Are there enough smoking areas in the parks?

[Chicago526]

I got the idea for this poll from the "Have you ever had a shock" thread. Several posts were from people witnessing "bad smokers". I don't smoke myself, so I don't take note of the locations of the smoking areas in the parks. So I was wondering if all the smokers out there feel that Disney has enough smoking areas in the parks, or do you find you got to hike half way through the park to find one?

 

[crcormier]

I'm a smoker and find that there are enough locations for us to not have to hike out of the way to get to one. I do get annoyed by the non-smokers who come into the area though and complain about people smoking, or worse, do the fake 'cough cough' at you. That's just RUDE. I am always respectful about smoking around non-smokers, so don't be disrespectful to ME.

 

[Chuck S]

I have occasionally traveled with a smoker. When she was along there seemed to be enough locations...it would be nice if they were a little more clearly marked.

 

[nowellsl]

I'm a smoker and I think there are plenty. I don't like the location of some. A few are right in the line of traffic - I don't use them. I much prefer the out of the way ones - fewer dirty looks.

 

[iceskatejen]

I don't fake cough when I smell cigarette smoke--it's me doing everything I can not to throw up because the smell of cigarette smoke makes me absolutely sick and causes me to gag. All I need to do is smell it on someone's clothes and I get nauseous. I avoid the smoking areas like the plague. I lost my mom to emphysema earlier this year and let me tell you, it's not a pleasant way to go--for either the person who has it or the people around that person.

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by crcormier
I'm a smoker and find that there are enough locations for us to not have to hike out of the way to get to one. I do get annoyed by the non-smokers who come into the area though and complain about people smoking, or worse, do the fake 'cough cough' at you. That's just RUDE. I am always respectful about smoking around non-smokers, so don't be disrespectful to ME.

I totally agree with every thing you said and I'm a smoker.

but I do have to say, I think there are one or two smoking areas that are just a bit too "in line" with the "non-smokers" (like in EPCOT - many are right around the main walk way - I like how at AKL they are tucked away more)

 

[Sandyincanada]

wow, I hope this means they added more. We haven't been for a couple of years but at that time there were very few and they were very far apart. We had to hike half the park just to find one.

We also ran into the situation (more than once) where the smoking areas benches were loaded with non-smokers and they gave us dirty looks when we smoked. Very annoying, you just can't win sometimes.

I think half the problem would be solved if the areas were better marked.

 

[mickyzzzzz05]

I think there are many smoking locations - I would like to see a locations by the bus stop areas (off to the side - but so you are able to see the bus coming).

 

[PatsMom]

I've never had a real hard time finding a smoking area - we tend to just stop when we are walking by one. They could be better marked - I too have had some bad experiences with non-smokers, the "cough" and one or two really nasty looks. I also agree that a smoking area by the bus stops would be nice. We usually step way back away from everyone if we are going to smoke while waiting for the bus but I've seen others smoking very near the line or inside the bus stops at Fort Wilderness where we usually stay. Clearly marked areas should make it easier for those really opposed to smoke to avoid it and allow those of us who still smoke to do so in peace!

 

[summerrluvv]

I don't smoke and I can't stand the smell of it and I did notice that there were a lot of smoking areas at the MK. Of course I didn't usually notice them until I realized I was sitting on the bench in that area. They need better signs. The one that especially stood out is the one in Toontown which is right adjacent to the railroad waiting area. Not really a good location for a smoking area IMO.

 

[jay-nee]

I think that there are plenty of smoking areas, but they are not clearly marked and you don't realize until you are in the area. It bother my DS so badlyand DH just quit a few years ago...

It would be nice if they had areas near the bus stops, it makes it akward for the consider smokers.

I will saw that we've found that people who live outside of the US aren't as aware of our non-smoking "rules." And, I am not sure how that can be addressed... but, it would be nice...

 

[jay-nee]

Sorry for the typos in the previous post, trying to do too many things at once...

 

[danny1649]

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

I'll agree that a few of them are a bit too in the line of traffic, but the nice, tucked away ones are really gems.

In the MK, the one off the side of Pirates is wonderful - comfy benches, shade, and no foot traffic besides CM's. Also the one behind the Christmas shop in Liberty Square - if you look through the trees you get a great view of Tink flying (though much of the rest of the fireworks is blocked by the building).

The one at AK off the hub - not sure how to descirbe it, but it's sort of a footpath that goes off the main drag for a moment - nice tables and chairs and again, a quiet spot away from the crowds.

Behind the UK at Epcot is another great one - that courtyard was probably my favorite pit stop in any of the parks.

MGM seems to have the most "out in the open" ones - I can't recall a single one that was terribly good. The one near RnR/ToT is right next to the food service, and the one over by Star Tours is right in the main pathway.

As to people who give you dirty looks, I usually just ash in the ashtray which lets them know this is a designated smoking area - and usually a look of understanding washes over their face (sometimes defeat as well, as I'm sure a few of them would have said something to me if they hadn't seen the ashtray).

N.E.D.

 

[KevinM]

I didn't really notice too many smoking sections in the parks, but I wasn't really looking for them. I smoked for 15 years (started when I was 15, tried to quit numerous times without success).

Last year I forgot to pack cigarettes for our December trip. We rushed off the plane to Mears, took the bus to POR, and settled in. I realized I didn't have my smokes. I couldn't find anywhere to buy them on property, and we didn't have a rental car to go off site.

We were so busy at the parks over the next few days that I really didn't have any cravings, and by the end of the week I realized that is was the longest I had gone without a cigarette in years.

When we arrived home I found the 3 packs that I intended to bring with me and threw them away. I haven't smoked since.

Now when someone asks advice on how to quit, I tell them to go to WDW. It's a little more expensive than the patch, but much more effective!

I now find cigarette smoking very annoying, especially when I'm trying to eat. But, as a former smoker, I don't give dirty looks or pretend to cough. There is nothing worse than an obnoxious ex-smoker!!

 

[steen995]

It sounds like there are alot more smoking areas at DisneyWorld as compared to DisneyLand. My husband smokes and I hate it when he has to disappear to find a spot. I found this epscially annoying at California Adventures. Sounds like the World will be better.

 

[RoLaren]

I don't ever 'pretend cough' but unfortunately if we veer into a smoking area by mistake or there are people smoking outside them (once got stuck next to an unapologetic smoker during fireworks) and I get a lungful, I will start coughing immediately. I can't help it, I have bad asthma and allergies. I swear, it is not intentional or meant to make anyone uncomfortable.

I just wanted to let the smokers know that sometimes if people cough when you're smoking, don't take it personally, it just happens to some of us. I do my best to steer clear and was very happy to find most people used the smoking areas during our recent trip.

But just like there are rude non-smokers there are smokers who don't care where they smoke, and if I get stuck in a parade crowd next to one and can't move quickly away, I get the dirty looks if I have to (and I mean HAVE to) use my asthma inhaler. Nothing I can do to prevent it.