Ban smoking at the MK?

[Tramp68]

WOW!!! It must be a joy to be around you!!!!! To know everything must be a blessing. I bet your pretty opinionated about a bunch of other topics also. Do you want to talk about religion and politics?

I never claimed to know everything. I am actually ignorant about many things and I am not afraid to admit it.

I do have my opinions about religion and politics and enjoy discussing them. I also recognize and respect other people's opinion and choice in these matters. I do get very heated discussing religions that demean a group of people as well as politicians that propose laws the restrict the rights of others (liberal and conservative -- guns or eating in a restaurant)

I happen to be a very easy going person and I am a lot of fun to be around. You really shouldn't judge people you haven't met.

 

[Tramp68]

I respect your loss and that your hostility and anger stems from your own pain, but you need to realize that you are coming across in a negative way that is hurtful and insulting... especially to people who are addicted or are survivors of addiction. You want it all to be very simplistic.... and 'Oh well they should know better"... but besides a bad back... there are many types of 'injuries' that can cause people to turn to legal drugs like tobacco, alcohol, and prescription pain meds.... as well as illegal drugs like heroin for support. is it right? no... but it is a reality. Too often survivors of sexual abuse seek to numb their pain and trauma through these substances... are they stupid and ignorant? because that is what you are essentially saying. I think you also need to respect that addiction... today, yesterday and tomorrow is too often a very complicated and sad issue.... and not because of just stupidity and ignorance. I respect that you dislike smoking and do not want to be exposed to smoke. But when people are following the rules in a public place... like smoking in designated areas, that are publicly marked. Then there is no need for disrespecting them by being hurtful, insulting or whatever particular descriptive you choose. If you do not like a policy than fine... tell management, email Disney, write a letter and by all means talk about it here. But there is no need to be rude or talk down about people by saying they are stupid and ignorant... especially people who are following the current rules. Which is what this thread is in theory about... people smoking is proper designated smoking areas ... at MK...that the original poster did not like the location of .... and thought should be eliminated from the park.

I said ignorance and stupidity were the only reasons to start smoking or drugs. So a person either starts because they didn't know it was harmful (ignorance) or they did it anyway (not very smart) the exception being as a result of being on prescribed medication.

Your examples still come out of ignorance or stupidity. I am sorry that something tragic happens to anyone, but if they choose to turn to a behavior that they know is dangerous and potentially lethal then it is not very smart. The educated person knows that there are safe and legal means to get help. They choose not to.

I knew that gateway drugs can lead to others. I knew that could lead to a loss of control. I chose not to try them or be around them for that reason. If I have trauma that I can't handle I go to counseling. It may not be an easy choice but it is the smart choice,

I have yet to meet an addict who does not think it was stupid to start OR claims they didn't know any better. [bold]Again realizing that addiction as a result of legally prescribed medication is an exception to the ignorant/stupid rule. [/bold]

As to the people following the current rules, I never complained about them. They made their choices and I am friends with a lot of smokers. I do have a problem with the smokers who drag their innocent children into that environment. I also think that some of the areas are not well placed.

A thread was started. People made claims as to why they think things are restrictive enough and I countered. I discussed a topic and never insulted anyone. I am sorry if you think saying that someone made a decision out of stupidity or ignorance was insulting them. I think everyone has made a stupid or ignorant decision in their lives. I know I have made many.

 

[GigiDisneyfreak]

I must be oblivious because I never notice anyone smoking in the parks. I have no clue where any of the smoking areas are either.

I say leave them be. As long as they stay in smoking areas they are only hurting themselves. If one of those areas is poorly located maybe that should be changed but I don't see any need to ban smoking.

I am as oblivious. I didn't even realize there was smoking in the parks, but then again I don't care for a Dole whip, so I am never around the biggest source of complaint.

The easy solution: Enclose the smoking areas and have them sealed with a recirculated air system. Entering through a "clean room" double door type of set up. Now they inhale their smoke and I can inhale my clean air

I am not sure this would be "easy" maybe just better locations would be easy.

 

[Tramp68]

I am not sure this would be "easy" maybe just better locations would be easy.

Easy was the wrong word. I should have maybe used "ideal". Smokers get a close by place where they can pollute their lungs and non smokers do not have to be subjected to it. I guess we would have to include child are so people don't drag their kids in there.

 

[Odelay]

I must be oblivious because I never notice anyone smoking in the parks. I have no clue where any of the smoking areas are either. I say leave them be. As long as they stay in smoking areas they are only hurting themselves. If one of those areas is poorly located maybe that should be changed but I don't see any need to ban smoking.

Don't you know that when you're at Disney you're supposed to actively seek out things to complain about?

 

[themommy]

Wow, maybe if someone would light up then the holier than though attitude and stress would diminish some? Just sayin'!

 

[Magic Fanatic]

I don't smoke , but I have no problems with those that do. Disney provides smoking areas and for the most part the smokers use them. I don't consider it an inconvenience to walk by these areas.

 

[Capo]

I just wanted to add a quick thought to the conversation for us all to think about. Empathy and acceptance are not one in the same. One can be empathetic to an individual's situation and yet not accepting of destructive life choices.

I deal with this daily in my own family where I have several family members who smoke, yet I do not nor do I want my children exposed to it. Many of these family members have had challenges over the years which have driven them towards the addiction. I am honestly very understanding and non judgmental, but I draw a firm line with being exposed to it, especially around my kids.

Lets not split any hairs here, smoking is deadly and there is 50+ years of medical data to back it up. Further, science has shown time and again the dangers of 2nd hand smoke. People have the right to do as they wish up until the point where that freedom infringes on the freedoms and safety of others.

I have the right to smoke, but not to expose others to health risks just as I have the right to drink alcohol, but not behind the wheel of a car. Loving and acceptance of the person does not mean we have to love and accept harmful life choices. Rather, because I care for and love my family I encourage them to find a better path forward.

My 2 cents.

 

[dvczerfs]

I would actually second that. This happens way too often. It bothers me more than the designated smoking areas and I have never seen a cast member say anything to anyone smoking outside those areas.

I am not a smoker. Never have been, never will be. My parents both smoked when I was a young child in the 60's and 70's and I remember being enclosed in a car and complaining about it then...even before we knew all the negative effects. I was thrilled when they banned smoking in most indoor locations. I will say that Disney does need to look at the location of their smoking areas in and out of the parks. Some locations just don't make sense.

Instead of posting on the DIS board, I would suggest a letter to Disney expressing not only your concerns but possible suggestions on where to relocate the area. I seriously doubt they will eliminate them completely as they rely too much on foreign dollars where smoking is not viewed the same way in many locations. We had an issue with the location of a smoking area at BCV, which was placed right in a main walkway. If you were walking into the Marketplace in the main resort (a daily occurrence at minimum) you went through it and if you were walking to Epcot you went through it with no easy way to avoid it. We did complain to management, in person, via our survey and with a direct letter to management. Not sure of our input made a difference but the last time we were there we noticed the area was no longer being used as a smoking area.

I can tell you one cast member that I know said something to three different people on three different times in her eight month stint in the mk. smoker #1 told her im sorry, I didn't realize. smoker #2 told her %*&# off, non of your business. (security took care of that one) and smoker #3 politely gave her the finger and told the cm if you think your big enough to stop me, knock yourself out. (security also took care of that one)
if you ever get a chance to talk to a off duty, or ex cast member, just ask them to tell you some stories. you will not believe what you hear. sad, but true.

 

[dvczerfs]

I just want to say I lost both my parents to cancer in the early 80s. my mom was 49 and my dad was 51. I was 15 and 17. both non smokers and non drinkers.
after we buried my dad,I turned to things to kill the pain. by the grace of god, I met my wife. we were 19 and got the help I needed.with her support, I have been clean for 30 years.
I did continue to smoke cigarettes. I smoked 2 1/2 packs per day. when my daughter was born 12 years later, after I left the hospital after her delivery, I tossed my pack and lighter out the window of my car while on the interstate.most likely sleep deprived but I was in tears. I didn't want her to feel the same pain I lived with. i learned at a young age the answers are not at the bottom of that bottle or in that pipe.
its easy to say just stop!!! don't eat that, don't drink that, don't smoke that,dont shoot that in your arm. its an illness!!!.i guess that's where ignorance comes in. like any life threating illness, its a fight. its a day to day struggle.
stopping smoking was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. but i did it!! i don't harp on smokers, trust me, i know what its like. ive been there. to this day i am smoke free, drug free and will never go back!!!
i have enjoyed the last thirty years. i don't remember the 5 years before that.
i feel sorry for the name callers. its easy just to call someone a name. they don't understand addiction, like other topics, they just call you a name and off they go. i realize this thread wasn't for addiction but that's what smoking is, an illness. some cant and wont stop. we are making progress!!! every year more and more people stop!!! don't be to hard on them!!!!
do yourself the biggest favor you can do for someone, give them hug!!!! it just may keep someone away from that bottle,pipe or needle!!!

 

[MatoMany]

As someone who has asthma triggered by cigarette smoke Id appreciate if the spots weren't so close to walk ways. It might not seem like a big thing but when you can get put into the hospital from being exposed it is pretty big.

Im not trying to be insensitive, my father smokes and has all his life, Im just saying it would be nice to not have to avoid an entire walkway just because Im going to end up walking into cigarette smoke.

 

[Planogirl]

I can agree that poorly located smoking areas could be a problem for some people but Disney should change those locations. I agree that those who do smoke should not be called names or ridiculed when they are following the rules.

And smoking should not be banned outright. If the smoking areas are well located and smokers stick to them then they are bothering none of the zealots or just those who don't like it. Let them be and enjoy the parks.

 

[Gonzofam]

Sure, let's ban it - I don't smoke!

I don't drink soda - let's ban it!

I don't eat Dole Whips - let's ban them too!

I don't like people talking on their cell phones in public places - let's ban them!

Big difference. Me drinking soda or eating junk food doesn't directly affect you, much less your health. Second-hand smoke does. End of story.

 

[eadavis]

Big difference. Me drinking soda or eating junk food doesn't directly affect you, much less your health. Second-hand smoke does. End of story.

Just for fun, I'm going to disagree. Those that eat junk food and drink over sugared drinks are prone to get diabetes, heart disease, or struggle with obesity, requiring potentially expensive medical care, driving insurance premiums for healthy people.

Ban soda and junk food, cost of health insurance goes down, I pay less as my money isn't going toward their care...

...and the same goes for smoking and the cost of their medical care and treatment...

 

[Tramp68]

Just for fun, I'm going to disagree. Those that eat junk food and drink over sugared drinks are prone to get diabetes, heart disease, or struggle with obesity, requiring potentially expensive medical care, driving insurance premiums for healthy people.

Ban soda and junk food, cost of health insurance goes down, I pay less as my money isn't going toward their care...

...and the same goes for smoking and the cost of their medical care and treatment...

A good point, but on a totally different level. That can lead to a huge infringement on personal choices. Or a removal of social welfare programs...

interesting thought though. Since most life insurance policies have a suicide clause, should health insurance have the same sort of restriction? If you participate in risky behavior, injuries will not be covered...

 

[DVC Grandpa]

I would like the Disney Cast members to ask those smoking outside of the designated smoking areas to conform to the smoking guidelines. I have noticed that the cast members just walk past the smokers without acknowledging anything wrong. Just try to stand outside the ropes when the parade is coming. See how long it takes for a cast member to say something.

 

[Tramp68]

I would like the Disney Cast members to ask those smoking outside of the designated smoking areas to conform to the smoking guidelines. I have noticed that the cast members just walk past the smokers without acknowledging anything wrong. Just try to stand outside the ropes when the parade is coming. See how long it takes for a cast member to say something.

Spot on

 

[Figmentforever24]

I would like the Disney Cast members to ask those smoking outside of the designated smoking areas to conform to the smoking guidelines. I have noticed that the cast members just walk past the smokers without acknowledging anything wrong. Just try to stand outside the ropes when the parade is coming. See how long it takes for a cast member to say something.

Is there really a big problem with people smoking out of the designated areas? I didn't realize so many people were doing it. I cant believe I didn't notice. I know I might get some fire for this but if you are comfortable to break the rules like that you need to be asked to leave the park. Or if they do not want to get people to upset give a warning then escort them out if they do it again. Overall people should just stay in the area made for smoking.

 

[sjs314]

As a former smoker I would be extremely happy if smoking were to be banned or perhaps Disney could build a few indoor smoking lounges in the parks as having to walk by or through the current smoking areas bothers many guests including myself. I have Asthma and COPD from Smokeing I wish I had listened to all the warnings years ago.

 

[jbish]

People that smoke pay just as much to get into the parks and should have a right to smoke.

Being a non smoker I'm quick to want to say yes. However, even smokers have rights.

Sure, everyone has rights. But being a smoker is not a federally protected thing like religious freedom. WDW is a private institution and they set their own rules. I really don't understand when people say "smokers have rights." People have a "right" to wear whatever they want - but when they walk through the gates of WDW, they must adhere to a dress code and can't wear skimpy or offensive clothing. People have a "right" to own coolers. But you can't bring them into the parks if they are of a certain size.

As a non-smoker, I would love it if smoking was banned. I was taken aback just this past Friday evening when I walked by the smoking area in Epcot. I didn't realize it was there but I certainly smelled it. And then I saw it was in a designated area, so I just moving on. But Disney is accommodating of most of its guests so I'm okay with a designated area, as long as other guests don't ever have to come in contact with the secondhand smoke. Disney is a family-friendly environment. I appreciate that they don't allow for certain things that could affect my kids, like offensive clothing/behavior. Personally, I would prefer it if my kids don't see smokers out and about (i.e. I would not be a fan of allowing e-cigs around in the park).

I think there can be improvements to the smoking areas so that it doesn't impede on other guests. But please don't say they have a "right" to smoke at WDW. That's a bit of a stretch, IMO.