Calling all smokers, I need your opinion and advice

[Bete]

I'll be taking a cousin on a trip shortly and she's a heavy smoker. We will be staying either at POP or All-Star Sports.

I've looked at the maps for smoking areas at both resorts, but I can't really tell how big of an area it is. Is there a shelter at these designated smoking places or is it all out in the open? Is there seating? Should you book a room based on how close you are to one of these smoking areas? Has anyone done a smoke late at night; how is it? Does it feel spooky? Would you go out alone for a smoke?

Also, if you could share your experiences in the parks with smoking; I would appreciate it. Should you plan your park schedule according to the smoking areas of the park? Are these smoking areas easy to recognize? I think my cousin would probably like to light up every couple of hours in the park? Does that seem doable?

Any other info on this matter would be appreciated. Has the new Disney policy been rough on anyone? Have cast members scolded you if you smoked in a wrong area by mistake or otherwise?

 

[KatMark]

I am a former smoker. The spots in the parks are designated on the garbage cans and the park maps. The areas at the CSR where we were last week were very easy to spot. There was a bench right outside of our building with a designated smoking area. Unfortunately, not everyone is obeying the rules and I never saw a CM say anything to anyone who was smoking in a non-designated area. I, however, was a little "vocal" on occasion saying "gee...guess people can't read the signs that there is smoking only in designated areas." I got quite a few dirty looks, but I didn't care. I had no issue when I was there last year smoking in the designated areas at all. I quit this year and did not need the areas, but I think they are a very good idea.

 

[darlak]

I was last at POP in March, so I won't know about the DSA's until later this month when I go back. I can say that I've been at POP with my DD's and I've walked outside late at night and never felt uncomfortable anywhere there. I know that bad things can happen anywhere, but I've always felt pretty safe anywhere on WDW property.

Regarding the DSA's in the parks, they are easily spotted on the maps of each park. Most are comfortable with seating. In MK, there's a DSA right across from Aloha Isle. I highly suggest getting a Dole Whip Float and sitting there to relax with it and then smoke. At this point, I know where all the park DSA's are located and never smoke anywhere else.

I wish I could tell you that if your cousin is polite and considerate of non-smokers, they in return will treat her with the same level of respect. Sadly though, this may or may not be the case. As we can only be responsible for our own actions, I still suggest behaving respectfully toward the non-smokers, as I'm sure your cousin would do anyway.

I should warn you that this is a VERY heated topic for many non-smokers here.

 

[bavaria]

Definitely - there is usually a weekly roasting of the smokers

I DID see a few smokers asked to butt out this weekend by CMs, FYI, when they were smoking in non designated areas....

 

[fuji]

Unfortunately, when we stayed at ASMu, the smoking area's were not covered When it poured, and there were times it poured, we walked to the end of the building next to the parking lot where not too many people usually are and smoked there . I have no problem smoking in DSA, but when its pouring, I won't stand in the rain. Hopefully Disney will recognize this soon and provide covered area's at the hotels for smokers

 

[Tink415]

I've only stayed at BWV and OKW since no smoking became the policy so I can only comment on those resorts regarding smoking in a DSA while at the room. The areas were comfortable but in the open and not covered for the most part. Blazing sun or pouring rain can be a problem. I would bring a folding umbrella and ask for a room near a DSA. I did go out alone late at night for a smoke; I was only scared of snakes, bugs or animals so I didn't sit down at night I hated the DSA's at BWV and would have to think very hard about staying there again.

The DSA's in the parks have been in effect for several years and are usually easy to find after looking at the maps. I think there are enough of them and scheduling your park plan around them isn't really necessary. When you take a break it could be at a DSA.

My last vacation was this past June/July and really I wouldn't have known the resorts were non-smoking if I hadn't read it here ahead of time; there are signs on ashtray cans, DSA's on resort maps, and notice on ressies, but it is easy to be oblivious to those. I think if you try to follow the rules its easy enough to comply. If you're oblivious or defiant to rules, a scolding shouldn't be a surprise

I went to Six Flags this summer and they had large no smoking signs up everywhere. They were worded nice enough. I almost wish Disney would do something similiar so no smoking would be obvious to everyone. I think the message at Disney is too subtle.

 

[Racemom17]

My Mom is a heavy smoker...we just stayed at Sports...she was upset because their was no cover for the smokers...sit in the hot sun or the rain....so she will be complaining about that...also at the park she seemed to always be able to find a designated area to light up...again always uncovered.

 

[Bete]

I'm trying to make it easier for my cousin to smoke and stay within the policy of Disney's rules. This has helped me.