Disney going smoke free

[monkeyknuckler]

It wouldn't matter either way for me. I've never really noticed the smoking sections, so they must be out of the way. We went to WDW with a family member who is a smoker, and I never even saw him smoke... so smoke 'em if you got 'em.

 

[wdwpins]

Not really a good argument, since alcohol is banned in MK. Obviously it's a bit different, but Disney doesn't "need" to make accommodations for anyone's addictions.

Even as a nonsmoker who HATES cigarettes (they make me soooo sick, even just breathing in the smoke ), i too am a little divided on this one. i don't see anything wrong with designated smoking areas, although the smoke itself obviously can't respect those boundaries.

Good point. While on most public beaches in the US people can smoke but on no public beach can you have something alcoholic, a legal product to anyone 21 or older.

 

[katscradle]

I and my DH are both smokers. We have tried to quit several times, I more times than he. However quitting when you are on vacation due to the fact that it would not be allowed is not the way to do it.
We always go to the designated areas to smoke.
I have found over the last two years that WDW has fewer smoking areas.
They are also more out of the way.
We would never light up in a place that was not designated for that purpose.
However if WDW were to due away with the smoking areas completely they would lose us as customers.
Non smokers have a right to their smoke free space and to beathe clean air.
I am a smoker and have a right to an area for that as well.
I as a smoker know that some smoking areas are in bad locations and should be moved.

 

[Hollie]

I don't think the problem lies in smoking being allowed so much as smokers who are too lazy to go/find out where to go to the designated smoking areas. People should be allowed to smoke all day in the specified areas and non-smokers should be allowed plenty of room to steer clear of them.

 

[Becx N Gav]

I agree with Katcradle - I am hoping to give up smoking but am currently a smoker.

But I just wanted to say I would like to see them try to ban smoking in DLRP (I agree it should be better enforced there) - it's a whole different board game in Europe (it varies country by country and obviously a whole nation doesn't have the same opinions) but I think it would upset a lot of visitors - as Kate said they seem to think they can smoke wherever but banning it

 

[lindsey clare]

two things:
1. i don't remember much smoking going on at Tokyo Disney. smoking is still pretty widespread in Japan so either they banned it at Disney or we were just lucky.
2. i would be happy if Disney banned smoking completely, but then i haven't been to WDW so i don't know what the conditions are like. if people stick to the smoking areas then i don't really have any grounds to complain.

what are the general rules for smoking these days in the US? i know it goes by state so i'm assuming it differs. here in Sydney you can't smoke indoors anywhere (unless it your own private property of course). maybe casinos are the exception. but not bars or pubs. which is great for us non-smokers! gone are the days of coming home stinky and waking up to a pillowcase smelling of stale smoke - yuck.

 

[Tarzan513]

I am not a smoker or ever have been one, but I certainly don't think you should make the parks non smoking. However, I think that they should enforce the rules regarding the smoking areas. That being said, people are going to have different preferences than I do, but because they're different, doesn't make them wrong. For example, I don't like over eating and over eating is unhealthy, so maybe Disney should minimize their food portions so people don't over eat... from the sounds of Kevin's review, maybe thats what is going on over at the new Cat resteraunt . Disney is not in the business of making people more healthy. They can try to educate people on different topics, which they do (importance of exercise, recycling, being respectful to people, etc.), but they shouldn't try to force habits on anyone. Anyway, I am all for them keeping the smoking areas, just enforcing the rules. That way for those of us who do not like being around smoke can stay clear of those areas.

Just my 2 cents

 

[WDWtraveler27]

I would like that very much

 

[PinkBudgie]

I have always been a non smoker and have asthma so I can't be around smoke. I think it would make things WORSE if they got rid of the smoking areas. People who smoke, need to smoke. Most are respectful and will find the proper place to do it. If there is nowhere for them to go, more of them will just "sneak" and do it wherever they can. They would figure at most, a CM will come by and ask them to stop and at least they were able to get in a little smoke.

 

[wdwpins]

Many have said they wouldn't go to WDW anymore if it went completely smoke free.

Interestingly, many visitors, both domestic and international, who fly within and to the US have to be on smoke-free flights, as designated by US law. That hasn't seemed to stop people from flying within the US or to the US. UK smokers, I'm assuming, would have to go at least 9 hours w/o a cigarette in order to get to Orlando or Sanford airports from the UK, no?

 

[tlcoke]

I am currently at WDW this week. I am noticing a lot of smokers ignoring the Designated Smoking Areas and lighting up any where they want as long as they are outdoors.

There was someone walking down Main Street in the MK puffing away. The worst offenders seem to be in the resorts. Rather than going to designated smoking areas, they are lighting up anywhere as long as they are outdoors (bus stops, walking around the resort...)

 

[simonkodousek]

My level of inclination to go to Disney would not be dependent on whether or not the property is smoke-free, but rather the quality and value of the product offered.

I just got back from a short weekend trip to Universal Orlando, staying at the Portofino Bay; I was absolutely blown away by the sheer quality of the resort. It seemed like everything was thought of, something not apparent in Disney resorts.

Example: To take a shower at the Wilderness Lodge, I had to bend down backwards to avoid hitting my head on the showerhead, while the showerhead at Portofino Bay was about a foot higher than my head, and I'm 6' tall.

I liked that fact that the Portofino Bay never seemed to close. It always seemed like there was something to do, even at the late hours of 2 or 3 AM. The Wilderness Lodge started closing down around 10:30 PM, and the quick service restaurant was completely shut down and locked by 11, so using refillable mugs was not a late-night option.

Those are just a few of the examples of why I enjoyed my stay at Portofino Bay so much more than my stay at the Wilderness Lodge, even though both were fantastic trips.

 

[JB2K]

The smoking areas at Disney are barely noticeable, so I would say just keep them and make everybody happy.

The non-smokers DO have a point -- if you've ever spent a lot of time on WDW, you will notice many visitors from other countries who do not observe the rules (in 2009, I observed a lady walking through the entrance of AK, of all places, in her designer clothes with a super-long-one in her hand).

 

[JB2K]

Many have said they wouldn't go to WDW anymore if it went completely smoke free.

Works for me -- less cranky people to deal with during peak travel seasons.

And for those of you who drink the "Disney's gonna lose money if they go smoke-free" Kool-Aid, the same thing was said about the restaurant business in those states who were considering such bans (last I heard, prior to the current economic climate, business was booming).

FWIW, as a mimimum (and a start), the WDC should consider implementing a no-smoking ban at MK and Disneyland Park, first (as there are similar alcohol bans already in place at these parks).

After all, didn't smoking contribute to Walt Disney's death (he died of lung cancer at age 65)?

 

[katscradle]

I am currently at WDW this week. I am noticing a lot of smokers ignoring the Designated Smoking Areas and lighting up any where they want as long as they are outdoors.

There was someone walking down Main Street in the MK puffing away. The worst offenders seem to be in the resorts. Rather than going to designated smoking areas, they are lighting up anywhere as long as they are outdoors (bus stops, walking around the resort...)

This is not good.
I follow the rules and go to a designated smoking area, so sould they.
It people like this that cause things to be taken away.
Like smoking areas.

 

[katscradle]

The non-smokers DO have a point -- if you've ever spent a lot of time on WDW, you will notice many visitors from other countries who do not observe the rules (in 2009, I observed a lady walking through the entrance of AK, of all places, in her designer clothes with a super-long-one in her hand).

Works for me -- less cranky people to deal with during peak travel seasons.

And for those of you who drink the "Disney's gonna lose money if they go smoke-free" Kool-Aid, the same thing was said about the restaurant business in those states who were considering such bans (last I heard, prior to the current economic climate, business was booming).

FWIW, as a mimimum (and a start), the WDC should consider implementing a no-smoking ban at MK and Disneyland Park, first (as there are similar alcohol bans already in place at these parks).

After all, didn't smoking contribute to Walt Disney's death (he died of lung cancer at age 65)?

Are you saying that you as a non smoker have rights?
But a smoker should not have any rights!
This is the way I read your posts.
I am sure there are things you do that you would not like taken away from you.
If it's legal, then everyone has a right to partake.
It may not be your choice, but don't make that choice for everyone.

 

[baby1disney]

I am currently at WDW this week. I am noticing a lot of smokers ignoring the Designated Smoking Areas and lighting up any where they want as long as they are outdoors.

There was someone walking down Main Street in the MK puffing away. The worst offenders seem to be in the resorts. Rather than going to designated smoking areas, they are lighting up anywhere as long as they are outdoors (bus stops, walking around the resort...)

To be fair..to a certain point..there are some smoking areas that are near bus stops(i.e. Animal Kingdom Lodge)

Works for me -- less cranky people to deal with during peak travel seasons.

And for those of you who drink the "Disney's gonna lose money if they go smoke-free" Kool-Aid, the same thing was said about the restaurant business in those states who were considering such bans (last I heard, prior to the current economic climate, business was booming).

FWIW, as a mimimum (and a start), the WDC should consider implementing a no-smoking ban at MK and Disneyland Park, first (as there are similar alcohol bans already in place at these parks).

After all, didn't smoking contribute to Walt Disney's death (he died of lung cancer at age 65)?

OK...there's too much to say here..so I'm just goin to let your post go.

Now..PLEASE do not flame me for anything I may say because this is coming from a smoker's view point...and I see both sides of the story. Let's begin..shall we??

Smoker's point:

I have been smoking since I can remember. I'm 29 yrs old and I would say at least the last 16yrs of my life I have smoked. Do I know it's wrong? Of course I do!! Do I know what kind of damage I can do to myself and the people around me? Yes!! I do! Does that mean that I'm careless about it?? No!! I'm not!!

DH knew when we first met that I had smoked. He's not a smoker. He had the choice of not dating me because of this, but he chose otherwise. Has anyone ever thought about that ALOT of people who come Disney may not know it's smoke free or where the smoke areas are?!?!?? I know that this has happened to me twice: once in DHS and at AKV. Both times, between the guests and CM's, I had extremely nice people let me know where I needed to go smoke. I had no clue about the smoking laws there. As a matter of fact, the story at AKV was pretty nice.

The security guard on duty notice I was looking lost. I had just left the bar and wanted to take my drinks outside and sit near the pool area and smoke. I looked all around for a smoking area and couldn't find it. I asked someone else and the directions they gave me were completely whacked!! So, I sat down at one of tables that twoeards the back and away from other people..just in case I wasn't in the right spot. Sure enough, about two puffs later, the security guard came up. He started laughing a little. He asked if I knew where the smoking area was and I said no, that this was my first time here and I had asked around, but got lost. Turns out, I was only about 100 feet from it. I felt dumb as heck, but the security made me feel fine. He could've been a total butt, but he said there was no reason to be. He said that I would be surprised just how many people get confused and don't know where to go. But, now that I know, I won't make that mistake again.

All I'm saying is that for me, I like to have a smoke with my drink. To be able to go down to the bar and order a drink and then take it outside and have a smoke was great for me!! Especially because that was "my time" for me. After a day with the family and kids, that's how I unwind for about an hour or so. Then, I go back to the room and enjoy the rest of my evening with DH and DS..if they're not passed out by the time I come back.

Sometimes, as in my case, smoking for a smoker is just about relaxing and enjoying that 5-10min window to yourself. When I'm with my family(who none of them smoke) I tend to not smoke around them...as much. I think I don't even go thru a whole pack when I'm down there!! But, it's nice to know that when I want to, I can.

Non-Smoker's Point:

The whole thing with second hand smoke is dangerous and I totally understand that. Believe it or not, I don't like coming home smelling like a chimmney either. I totally understand a non-smoker's point of view. I'm just saying that everyone needs to have something that they can vent to or at, relax them, or whatever it may be.

What if Disney posed a ban where they took out drinking because too many people aren't being responsible when at the parks, the resorts, restaurants, etc????? I'm sure THAT would go over reaaal well. It's the same thing!! People need to take responsibility for what they do. The smokers that abide by the rules shouldn't get punished becasue of they few people that don't. The same could be said for drinkers who act stupid when they drink. There's alot more responsibile smokers/drinkers than not.

If Disney wanted to put a building...like the size of bathroom for guests in the park(at least half of it) for smokers to go into, I'd be all up for that. That way everyone gets what they want and the non-smokers wouldn't have to smell the smoke as they walk by.

I'm sorry this is soooo long but, I could go on for hours about this. I'm a person who sees both sides of the fence and I think this is one topic that everyone should have it their way. There's ALWAYS a solution to every problem, just depends on how we/you/I/us handles it.

 

[JB2K]

Are you saying that you as a non smoker have rights?
But a smoker should not have any rights!
This is the way I read your posts.
I am sure there are things you do that you would not like taken away from you.

I'm not going to fall into your trap, so I will say only this -- everyone has the right to breathe clean air. Period.

 

[FireDancer]

Are you saying that you as a non smoker have rights?
But a smoker should not have any rights!
This is the way I read your posts.
I am sure there are things you do that you would not like taken away from you.
If it's legal, then everyone has a right to partake.
It may not be your choice, but don't make that choice for everyone.

Disney has the right, as a private company, to set the smoking policy that they would like. No one has the right to ignore those rules unless they are deem unconstitutional and even then only after the case has made it's way through the courts.

The term right is very often misused in cases like this.

Yes, smoking is legal. At the same time, like many other legal activities, it is allowed to be restricted in certain areas or circumstances. Smoking, prescription drugs, drinking, sleeping with consenting adults, and driving a vehicle are all legal. There are laws and policies for all of these things however that can limit the circumstances in which these legal activities are consumed or performed.

This isn't an endorsement of the parks going smoke free but a logical look at one aspect of it.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Disney has the right, as a private company, to set the smoking policy that they would like. No one has the right to ignore those rules unless they are deem unconstitutional and even then only after the case has made it's way through the courts.

The term right is very often misused and in cases like this.

Yes, smoking is legal. At the same time, like many other legal activities, it is allowed to be restricted in certain areas or circumstances. Smoking, prescription drugs, drinking, sleeping with consenting adults, and driving a vehicle are all legal. There are laws and policies for all of these things however that can limit the circumstances in which these legal activities are consumed or performed.

This isn't an endorsement of the parks going smoke free but a logical look at one aspect of it.

I have to agree. Disney is a private company and has the right to make it's own rules. Several years ago McDonalds here went non-smoking, long before it was a law. I had no problem with that. Their restaurants, their rules. I don't agree with the laws that are passed because I feel if you own your own business it should be your decision what is best for your business.

That being said, I would be very surprised if Disney went totally non-smoking. I don't think it would fix the main problem anyway. Disney now states smoking is only allowed in designated areas, yet people still say they see people smoking while walking down Main Street. Do you think those people are going to follow the non-smoking rule any better? Disney does need to better enforce the smoking area only rule, it will be much easier to enforce that rule by directing someone to a smoking area than to tell them they cannot smoke at all.