Disney's smoking ban could be relieved a bit

[rodkenrich]

LibertySq100: Just wanted to thank you for posting what you heard. Sometimes the rumors have some truth in them, sometimes not. But that's why we come here, to find out what the buzz is.

I'll never forget how I got jumped on several years ago for posting that I heard the north wing at the Contemporary Resort was to be torn down and replaced with a 16-story tower. I got some pretty rough treatment on these boards over that. Some people love to shoot the messenger, I guess. In my case, I just stopped defending my story because I didn't want to expose the source and get him in any trouble.

Anyway, thanks again for sharing the rumor.

Society can be crucial and harsh at times, but don't let that impede you from sharing a rumor and sticking to your story if and when you hear one. Inquiring minds are always interested in what is brewing up on the "drawing boards".

 

[BayouMickey]

You know, I've read through alot of smoking threads, and I see a common theme, the smokers tend to take an understanding route while nonsmokers take the condisending approach. I tried playing the understanding part but I realize it's a one way street with the non'ers, so heck with it. I'm a Smoker, I follow the rules I try not to offend anyone with my habit, but for those who are saying if they take a FEW rooms and make them smoking you won't go back?? Don't let the door hit ya!! In fact I'll book an extra trip a year myself in your honor and I'll bring a carton. I refuse to feel like a criminal among the self righteous.

 

[bavaria]

I have noted the same thing many times. Too often the non-smokers demand respect from the smokers, yet are unwilling to afford them the same respect in return.

This extends as far as non-smokers berating those smoking within designated smoking areas.

 

[Disneyadore]

In reality health risks from second hand smoke can't be proven, though I certainly agree it makes sense. In reality a coal power plant releases far more toxic material into the air than a few smokers. In reality no one ever killed a family of four because they had a few cigarettes before they drove their car.

Third-Hand Smoke' Dangerous to Kids, Scientists Find.


Is one of your New Year's resolutions to quit smoking? Medical experts have offered yet another reason to kick those butts to the curb.

Many people are aware of the dangers of second-hand smoke, but contamination from tobacco smoke can remain long after the cigarette is put out—a phenomenon called "third-hand smoke."

"When you smoke—anyplace—toxic particulate matter from tobacco smoke gets into your hair and clothing," says lead study author, Jonathan Winickoff, MD, MPH, assistant director of the MassGeneral Hospital for Children Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy, ScienceDaily reports. "When you come into contact with your baby, even if you're not smoking at the time, she comes in contact with those toxins."

According to the Chicago Tribune, a recent study in the journal Pediatrics notes: "Children are especially susceptible to thirdhand smoke exposure because they breathe near, crawl and play on, touch and mouth contaminated surfaces."

Researchers say that low levels of tobacco particulates have been associated with cognitive deficits among children. Even extremely low levels of these compounds may be neurotoxic.

While these findings will not likely lead to legislation banning smoking in private homes, scientists do hope that people will use this knowledge to impose smoking restrictions anywhere children are or will be present.

Link: http://www.nbcchicago.com/health/topics/Third-Hand-Smoke-Dangerous-to-Kids-Scientists-Find.html

 

[Snowgod]

Just an FYI!!!

Jellyrolls is now a non-smoking location, effective January 1, 2009.

 

[BayouMickey]

Third-Hand Smoke' Dangerous to Kids, Scientists Find.


Is one of your New Year's resolutions to quit smoking? Medical experts have offered yet another reason to kick those butts to the curb.

Many people are aware of the dangers of second-hand smoke, but contamination from tobacco smoke can remain long after the cigarette is put out—a phenomenon called "third-hand smoke."

"When you smoke—anyplace—toxic particulate matter from tobacco smoke gets into your hair and clothing," says lead study author, Jonathan Winickoff, MD, MPH, assistant director of the MassGeneral Hospital for Children Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy, ScienceDaily reports. "When you come into contact with your baby, even if you're not smoking at the time, she comes in contact with those toxins."

According to the Chicago Tribune, a recent study in the journal Pediatrics notes: "Children are especially susceptible to thirdhand smoke exposure because they breathe near, crawl and play on, touch and mouth contaminated surfaces."

Researchers say that low levels of tobacco particulates have been associated with cognitive deficits among children. Even extremely low levels of these compounds may be neurotoxic.

While these findings will not likely lead to legislation banning smoking in private homes, scientists do hope that people will use this knowledge to impose smoking restrictions anywhere children are or will be present.

Link: http://www.nbcchicago.com/health/topics/Third-Hand-Smoke-Dangerous-to-Kids-Scientists-Find.html

Next will be 4th hand smoke. If you even think about smoking, a baby kitten dies. My father smoked till the day he died (no smoking related) and I didn't sprout a 3rd arm or have neurotic incidents. Smoking bad for you? yes, but please quit coming up with these unproven facts. these are just theories with no real fact behind it. Time to get off the "this could happen" bandwagon and give some concrete evidence.

*update* just realized where this report came from. You should know better to breathe in anything you read from NBC..

 

[TECHJPM]

I notice that there are few actually using actual facts. Most of these posts are rubbish. Half of them are non-smokers. We the smokers of the USA demand equal rights. If the nuclear power plants, factories, and others can continue to produce harmful toxins, and hazards, then we demand to be able to smoke. Furthermore, if there is any other form of deadly habit, then we demand that also be held accountable for its actions.

I know of people allergic to cologne, and perfume, but I don't see doctors, or anyone else working to help their situation.

I know fast food is detrimental to your health... Is anyone doing anything to stop them... No... Just making them change to different oils... No proven fact that that will help either.

I see more anti smoking campaigns than I see drinking and driving campaigns.

 

[LibertySq100]

LibertySq100: Just wanted to thank you for posting what you heard. Sometimes the rumors have some truth in them, sometimes not. But that's why we come here, to find out what the buzz is.

I'll never forget how I got jumped on several years ago for posting that I heard the north wing at the Contemporary Resort was to be torn down and replaced with a 16-story tower. I got some pretty rough treatment on these boards over that. Some people love to shoot the messenger, I guess. In my case, I just stopped defending my story because I didn't want to expose the source and get him in any trouble.

Anyway, thanks again for sharing the rumor.

To KRBQ: Thank you. I completely do not mind the "shooting the messenger" treatment, because after all, I can't (like you couldn't either) verify my source.
I think because it's such a "hot button issue" people did try to rip my story apart unfairly just a tad on certain topics because of a personal agenda (See the Shades of Green Balcony smoking debate in the thread!). On the opposite side, some people had very valid points such as Westin and Sheraton owning Dolphin and Swan. Sheraton recently went smoke-free, and the Westin chain was one of the first major chains to ban smoking.
To clarify for "cantgetenoughWDW" the discussion has been to allow certain hotels that have Annex's (Multiple, separate buildings) such as Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Caribbean Beach Resort etc to designate one annex for smoking rooms OR allowing smoking on the balcony. When speaking with my cousin, I emphasized how this could cut down the need for DSA's in public places in the resort complexes themselves.

In my opinion, I would be perfectly fine paying a small extra amount for a room I am allowed to smoke on the balcony. Since it's Florida, and temps are usually always comfortable, stepping outside isn't a problem for me. The last three times I have visited FL, I stayed in a non-smoking condo however smoking was allowed on the balcony. It was perfect. I think this would be a comfortable solution for all.

 

[crashbb]

I have noted the same thing many times. Too often the non-smokers demand respect from the smokers, yet are unwilling to afford them the same respect in return.

This extends as far as non-smokers berating those smoking within designated smoking areas.

What the heck is up with that? There was a trip report, in which the mother (the writer) was "proud" of her daughter for making a fuss (fake chocking, plugging her nose, etc) when they walked by a DSA. Umm...lady, if you have an issue with smoking don't walk near the DSA.

Now, I am a non-smoker and will not stay in a smoking room (and twice within the last year have asked to be moved because someone had clearly been smoking in a non-smoking room - including a Hilton in Hawaii where they had likely been smoking on the balcony (not allowed), but it had drifted into the room), but I simply avoid smoking areas. If a hotel (WDW or otherwise) can effectively separate smoking rooms from non-smoking rooms and guarantee my choice of room, I don't see how that will have a detrimental effect on my stay.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Next will be 4th hand smoke. If you even think about smoking, a baby kitten dies. My father smoked till the day he died (no smoking related) and I didn't sprout a 3rd arm or have neurotic incidents. Smoking bad for you? yes, but please quit coming up with these unproven facts. these are just theories with no real fact behind it. Time to get off the "this could happen" bandwagon and give some concrete evidence.

*update* just realized where this report came from. You should know better to breathe in anything you read from NBC..

Check out the American Lung Association website...I worked for them for years and helped pass non-smoking in public spaces in my state, the thing that has made me the most proud in my career. Right now we are (I'm volunteering) working very hard to outlaw parents smoking in the car with children under 18 in the auto. The people that say this will never happen were also the ones that said bars would never be smoke-free
I think this is very cut & dry issue...you want to injure yourself go ahead.....you want to injure me or my family, I will do everything in my power to stop that from happening.
Why does a smoker have the right to cause injury to others?

 

[bavaria]

What the heck is up with that? There was a trip report, in which the mother (the writer) was "proud" of her daughter for making a fuss (fake chocking, plugging her nose, etc) when they walked by a DSA. Umm...lady, if you have an issue with smoking don't walk near the DSA.

Because in America it is still acceptable to treat smokers so badly, and now parents are encouraging their children to behave in the same manner.

Frankly, I think that the non-smokers would manage to make more changes if they presented their agenda in a reasonable, respectful fashion. But the rhetoric that we have seen in this thread is just a small sample of how many non-smokers have tried to push through change.

I wrote about the difference when German states started to implement smoking laws last year; there was respect on both sides and solutions were found much more easily as a result.

Too many non-smokers demand that respect but refuse to give it themselves. That just creates a barrier to change.

(And no, I don't smoke, nor does another poster upthread who often supports smokers rights. Being a non-smoker does not automatically put me into the same group as many here)

 

[TECHJPM]

All this hoopla about smoking makes me have to have a cigarette...

Honestly, it would take a lot more than a few cigarettes to make a room stink of cigarette smell.

And the day they try to outlaw smoking in my car... Big lawsuit. Infringe on my rights...

Here is the reality...

Everyone needs to mind their own P&Q. When a alcoholic stinks up a room from spilled alcohol, or a old person that has bad bowels makes a huge mess, and stinks up a room.... You all follow. The cigarette smoke issue is just as bad as the common pollution from a car, which can kill within minutes when locked in with it, or the pollution from factories.

There is just too much worry about the miscellanous garbage in this world. What is next? Second hand alcoholism? Second hand skin cancer? I don't see anyone complaining about the things that anyone else does. End it.

Want to know the reality... It is all about the money. You can make huge amounts of money from alcohol issues, but cigarettes... you can't get a DWS (Driving While Smoking), or a Open Carton ticket. They can't make any revenue, so they are making up as much as they can.

Many times I have had run-ins with people because they are standing close to the DSA, and they can't understand why I am smoking there. I posted earlier my situation I had on the Disney Cruise. The whole thing is getting carried away with.

Read my article...
http://www.myblogs4u.com/?p=174
It has to do with smokers, and alcohol, and the whole debate.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

All this hoopla about smoking makes me have to have a cigarette...

Honestly, it would take a lot more than a few cigarettes to make a room stink of cigarette smell.

And the day they try to outlaw smoking in my car... Big lawsuit. Infringe on my rights...

Wrong, if you have a child in a car full of smoke you are causing harm to the child, the child has no defense against your bad choices. In some cases the word "abuse" could easily come into play.
If a parent poured a drink down a child's throat protective services would be called in without a question......

As far as odors, older people, spilled drinks are NOT causing harm to anyone's body. An unpleasant scent cannot be compared to lung cancer, asthma, allergies, COPD, heart disease & stroke.

 

[TECHJPM]

Smoking with a child in the car is different... I am talking about smoking in a car otherwise. When they write a law police officers screw everyone.

 

[thefirebuilds]

We only stay at Deluxe resorts & if this happens we are officially done!

Smoking rooms means everyone in the resort smokes due to the air systems!

It's bad enough that "adults" cannot follow the rules & smoke in specified "smoking" areas....now we should punish those of us who would like to keep our lungs?

Diesel Buses.

 

[CathrynRose]

You know, I've read through alot of smoking threads, and I see a common theme, the smokers tend to take an understanding route while nonsmokers take the condisending approach. I tried playing the understanding part but I realize it's a one way street with the non'ers, so heck with it. I'm a Smoker, I follow the rules I try not to offend anyone with my habit, but for those who are saying if they take a FEW rooms and make them smoking you won't go back?? Don't let the door hit ya!! In fact I'll book an extra trip a year myself in your honor and I'll bring a carton. I refuse to feel like a criminal among the self righteous.

Your post made me laugh.

I was at Fantasmic one year, with my Mom, who was in a wheel chair. We were right by the exit and attempted to make it through the crowds, and decided it was wayyyyy too hard, and we would wait it out. We took a few steps off too the right and popped a squat in the 'smoking area' of Fantasmic.

I lit up - and was enjoying myself (with a bunch of British tourists - my Disney smoking friends!) The ampitheater still wreaked of smoke and sulfer from the show. Quite a few families, still pumped up from the show, smiling and laughing, passed us - saw what we were doing and suddenly burst into gagging & coughing fits. Covering their mouths - the whole kit & kaboodle.

Keeping in mind - the whole ampitheater was foggy with fireworks smoke.

It was a real 'gimme a break' moment of the non-smoking movement. That, and the lines and lines of people waiting for busses, and standing in their exhaust - with no problems - but if you spot a smoker?? TAKE COVER!

Im not saying there are people who are seriously allergic to smoke.... but come on now.

 

[Steffiesunshine]

Whether you agree OR disagree with the policy, I'd like to point out your interests are best served by writing the Walt Disney Company directly :

Walt Disney World Guest Communications
PO Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com



I have already made my feelings known on the matter, and I suggest everyone else do the same. This way, you can rest assured you were able to have YOUR say. Smokers will always feel they are being discriminated against and infringed upon by smoking bans, and non-smokers will always be happier if they never see or smell another smoker again.

 

[Bluefairie]

I do hope this smoking issue is just a "rumor".

 

[mackay_j]

Hi what is the law in America about smoking. Here in Scotland it's strick. no smoking in any enclosed space or an any roofed workplace. That even means taxi drivers are not allowed to smoke in their cars even when they are using them for their own private use. All family theme parks I know of in scotland, even outdoors parts, have now gone smoke free. Inquireries are underway to exam if childern in care can still be fostered/ adopted by a smoking adult, and I believe we will be the first country to make this impossible. The rest of the UK has also now gone smoke free but not sure about extent ie parks ect but all indoor places of work/ bars/hotels are smoke free. And I understand that other EU countries includding big smokers light Itally have also become smoke free.

Recent figures have shown that there is a big drop in the numbers of new smokers (cant remember figuer sorry) and also 25% above previous years increase in the number of people giving up.

This has resulted in a different mindset in people from UK as it is not soccially aceptable here to smoke people have naturally become less tolerant of smokers. I can see this in my own childern (16 &11), whereas I would move away they get angry if someone lights up around them as they have been brought up (smoking ban started quite a few yrs ago in scotland) in smoke free place. So on several holidays I have had to remind them that diff countries have diff views on smoking and that not all countries have band it.... YET!!

As long as people are following the rules of where they are then we have no right to get angry with them even if we don't like it or find it anoying. However, If I see some smoke where they shouldn't or smell smoke in my non smoking room then I am in no way tolerant, just as I am not tolerant if some is drinking in a place they should not be .... And I enjoy in glass of wine!!

 

[bavaria]

non-smokers will always be happier if they never see or smell another smoker again.

I beg to differ. Not every non-smoker feels this way; I have no issue at all being with a smoker. In fact, many of the people I respect most happen to smoke (both here and in real life)

There IS a middle ground, but many people refuse to look for it.