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

[rjmum]

Hi. I have a fairly specific question I'm hoping someone can answer. We stayed at CBR in 06/10 and the DSAs were nice and very convenient. We had to go downstairs and and around the building, but that was no problem. There were 6 of us and we would leave one adult or the teenager w/ the kids. I am going in Jan. w/ just 1 adult and child (10, so not too young). I was going to request 1st floor/courtyard in one of the buildings w/ a DSA in that courtyard. You literally step off the walkway/sidewalk and you're in the courtyard. I could sit in front of the room and not be 10 feet from the door, so I am okay with stepping out to smoke while she is sleeping. And there are table umbrellas if it rains (yeah, been there done that).
That being said, I have now decided I want to stay at POP related to price and shorter bus times. I've read to request 1st floor building 5 lakeside, but exactly how close are the DSAs to the rooms? If I'm not right in front of the room, I'm not comfortable w/ that. On a side note, at POP, i'd have to rent a fridge and bring my coffe pot, but that's do-able. I'd prefer to stay at POP, but if the DSAs aren't right outside the door, it may not work for us.
Has anyone stayed at both CBR and POP to know what I'm talking about?
Thanks so much!!!!

 

[smidgy]

hate to burst your bubble, but, no, they aren't "right" outside the door. check out the map. some are close, depends where your room is.
there is a DSA in the 50's section. courtyard, down from the pool that is "right" outside a few rooms, but I don't know the chances of getting those specific rooms.
lakeside,.. the bldgs. are shaped like "T"s. the closer you are to the end, the closer to the lake and a DSA. the closer you are to the elevators, the further you are from the DSAs.
check out the resort maps with DSAs to see what I mean.

(some of therooms, the doors are visible from the dsa, but you cut across the grass. some have trees blocking the view.)
funny, it always seems you hear some people complain, "our room was right by a DSA and we had to walk by it all the time. and otheres, like us, sit there and say "why couldn't we have had THAT room, right there?" too bad you can't "switch"!

 

[Tess]

Is the DSA in China really gone or is that just a nasty rumor?

That would be 2 good ones gone. Moving them is one thing. Removing them completely causes problems.

China's was moved to the service entry area between Norway and China--right out in the sun with no cover. When my husband stops for a cigar, China's original spot was the best--benches, shade, and lovely surroundings. When they put the Kim Possible clue down that pathway, I guess they decided to get rid of the DSA there.

The new DSA in the service area is right out in the open, full view of the public, and HOT in the summer. Disney did put a couple of benches there, but they were too hot to sit upon in the summer heat. My husband now uses the shady spot between Japan and Morocco. That is, until they move or remove it.

 

[rjmum]

hate to burst your bubble, but, no, they aren't "right" outside the door. check out the map. some are close, depends where your room is.
there is a DSA in the 50's section. courtyard, down from the pool that is "right" outside a few rooms, but I don't know the chances of getting those specific rooms.
lakeside,.. the bldgs. are shaped like "T"s. the closer you are to the end, the closer to the lake and a DSA. the closer you are to the elevators, the further you are from the DSAs.
check out the resort maps with DSAs to see what I mean.

(some of therooms, the doors are visible from the dsa, but you cut across the grass. some have trees blocking the view.)
funny, it always seems you hear some people complain, "our room was right by a DSA and we had to walk by it all the time. and otheres, like us, sit there and say "why couldn't we have had THAT room, right there?" too bad you can't "switch"!

Smidgy - Thank you so much for the info. That's what I was afraid of. I had checked the maps and I was hoping someone would tell me "Oh no, the maps don't show it right. There are several areas where the DSA is right outside the door." One can hope. Soooo .. it looks like I'll spend the extra money and stay at CBR, unless more family gets wind of what we're doing and decide to come with. I like the coffee maker and fridge anyway.
The main reason I was switching to POP was I heard they have the shortest bus times. CBR is all I know, but it did seem like we would wait for a while and then the bus would go ALL the way around CBR before we left for the park. Any suggestions on a resort w/ shorter bus times and still the good DSAs? I really liked CBR. The rooms and atmosphere were nice. But I keep reading how it's not that great. What do those of you think who have stayed at CBR and other places, too? We walked through the GF, but I can't afford a deluxe resort. We spend the majority of the time in the parks so that would just be a waste. Another reason I was going to POP.

 

[rjmum]

Okay so when I first looked at a few of the different maps, I didn't think that much about it. But after being told you do have to walk a little for the DSAs at POP. I really looked at the map for CBR and ALL the other resorts. CBR has a TON of DSAs.
We stayed at CBR and the buildings that have the smoking sign in the middle of them - these are very nice little courtyards with nice follage and several benches and a patio table w/ an umbrella. They are literally right in front of the rooms that surround the court yard. It was very nice to sit and have coffee and a smoke in the morning and a beverage and a smoke before going to bed. It is like sitting on a lanai/patio.
Those are fabulous rooms for smokers , but I do feel sorry for the non-smokers who end up there and have to walk through or around them to get to there rooms. Too bad those can't be designated prefered smoker's rooms. Not smoking rooms, but just prefered for smokers. And the rooms on the out side of the building and those buildings w/o courtyards designated as prefered for non-smokers. It would help put smokers and non-smokers where they want to be.
Anyway ... I highly recommend the the courtyard rooms w/ the smoking symbol in the middle of them for smokers. Very convenient and nice ambiance.

 

[goopysolelady]

Does anybody have any specific room numbers of convenient locations to DSA's at Boardwalk, BW Villas, Beach Club, or BC Villas? We will be requesting first floor, and booking a standard view/studio. Thanks!

Just returned yesterday from stays at BW Villas and BLT. Will post photos of DSA's at both resorts later this week so check back. For the time being my favorite DSA at BWV was to the right of the main entrance, down the stairs to the right. Was out of the way, quiet and COVERED! There were other areas facing the pool that were nice but right now I couldn't help you much with "directions" on what area to request. We were only there for 2 nights and gone most of that time returning after dark. Will "refresh" myself (really tiring but enjoyable week) and try to give you more information.

 

[smidgy]

well, now, even at CBR, the DSA is only right outside the door if you have the right room. i think pop would work if you get a room near there, and show your 10 yr. old where you will be. after all, the best babysitter I ever had when myboys were young was 12!
french quarter is very small, there are a lot of rooms that face a DSA.

 

[rjmum]

But there are just so many of them at CBR. Maybe it is the fear of the unknown. There are a good 9 ground floor rooms that are just right there around each smoking courtyard and there are several courtyards w/ DSAs. And I figured in Jan. it wouldn't be too hard to get one.
Still the lure of the shorter bus times at POP is strong.

 

[smidgy]

But there are just so many of them at CBR. Maybe it is the fear of the unknown. There are a good 9 ground floor rooms that are just right there around each smoking courtyard and there are several courtyards w/ DSAs. And I figured in Jan. it wouldn't be too hard to get one.
Still the lure of the shorter bus times at POP is strong.

that's true. when we stayed there, we were amazed how smoker-friendly it was.! with tables,! cute courtyards for every bldg!. plus a DSA bench right outside each quiet pool, facing the pretty beach!
it's true, at CBR the bus makes the round of ALL the villages. takes a long time sometimes.
when were you last there? have you seen the new, refurbished pool? they now have a bigger slide, too (a tunnel slide) and a big water play area for the kids. not sure how appealing that would be to a 10 year old., but it looked really cool!
you might be able to stay at POP and be right by a DSA. but maybe not. don't you just hate decisions?
(I know.. big help!)

 

[rjmum]

We were there the first week of June this year. It was our first time at CBR, but from what you describe, yes it was the refirbed pool. It was awesome!! Didn't see the kiddie area. The youngest child w/ us was 9, so they all played on the big pool. The slide w/ the tunnel was great!! The kids loved it. So did I! I am over 40, but Disney makes us all feel 12 again. So up I went w/ the kids. Evidently, when I hit the water I skipped, like when you skip a rock across the water, about 3 times and then sank bum first w/ my feet up in the air into the water. Our whole group and about half the people in the pool were still laughing when I came up. But it was way fun!
CBR is the only resort I've been to as an adult. The last time I was at Disney, was 74 and I was 9. We stayed at the poly and my parents would let me ride the monorail to MK by myself in the afternoons while my brother took his nap. No Epcot or anything yet. Space Mountain wasn't even there. And I'm sure back then you could smoke anywhere. Although at 9, I don't remember. So CBR is my only experience w/ DSAs at the resorts, so you can understand my abrihension at staying at another resort, if the DSAs are really where they say they are on the maps. Wouldn't be a problem if there were a group of us. And it's not that I haven't done trips w/o my morning and evening smoke. But this is Disney! It's so magical! And I sat and enjoyed the courtyard before.
Yes, decisions over small details like this are not my strong suit. But, I know how my luck is. If you want to wait forever at the grocery store, just get in the line I pick - it's always the longest. So I have the feeling if I picked POP, I'd be far enough away that I'd sit nervously staring at the door or worse, far enough away that I wouldn't feel comfortable going at all.
Again, my reason for concidering POP was the length of the bus rides. I knew the pool at CBR was better, but in January if we did swim, I figured it wouldn't be much. I just want it all - short bus rides AND awesome DSAs.

 

[zorro77]

Only 29 days before i can have my first cigar of our trip (Fuego Cigar Bar). Hope to get be their many times on our vacations.

 

[cassie]

China's was moved to the service entry area between Norway and China--right out in the sun with no cover. When my husband stops for a cigar, China's original spot was the best--benches, shade, and lovely surroundings. When they put the Kim Possible clue down that pathway, I guess they decided to get rid of the DSA there.

The new DSA in the service area is right out in the open, full view of the public, and HOT in the summer. Disney did put a couple of benches there, but they were too hot to sit upon in the summer heat. My husband now uses the shady spot between Japan and Morocco. That is, until they move or remove it.

I was there 2 weeks ago and got a margarita from Mexico. I was heading to China to have a smoke while drinking it and found a few other people smoking there. Suddenly I saw the trash bin and realized no smoking Everyone there were stunned, but what the heck, it was here last year. The map still puts it there, never saw it between Norway and China.

 

[Beka'sMom]

stayed at BWV and there were plenty of smoking areas near the main pool. however, saw many people smoking wherever and on the balconies as well. also in the parks too, people were walking around smoking in numerous places. was not very crowded but didnt see any cast members stopping anyone either- but the one place that had very few was epcot- hardly any smoking areas anymore- the ones I knew were all gone with the exception of in between canada and mexico. that one is still there. and also the one by morocco too.

 

[englishrose47]

They keep moving DSA's and then wonder why smokers are smoking in Non smoking areas !!I have no problem using a DSA but they should make it at least shaded !!

Which are your Favs in the Parks !!
MK the one by speedway
DHS the one near Brown Derby!!

Epcot's keep moving
AK's are hard to find !!!!

 

[vicki_c]

I was there 2 weeks ago and got a margarita from Mexico. I was heading to China to have a smoke while drinking it and found a few other people smoking there. Suddenly I saw the trash bin and realized no smoking Everyone there were stunned, but what the heck, it was here last year. The map still puts it there, never saw it between Norway and China.

There's my complaint from before - the maps aren't kept up to date.

 

[jjohnson]

They keep moving DSA's and then wonder why smokers are smoking in Non smoking areas !!I have no problem using a DSA but they should make it at least shaded !!

Which are your Favs in the Parks !!
MK the one by speedway
DHS the one near Brown Derby!!

Epcot's keep moving
AK's are hard to find !!!!

I agree on MK. AK is getting ridiculous.

 

[kaffinito]

I agree on MK. AK is getting ridiculous.

It's all getting ridiculous! Now the one in WS on the path from England to the ferry boat is gone too. Never did find the new one by China, but did find the one by the fountain. That one is nice. I am starting to become one of those dreaded non DSA smokers at EPCOT, simply because they either keep moving them or taking them away.

I only managed to find the one near EE in AK, but do like the one in Frontierland at MK a lot.

Fav areas:

MK near Tony's and Frontierland too
AK - gone
EPCOT was by China and near France both gone
DHS outside of Great Movie Ride but that one will probably be gone soon too.

 

[smidgy]

It's all getting ridiculous! Now the one in WS on the path from England to the ferry boat is gone too. Never did find the new one by China, but did find the one by the fountain. That one is nice. I am starting to become one of those dreaded non DSA smokers at EPCOT, simply because they either keep moving them or taking them away.

I only managed to find the one near EE in AK, but do like the one in Frontierland at MK a lot.

Fav areas:

MK near Tony's and Frontierland too
AK - gone
EPCOT was by China and near France both gone
DHS outside of Great Movie Ride but that one will probably be gone soon too.

actually, they moved it down, on a deadend path that goes down to the canal, instead of walking towards the gates.

but you're right. if they keep making DSAs disappear, people will start making their own. epcot is ridicuous. and, yes AK, too. they took away the one outside Lion king. ACm told us someone threw a butt in the bushes behind it and started a fire. so they took it away. that could happen anywhere. they took away a few more, abnd it's SO hard for smokers to be good.

 

[nancyjvanwyk]

stayed at BWV and there were plenty of smoking areas near the main pool. however, saw many people smoking wherever and on the balconies as well. also in the parks too, people were walking around smoking in numerous places. was not very crowded but didnt see any cast members stopping anyone either- but the one place that had very few was epcot- hardly any smoking areas anymore- the ones I knew were all gone with the exception of in between canada and mexico. that one is still there. and also the one by morocco too.

I have never seen the one by Morocco---which side of Morocco is it on?

 

[nancyjvanwyk]

WooHoo!!! I am sitting in front of the fountain at Epcot next to Mousegear at the DSA!! They brought it back!!!

On which side of the Mousgear building is this located? thanks.