Bizarre Smoking Locations

[inkkognito]

Most of the smoking areas I've seen in the parks are in decent locations. Not too far off the beaten path so the smokers don't have trouble finding them, yet in a place where non-smokers are not forced to breath it in by anything in close proximity. Then today I found the most bizarre smoking location ever at Typhoon Lagoon. It is literally right outside a restroom entrance. I mean absolutely literally...there are ashtrays right near the doorways so you can't wait for someone without being in a cloud. Worse yet, it is very close to a seating area for a restaurant (not sure of the name, but the one near where you can soak people with the boat motor water guns while they pass you in the lazy river). If the breeze is right, the diners get to share in the aroma. What the heck was Disney thinking?! That had to be the worst location I've ever seen. Any other doozies out there that anyone else has noticed?

Note: please don't make this into a debate on whether there should be smoking areas or smoking in general. I just thought it would be interesting to know where any other poorly planned areas are.

 

[catne]

We rarely go to the water parks, so not familiar with that one. But sounds poorly designed right outside a restroom. Maybe they did that to keep smokers from lighting up IN the restrooms?

I think the smoking area in the MK that's poorly placed is the one right next to Aloha Isle (where they have Dole Whips.) As a former smoker, I know how important those smoking locations are for smokers...and I really feel sorry for the smokers using that designated smoking area because there always seems to be a lot of people who just bought a dole whip heading for that area. It's very inviting when you've got a drippy cone & want to find a nice looking place to sit down in the shade. Everytime we've been there enjoying a dole whip there seems to be someone complaining loudly & often about "all the smoke" and "rude smokers" in the area, etc. We KNOW it's a smoking area, so are careful to choose our seats away from anyone smoking at the moment...and we know we could be joined by smokers at any time...that's the trade-off. But a lot of people don't realize it's a smoking location, or they feel that it shouldn't be...one woman even told a smoker she didn't care if it was a designated smoking area when non-smokers were present the smokers should stop!

 

[DisGirl23]

I have to agree about the Aloha Isle section! As a smoker, and friend of the Dole whip, I've often enjoyed this seating area but, I always feel bad lighting up when people are just sitting an enjoying their whips! I usually try to go as far back into the section as possible. Or I'll just venture off and find another location later.

 

[kaffinito]

We KNOW it's a smoking area, so are careful to choose our seats away from anyone smoking at the moment...and we know we could be joined by smokers at any time...that's the trade-off. But a lot of people don't realize it's a smoking location, or they feel that it shouldn't be...one woman even told a smoker she didn't care if it was a designated smoking area when non-smokers were present the smokers should stop!

That's a hoot! If I had been the recipient of that remark I would have laughed my head off.

To go back to the original topic, I think a poorly designed DSA was at POP near the bar. This DSA also happened to be right on the main path for anyone leaving Classic Hall and going towards the Hippy Dippy Pool. That meant that all of those non- smokers going past had to walk through the smoke on some days. I'm not sure if it's still there or not.

At AKL there used to be one right next to the outside entrance for the Marketplace. Now they've moved it to an area nearer the driveway, but people still walk through there and complain about the smokers.

Another one, also at AKL, is located right next to one of the hot tubs, on the path to the playground, and right outside the windows for the fitness facility. It's also the nicest DSA on any of the properties IMO.

 

[CAGirl]

Just saw one a couple weeks ago near the Noodle place in MK. There were peeps smoking on the stairs which led to a seating area. The signs said smoking section below but ashtrays were up top and eating sitting areas were below.

 

[dwsandy]

The smoking area in MK on the path leading to the castle near the wishing well. I always forget about it until I'm right in the middle of it. It's a very scenic location but I never stand around for too long because the smoke smell lingers even if there isn't very many smokers there. It just seems like an odd spot since people are always using those paths.

 

[KellyNY]

 

[ktlm]

The smoking area in MK on the path leading to the castle near the wishing well. I always forget about it until I'm right in the middle of it. It's a very scenic location but I never stand around for too long because the smoke smell lingers even if there isn't very many smokers there. It just seems like an odd spot since people are always using those paths.

HATE HATE HATE that spot! I always forget about it until we are in it too, and I feel so bad if we have DD with us. I rush her through as fast as I can. There are always people smoking that have kids in strollers in there with them to, and that upsets me. My Dad died due to second hand smoke, and I know three kids who have really bad asthma who have smoker parents (which studies show parents' smoking, even if just on their clothes can make a kid's asthma much worse, or even cause it), so I'm very sensitive to that kind of thing. I'm not coming down on smokers in general they have a right to do what they want to their own body, just on the fact that is a very bad place for a smoking area, and some of the smokers bring very little children and park them in there and expose them to the heavy smoke.

 

[stitch34]

First off.. yep, I'm a smoker.

Yep, that one behind the castle... I frequent it a lot when we're at the MK, but always think okay, WHY did they put this right on a path with people walking by?

Now if you go off Main Street, looking at Tony's, to the left of Tony's... to me that makes sense, a little off the main pathway, yet not way out hidden making it hard for smokers to find.


Pop pool bar - ahhh! another of my favorite spots. Sorry, but nothing better than being able to relax at a table after a long day. What a nice change as compared to most resort DSA's - a bench with a bunch of smokers standing around. the DSA as Would hate to see that go - and there are always filled tables there with smokers...so it's obviously put to good use!


NOw.... All Star Movies - the "Reel Spot" - perfect DSA - big, covered, about oh, a dozen tables and chairs there, ceiling fans. Nope, went last August and noticed it now has non smokign signs, that it's part of food court.
Now... we've been there August, November and March - and out of three trips only ONE time have I ever seen anyone eating in there. otherwise... it's EMPTY! When it used to be a DSA - there would ALWAYS be people in there.
and it was not in the way of nonsmokers, nice and tucked in there, perfect for smokers. Now.... nearby there they put a bench, and there's always people there. August one night I counted 18 smokers out there at that bench - and yep, the "reel spot" - had zero people in there.

 

[Tink888]

The one at POP, that is located right outside of the lobby in the back, always struck me as odd. Always very crowded there and really there is no way for a non-smoker to avoid it as it's right outside of the doors.

The one at the Studios catty-corner from Sci-Fi Dine in Theater seems pretty out in the open.

I think for a lot of non-smokers, any DSA that they come in contact with is in a bad place. Some won't be happy until smoking has been banished altogether. For me, as long as people are smoking in the designated area and I can walk through or around it in a few seconds, I'm happy.

 

[Pirate Jeff]

I always thought the one at MK near the Noodle Station (as been already discussed) and it appears yes, they moved it from downstairs (although the sign still points down) to up on the promenade - which makes no sense as this is a high traffic area.

I don't smoke but it really doesn't bother me to walk through a plume of smoke. In that situation, I can't see it being any more of a concern than say a bar-b-que grill.

I am just glad that Disney considers all their guests by maintaining smoking areas.

The "strangest" smoking areas I've seen, were people walking around smoking but a couple of weeks ago, I seen several CM's telling smokers outside the zones to "put it out"!! Then pleasantly directing them to the nearest smoking area.

 

[GinaGrumpyDwarf]

The best is when Disney decides to MOVE the location, but doesn't update the map. This happened at Animal Kingdom. The location was right across where you meet Pooh and friends, but no ashtrays. So people were smoking anyway, so did I. When the CM came over and told us to move, people were very angry. I understand it.

 

[Bullseye]

The smoking area in MK on the path leading to the castle near the wishing well. I always forget about it until I'm right in the middle of it. It's a very scenic location but I never stand around for too long because the smoke smell lingers even if there isn't very many smokers there. It just seems like an odd spot since people are always using those paths.

I use that DSA behind the castle, but I hate being put in that position. That's a nice little short cut and a picturesque area so I don't get why there's a smoking area there. It's too narrow so you end up getting the looks that kill as non-smokers walk by. I like DSA's that are completely out of the way, like the one behind Tusker House at AK...this is the best I found so far.

As far as original subject, standing outside the toilet at TL to smoke isn't no treat for smokers either. It's bad spot for both sides.

 

[aaarcher86]

We rarely go to the water parks, so not familiar with that one. But sounds poorly designed right outside a restroom. Maybe they did that to keep smokers from lighting up IN the restrooms?

I think the smoking area in the MK that's poorly placed is the one right next to Aloha Isle (where they have Dole Whips.) As a former smoker, I know how important those smoking locations are for smokers...and I really feel sorry for the smokers using that designated smoking area because there always seems to be a lot of people who just bought a dole whip heading for that area. It's very inviting when you've got a drippy cone & want to find a nice looking place to sit down in the shade. Everytime we've been there enjoying a dole whip there seems to be someone complaining loudly & often about "all the smoke" and "rude smokers" in the area, etc. We KNOW it's a smoking area, so are careful to choose our seats away from anyone smoking at the moment...and we know we could be joined by smokers at any time...that's the trade-off. But a lot of people don't realize it's a smoking location, or they feel that it shouldn't be...one woman even told a smoker she didn't care if it was a designated smoking area when non-smokers were present the smokers should stop!

If I was still a smoker and someone said this to me I would have made it a twofer... just for her!!! Lol

I feel bad for smokers - I used to be very respectful and make sure I followed all the rules in regards to smoking areas... but even someone following the rules gets treated like dirt at times.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I always thought the one at MK near the Noodle Station (as been already discussed) and it appears yes, they moved it from downstairs (although the sign still points down) to up on the promenade - which makes no sense as this is a high traffic area.......

Good to know that area is no longer a DSA. I always thought it somewhat strange to make that large, prominently desirable piece of park real estate a DSA. I have avoided that area for years, but will again visit.

Yesterday, while in both AK and later Epcot, two separate incidences where smoking guests lit up in non smoking areas where I and several other folks from here on the DIS were seated. Flame Tree eating area in AK, and the nlater in the evening, the few wire type seats and tables near the artists' area in France, while awaiting Illuminations. I politely reminded both that they were in a non smoking area and needed to go to a DSA if they wanted to continue puffing. Both asked where the DSA's where and I replied I had no idea but did point both times to a nearby CM that they could ask them for directions to the nearest areas. Both simply put out their smokes and all was pleasant. We enjoyed our lunch, as well as Illuminations.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

The one by Aloha Aisle really bothers me. After I get my Dole Whip, I need to sit down and eat it. It isn't something I can easily walk and eat at the same time. There are always a lot of smokers at this spot. I hate the "taste" of smoke in my Dole Whip. It is something I get to eat once a year, so I'd like to enjoy it.

 

[Bullseye]

The best is when Disney decides to MOVE the location, but doesn't update the map. This happened at Animal Kingdom. The location was right across where you meet Pooh and friends, but no ashtrays. So people were smoking anyway, so did I. When the CM came over and told us to move, people were very angry. I understand it.

Yeah they did the same thing to the little area by where the Viking ship used to be at EPCOT, two years ago it was a DSA, last year it was gone.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

This thread should be CLOSED per BOARD POLICY.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Well you can't hold it against the smokers for smoking in a spot that Disney sets aside for them. I have run into to a couple that I felt were poorly placed because I had no choice but to walk past them to get somewhere, but I never thought the smokers were at fault. If it bothered me that much I would have filed a complaint with Disney saying that perhaps they should rethink those locations.

 

[bytheblood]

I agree. Some of the smoking areas in the Animal Kingdom are great photo spots around the tree of Life. I think that is quite insane.