(CLOSED) The Smoking DSA's @ Resorts Info Thread

[Trekker]

The mod linked me to a map that had DSA for Pop No way could I see them the map is to small and blurry.

All the maps provided are in pdf format - when they come up you can zoom in and make them as large and as clear as you need.....

Just use this icon tool on the pdf to zoom in

 

[jjohnson]

Can someone take a look at the BW map for me? On the villa side it looks to me like the DSA's are located at the bottom of the stairways on the pool side. Right?

 

[patsal]

Just a thought for us smokers if they made the smoking areas more visible and more convenient the need to smoke in undesignated areas would be far less. I have no problem not smoking in the room but do not expect to have to hunt for an area that I can. The mod linked me to a map that had DSA for Pop No way could I see them the map is to small and blurry.I don't smoke in the house at home but do on the front porch and have never heard the smell or smoke drifts into the house and believe me I would hear if it did so I have a hard time believing it would drift in from the walkway unless I was puffing it under the door which I wouldn't do!!

I don't think it is seeping under the doorways so much as being sucked into the airvents for the airconditioning units. That is why when someone smokes just outside the doorway at the AS and Pop it often smells as though they are smoking in the room. Not placing blame or anything I just think that is how it works. When smokers are visiting and smoke on my porch the smell does not come into the house, but if they are smoking in the back yard where the AC unit is some gets sucked into the house.

 

[michygoomy]

Just got back from Pop, DH smokes, I'll try to answer some questions. My overall impression is that the majority of CMs are not well informed about the policy, and it is policed inconsistantly. If they don't get this under wraps soon, neither smokers or non-smokers are going to be happy.

Are they fining people for smoking on their balconies now?

One morning I was walking in front of two CMs and listening to their conversation. It went something like this:

CM1: ....if they smoke in the room, they'll get fined $150.
CM2: On the patios too?
CM1: Oooooh, no, not really.
CM2: But it says they will.
CM1: Yeah, but...

Two of the designated smoking areas at the AKL are located in the highest traffic areas of the resort. One is on the way to the bus stops and one is on the way to the pool and you have to walk through the smoke to get to both.

(Bolding mine) The bus stop one has to be the worst designed DSA I've seen ever in a park. Seriously, it's right there on the path, there is hardly any way to get around, and it was mighty crowded when I walked past.

Has anyone just recently returned from pop and willing to comment on the smoking areas? My boyfriend and future mother in law will be coming down with me in dec, and I am wondering where would be a good place to get a room near them, i looked on the maps and seems their is one near 90's first floor, or if they will be completely banished! TIA, mena292

After a walk around most of the resort, I think first floor lakeside would be the best place to get a room close to a DSA. There are quite a few areas around the lake, and a couple of them are at least somewhat near guest rooms. For the buildings facing away from the lake, there are fewer DSAs and they are as far from the guest rooms as they can make them (yet on the path everyone uses to walk--see how no one really wins here?).

I have a few questions for anyone whose been to POP since the change and could, hopefully, answer a few ?? ....
-There are many DSA locations shown on the walk around the lake-is the entire walk a DSA, or only select locations?

Every few feet around the lake there was a bench with an ashtray. They weren't very far apart.

All the buildings have their own DSA except the 70's. Is the correct, or a printing error?

I think that is correct, but the 70s has the DSA on the lake side. That may actually be closer to guest rooms than the ones on the interior courtyards anyway.

-Is smoking allowed in the parking lots? I won't let DSis smoke in our vehicle, but maybe she can smoke in the parking lot, on the way to our room?

Depends who you ask, since the CMs will give you different stories. I'm sure she could--I doubt there are CMs walking around the parking lots, but it would be better for her to find a nice, comfy DSA with seating.

OK, now for our experience--once the policy changed, I requested a 1st floor room, close to a DSA and close to the food court. We got 1st floor 50s building (building 1). I asked the CM at checkin where the DSA was near our room, and she said he could smoke "anywhere back here", pointing to the parking lot side of our building on the map. So--he would go out to the little circle behind our room that was used for service vehicles. 90% of the time no one said anything (and there were CMs walking past all the time because it was the path to their parking), and twice someone did. One CM was polite, but when asked if there was a map to show the DSAs, she changed her tune and said to go ahead and finish his cig there. Another CM was pretty belligerant and DH moved to the DSA in the middle of the 50s courtyard (which would expose more people to smoke that the little circle area he had previously been using).

There were a lot of smokers using the DSAs, especially the one outside the hall to checkout in the back, but there were also a lot of people just stepping outside of their rooms. Imagine the frustration of the people truckin' theirselves back to the DSA in the back of the pool bar area, yet passing people smoking around the pool at every other table.

Bus stops: There are two ashtrays in sight of the bus stops: one near the MGM stop and one near the far end. It is unclear if these are actually DSAs, as they are not indicated as such on the map. However, I think it is reasonable to assume that if an ashtray is provided, you are allowed to smoke there. I did have a person get in line behind me at the bus stop smoking. Even cranky DH wouldn't do that.

I can answer more questions if anyone would like.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

thanks for the update
I never undertstand why a company makes a new policy then doesnt enforce it. Looks like the CMs on property are gonna have their hands full.

 

[F4disneyfan]

Not to sure if this is allowed or not and I have removed names to protect the people passing along the info. I recieved this on a DVC forum I frequent.

She was in the smoking section and was told by 2 other seperate guests that they were "caught" by survellince cameras ON THEIR BALCONYS and their rooms were charged $269 (including tax! what???? ) for smoking in a non-smoking area. The guests went to check their room charges and found it tacked on- I understand that one guest was given a $100 "credit" as he booked his trip prior to the non-smoking policy being enforced.

 

[magicmouse2]

Good. PS this will most likely get moved to the smoking thread.

 

[boomhauer]

Wow - That must have made for an unpleasant checkout.

 

[nbodyhome]

I agree with a fine. Now if they would just start fining the families on Heely's... But $269 seems like a lot.

The balcony part, though - I didn't think they'd be able to see anyone on their balconies (except maybe at the AKL)?

 

[disneyfan67]

I agree with a fine. Now if they would just start fining the families on Heely's... But $269 seems like a lot.

The balcony part, though - I didn't think they'd be able to see anyone on their balconies (except maybe at the AKL)?

You would be surprised at how many places use security cameras and how well they can disguise them. I have done carpet cleaning in different hotels and never saw any cameras. Yet when I had to clean the management and security offices behind the front desk, I was amazed of the coverage they had. Hallways with plenty of interior views. Exterior views including sweeping views of parking lots and side shots of the buildings. That was years ago, can you imagine how good the technology is today? Smaller, yet more powerful cameras that have digital capabilities that can zoom in on just about anything. I'm sure Disney is well equipped in that department and these recent incidents of catching the smokers, won't be the last.

 

[nbodyhome]

I'm sure Disney is well equipped in that department and these recent incidents of catching the smokers, won't be the last.

It'd never have occured to me that they might be photographing balconies, that seems like more of an invasion of privacy (just to me, maybe it really isn't).

If anyone is smoking outside, the maids will likely be able to tell easily. A few ashes, a cigarette butt, the smell - rather hard to hide all evidence. (of course, unless they are dropping everything into the bushes/balconies below!)

 

[Disneyolic]

I will be checking into POR this coming Friday evening. My original reservation had nonsmoking standard room requested. I just faxed a request to the room assigner today stating a couple of things about our party and the request for a nonsmoking former room also. I stated why we wanted the request and now we are hoping for the best.

I will report here what I am assigned and about the DSAs. As you can probably tell, I am a nonsmoker so for all of you other nonsmokers, I will be able to tell if we had a former smoking room and the condition. I'm hoping not but we will also be well aware of all our surroundings should we happen by these DSAs.

This thread is a good thing! I love the noncontroversy!!!

 

[snowman]

The smoking areas at the WL are several umbrella tables behind the pool bar towards the beach.....a very relaxing spot but a little bit of a walk.

There are also 3 benches along the end of the building off of the sidewalk towards the bus stop, just past the arcade......fairly close to the elevators and covered.

The third spot is in the villa area and we never ventured that far so I can't comment on that one.

We did find out that although there is an ash tray next to the front door that is not a DSA...as DH was politely told he could not smoke there and that was just for arriving guests to extinguish their smokes......the cast member that told of this was very nice and said he completely understood our thinking that it was a DSA since there was an ashtray. He said hopefully signs will be posted soon.


Overall DH didn't have a problem using the DSA's as the spots were clean and comfy.

Thanks for the report from WL - DSO will be happy to know where she can smoke legally.

 

[englishrose47]

I don't think it is seeping under the doorways so much as being sucked into the airvents for the airconditioning units. That is why when someone smokes just outside the doorway at the AS and Pop it often smells as though they are smoking in the room. Not placing blame or anything I just think that is how it works. When smokers are visiting and smoke on my porch the smell does not come into the house, but if they are smoking in the back yard where the AC unit is some gets sucked into the house.

Never thought of that I just figured it was Non Smokers being alittle zelous! I can't say I'm happy that I can't puff on the balcony or walkway but as long as they are fair with the DSA and provide enough of them I'll live with it. But please non smokers be considerate if we are smoking in a DSA. There is no need to cough at the sight of our unlit cigarets I am surprised that Disney hasn't been bombarded with the smokers concerns though . Where can I let them know how I feel. I do not like the security camera thing at allI see the need for some more areas at Pop like by the buses and the pool I'm not saying the whole area just an area at each,. At the Parks much better signage is needed.

 

[englishrose47]

All the maps provided are in pdf format - when they come up you can zoom in and make them as large and as clear as you need.....

Just use this icon tool on the pdf to zoom in

Thank you that did the trick. My eyes aren't the greatest but this was perfectly clear!!

 

[krbq]

Can someone take a look at the BW map for me? On the villa side it looks to me like the DSA's are located at the bottom of the stairways on the pool side. Right?

Since no one else answered you, jjohnson, I do know that there is a door that opens to a main (carpeted) hallway at the location of the DSA in the quiet pool on the Villa side -- I've used it as a shortcut often when we've stayed there. (On the map, it's the one that sits lowest on the page, between the green and yellow sections.) It's not exactly at the bottom of a stairway, but there may be one close by. I know there's a stairway at the far end of the yellow section, and it's just a short walk from there back to the area where this new DSA is. The area is sheltered by the walls, but I wouldn't call it a covered area. The first floor rooms would be ideal for people who want to be close to a DSA. I say all this with the caveat that I haven't actually seen the DSA and haven't been to WDW since June 1, but I'm familiar with the BWV and the quiet pool area and that's how it looks to me on the map.

 

[Marilou]

I had noticed on the map of AS Music that there were only 3 or 4 DSAs. Has anyone been there and made note if there were more than just those?
A few pages back (forgive me for not giving credit to the poster) someone mentioned an ashtray at an entrance door, but DH was told it was just for entrering smokers to extiguish the ciggarette, boy that seems misleading. I guess as a smoker, if you see an ashtray then it is the universal OK to smoke there.
On a lighter note, I just emailed my mom that we should toss in a cple small umbrellas in our luggage since most reports are DSAs are not under cover. Her response back was "Geez,Ponchos over PJs. What a fashion statement we could make at DSA"

LOL....now you have to admit that is funny! We did specifically pick up some decent PJs to wear to the DSA for either late at night or first thing in the am.

Thank you again MODs for allowing us DISers to keep this thread open!

 

[englishrose47]

Hey maybe us smokers can have a PJ Party !!

 

[jrb967]

here are my observations.

We were there June 2-7 and stayed at the POP, 1st floor of the 3000 or Tramp bldg (as my kids called it) in the 50s area facing inward towards 1000 (Lady, again kids' name) bldg.

When we checked in, I knew about the no smoking so I asked the CM for info on the DSAs for my DH. CM did not mention it but maybe because I asked first? The maps weren't updated but he was very knowledgable and pointed out the areas for us. He did tell us the fine was 250-500 per occurence if caught smoking in the room, balconies or any other aread not a DSA .

As previously mentioned, there are many DSAs all along the lake area at the POP and several throughout the resort area, near pools, etc. The nearest to us was on the main path between the 50's building heading towards the bowling pin pool. DH never smokes in the house or in hotel when we are with him so he had no issue with using the DSA. It was very convenient to the room, I could look out and see him. The spot out in the open but just off the main path a bit. There was a bench there but no cover. I never saw more than 5-6 people there at any one time, and usually it was 2-3, so it didn't seem like there was a "big, smoke cloud". He said he actually met several interesting people and enjoyed chatting with the those that he met.

As for the parks, we thought the DSAs were fairly easy to find and were pretty plentiful. However, in some parks, the maps that I got at check-in at the POP and the maps we picked up in the parks had different locations for th DSAs. They were never to far apart and if we had the wrong locn, we just looked around and could usually spot the location. Many locations had benches and most had shade from trees or some kind of cover. They actually made good meeting spots for us since they were easy to locate. If we had to take kids to the bathroom or if I went to get FP for our group and then meet up with them, etc. Again, being out in the open, I did not notice a "smoke cloud".

Our friends were at CSR and they also thought that the DSAs were conveniently located, although not as clearly noticeable at first glance. They also knew about the policy and asked the CM at check-in. Their CM seemed less knowledgeable about the exact location and gave them some misinformation originally, again maps not available yet. They were in Bldg 4 of the Casitas, 2nd floor facing the lake. The DSAs to their room were not as close are ours but still not too far away. 1 near the small pool between bldg 4 and bldg 3 and 2 on the path around the lake at each corner of bldg 4.

Overall as a group of 4 adults and 4 kids, we had 2 smokers and no one was inconvenienced or had a problem.

if you have any questions, let me know.
JoAnn

 

[LBelle]

I had noticed on the map of AS Music that there were only 3 or 4 DSAs. Has anyone been there and made note if there were more than just those?
A few pages back (forgive me for not giving credit to the poster) someone mentioned an ashtray at an entrance door, but DH was told it was just for entrering smokers to extiguish the ciggarette, boy that seems misleading. I guess as a smoker, if you see an ashtray then it is the universal OK to smoke there.
On a lighter note, I just emailed my mom that we should toss in a cple small umbrellas in our luggage since most reports are DSAs are not under cover. Her response back was "Geez,Ponchos over PJs. What a fashion statement we could make at DSA"

LOL....now you have to admit that is funny! We did specifically pick up some decent PJs to wear to the DSA for either late at night or first thing in the am.

Thank you again MODs for allowing us DISers to keep this thread open!

Hey maybe us smokers can have a PJ Party !!

I'm up for that!!!