Just back....some observations and opinions

[morethananyonex]

Man, that cracked me right up!

I have this conversation with DH every time we go to the parks.

So here's the deal. You smoke. Maybe you have for years. You love it. You crave it. You have to have it. I get that, I really do. I feel that way about our annual Disney trip!

What you don't know is that... truthfully and honestly... your smoke is incredibly offensive (and I'm not trying to be insulting) and almost painful to those around you who are not accustomed to it.

I'm not allergic. I don't have asthma. I have no medical condition that makes cigarette smoke physically untolerable to me. That said, however, it smells bad (you know how you feel when you travel through an area recently sprayed by a skunk? Truthfully, it is that bad to those non-smokers around you).

My lungs burn, and I find it hard to breathe. Have you ever had a really bad cough that burns your lungs and makes you gasp for breath. That's how it feels to me.

If you knew you were actually hurting those around you, would it be critical to smoke in a lineup of people, including small children? Could you step away, have your cigarette and then join others in line?

I recognize that smokers are limited in terms of where they can or cannot smoke, and I suspect that is because when we relied on common sense and courtesy, people smoked wherever they wanted, with little regard for others. So it had to be prescribed.

Waiting in lineups, walking through the parks, or in general just sharing space with others requires some social graces. I would not let my children belch, pick their noses or pass gas loudly in line with you because it is just plain rude. I don't clip my toenails or floss my teeth while waiting in lineups under the same principal.

We are all adults. I don't need signs telling me not to do these things. I'm sure you don't either. But when it comes to smoking, there seems to be different rules, and strangely enough, they have been created by smokers. That is just plain unneighbourly, unthoughtful and quite frankly, unnecessary.

Best post of the thread.

I'd like to think that in arguing each side's view points, people have exaggerated how they'd act in the situation. I'd hope a smoker would have the common sense and courtesy to not light up outside a designated area (regardless of any "loophole" that allows them to smoke in a crowded area outside a park), and likewise I'd hope a non-smoker would have the common sense to stay away from the smoking areas and to ignore the people in them (if that's what they need to do to stay calm).

That's all that it comes down to, common sense. There's loads of stupid, rude and inconsiderate things people can legally do but shouldn't do. Smoking in a line up outside a designated area, for example, is just one.

I'm aware that likely the majority of smokers are much more polite about smoking then some of the respondents in here, but the fact that some people would throw common courtesy out the window simply because they're legally allowed to is ridiculous.

Second hand smoke can harm people, therefore, keep it to the designated areas where people can choose to stay away from it. If they go to the area, that's their own fault.

 

[KellyNY]

Best post of the thread.

I'd like to think that in arguing each side's view points, people have exaggerated how they'd act in the situation. I'd hope a smoker would have the common sense and courtesy to not light up outside a designated area (regardless of any "loophole" that allows them to smoke in a crowded area outside a park), and likewise I'd hope a non-smoker would have the common sense to stay away from the smoking areas and to ignore the people in them (if that's what they need to do to stay calm).

That's all that it comes down to, common sense. There's loads of stupid, rude and inconsiderate things people can legally do but shouldn't do. Smoking in a line up outside a designated area, for example, is just one.

I'm aware that likely the majority of smokers are much more polite about smoking then some of the respondents in here, but the fact that some people would throw common courtesy out the window simply because they're legally allowed to is ridiculous.

Second hand smoke can harm people, therefore, keep it to the designated areas where people can choose to stay away from it. If they go to the area, that's their own fault.

I smoke and I do not smoke in lines but I do have every right to do so. Any area except parks and hotel is smoking area by law. So appreciate the fact that many people actually considering non-smokers while they can take what is rightfully their and do not fake cough or glare or start fights if someone smokes where he can, you do not like it move away from smokers, you have med condition, consider medications, private transportation and so on because there are other smells that will trigger your condition not only cigarets. Most smokers are considerable to others but it seams when you are nice, people bite you more. Just observation.

 

[morethananyonex]

I smoke and I do not smoke in lines but I do have every right to do so. Any area except parks and hotel is smoking area by law. So appreciate the fact that many people actually considering non-smokers while they can take what is rightfully their and do not fake cough or glare or start fights if someone smokes where he can, you do not like it move away from smokers, you have med condition, consider medications, private transportation and so on because there are other smells that will trigger your condition not only cigarets. Most smokers are considerable to others but it seams when you are nice, people bite you more. Just observation.

I recognized the fact that you have the right to do so. Just the same, I have the right to scratch myself innappropriately, pass gas, burp, smell, yell profanities, and be all around obnoxious and rude. It's about common courtesy and yes, I do appreciate those that choose to step away from crowds even when they aren't legally bound to, but it doesn't mean people should be content when a smoker does not follow this common courtesy.

Just remember, that while fake coughs may annoy you, they don't give you cancer . People choose not to smoke for a reason, and smoking in public effects other people.

 

[avahoneybee]

Smoking in non-designated areas is rude and ignorant. Disney has specific areas for people to smoke and they do not include bus or boat lines. The policy states specific designated areas throughout Disney World Resort (that to me, would indicate the whole property) and all other areas are NON-smoking.

However, like it's been said numerous times here, it boils down to whether or not people have consideration for those around them, or if they only care about themselves.

Taken directly from the Disney Website:



Q. Are other areas at the Walt Disney World® Resort already smoke-free?

A. Yes. In 2003, Walt Disney World® Resort restaurants became smoke-free per local law. In addition, Disney Theme Parks and Disney's BoardWalk Resort are smoke-free environments (except for designated smoking areas).

 

[KellyNY]

Smoking in non-designated areas is rude and ignorant. Disney has specific areas for people to smoke and they do not include bus or boat lines. The policy states specific designated areas throughout Disney World Resort (that to me, would indicate the whole property) and all other areas are NON-smoking.

However, like it's been said numerous times here, it boils down to whether or not people have consideration for those around them, or if they only care about themselves.

Taken directly from the Disney Website:



Q. Are other areas at the Walt Disney World® Resort already smoke-free?

A. Yes. In 2003, Walt Disney World® Resort restaurants became smoke-free per local law. In addition, Disney Theme Parks and Disney's BoardWalk Resort are smoke-free environments (except for designated smoking areas).

Which includes hotels and parks. The quote you provide talking about Disney restaurants and Boardwalk resort. What did you try to say with it?

 

[KellyNY]

I recognized the fact that you have the right to do so. Just the same, I have the right to scratch myself innappropriately, pass gas, burp, smell, yell profanities, and be all around obnoxious and rude. It's about common courtesy and yes, I do appreciate those that choose to step away from crowds even when they aren't legally bound to, but it doesn't mean people should be content when a smoker does not follow this common courtesy.

Just remember, that while fake coughs may annoy you, they don't give you cancer . People choose not to smoke for a reason, and smoking in public effects other people.

So scrach, pass and do whatever you want. I will not like it but I will not say a thing. As for cancer, scary thing yes but it is not a cold, you cannot catch it by smelling smoke for couple of minutes in your smoke free life.

 

[avahoneybee]

Which includes hotels and parks. The quote you provide talking about Disney restaurants and Boardwalk resort. What did you try to say with it?

Walt Disney World Resort is the whole property.

I'm not going to argue semantics. Smoking belongs in the designated areas and if people can't abide by Disney's rules, I think those people are rude and ignorant.

I'm also glad I don't utilize Disney transportation.

ETA - I also wonder why it's so imperative for smokers to light up from the entrance of MK to their resort (it's what a 1/2 hour tops door to door)? How do they sit on an airplane for hours at a time without smoking?

 

[KellyNY]

Walt Disney World Resort is the whole property.

I'm not going to argue semantics. Smoking belongs in the designated areas and if people can't abide by Disney's rules, I think those people are rude and ignorant.

I'm also glad I don't utilize Disney transportation.

ETA - I also wonder why it's so imperative for smokers to light up from the entrance of MK to their resort (it's what a 1/2 hour tops door to door)? How do they sit on an airplane for hours at a time without smoking?

Quote:
Beginning June 1, 2007, Disney owned and operated resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts will become smoke-free environments. This policy includes all guest rooms, balconies, patios, meeting spaces, restaurants, lounges and public space. Smoking will be allowed in designated outdoor smoking locations only. A room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in Guest rooms, on balconies, or on patios.

This is a quote from 2 pages ago. Someone qouted from Disney site. As you can clearly see, it sais "resort hotels" not Disney resort in general. I may be ignorant and rude in your eyes, but I can read. If it is not enough for you, call Disney and ask or ask any CM outside parks or at DTD for example. Ignorant are those who do not do any research but rely on their own ideas. I did my research, now it is your turn.

 

[avahoneybee]

Quote:
Beginning June 1, 2007, Disney owned and operated resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts will become smoke-free environments. This policy includes all guest rooms, balconies, patios, meeting spaces, restaurants, lounges and public space. Smoking will be allowed in designated outdoor smoking locations only. A room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in Guest rooms, on balconies, or on patios.

This is a quote from 2 pages ago. Someone qouted from Disney site. As you can clearly see, it sais "resort hotels" not Disney resort in general. I may be ignorant and rude in your eyes, but I can read. If it is not enough for you, call Disney and ask or ask any CM outside parks or at DTD for example. Ignorant are those who do not do any research but rely on their own ideas. I did my research, now it is your turn.

And? I'm presume you smoke in bus lines then?

I'll do my research and get back to you.

 

[KellyNY]

And? I'm presume you smoke in bus lines then?

I'll do my research and get back to you.

Read my posts and you will know the answer.

 

[morethananyonex]

So scrach, pass and do whatever you want. I will not like it but I will not say a thing. As for cancer, scary thing yes but it is not a cold, you cannot catch it by smelling smoke for couple of minutes in your smoke free life.

Bad example, and truthfully I don't think any other "legal" things could even measure up to smoking in places like line ups. The juggling fire brought up earlier is probably one of the better examples, atleast that ups the risk factor for bystanders.

And if everyone has the same selfish attitude as that, then it would be far more than a couple minutes. It would be every time you're out in public. I don't care what you do with your life and if you choose to expose yourself to that risk so be it, but that's pretty selfish to expose others who didn't ask for it. There are designated areas for a reason, and if you absolutely need one after exiting a park for example, move away from the crowd, it's not difficult. It's unfair to expect people to leave a line up because of a choice you made to start smoking. Smoking is not a necessity, it may be addictive, but it's not necessary to survive like breathing clean air is for the bystanders. It shouldn't inconvenience people around you.

 

[KellyNY]

Bad example, and truthfully I don't think any other "legal" things could even measure up to smoking in places like line ups. The juggling fire brought up earlier is probably one of the better examples, atleast that ups the risk factor for bystanders.

And if everyone has the same selfish attitude as that, then it would be far more than a couple minutes. It would be every time you're out in public. I don't care what you do with your life and if you choose to expose yourself to that risk so be it, but that's pretty selfish to expose others who didn't ask for it. There are designated areas for a reason, and if you absolutely need one after exiting a park for example, move away from the crowd, it's not difficult. It's unfair to expect people to leave a line up because of a choice you made to start smoking. Smoking is not a necessity, it may be addictive, but it's not necessary to survive like breathing clean air is for the bystanders. It shouldn't inconvenience people around you.

Remember times when people smoked everywhere, did all people who smelled it died out because of cancer? If cancer was so easy to get, we would leave in a pretty empty country right now. Smoke is not a pleasant smell and believe it or not I do not like it even so I smoke and I do not smoke in lines as I pointed before but non-smokers making too much big deal out of smoke, trust me occasional smoke will not increase any risks.

 

[morethananyonex]

Remember times when people smoked everywhere, did all people who smelled it died out because of cancer? If cancer was so easy to get, we would leave in a pretty empty country right now. Smoke is not a pleasant smell and believe it or not I do not like it even so I smoke and I do not smoke in lines as I pointed before but non-smokers making too much big deal out of smoke, trust me occasional smoke will not increase any risks.

Remember when seat belts weren't mandatory? Did everyone die in car accidents? No, but there was still a greater risk than there is now because we have a safer way of going about things. People are far more educated about the harm cigarettes can do now, and do not want to risk their health for your convenience.

It's not at a smokers discretion to decide if people are making too big of a deal about the risks, the fact is the risks are there and it's just plain rude to subject someone to something that can at best annoy them and at worst kill them (cancer isn't the only option, asthma attacks can be easily trigged by smoke too).

 

[CapJack]

WOW! As an ex-smoker I have to say there is fault on both sides of this argument. Smokers are at times not respectful, especially when at WDW since designated areas are not plentiful or easily accesible. Non-smokers if someone is smoking outside a theme park NOT at a resort then smoking is allowed otherwise why are there ashtrays on the trash cans? This is a fact of life people smoke and you will have to deal with it.

 

[morethananyonex]

WOW! As an ex-smoker I have to say there is fault on both sides of this argument. Smokers are at times not respectful, especially when at WDW since designated areas are not plentiful or easily accesible. Non-smokers if someone is smoking outside a theme park NOT at a resort then smoking is allowed otherwise why are there ashtrays on the trash cans? This is a fact of life people smoke and you will have to deal with it.

I completely understand if someone is smoking outside of the park, but IMO it's completely unnecessary and rude to smoke in somewhere like a line up where people can't escape your smoke. It's well known smoke is not pleasant, so all I'm saying is keep out of the crowds if at all possible.

I don't have a problem with most smokers, but since I am not a smoker I don't appreciate being forced to inhale it in areas where that shouldn't be happening and I cannot easily leave. If I go near a smoking area or stand by someone smoking that's my own fault. I can't imagine it's that difficult to step away from major crowds if you need a cigarette.

 

[mariepapa]

My main problems with smoke are my kids' asthma and my migrainous vertigo. Both of which can be triggered by smoke. So I like to stay away from it if possible. I purposely avoid areas where people will be smoking but the smell alone will actually trigger an attack for me and make me have a vertigo attack.

It is nice when people are considerate enough to stay in in the smoking areas. I appreciate that. I am an ex-smoker so I do understand what it is like from both sides. And the laws are pretty strict these days!

 

[katebeth]

Remember when seat belts weren't mandatory? Did everyone die in car accidents? No, but there was still a greater risk than there is now because we have a safer way of going about things. People are far more educated about the harm cigarettes can do now, and do not want to risk their health for your convenience.

It's not at a smokers discretion to decide if people are making too big of a deal about the risks, the fact is the risks are there and it's just plain rude to subject someone to something that can at best annoy them and at worst kill them (cancer isn't the only option, asthma attacks can be easily trigged by smoke too).

TOTALLY AGREE!!!! Very well written post!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

The boat docks would fall under public space, I would think.

Not outside the parks or at Downtown Disney.

Sorry Kaytie, respectfully, a few posts back you said if someone is smoking in a crowd,

Actually, I said "in a group", and I thought it would be understood I meant "in a group of smokers".

Now you are claiming that if there is no rule, that it must be OK to smoke.

But, respectfully, there is NOTHING - no signage, nothing on maps, nothing in print - restricting smoking OUTside the parks and NOT at the resorts. There are no designated smoking areas once you are outside a park's gates; there's also nothing prohibiting smoking in these areas. Same goes for Downtown Disney, and the walkway between resorts when one exists, and the Boardwalk itself (not the resort, but the actual Boardwalk) and the walk between DHS and Epcot, and the parking lots - and, yes, transportation lines. So it's not unreasonable since there is no restriction against it that a smoker would presume that smoking is permitted in these lines. It's certainly allowed all the other places I listed.

 

[gabriellyn]

Not outside the parks or at Downtown Disney.

Actually, I said "in a group", and I thought it would be understood I meant "in a group of smokers".But, respectfully, there is NOTHING - no signage, nothing on maps, nothing in print - restricting smoking OUTside the parks and NOT at the resorts. There are no designated smoking areas once you are outside a park's gates; there's also nothing prohibiting smoking in these areas. Same goes for Downtown Disney, and the walkway between resorts when one exists, and the Boardwalk itself (not the resort, but the actual Boardwalk) and the walk between DHS and Epcot, and the parking lots - and, yes, transportation lines. So it's not unreasonable since there is no restriction against it that a smoker would presume that smoking is permitted in these lines. It's certainly allowed all the other places I listed.

Respectfully, just because you CAN, doesn't mean you SHOULD.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Smoking in non-designated areas is rude and ignorant. Disney has specific areas for people to smoke and they do not include bus or boat lines. The policy states specific designated areas throughout Disney World Resort (that to me, would indicate the whole property) and all other areas are NON-smoking.

Key words bolded. Smoking is specifically restricted to certain areas in the parks. Smoking is specifically restricted to certain areas at the resorts (not be be confused with the 47 square mile Walt Disney World Resort). Smoking is NOT restricted in MANY other areas.