<Inspired By Gonga> Why do NON-SMOKERS sit in the designated smoking areas?

[AirForceRocks]

MulanMom, I realize that people do wander into them accidentally, and I realize that a few people truly do have instaneous adverse reactions to smoke. But I can also recognize a fake cough and drama-queen reactions to smoke, and those are the people that crack me up. I often wonder how they are able to walk down a city street with all of the exhaust fumes without going into seizures on the sidewalk.

I think the real problem is that designated smoking areas are just a myth.

They aren't a myth - the really are all over the place - take a look, you'll see them!

Seriously though, the topic of this thread is non-smokers sitting in smoking areas and then complaining about the smoke. Surely even you can see how ridiculous that is.

You have to catch some posts of his sometime to really spew coffee on your keyboard breaking out in neurotic laughter

Thanks, but I'm not a he. I'm surprised you didn't know that, since you've obviously read my posts in the past. And I'm always happy to entertain the uptight - it's what I live for!

 

[YellowXterra]

Originally posted by SonicLogic
Smokers should not expose others to their nasty smell. However, they do and therefore they are not worth the air they exhale.

Get a life !

 

[TreeOfLife]

I'm always happy to entertain the uptight - it's what I live for!

Told ya!

...A classic

Darn, us uptights

have to clean keyboards now

 

[Gaiusrex]

I used to smoke, but I quit 3 yrs ago. I like to occaisionally drift into the smoking sections and smell the glorious aroma of tobacco wafting gently through the air...

sigh...

If your sitting in a smoking section, and some wierd guys sidles up to you and starts sniffing, say "hi" to me

 

[eeyore0062]

I don't like the smell of smoke, and I am allergic to it, so for those who smoke and are considerate enough to use the smoking designated areas..."Thank you!". Personally, I know where they are, and avoid them as best as possible.

BTW, shouldn't this be on the community or debate board? It really has nothing to do with Trip Planning.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by SonicLogic
However, they do and therefore they are not worth the air they exhale.

And it's statements like this that prove my ongoing point in getting involved in such posts: A bad attitude towards life is a bad attitude towards life, no matter what the mode of output.

How sad that you have an attitude like this. I always try to remain upbeat, accept my own faults, accept others, and within these posts find middle ground, understand others points, and try and make my own unemotionally. But when you make a judgement on my worth, then I can either get po'd or feel sad for you. My opinion is you are not worth the air I breath, either. And because of that, I feel sad for you.

I beg pardon of the moderator. I imagine this post will be locked because of this exchange. But you can't expect someone to remain rational after reading that. Just another example of "the world would be a better place if everyone was just like me." It's usually people that feel that way that aren't worth emulating.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by MulanMom
So, I guess the gist of my message is not to assume that every nonsmoker who enters the smoking area and coughs is trying to give a message or putting down smokers.

In the name of middle ground, before the moderator closes this thread due to personal attacks and being woefully off-topic...

I think the OP was meant to be a sarcastic reaction to other posts. As a smoker who follows the rules, I personal have posted in both posts with the continuing message that those who nonchalantly run around the park smoking where they please are jerks, but it's them that's a jerk, not the habit. Just as two kids ramming into me while watching a parade doesn't make every family of four jerks, neither does a couple of putzes smoking in line for Space Mountain make everyone in the designated smoking area jerks. How sad that folks in these "complaint" posts spend more time judging others than themselves. I find most people that do so have blazing bad habits of their own they choose not to recognize. It's what I like to call the "everyone should be like me" syndrome.

So in personal response to your post and keeping with topic: If I see you coughing in the smoking area, I'll make no judgements. I'll even blow my smoke another way or take another available seat if there's one in the area, in order to keep my bad habit away from you. And I hope if I accidently stray from the smoking area, you'll kindly bring it to my attention and I'll not make that mistake again. Personally, I'll assume nothing until someone is in my face. I hope you see the humor in the original intent of the post. I don't think anyone really intended to suggest non-smokers commandeering the smoking area was a cause for concern!

Pat

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

I, being the original OP, didn't mean it to come off sarcastic, but Gonga gave me a inspiration to make note of how many people that are non-smokers end up sitting in and complaining in the "smoking designated" areas.

I just was making a statement with regards to that because I, as a smoker, am tired of the non-smokers making a huge deal of people who do smoke.

And, to make a comment of how smokers stink, etc, hmmmmm I can think of worse things . . .I wonder if you make comments to people who don't change their clothing and stink like sweat when you are standing behind them in long lines, or how about those people who wear entire bottles of perfume as their deodorant, or, those who don't wear deodorant at all . . . .

Anyway, like I started to say, my original intention of this post was to make note of non-smokers who ended up sitting in MY designated area.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

My pardons for interpreting the meaning of your original post. I think scarcastic wasn't what I meant, more than tougue-in-cheek. It was at least a little tongue-in-cheek, wasn't it? I agree with your premise. When you get 25,000+ people shoved into one place, there's going to be differing opinions on how folks should conduct themselves. I think things like designated smoking areas, rules about not cutting in line, dress codes, etc. are good compromises to make the parks enjoyable for everyone. But as posts on those subjects prove, there's always someone who wants everything done their way. And it seems the same folks have the same militant attitudes in each of the posts, regardless of the subject.

I'm guilty of reading something into your post. I'm sorry. And I promise to always try to curb that which bothers other folks, accept much of what I'd like to see change, and post only friendly messages. See folks? If you question yourself first, it's always more savory.

 

[erikthewise]

As a nonsmoker, I had no idea there were designated smoking areas in the parks. I'm sure many other nonsmokers are in the same situation. While that doesn't excuse rude behavior, it may help to explain it. If I see someone smoking, I'll now think twice before concluding they're doing it in the wrong place.

 

[BarbaraMB]

Are designated smoking areas located on the park maps? Is this the same for the water parks? Are there designated areas that you need to go over to for having a cigarette? What about smoking on resort properties, such as on the grounds, pools, etc? Where do you smoke there? I smoke and DO NOT want to smoke where I am not supposed to, but I do want to have a cigarette in the appropriate areas without having any problems. If someone is offended by cigarette smoke just imagine everyone in the smoking area smoking cigars!!!!

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

Pat-
Hey, no problem! I just didn't want to sound sarcastic today, that's all . . .it's probably one of my biggest faults . . .I am a thick-headed Italian after all . . .

Yes there are designated areas on the different park maps, as for resorts, I always smoke where I find an ashtray.

Ok, I'm done . . . .let's lock this post down . . .

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by Wish Upon A Star
And, to make a comment of how smokers stink, etc, hmmmmm I can think of worse things . . .I wonder if you make comments to people who don't change their clothing and stink like sweat when you are standing behind them in long lines, or how about those people who wear entire bottles of perfume as their deodorant, or, those who don't wear deodorant at all . . . .

AMEN!

I know I stink after a cigarette...but smoking outdoors (in designated areas) vs. smoking INDOORS makes a HUGE difference...the smell doesn't "stick" as bad, I believe, when you smoke outdoors. Yes our breath is stinky...but hey, am I complaining about kids REALLY needing a diaper change while in line for an hour?

we're not all perfect...I don't see why some think they are. (not a jab at you Wish - I agree 100% with you hon!)

 

[strawberryblonde]

This last March I saw an inviting, shaded area with benches - all empty! I sat down to nurse my daughter and then saw the ashtrays. I had no problem with smoke at WDW. Every smoker I saw was considerate. Not at all like at DLP, adults kept lighting up in the Dumbo line ! If a smoker walks across the park to their specific area, following all the rules, how sad that some nonsmoker would then cough and wrinkle their nose at them and try to make them feel unwelcome.

Things really haved changed. I remember growing up and having to leave the circus, meals, crowded parks ect. because of too much smoke. My sister had acute asthma (still does, she never "grew out of it") so our activities were limited. Non smokers didn't have any rights and you kept your thoughts to yourself as you tried to avoid smoke. Now I feel sorry for smokers who have been pushed to the "backlot in the rain" so to speak. I appreciate my smoke-free areas and still can find a smile for a considerate smoker.

 

[wahoo776]

Since this post hasn't been closed yet, I just have to add my 2 cents or opinion here (and you know what they say about opinions!)

As a smoker, who makes it a point to go to smoking areas and have walked into a smoking area to find non-smokers sitting there, this most often happens behind The Christmas Village store at MK, I will ask, no matter that it is a smoking area, if it is going to bother the person, I don't want to be the cause of a persons asthma attack and will step out of their way to smoke. Many times when I have done this, I have had guest turn to me and say "Oh, I didn't realize this was a smoking area." and leave.

At the resorts, we have had more than one situation occur, I always ask for smoking rooms, once at ASMu, we had made our reservations and called back 3 times to insure we had smoking rooms only to find out when we arrived that "nothing is guaranteed" that is not what I had been told on the phone and the Manager at ASMu tried to tell me to smoke on the balcony, I was like, I don't think so, that is a common walkway, that non-smokers will be walking on. I (Thank Goodness! from reading these boards) had written down the name of every Castmember I had spoken to on the phone, and gave him the list. They moved us to a resort that had smoking rooms available. I know know that nothing is guaranteed and pray for the best, but the resorts are very confusing for smokers and non-smokers alike, there are NO designated smoking areas as all resort areas are considered open smoking areas, but I always find an out of the way place to smoke.

Also, I'm just curious as people are throwing fits about standing in line with smokers: How many times have I had to stand in a line at an amusement park, been to a stadium or other supposed family event and had to expose my children to drunks? Who will then get behind the wheel of a car, sometimes with there own children, and drive?

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by wahoo776
Also, I'm just curious as people are throwing fits about standing in line with smokers: How many times have I had to stand in a line at an amusement park, been to a stadium or other supposed family event and had to expose my children to drunks? Who will then get behind the wheel of a car, sometimes with there own children, and drive?

I personally think that very few people are disagreeing with the theme of the post. It appears to be the same two or three that infiltrate every post on smoking, line-cutting, etc., and try to interject their own self-endowed theocracy on it. And here's hoping as long as it stays civil, the moderator will let it continue. Which means staying on topic.

And your point is one with which I agree. For everything you're looking at right now that bugs you, there's fifty more going on within the square mile that bug someone, and you might be doing one of them. I think on the issue of smoking (and as a smoker, I'm not proud of my habit and wish to keep it from others), designated smoking areas are an incredibly fair compromise. Some folks aren't going to be happy until the sum and whole of the population subscribes to their beliefs. Such people are putting their egos at risk by entering a Disney park, where 10 to 80k diverse people are converging.

Pat

 

[Morticia]

As a non-smoker, I have accidentally wandered into the smoking areas & wondered where all that cig smoke was coming from. But, being a logical thinker I soon realized my mistake & skedaddled.
I have ashtma & severe allergies, cig smoke sets them off. But so does too much perfume, that even gives me migraines, mold & some cleaning fluids. I know what sets me off & I try to avoid it.
But, I will speak up if someone is smoking outside of the proper area. I just wish there was bad perfume areas so I could avoid those also. Or maybe have a sign that comes w/the perfume
"Watch out, loud perfume coming your way".

 

[YellowXterra]

Originally posted by SonicLogic
I think the real problem is that designated smoking areas are just a myth. Smoking is very much like urinating in a swimming pool, everyone in the pool gets pissed. Also, when smokers leave their "designated area" they carry their stink with them. Their breath, clothes and hair stinks to high heaven! It's just a great pleasure to stand next to a smoker in a cramped 1 hour line at Peter Pan. Smokers should not expose others to their nasty smell. However, they do and therefore they are not worth the air they exhale.

THE MORE I READ THIS THREAD AND THIS POST THE MADDER I GET SONICLOGIC I WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE YOU A MESSAGE HERE

BUT I WOULD NOT WANT TO OFFEND ANYONE OTHER THAN YOU!!!

 

[NotUrsula]

I'm one of those people who have instantaneous reactions to cig. smoke. Unless there is a really brisk wind, I can usually detect the smell from around 25 ft. away, and if there is a lot of cigarette smoke, I will often react to it at that distance.

I make it a point to avoid designated smoking areas, and won't even walk past them unless I have no choice. However, I do have difficulty when standing near to smokers in ride lines; the residual smoke on their hair and clothing often causes me to react anyway. For the record, heavily-applied perfume sometimes causes a reaction as well, but it depends on the fragrance. For some reason, the residue from cigar smoke usually does NOT cause me to react; my sensitivity is apparently to one of the additives only found in cigarettes. BO might be unpleasant, but I don't have a physical reaction from proximity to it.

If I have a reaction in a ride line, I quietly speak to the next group behind me in line and offer to let them ahead of me, so as to put some distance between myself and the odor. I'd rather wait another 10 minutes for the ride, than have to leave the park because I've become ill.

 

[ncligs]

Maybe some day all of WDW will be non-smoking and there won't be any of these problems.