Attention All Smokers!

[dcentity2000]

"Well hi there everybody!"

It just struck me that first time visiters are going to know nothing about this, especially if they are from outside the states...

If you are a smoker then in the parks as soon as you move to light up YOU WILL BE SEGREGATED FROM SOCIETY. I know that sounds a little harsh, but you are shipped off - unlike SeaWorld - to secluded smoking areas where kids can't see you. As a non smoker I really don't mind this (in fact I'm all for it) but I know a few smokers whose reactions to this were similar to that of a nuclear phycisist after being told that someone was jumping up and down on sub-critical plutonium to keep warm

So be warned... smoking in Disney is a crime only just clear of a homicide offence


Rich ::

 

[stacy6552]

Hey, its a good thing. They should smoke away from the rest of us. It effects the rest of us.

When does drinking become a crime? When you get behind the wheel of a car, when you start a bar fight...........basically when it starts to effect other people.

 

[zaxmom]

As a non-smoker who sometimes sneak a few here and there, I think this is great. I always hide from the sight of any children including my own. It makes me so nervous when I see a smoker walking in the crowd with a cigarette dangling from their hand right at the level of my kid's head. I am afraid they will be burned. Plus, no sense in all of us killing ourselves with second hand smoke.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

As a smoker, I think the smoking areas are a GREAT thing. It keeps the non smokers from complaining, and they don't have to be around us. They are not secluded in the least, they are set away from the main stream (most of the time). Unfortunately, there are still kids around. Some parents still smoke and bring the kids with them.
first time visitors will know the minute they hit the park, it is on the guide maps.

If you are a smoker then in the parks as soon as you move to light up YOU WILL BE SEGREGATED FROM SOCIETY. I know that sounds a little harsh,

Again, we are not really segregated, we have a nice place to smoke, hopefully, in peace. Harsh, well I am not sure I would use that word to describe your comment.

As to Sea World, their smoking policy works for them.

 

[JJS2K3]

As an Ex-smoker I have empathy for those who still do - you don't know how hard it is to stop unless you've tried...and tried...and tried

It sounds like WDW has developed a very nice compromise in this regard, hats off to them

 

[Maridw]

As another ex-smoker, I have no problem with smoking areas. I was always conscientious when around non-smokers. I would especially watch out for kids who were around me. Sometimes they would not see the cigarette and would come very close to my cigarette hand.

I have seen smokers who did not watch out for kids and watched them almost hit one in the face with their lit cigarette.

In our area, all the restaurants are now non-smoking, but when they weren't and they had a waiting list, we would choose to go to whichever area had the first open table.

 

[LoriZH]

I should probably not be posting this in public, but I just got back from WDW and people were smoking EVERYWHERE and ANYWHERE they wanted and not one CM spoke up with the exception of a Monorail CM (who was a bit challanged) he told a guest that smoking was not permitted on the platform. Otherwise, it was a big old free for all on the smoking, with I might add, younger adults and older woman mostly breaking the rules. I think the CM's are not trained to walk up to people and tell them that there is no smoking in the parks and when they witness it, they're probably not sure what to do.

There are signs as well as notices on maps and such stating that WDW has designated smoking, but they are rather small and they don't make a big deal or issue out of it. So, I can see why most people who smoke in WDW think it's okay, they probably couldn't see the very tiny notices they post.

I think that making designated smoking areas are fine, however, it is a horror show when you have to walk by those areas and you come out smelling like smoke, but I suppose what else are they going to do.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

DBF smokes and he is always very courteous of others. I'm allergic to smoke so I can see why seperate areas are needed.
DBF read this and he said he doesn't think it's a bad idea at all.

 

[dcentity2000]

"Well hi there everybody!"

If people are corteous about their habit and don't impose it on others (especially children) then I have no problem with it...
However, the fact that LoriZH saw people smoking all over the place, in crowds and even waiting for the monorail disgusts me. I know how impressionable kids can be, and I know from the poll that people on the majority don't exactly like smoking... Nothing upsets me more than another person lighting up next to me in the Land Where Magic Lives - it ruins the whole atmosphere of the place. Smoking areas are, I think, a good idea - but probably would not be necessary if the majority of smokers were as considerate as DBF.

Incidentally, isn't it just a bit over the top that over half of you think that all smokers should be "obliterfied"?! Yikes!

Rich ::

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by dcentity2000
Incidentally, isn't it just a bit over the top that over half of you think that all smokers should be "obliterfied"?! Yikes!

Rich ::

Honestly, Rich (and I am not attacking you here so please do not think that), but using the word 'obliterfied' has strong connotations and if you really wanted a good sample with your survey, you could have used unbiased and non-emotionally-charged language. What other options do people have to choose from who think that smoke should be secluded from non-smokers? You didn't really give us many options to choose from. In my opinion, "Guess its a good thing" is too 'on-the-fence' of an option.

In looking at the options at a glance, I would think you are being tongue-in-cheek about this survey and not serious. You may want to rethink your survey wording to get a more serious response.

 

[legs22]

How about nice enclosed rooms with big glass windows to contain it like they have at the airports?

 

[goofyernmost]

My guess would be that a large number chose the "obliterfried" option because you didn't really give them a choice! There is no middle of the road choice listed, it's either place them in front of a firing squad or it's OK, I guess, gee, I wonder?

An option would have been to include a choice that was something like..."I think that designated areas are absolutely necessary to protect those that do not from unwanted exposure!"

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I think that making designated smoking areas are fine, however, it is a horror show when you have to walk by those areas and you come out smelling like smoke, but I suppose what else are they going to do.

Lori,
Most of the smoking areas are separated in such a way that you don't have to go near them at all. Especially the ones at Epcot.

when this designated smoking area began it was well enforced, but, like the no food rule, it has become largely ignormed. I always said it looked good on paper, but, don't count on it being enforceable.
I am a smoker and do only smoke in the designated smoking areas. If other smokers have children and they are there, I feel for them, but, it is no longer my problem. Parents have the onus of protecting their kids.

 

[atlanta braves fan]

As a smoker, I am glad they made out of the way smoking sections for smokers. The many trips I have made to the world I always worried a child might see me smoking or that I would all of a sudden lose all bodily control and become one of the thousands of smokers that burns childrens faces in the parks.

Seriously, I have smoked for 16 years and am trying to quit, but I have never burned anyone with any one of the thousands of cigarettes I have smoked. Was there some rash of child burning in the World? I have read countless posts about this topic and have remained silent untill today. Why? I don't know. Maybe it's the suggestion that just because someone smokes, they are careless with their cigarettes. Smokers are very aware they have something lit in their hands. I am probably more careful with my cigarette and aware of the direction my smoke is blowing then some of the people with strollers and ECVs that crash into people AND children every day in the theme parks.

Flame away, I could care less

 

[zaxmom]

Gee atlanta braves fan, I never meant to imply all smokers burn small children. My post didn't read anything like that when I looked at it. But believe me, it has happened. Of course it is not just a careless smoker, I was talking about children. They are like animals, unpredictable. Sometimes they even trip and bump into people rudely. I know my hand dangles right at the level of my kids' faces. Easier to smack that way. Has there been a rash of stroller hit-and-runs at the parks lately?

 

[nowellsl]

I think the smoking areas are great but even though I smoke I have a problem with people who bring their children into the smoking areas - consenting adults are one thing but children should not be subjected to our foul habits!:

 

[da disney fans]

Originally posted by zaxmom
I know my hand dangles right at the level of my kids' faces. Easier to smack that way.

A bit off-topic, but this sounds scary and abusive to me.

 

[zaxmom]

I was just kidding. I will bend over to smack them if I have to. Really it was just a joke, like the previous poster's comments.

 

[Lesley]

As a non-smoker, I still have trouble understanding some of the attitudes towards smoking and smokers. Mainly the one expressed in the top choice of the poll.

Honestly my opinion isn't one of the choices...I think they're a great idea...gives smokers a nice place to go to light up, where cigarettes won't be a danger of burning someone, and makes it possible for non-smokers to avoid the smoke. As far as complaints about smelling them when you walk by...well, I've smelled far worse than smoke in many areas of the parks! There seem to be plenty of people who don't consider the restrooms to be the "designated farting area".....and those who don't wear deodorant...and those who wear stinky offensive perfumes...and people who don't change their kids' diapers....

I don't really see all the uproar about second hand smoke outdoors where its easy enough to get away from it. Heck, I can sit right with my mother, who smokes, and not be bothered in the least if we're outdoors. Of course, I don't choose to stand downwind. And the kids and I have both joined her in the smoking areas...because they are outside and it doesn't necessarily mean we're inhaling second hand smoke (though honestly if I'm going to be injured by it...its happened already when I was a kid and was in the house and car with the smoke all the time...) The kids are generally short enough that the smoke doesn't reach them and I'm really not concerned that they'll get cancer from one little whiff of very much diluted cigarette smoke a few times a year. There are worse things in the air...and I'm far more concerned about their health when we're stuck in a traffic jam breathing auto exhaust. But, gee, no one is going to villify people who drive, are they?

But smokers are an easy target...and folks like having an easy target, I guess.

So, I guess some people avoid the restrooms to avoid coming out smelling like....well, you can guess.....

 

[catherines_mama]

As a non-smoker I really appreciate outdoor locations that follow and no smoking policy. DD (2 1/2) and I were at a local county fair a few weeks ago and I can't tell you how hard it was to dodge cigerettes dangling from people hands. Not all smokers do it, but a lot do not pay attention to what / who is around them.

My mother and stepfather smoke, and I cannot ask them not to smoke in their home, but when we are there, they do stand next to an open door or go out to the garage.

Thanks Disney for realizing that this is a needed thing. I am sure that it also helps a lot on litter. If there is one place to smoke that is one place to clean up butts.

Just My Opionion.
Deedee