Attention All Smokers!

[raidermatt]

My guess would be that a large number chose the "obliterfried" option because you didn't really give them a choice!

Yup. I have no desire to "obliterate" smokers, however, it was the closest answer that expresses my opinion, which is that Disney handles the situation very well. The areas are out of the way, yet most smokers have no complaint about where they are. Seems like a pretty good compromise was struck.

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

Funny, but a bad analogy. A restroom is a room designated for performing certain bodily functions which create certain oders. (How's that for tact?) If one goes into a restroom, oders are a fact of life.

Again, I have no desire to obliterate smokers, but I also have the right not to have to breathe the smoke, regardless of whether somebody else considers that a problem. Yes, I can try to stand upwind, but its pretty difficult for everybody to do that, especially in lines or when waiting for parades, or when sitting down to eat.

Its not personal.

I'm not really calling for anything more strict than what's currently in place, other than perhaps more enforcement. I haven't seen a problem with enforcement, but it seems others have.

 

[dcentity2000]

"Well hi there everybody!"

Ahem. Just to clarify: the word obliterfried was chosen in jest, quoted from the show "Dead Ringers". Honestly, on a topic which involves Disney I can only be happy and mildly jestful, even this toopic I can't take entirely seriously...

And incidently, the half way point between the top two options would probably be "All smokers to be strapped to a rocket and sent to the moon to start a new colony of criminals" and that's just silly )

So calm down everyone and just think about the issue (in a happy way) - I'm already studying Her Majesty's Law and any user who mimics my current work by nitpicking over the terms I use will be... that's right... OBLITERFRATED!!!

Take it easy

Rich ::

 

[dcentity2000]

"Well hi there everybody!"

Oh, one more thing (or several!)...

1. People choose to smoke on their own free will. You are right - they should not be given a hard time over that!
2. I know, the term 'smack' can be scary. But so is the word 'bomb' and, to a lesser extent, 'marmalade' (this word is too long for my teenage mentality!) - we have to live with them, and they can be good or bad depending on your point of view. Discuss
3. People with strong opinions one way or t'other aren't paranoid schizophrenics - they just need a nice bath )

AND FINALLY...

No political incorrectness please! This is Disney after all... read, reply but most importantly have fun! Take everything with a pinch of salt (or pepper depending) and relax!


Take it extra easy

Rich ::

 

[MommaPoohBear]

Not only are smokers not segregated from society, but all too many people light up wherever they want and none of the cast members has the guts to tell them to stop.

 

[JJS2K3]

Walt Disney was a smoker - always had a smoke in his hand. He died of lung cancer for that matter.

I wonder if folks would show him the same disdain over his addiction if he were around today or would there be a bit more empathy than what is being shown in this thread by some?

There is no smoking in most of WDW. That small places are set aside for those who still smoke is an excellent compromise and the right thing to do. I think WD would have agreed.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by MommaPoohBear
Not only are smokers not segregated from society, but all too many people light up wherever they want and none of the cast members has the guts to tell them to stop.

Segregation in any form should not be tolerated, haven't we learned that from history? The CM's are not the smoke police, the security agents are. No guts, sure, would you face someone who will no doubt be larger than you and tell them to put out a cigarette? I doubt it.

 

[dcentity2000]

"Well hi there everybody!"

Walt was a smoker? Wow! You live and learn don't you!

Now, I'd like to opinionate (uh-oh) that most people here aren't out to 'hate' smokers - just the actions carried out by the few who, maybe, force their habit on others, by lighting up in ques and so on...

And GAIL HAYDEN? Cast members are real big - Lilo was taller than me! (?) so should any trouble arise (for example, Italian Mafia Don being told to please put more clothes on) all the cast members have to do is land on the trouble maker. See? No more problem!


Rich ::

 

[tazz23]

Hehe! You are sweet rich, lilo isnt a cast member! shes a character-cast members are the people who help out(e.g the food vendors or the people who supervise rides and such)

 

[Liv2CdWorld]

Originally posted by atlanta braves fan

Smokers are very aware they have something lit in their hands.

Flame away, I could care less

No flaming, I promise.

I couldn't disagree with you more regarding the above statement. This may very well be true for YOU, however, I have seen several times someone "talking very freely with there hands" and had lit cigarettes in them.

I've also noticed first hand someone constantly tapping their cigarette to the point where the lit head fell off - without their knowledge.

Lastly, during my trip in May 1999, my sister was pushing her double stroller (without the kids) and yes, someone in the crowd did drop their cigarette into the stoller - which of course put a nice burn in it.

I'm an ex-smoker for 2 years. I've done the World in the smoking section only and it isn't bad. I don't think they are "hiding" anyone from the children. I just think it's for safety purposes.

 

[Lesley]

Just wanted to mention that I agree that people walking around in crowded outdoor areas with lit cigarettes is a bad idea....as others have said, kids are unpredictable. I've been burnt myself.

And I do think the smoking areas are a great idea...but geez, its a bit much to complain that they even exist! Most are well out of the way and even if you're "forced" to walk through one you'll be out of the area in less than 5 seconds. And though smoking areas help contain the butts that littering scum leave all over our WDW....it doesn't help with the fact that the same (and the non-smoking variety of..) littering scum leave their trash all over!

As it stands now, people smoke and if they aren't given designated areas to smoke in, they'll smoke wherever they please. Much better to have some designated areas designed to keep everyone happy.

 

[dcentity2000]

"Well hi there everybody!"

Surely getting burned by a cigerette stub or ash is a particularly minor and unlikely problem - maybe even more unlikely than being run over by a runaway character being chased by an irate mother after being told to Pretty Please Smoke In A Smoking Area Please? (lol! just kidding!)

Perhaps the real problem - if it even deserves that term - is the discomfort non smokers and kids feel standing next to - or near - a source of smoke? I know it irritates me, even if the person is my dear old Grandmother who I love so so dearly!


Rich ::

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Lesley
Just wanted to mention that I agree that people walking around in crowded outdoor areas with lit cigarettes is a bad idea....as others have said, kids are unpredictable. I've been burnt myself.

And I do think the smoking areas are a great idea...but geez, its a bit much to complain that they even exist! Most are well out of the way and even if you're "forced" to walk through one you'll be out of the area in less than 5 seconds. And though smoking areas help contain the butts that littering scum leave all over our WDW....it doesn't help with the fact that the same (and the non-smoking variety of..) littering scum leave their trash all over!

As it stands now, people smoke and if they aren't given designated areas to smoke in, they'll smoke wherever they please. Much better to have some designated areas designed to keep everyone happy.

I think the burn issue is a major issue. I certainly would not want to burn anyone, large or small, with my cigarette. Children are not the only ones that are unpredictable, think of the folks pushing strollers. I think the smoking areas are excellent and the way they are placed NO ONE has to walk through them. There are other paths to take. Disney did a wonderful job with these.

People will complain about the smoking areas because they don't think anyone should smoke anywhere at anytime. It is a control issue with them.

As to litter, give me a break!!!! As you pointed out, scummy people litter. Cigarette butts are the least of the problem. Think gum on the bottom of your shoe. Think of the morons who toss their litter anywhere they want, and often in sight of a trash can.
It astounds me that people are so thoughtless.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by dcentity2000
"Well hi there everybody!"

Surely getting burned by a cigerette stub or ash is a particularly minor and unlikely problem - maybe even more unlikely than being run over by a runaway character being chased by an irate mother after being told to Pretty Please Smoke In A Smoking Area Please? (lol! just kidding!)

Perhaps the real problem - if it even deserves that term - is the discomfort non smokers and kids feel standing next to - or near - a source of smoke? I know it irritates me, even if the person is my dear old Grandmother who I love so so dearly!


Rich ::

I beg to differ. Cigarette burns were quite common prior to the smoking rules. I have seen it happen and I was very upset by the incidents. And, it was not me being burned or burning someone.
Smoking has never been allowed in the ques. It used to be allowed in the parade areas and, thankfully, it is not allowed any longer.
I totally agree with your statement that the discomfort for non smokers having to stand near a smoker is an issue. It can be very irritating. But, since it is not allowed anymore, it should not be an issue, unless you are standing near your beloved Grandmother in the smoking area, then, that would be your problem, not the smoker's. right?

 

[JJS2K3]

In the good/bad ol'days you could smoke anywhere in WDW, even the restaurants. I even remember being able to buy cigs @ WDW It used to be that asking someone to put out their smoke was quite rude behavior

Now smokers can't sit peacefully in a designated area without getting upturned noses, dirty looks and getting lumped in with folks who are careless and rude about their smoking habit.


WDW has designated smoking areas and smokers need to use them, period. On the opposite end, non-smokers need to respect the rules that allow smoking. They no longer have to put up with it in any enclosed public place in the state so a few square feet of outdoor benches isn't unreasonable

I'm on my 3rd quit-smoking adventure While I don't generally enjoy someone else's smoke I think every once in a while I'll pass by those smoking areas and get me a 2nd-hand-fix

 

[dcentity2000]

"Well hi there everybody!"

OI!!! GAIL HAYDEN!!! I love my Grandma very much and so yah-boo-hiss to you for making fun of that fact! I'm not happy that she smokes and neither is she (she was recently in hospital over it ) but that she smokes is NO REASON for you to poke at me over it!!! And raraarararararara and so on...
(Just in case someone doesn't cotton on to this, the above is mock anger...)

Rich::

ps. No, I don't smoke either, unless you set light to me. Then I do a great many other things too. Some not very polite things too. So

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I was not demeaning the fact or poking fun at the fact that you love your Grandmother. Where ever did you get that idea?
I think it is lovely that you do and are adult enough to admit it.

 

[Kallison]

I just want to add that although CM's might not be enforcing the smoking policy, if you ask them nicely, they will approach a smoker and ask them to move. This is what I do, although only if a smoker is in my space such as waiting for a parade. I don't walk around on vacation being the smoking police, my time is too precious. I did see a child get burned at Epcot last week by a woman walking through the crowd. I bet the CM's don't enforce because of all the backlash they receive. Most smokers don't take kindly to being told they shouldn't be doing it in that spot.

 

[DisneyVillain]

Originally posted by Kallison
Most smokers don't take kindly to being told they shouldn't be doing it in that spot.

I don't agree with "most". Based on my observations, I think that many smokers smoking in the wrong area probably didn't realize they were supposed to be in a designated smoking area. Of those who knew they were breaking the rules, most of them would just move or extinguish when asked. The few that "don't take kindly" are a very small minority. (A small minority which is helping to add fuel to the anti-smoking backlash of recent years.)

 

[dcentity2000]

"Well hi there everybody!"

Umm, first to GAIL HAYDEN: soz, it was meant to be a mock anger thing, guess it did sound a bit harsh... that's what a Criminal Law essay can do to you...

I totally agree with the above, people are not all evil muggers and murderers etc by any means... most smokers who cause others discomfort etc by smoking 'out of line' really don't know of it and would be more than happy to move or stop! A habit doesn't define who you are, and in virtually every case that's just another human being looking to smile or be smiled at

Of course there are the few tetchy people who couldn't give a damn - but isn't that the case with non smokers too, perhaps when it comes to fat blokes wobbling around with no shirt, another WDW no-no?


Rich ::




People are decent enough - those who aren't would be if given some ice cream

 

[Lesley]

As to litter, give me a break!!!! As you pointed out, scummy people litter. Cigarette butts are the least of the problem. Think gum on the bottom of your shoe. Think of the morons who toss their litter anywhere they want, and often in sight of a trash can.

That was basically the point I was making....just not quite as clearly. Yes, scummy people litter....whether they are scummy smokers or non-smokers. And I'd venture to guess that there are a lot more non-smoking littering scum around than smoking littering scum these days, since smoking has become much less popular. Its a shame littering hasn't become less popular!

And you know, everywhere in WDW you're within sight of a trash can! That's what drives me nuts!