courtesy I guess.

[peachgirl]

Originally posted by skiwee1
I am a smoker so would that make me one of "us" or "them"?:D


Considering the tone of your previous post, you're both...you smoke and you can't stand smoking...


Let's see, what are our choices here??? Typo or very, very confused????

I'd bet typo....Do I win a cigar??;)


WAIT! Could it be a Freudian slip??? :p :Pinkbounc :bounce: :eek:

[Mackey Mouse]

Smoking at WDW and at the Resorts always seems to provoke anger in many... sort of an us against them type of thing.. I am watching this thread hopefully we can avoid those kinds of debates.....please be respectful of each other's choices... quite frankly I believe it is up to Disney to enforce their rules and be a little more specific on where you can or cannot smoke.. Have a good evening all. :)

[lmhall2000]

about smoking!! If you look hard enough- you'll definitely find a good smoking thread-- here's one that was a true gem and quite honestly, I feel the majority of folks are like the good thread- we just all have bad days now and then and sometimes our tone is misread- but all in all we truly appreciate everyone being thoughtful and considerate regardless of the topic....
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=375408

My opinion was expressed on the thread above so I'll leave it at that. Hope you all are having a great Memorial weekend- and if you're posting it hopefully means you're not on the roads- such a terrible weekend for travel- hopefully everyone gets home safely.
Tara

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by peachgirl
Considering the tone of your previous post, you're both...you smoke and you can't stand smoking...


Let's see, what are our choices here??? Typo or very, very confused????

I'd bet typo....Do I win a cigar??;)


WAIT! Could it be a Freudian slip??? :p :Pinkbounc :bounce: :eek:

Well let's see. I do smoke but my 4 y/o doesn't. So I feel that when I chose a non smoking building for her that is also extends to my room balcony. That way my 4 y/o isn't subjected to the smoke and can enjoy the view without having to inhale smoke. I really feel for smokers as I know how it is to want a cigarette but when I'm with my child then I chose a non smoking room. When I wish to have a smoke I go outside and down to an area that has ashtrays. That way I'm not imposing my nasty and dangerous habit on people that chose not to smoke. It works great as I'm not subjecting anyone to my smoke that shouldn't be. As of tomorrow though I will become a non smoker. Yeah!!! And we all know there is nothing worse then a former smoker. :p So now when I return to the Poly in October as my former smoking self there better not be anyone near my Raratonga balcony smoking. ;)

[Mackey Mouse]

Good luck Terry with your going ahead to become a non smoker... I myself did that many years ago, it was not easy but I got through it with help from my doctor and support of my family... Let us know how you are doing... :)

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by Mackey Mouse
Good luck Terry with your going ahead to become a non smoker... I myself did that many years ago, it was not easy but I got through it with help from my doctor and support of my family... Let us know how you are doing... :)

Thanks! I know I will do it. I quit smoking 10 years ago using the patch when it first came out. It was the easiest thing I've ever did even though I was a pack a day smoker. I had quit for 9 years and then went back to it last year. Ugh! I go gambling quite a bit and I was surrounded by smoke and I was also drinking. Gambling, drinking and smoking sounded good to me and I gave in to temptation. :( Unfortunately there was no going back. Until tomorrow that is! So now I am armed once again with my miracle patches and tonight will be my last puff. :D

[ncligs]

"Good Luck " Terry......and thanks for being a considerate smoker and not smoke on a balcony.http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/biggthumpup.gif

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by ncligs
"Good Luck " Terry......and thanks for being a cosiderate smoker and not smoke on a balcony.http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/biggthumpup.gif

No problem! I only wish there were more considerate smokers although we aren't all bad. We just have a bad habit. :D

[peachgirl]

As of tomorrow though I will become a non smoker. Yeah!!! And we all know there is nothing worse then a former smoker.

Good luck!

I guess this means I didn't win the prize. :( I'm really surprised that you are a soon to be ex-smoker. I guess I've never heard anyone speak of smoking in such strong terms, yet smoke themselves. You threw me a curve!

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by peachgirl
Good luck!

I guess this means I didn't win the prize. :( I'm really surprised that you are a soon to be ex-smoker. I guess I've never heard anyone speak of smoking in such strong terms, yet smoke themselves. You threw me a curve!

Hey, I'm just boning up on my fomer smoker stance! Seriously though, just because somone smokes doesn't mean they are rude too. Okay so I can be rude too but that is beside the point! LOL! I know smoking is bad habit that can kill, makes you smell disgusting, prematurely ages your skin, turns fingers yellow, and most importantly, is dangerous to others. So I feel that since I'm the mommy then it is my job to protect my kids. I will not let someone smoke around them if I can help it. If I take them through a smoking area then that is totally my fault. If I get a non smoking room and my 4 y/o is inhaling someone elses stench coming over from another non smoking room then they will not get away with it. I do not put up with inconsiderate people whether they smoke or not. If it endangers my child's health then it will be stopped. I just can't imagine smokers that think it is their ***given right to impede their dirty habits on innocent people. I know that there are many, many smokers that are very considerate though and I don't want them to think I am slamming all. There. This is really sounding like I already quit! :D

[DNSDisney]

I have always considered myself a considerate smoker. My family helps to make me that way since my mother and myself are the only ones who smoke now. (until resently it was me my mom and DH but he quit a few mths ago) When my family comes to visit I don't smoke inside my house at all , other times the only room I smoke in is my office. All that being said, I find myself desiring to be unconsiderate because of the reaction of the non smokers on this board. It isn't enough for us to be in smoking rooms or in smoking areas or outdoors. That is the tone I read. You aren't giving the smokers on here any respect. (ie the lady that let her kid pour water on the gentleman below them on the balcony *that was horribly rude) If someone was told by Disney it is ok to smoke on a non smoking balcony then I be **** take it up with the company. My guess is that all nonsmoking rooms allow smoking on balconies because it is outdoors and Disney tells you what you want to hear to appease you! And if all of you are that bothered by smoke I suggest you don't stay on the 3rd fl of Samoa because you know that volcano pool blows smoke and if the wind is blowing your way you won't be able to open your door all evening.
Until last yr I had no idea what all you were talking about when I heard the Poly had a lot of smokers. I had never seen any other than myself. But last yr there was a few by the pool (I do mean a few maybe 3) . I think the more you try to push smokers into the closet (or smoking only in their smoking rooms) the more of a revolt you are going to have. I guess it is like the old saying, you catch more flies with honey than with vinagar. You can't react rudely to people and have them view your side of things. Just something to think about.........

[PaulaJ]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DNSDisney
. You can't react rudely to people and have them view your side of things. Just something to think about......... TE] In an effort to be considerate of "doing the right thing" more than "getting away with what I can", I started this thread. And I have an embarrassing confession to make... I am the "member of my group" who is the smoker. Can you imagine what it is like to want to lie, rather than open yourself up to the kind of criticism and disdain that has been expressed here? I cannot think of a single thing which would make me lash out at strangers the way some people here have generalized their angry responses. :( This is a vacation planning board, and, as I already have my question answered, this thread has turned into something else. By the way, if you missed it, we will not be smoking on any balconies.

[DNSDisney]

Thank you Paula for opening yourself up and proving my point so clearly! It makes me wish I was going in 84 days instead of 4, I would tell you to meet me by the pool for a smoke . That way we could be stared at with disdain together. :rolleyes:
:) Sharon

[dBugged]

First, I rarely chime in on smoking/non-smoking threads as they always turn into heated debates (I'm a non-smoker). Personally, I think the only reason some non-smoking people are so vocal is that they've had some bad experiences and assume that all smokers are the same way. I have a few friends who are smokers and consider them to be quite curteous. I don't mind people that smoke as long as they aren't rude about it and have some common courtesy.

I'm sure non-smokers have been in one of these situations:

- Waiting in line for a ride and then, right in front of you, someone lights up and then they either just let the cig smoke in front of you, or they puff away on the cig and then blow it in your general direction.

- Waiting quietly to get on a monorail on a rainy night (you know how packed it can be when the rain starts) and then suddenly someone lights up right next to you.

- The infamous balcony smoker -- I think this has been effectively beaten up on this thread.

I personally feel that these are the extreme cases that cause non-smokers to hate smokers. How often do they happen on a said 10 day trip to Disneyworld? Perhaps once? Perhaps twice? I'd say it is not a common occurance. Last year I had one bad encounter, and none the previous two years (at least that I can remember).

I actually had more encounters with people ramming their strollers into me, having to wait in line behind families that had some serious gut wrenching BO (so bad I'd rather have someone smoke in front of me than have to smell the BO), and watching groups of people saving spots/cutting in line ahead of me. I've had more of these types of encounters than problems with smokers over the past three years. So, I guess that would lead me to believe that most smokers are curteous.

I'd dare the non-smokers to think back to their last bad smoking experience and I'd bet that you'd find that you only remember one instance, that occured for less than five minutes of the total time of your entire vacation.

As my grandfather always used to say, "if you don't like a situation, get yourself out of it -- don't harp about the situation days after if you didn't try to do anything to correct it".

[Virgo10]

We will have 2 rooms, but would like to be adjoining or on same floor.

I can't speak for the Poly but the AKL had smoking and non-smoking rooms on the same floor. Give them a call. Perhaps it's the same there.

Roberta

[lmhall2000]

I'd dare the non-smokers to think back to their last bad smoking experience


Okay, here's mine- tried 9 rooms at a resort that were supposed to be non-smoking- ALL reaked of smoke on the indoors- forced to leave because the smoke was triggering an asthma attack for my then 6 year old son. AKL had non-smoking and we were ASSURED that the balconies were non-smoking since it was the savannah- NO SMOKING is allowed on the Savannah side- said the manager. Both adjacent rooms had chain smokers on the balcony- we opened the door not realizing this and WHOOSH the smoke was sucked into our room -we could not enjoy at all the savannah view. Ds was rushed to the ER that night with a severe asthma attack- 3 breathing treatments later (5 hours at the ER), oral steroids from a local Walgreen's that took 2 hours to fill, and 2 days spent recuperating in the hotel room with ds with only a 5 day trip was miserable- the steroids and albuterol wreak havoc on a child- he was jittery and emotional the rest of the trip- so really I have no sympathy for a smoker. There is no question you can smoke on a smoking room balcony- why is that so difficult, is it fair for you to have a non-smoking room (by the way the smoke sticks to your clothes which you don't take off and that will enter the non-smoking room) or is it even more fair to risk the health of a child who through many battles with asthma deserves a trip to Disney without the reminder of his condition. Sorry it's not a matter of "I don't like the smell"- it's a matter of each time an asthma attack occurs my child damages his lungs and risks more severe attacks. Mama Bear doesn't like that.

Tara

[Threehearts]

Tara-

I am not being critical in any way but am very concerned for your child and others that have such life threatening reactions to smoke. What do you do if you are not at Disney and entering a neighborhood restaurant or passing by a group where there are smokers? As a pedi ICU nurse, I have never admitted a child with an allergic reaction to smoke although it obviously happens as it did your child. How can families who have such risky allergic reactions take the chance that it could happen at any time? Do you carry inhalers or epi pens? I'm thinking that you may be able to provide some helpful tips to those who have this problem at home. Thanks so much. Threehearts

[DNSDisney]

I am sorry your child has to go through that. Asthma is a nasty thing to have.
But that isn't something you need to take up with the smokers on this board. You need to take it up with Disney. They are the ones that told the smokers they could smoke there. They are also the ones that told you it was not allowed to appease you.Attack disney not strangers on a vacation board!
Wow 9 rooms? In all my stays at Disney I have yet to go into a smoking room that smelt like a smoking room. You must have a very heighten sense of smell.