Bothered by rude smoker at Poly pool

[Disney grandma]

We returned a few days ago from a wonderful stay at the Polynesian. I would like to mention that there was one couple who insisted on smoking on the edge of the beach by the pool, okay, so we stay away from them. Then the man picks up his chair and sits it down at the entrance to the volcano pool and continues to smoke and flip his ashes in the pool and then threw his cigerette in the bushes. He proceeded to go to the pool bar and state that he spilled his drink the second time because evidently they refill it free if you spill it once or even twice. Of course, the bartender knew he didn't spill it but had to go along with him. When I mentioned that he was smoking in the pool she said he had been told not to smoke but there wasn't much else they could do about it. It only takes one person to ruin it for others but I did feel he should have been told to leave the pool if he was going to continue to smoke.

 

[Sammie]

If anyone has a serious problem with a smoker not abiding by the new smoking policy, you need to go to the Front Desk and ask to speak to the on duty Guest Services manager.

The front desk will attempt to placate you and help, but ask them point blank, do you have the authority to deal with a smoking violation and when they say, no, then simply say, that is why I wish to speak to the on duty manager. They will have the authority to deal with the guest.

 

[Dizzyworld]

What can they really do in a situation like this? Any ideas? Just curious.

 

[disneyholic family]

We returned a few days ago from a wonderful stay at the Polynesian. I would like to mention that there was one couple who insisted on smoking on the edge of the beach by the pool, okay, so we stay away from them. Then the man picks up his chair and sits it down at the entrance to the volcano pool and continues to smoke and flip his ashes in the pool and then threw his cigerette in the bushes. He proceeded to go to the pool bar and state that he spilled his drink the second time because evidently they refill it free if you spill it once or even twice. Of course, the bartender knew he didn't spill it but had to go along with him. When I mentioned that he was smoking in the pool she said he had been told not to smoke but there wasn't much else they could do about it. It only takes one person to ruin it for others but I did feel he should have been told to leave the pool if he was going to continue to smoke.

he flipped his ashes in the pool and threw his cigarette into the bushes???
that is disgusting.....was the guy an american? i live overseas and often encounter this behavior from Europeans, but not so much when I'm in America (where it's like a 'breath of fresh air" where smoking behavior is concerned)...

that is just unbelievable.....and at the poly....geez....

 

[2002Disneybride]

What can they really do in a situation like this? Any ideas? Just curious.

Well, unfortunately nothing I think. Personally as a mom of two little kids, It drives me nuts when people smoke in public areas- period. But I can't run around and say stop smoking around my kids-I have to steer clear of it as a nonsmoker. Should I have to walk past a cloud of smoke to get to the mall or a restaurant? No. And that always pisses me off, but I deal with it. What drives me nuts is the ones that smoke in the parks in heavy foot traffic, say leaving Wishes--I am afraid they could burn someone.
My thing is if you want to smoke, fine but it better not impede my enjoying myself-since it is a rule--follow it and smoke in the #*()#*! designated area!

If I offended any smokers--sorry but that's how I feel when I (and my babies)have to breath in your smoke!

 

[Marthasor]

Well, unfortunately nothing I think. Personally as a mom of two little kids, It drives me nuts when people smoke in public areas- period. But I can't run around and say stop smoking around my kids-I have to steer clear of it as a nonsmoker. Should I have to walk past a cloud of smoke to get to the mall or a restaurant? No. And that always pisses me off, but I deal with it. What drives me nuts is the ones that smoke in the parks in heavy foot traffic, say leaving Wishes--I am afraid they could burn someone.
My thing is if you want to smoke, fine but it better not impede my enjoying myself-since it is a rule--follow it and smoke in the #*()#*! designated area!

If I offended any smokers--sorry but that's how I feel when I (and my babies)have to breath in your smoke!

My DH smokes and I couldn't agree with you more!! He has modified his smoking behavior quite a bit since we've met and is much more courteous about where and when he smokes. Now if I can only get him to quit!!

To the OP, I would have been really ticked off too. I thought with their new non-smoking rules, WDW was going to crack down on this type of behavior.

 

[mzliza3]

That guy sounds like a jerk! If one wants to destroy his or her lungs, then do it in the DESIGNATED area! I think I would have went to the first cast member I encountered and complained. Aren't there signs posted regarding the new smoking rules & proper pool etiquette? Flicking an ash into the pool is GROSS, and throwing a cig into the bushes could have caused a fire. He was compromising safety.

 

[2002Disneybride]

I agree!!!
I always have to think aloud about the smoking policy when someone is smoking as they are walking in front of me down Main Street USA! (and right past CMs!)

 

[kapoof]

this guy sounds like an arrogant jerk, isn't it terrible how some people behave? its too bad disney can't inforce a new rule...if your a jerk stay home if your nice welcome to disney!

 

[OKW Lover]

What can they really do in a situation like this? Any ideas? Just curious.

If you don't get satisfaction from a nearby cast member, ask to speak to the area manager. Let them know that this is affecting your enjoyment of the pool area and ask that they do something about it. All too often cast members will just try to offer kind words but not actually take action. When yo don't get the right response, elevate to the next higher level.

 

[kaysmommie]

this guy sounds like an arrogant jerk, isn't it terrible how some people behave? its too bad disney can't inforce a new rule...if your a jerk stay home if your nice welcome to disney!

I agree! That is the only thing that ruins the magic is rude people can go to Disney too . I will probably say something if this happens to me at the Poly. I don't want any trouble with anyone but if there smoking by the entrance where there are my kids and other children playing, why should we have to breathe in smoke?

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

What can they really do in a situation like this? Any ideas? Just curious.

I agree with Sammie's suggestion.

Over the years I've seen resort security intervene on more than one occassion with unruly guests when it related to too much drinking. I'm not sure if the same could be done with the blatant violation of the smoking policy, but it might be worth a try.

Sorry you had this experience.

 

[dvcbnd]

I don't get why Disney implemented a policy that they are not ready to enforce. Is it because they were hoping that people would just follow it and though luck for everyone, if you get someone who doesn't.
Some people are so rude! I hate confrontations and I shouldn't have to spend my vacation time hunting down a manager because of an idiot. It just gets me really upset, how people are just so selfish and they just don't care about their fellow vacationers. Please! If you're a smoker, use the designated smoking areas!!!

 

[kapoof]

I don't get why Disney implemented a policy that they are not ready to enforce. Is it because they were hoping that people would just follow it and though luck for everyone, if you get someone who doesn't.
Some people are so rude! I hate confrontations and I shouldn't have to spend my vacation time hunting down a manager because of an idiot. It just gets me really upset, how people are just so selfish and they just don't care about their fellow vacationers. Please! If you're a smoker, use the designated smoking areas!!!

bravo!

 

[Mickiethepooh]

What can they do? they can get security and escort the guest away to the managers office and if he is still defiant kick his butt out of the resort. Something I would LOVE to see them do.

 

[rcraw45425]

We once encountered a European family at YC with grandpa walking along the hallway smoking a cigar!

 

[Kathi OD]

What can they do? they can get security and escort the guest away to the managers office and if he is still defiant kick his butt out of the resort. Something I would LOVE to see them do.

yep, what s/he said!

 

[disnut8]

This behavior happens all the time and not just at Disney World and not just with smoking. Unfortunately, people today seem to have what we call the "Me Attitude". Where they think the world revolves around them and the heck with anyone else. He wanted his cigarette when he wanted it and where he wanted it. And he wanted his drink when he wanted it and damn it, he wasn't going to pay for it.

Actually, from what the OP described, it sounded like the guy WANTED someone to say something to him. Then he could have a beef with Disney World. What did Holland Taylor call a guy like that in Romancing the Stone? A mondo-dismo.

 

[Rocktire]

What's the point of having rules if they're not inforced?

 

[tinawv]

I agree that when WDW implemented this policy they really had no intentions of enforcing it; just hoping that people would follow the policy. We all know that some people just don't care, and are going to do what they want no matter who it offends. I do think at a minimum that WDW staff should politely ask the offender to smoke in the designated areas, and stand there until they put the cigarette out. If they don't put the cigarette out, then I think security should be called and the offender removed from the park and/or pool (whatever the situation). I have been tempted so many times to just walk up and take the cigarette right out of their mouth, but that would probably get me removed from the area.