Should WDW be smoke-free?

[Kadorto]

inspired by the pet peeve thread.....should WDW go smoke-free?

[scanne]

Well, considering that WDW has designated smoking areas, I think I would have to say that the cast members should enforce this. I also think that when you are riding on Disney transportation (buses, monorails, etc.) that part of the spiel from the drivers/captains should be about the smoking policy.

I'll never forget an encounter I had with another guest while walking through WS in Epcot. I was pregnant with my son and the smoke was really bothering me, so I politely pointed out the nearest designated smoking area to this man. Well, he was so rude! He said, "We're all gonna die anyway, so why do you care where I smoke?" I was truly appalled! It made me realize that the CM's don't enforce this policy as much as they should.

So, I say, if people want to be stupid and smoke, let them, but have the CM's put the policies into effect!!!

[cheerdancer11]

I absolutely think it should be, being as this is primarily meant for kids to enjoy! I know its not as bad as other theme parks- where people smoke all over the place- but it would be nice if disney took a stand and made the whole place smoke free :D .

[lclark0621]

I don't mind the smoking sections.

But did Disney have to take EVERY nice quiet area & turn it into a smoking section?

Last time we were there the area by Cinderella's fountian was a smoking section. That has been a traditional picture spot for us every year! But last time I could not even go near it because the smoke was so thick. There was no way I was taking my 9 month old there.

Cinderalla's Fountian is such a nice spot for kids & pictures & stuff. And now they go & turn it into a smoking area?!?!?

And the nice little area behind the Christmas shop in Liberty Square? Does that have to be a smoking area to? I mean that is such a nice spot to sit with a cool drink, cool off & let the kids play. Not anymore though, now it is all smokey.

DH & I are both ex-smokers. So I understand the need for a smoking area & as a smoker, I get the need for a cig. But I dont think that every nice quiet spot should be for smokers. Years ago when we did smoke, we would smoke at the parks in the past, but we ALWAYS stepped away from crowds when we smoked. We would find a bench or an out of the way place before we lit up. I always hate people who would walk around with a lit cig right at head level of a kid. People would not even pay attention to what they were doing as they would wave a lit cig around! It drives me nuts!

I also think since they did take all the nice spots of the parks, CMs NEED to enforce the rules. If they want to give the smokers Cindy's fountian, then they need to make smokers who are not in the smoking section, to put the butts out!!

[athenna]

It should not go completely smoke free. It should stay the way it is, with the designated smoking areas.

[GEM]

I don't mind smoking in the designated areas. I do wish, though, that they had designated areas at the resorts as well. I hate people smoking around the pool area, etc.

[princessmom5]

Designated areas dont work! I to have had a few encounters on main street and waiting for the parade.... :guilty:

[stacy6552]

Yes. Absolutely. Smoking effects people around the smoker. Uncool to smoke in public.

[StitchGirl88]

This is coming from a TEENAGER yes I believe it should all be smoke free because I know like people like me have Asthma and when people smoke it gets really hard to breath and I have been so good not using my inhaler but I know once I go i'll need it. Also it is a kiddo place and no kids should have to be put through having to deal with the smoke. I have to deal with it at school because the teachers don't enforce the no smoking rule and the kids do it anyways and I get sick all the time and I hate to come out of the bathroom smelling like it. But yeah i believe it should all be smoke free.

[lindym]

The designated areas are not working. Smokers are ignoring them. I have never seen so many smokers before as recent years at WDW. Then they have the nerve to throw the lit ones on the ground right in front of you or put their butts in the beautiful flower beds at Epcot. It is disgusting. This is not aimed at all smokers of course but the ones doing it you know who you are. Please let's get back to smoke free.

[Tiggernut_jadie]

I've already posted this on the other thread but as others have said the designated smoking areas don't seem to be working! After my daughter had a VERY near miss this year when some idiot was waving a lit cigarette about at exactly the height of her eyes - I saw RED!!!! :mad:

My suggestion is that they should make it clear via multi-lingual signs at the entrances - and on the maps - that if you smoke outside of the designated areas you WILL be evicted! No second chances - you light up on Main St - it's out you go!!!!!! If their families day is ruined because Mom or Dad gets thrown out of the park, they make darn sure they find the smoking area on their next visit!!!!!!!!! ::yes::

[Amy&Dan]

I would love to see it happen but don't think it ever will. There are so many foreign visitors who come to WDW that would not take to this kindly. I have also noticed on my travels around the U.S. that different parts of this country have different views on smoking. I live in the Denver area which happens to be a very health conscious place to be. More and more restaurants are completely smoke free now. I love it. Unfortunately other parts of the country and world find that to be very discriminating. I mostly just agree that if the CM's would really ENFORCE the smoking in designated areas concept, the rest of us would be a lot happier. I especially agree with Iclark0621, the smoking area in Liberty Square by the Christmas shop annoys me the most, because it is such a nice place to rest! Maybe they should make it some sort of indoor facility. At airports you have these enclosed smoking lounges. That way the smoke stays in there with the smokers. ID people so that nobody under 18 gets in, and when its too crowded make them wait in line to get in and smoke. If the airlines can charge the overweight for two seats, then the smokers can stay in a designated area IMHO!

[mrsminniemouse]

We visited Disneyland Paris over New Year. OMG the smoking there is awful. You are permitted to smoke thoughout the park and in sections of some restaurants. The rules state you cannot smoke on attractions or in lines but people do, you even see CMs smoking. It was very crowded so you couldn't even get past if people were smoking infront of you. It was totally disgusting. Every night we went back to our room smelling of smoke.

I would like to see smoking banned in WDW but I cannot honestly say the designated smoking areas have created a problem for me. It seems to be well controlled but I guess it all depends on what you are used to. I suppose we are more used to public smoking here in Europe. Doesn't mean I like it though....

Mandy :earboy2:

[Kadorto]

Well…I would say that the results so far are definitely scientific and have in no way been skewed by the fact that this is the Disney for Families board :wave2:

[DisneyMomx7]

I used to smoke so I voted for the designated smoking areas. I have to say that really didn't seem to be a problem at WDW with smoking, but at Universal we saw people just walking along smoking even though they had designated smoking areas too. I think it's more strictly enforced at WDW.

[2PrincessesRmine]

First of all, I think that the smoking areas need to be more seperate from the rest of the park. They are not set away from regular paths of travel enough. My husband and I also thought there should be some enclosed area or something. Also, if you are smoking outside of the designated areas - you should be kicked out! :space: That's it, no questions. :duck: CMs really need to enforce the smoking thing. Some people are soooo rude! :sad2:

[LovePug]

I am a smoker and even I get disgusted when I see someone smoking out of the designated areas :mad: . There are plenty of smoking areas and for people to ignore the rules and just do whatever they feel like makes me crazy. I am a rule follower in all circumstances (that's right...I don't even speed :teeth: ).

[Poohnbuki]

YES, YES, YES!!!

ALL Disney Parks should be smoke free (With a Smoking Area outside the gates) - But most of all it should be enforced! This is not coming from a Non Smoker... I smoke but would never smoke in the parks - it is not fair to other people especially the Children. I just wish that more smokers were more tactful. No one else wants to breathe your smoke (I don't like breathing second hand smoke/just the first hand stuff :) )

[Ahrizel]

I would love Disney to be smoke free! I don't think that is likely to happen though. Disney needs to enforce the smoking areas they have-something I seldom see they do. I do say something to people when I see this happen. I was waiting for Illuminations on the gondola area in Italy and a man was smoking. I told him it wasn't a designated area for smoking-and he asked me if it was bothering me! Yes, it was, i have asthma and smoking is extra bad for me. He did move to smoke, but many others do not. If you have the rule, use it and enforce it! And yes, I'm a non-smoker.

[pplasky]

I've already posted this on the other thread but as others have said the designated smoking areas don't seem to be working! After my daughter had a VERY near miss this year when some idiot was waving a lit cigarette about at exactly the height of her eyes - I saw RED!!!! :mad:

My suggestion is that they should make it clear via multi-lingual signs at the entrances - and on the maps - that if you smoke outside of the designated areas you WILL be evicted! No second chances - you light up on Main St - it's out you go!!!!!! If their families day is ruined because Mom or Dad gets thrown out of the park, they make darn sure they find the smoking area on their next visit!!!!!!!!! ::yes::

I agree. Last April we got stuck behind a young girl smoking while walking down Hollywood Blvd in MGM. It was Easter and the park was packed. There are designated sections that should be enforced. Two CM's passed in the opposite direction and she was not even addressed. Not only is it rude, but for people with asthma it can be dangerous. Disney needs to enforce the policy in order for it to be effective.

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

I voted for smoke free; I'm sorry, but I had to...the designated areas aren't enforced as they should be, and that's too bad..... :scared1:

[Kadorto]

With so many family venues going smoke free....not allowing smoking anywhere on their property, I'm having difficulty understanding why Disney hasn't made the move yet.

[Drizzo67]

I feel that if the CM's just enforced the smoking area use better there would be no problem. I do feel that an enclosed smoking area would improve the situation because the smoke from some of the designated areas still seems to "escape" that area. Enclosed with some sort of ventilation system (so the smokers don't getengulfed in smoke as well - less smokey clothing smell too...) JMHO.

[Kadorto]

That seems to be part of the problem...CM's are reluctant to enforce the rules.. from this poll and seeing how many communities are starting to enact anti-smoking ordiances...I think we'll see a smoke WDW soon :cheer2:

[princessmurdough]

Hey, you know one of the reasons I posted my peeve in the first place was to try and get some emails directed to the right eyes at Disney. I have yet to find the right address, but I think a torrent of mail would certainly send this issue to the forefront of guest relations, where it deserves to be. Does anyone know? Or any CM's out there have some feedback on what management is planning to do about visitors not adhering to the rules?

[Kadorto]

Hey, you know one of the reasons I posted my peeve in the first place was to try and get some emails directed to the right eyes at Disney. I have yet to find the right address, but I think a torrent of mail would certainly send this issue to the forefront of guest relations, where it deserves to be. Does anyone know? Or any CM's out there have some feedback on what management is planning to do about visitors not adhering to the rules?

I'll forward this thread to guest relations.

[HappyLawyer]

Wow i knew this would be a heated thread, ok i would say yes because, i have asthma and chronic broncritis -how ever you spell this stuff/ now my other half is a smoker, so i am for the designated areas, i mean we should be fair to everyone, smokers and non smokers love disney, they smoke in the designated areas, now i am for enforcement of smoking in areas assigned, so overall no not smoke free-that just would not be fair, if you look at smoking as a habit or addiction or what ever- people have the crave i, you spend hours 8, 10 or 12 in a park, it would not be fair to expect a smoker to go that long,

[HappyLawyer]

I absolutely think it should be, being as this is primarily meant for kids to enjoy! I know its not as bad as other theme parks- where people smoke all over the place- but it would be nice if disney took a stand and made the whole place smoke free :D .

i disagree with this statement, it is not primarily for kids, we all love disney, there is no target customer, young and old,

[LadyBears]

I think it should stay just the way it is...

Maybe I went at the right time of year? In our experience, most people were obeying the rules!

When we were there for the Hurrican Parties ;) this summer, I only saw 2 or 3 groups of people NOT in the designated area. None of them spoke English. Perhaps they were from a country that allows smoking? Maybe the confusion is that the size of the areas need to be marked better? Some may think only one foot from the ashtray cans, maybe others feel that it is 7 feet from them. It is not like there are lines painted on the ground to designate the area.

[drwill12]

I was working in Tampa for 60 days and learned that most of Florida is smoke free. Not being a smoker, I have to say I thought it was great. There was no smoking in restaurants (i.e. Chili's) or even the bowling alley. It was a pleasant surprise. I have to agree with GEM that I also think there should be no smoking at the resort common areas like the pools.

[Kadorto]

Great News!
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2006-02-07-smoke-free-usat_x.htm

Hopefully WDW will be next....

[rhiannonwales]

I'm an ex smoker but i say go SMOKE FREE.Its not fair to punish non smokers, and lots of people arent abiding by the smoking areas .

As a side not, i heard on the news today that DL is going smoke free as of 3/1/2006
So its not out of the realm of possibility.
Sherrie

[Boater]

Seems to me it's an enforcement thing.
If they aren't enforcing the designated smoking areas, why would they enforce smoke free?
I'm a cigar smoking non-smoker. I think it's rude to smoke in non smoking areas.

[Kahana-ri]

Yes, WDW should be smoke-free. :thumbsup2 I wouldn't have a problem with designated smoking areas, however last time we were at WDW several times my family was chocked my secondhand smoke becuase people decided to light up where ever they wanted. I was peeved having to be behind someone with a cigarette in their hand. It wasn't just once or twice, but several times. I even went to a CM to ask about the smoking policy. CM said yes their are designated areas, but CM's don't really enforce this? :confused3

[problemchild718]

I vote for enforced smoking areas. I must say on our Jan trip, I didn't see anyone smoking outside of the designated areas in the Kingdom. Epcot and MGM were a bit more liberal. As an aside, Walt Disney died of lung Cancer. The Imagineers were so concerned about smoking, the took the signature cigarette out of the Twilight Zone video at Tower of Terror.

[Northstar]

Seems to me it's an enforcement thing.
If they aren't enforcing the designated smoking areas, why would they enforce smoke free?

I've got to agree with Boater here. If they went smoke-free on paper but didn't enforce it, we'd just be right back at this board meditating on what to do with recalcitrant smokers (I love that word, recalcitrant!) The problem isn't the present policy, it's the lack of commitment to it.

Northstar

[mamacatnv]

I favor the designated smoking areas. I think WDW needs to do a better job of identifying them and where they are. I smoke, and I would look for the symbol on the map, there were a number of times I couldn't figure out where the "smoking area" was, I would forgo until I could find the signage for the smoking area. Maybe that is why so many people were smoking in "non-designated" areas. Also, I don't think WDW made it clear that smoking is in designated areas only. Maybe they need to put it on the tix, PA systems and prominently on the park maps.

Another thing to consider is that WDW draws visitors from all over the world, and in a number of other countries smoking is prevelant everywhere you go. If WDW went completely smoke free it might deter some visitors.

MamaCatNV

[bubba73]

As mad as this would make my Dad and several other members of my family, I would say YES! I can't breathe around cig. smoke. Neither can my DW or kids but my Dad still does it. The only time he stops is if he comes over to my house or is in one of my cars. That is the only time I can really tell him that it is not going to be allowed. It probably is also the reason he never comes over to visit me. I always have to go over to his place. (He only lives 5 miles away.)

[snowwite]

Yes. I think that anyplace where other people are exposed to second hand smoke should be smokefree.My DS was burned at MK by some jerk carrying a lit cigarrette in the crowd. :wizard: