Magic kingdom down to two designated smoking areas

[warrenz1963]

I wonder how many people complaining about the smoke when they walk by a DSA also complain about the smoke from the fireworks. Because I can tell you, that sets of my asthma just as easily as cigarette smoke.

I do. I only have a lot of knowledge from fireworks viewing locations, etc. because I had to work in it. I just don't go to fireworks shows anywhere, Disney or otherwise because of the smoke and the smell and how it affects my personal health. That's why my favorite location is the TTC: great view, they play the music there, and no immediate effects from the smoke.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Per my allergist, cigarette smoke is NOT something that people are allergic to -- it's a general irritant. If you already have other allergies or asthma, you're more likely to be bothered by it.

And with all due respect to those with perfume or other allergies, they don't cause cancer in bystanders who breath them in.

Respectfully, are there any studies indicating brief exposure to section nd-hand smoke causes cancer, or any cancer proven to be caused by brief encounters?

Also, each time I've stayed there, people smoked by the railings outside their rooms. Once it was rhe folks in the room right next to mine. They would pull their chairs out by the railing like it was a balcony, and smoke away. Of course we could smell it in our room. We asked them not to because of allergies and asthma, and they said they would stop. But they didn't. So we narced on them to the front desk. I don't know if they were moved or banned or checked out but they were gone the next day.

Nice of you to try to be nice, but reporting them should have been your first move.

Disney should ban smoking on property. It's disgusting, sets a terrible example for all the children around

Are there any known situations anywhere where a child started smoking because they glimpsed a stranger smoking?

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Respectfully, are there any studies indicating brief exposure to section nd-hand smoke causes cancer, or any cancer proven to be caused by brief encounters?

Doubt it. I didn't claim there were. But it's just common sense that if repeated exposure to second hand smoke can cause cancer (uncontroversial), best to reduce your exposure to it.

If every location allowed rampant smoking everywhere, the average non smoker's exposure would be high. Reducing that everywhere reduces every non smoker's (and everyone's) exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

No way to measure the marginal impact of any one location banning smoking. But clearly a public health benefit to places doing it on a large scale.

Clearly, the same is not true of perfume exposure.

 

[Planogirl]

Two isn't much but hopefully they won't cut back even farther. I haven't seen all of these people smoking where they shouldn't that others see but I bet that I will if they continue to cut back.

 

[warrenz1963]

Using a friend's access to online research journals (she's a lecturer at a university), I've been able to find a few articles that specifically study compliance with designated areas vs. smoking bans. Guess what? Smoking bans are overwhelmingly the most effective; that compliance rates with smoking bans are higher than compliance rates with designated smoking areas.

So hopefully this is the direction that Disney is going, scholarly research supports banning smoking altogether. Maybe they are gradually reducing the number of designated areas to mitigate backlash from smokers, with the eventual goal of banning smoking altogether. Wouldn't that be awesome?

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

Respectfully, are there any studies indicating brief exposure to section nd-hand smoke causes cancer, or any cancer proven to be caused by brief encounters?

Nice of you to try to be nice, but reporting them should have been your first move.


Are there any known situations anywhere where a child started smoking because they glimpsed a stranger smoking?

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/secondhand_smoke/general_facts/index.htm

Secondhand Smoke Harms Children and Adults

• There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure; even brief exposure can be harmful to health.1,2,6
• Since 1964, approximately 2,500,000 nonsmokers have died from health problems caused by exposure to secondhand smoke.1

 

[TeresaWen]

This discussion has me thinking…. and while it is true that there are some allergens and irritants that are somewhat unavoidable… but smoking is NOT something we should ever have to be subject to… because it is not just an allergen or irritant it is a cancer causing agent…. and should be something we are able to avoid…. unfortunately that is not the case….and while a smoker can certainly chose to smoke wherever the heck they want to…. it is completely wrong to subject others to that choice that the smoker made… yet you see this everywhere.. Disney is no exception..sad but true.

Very we said. More important than how vile it smells is how very harmful it is. Especially to young growing lungs.

 

[TeresaWen]

I dont have a issue with this BUT I do see some who will break the rules and smoke where they feel like. They were doing that when we were there last fall.

I feel like rules are only meant for some folks.

Disney needs to be very firm about this. I am very aganst smoking in public and will ask a cast member to address the situation of smokers in non smoking areas. Always. It is the one thing I will never tolerate.

 

[bwang123]

it's okay, in 20 years, they will be adding more once marijuana becomes legal everywhere. except, the current cigarette smokers might not be with us anymore.

 

[kaytieeldr]

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/secondhand_smoke/general_facts/index.htm

Secondhand Smoke Harms Children and Adults

• There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure; even brief exposure can be harmful to health.1,2,6
• Since 1964, approximately 2,500,000 nonsmokers have died from health problems caused by exposure to secondhand smoke.1

According to the same site:

• Secondhand smoke harms children and adults, and the only way to fully protect nonsmokers is to eliminate smoking in all homes, worksites, and public places.1,2,3
  • You can take steps to protect yourself and your family from secondhand smoke, such as making your home and vehicles smokefree.2,3
  • Separating smokers from nonsmokers, opening windows, or using air filters does not prevent people from breathing secondhand smoke.1,2,3

• Most exposure to secondhand smoke occurs in homes and workplaces.2,3
  • People are also exposed to secondhand smoke in public places—such as in restaurants, bars, and casinos—as well as in cars and other vehicles.2,

Nothing at all about open air locations. Also notable is the use of the word "can".

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

it's okay, in 20 years, they will be adding more once marijuana becomes legal everywhere.

And that'll mark our last trip to WDW!!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Nothing at all about open air locations. Also notable is the use of the word "can".

Irrelevant for all practical purposes. We've decided as a society to actively limit exposure to the public. Battle lost for pro smoking folks.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

According to the same site:

• Secondhand smoke harms children and adults, and the only way to fully protect nonsmokers is to eliminate smoking in all homes, worksites, and public places.1,2,3
  • You can take steps to protect yourself and your family from secondhand smoke, such as making your home and vehicles smokefree.2,3
  • Separating smokers from nonsmokers, opening windows, or using air filters does not prevent people from breathing secondhand smoke.1,2,3

• Most exposure to secondhand smoke occurs in homes and workplaces.2,3
  • People are also exposed to secondhand smoke in public places—such as in restaurants, bars, and casinos—as well as in cars and other vehicles.2,

Nothing at all about open air locations. Also notable is the use of the word "can".

WDW is a public place. Separating smokers from nonsmokers, opening windows, or using air filters does not prevent people from breathing secondhand smoke.1,2,3

This should not be a debate. The facts have shown that smoking AND second hand smoke causes health problems....period. The only way to prevent second hand smoke inhalation is to eliminate smoking from the area....period. Have a smoke free day!

 

[magicjojo]

Are there any known situations anywhere where a child started smoking because they glimpsed a stranger smoking?

I get it. Smokers hate hearing this kind of stuff. Do you think smoking sets a good example for the young people around you? Are you making a good choice for your body and the bodies of those around you when you choose to smoke? Should we encourage young people to take up smoking? Seeing adults smoke normalizes and validates smoking as an acceptable choice. It isn't setting a healthy example for young people and unlike lots of other vices it pollutes the lungs of the young people around. I feel sorry for the children with the smokers in those designated areas. Yuck, what a thing to do to a kid to park them in those smoke filled areas. It's sad. Disney should ban smoking because it's in the best interest of the children around.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

It seems like with only two places to smoke, the areas will be overflowing with people. Imagine walking by those areas...

MG

 

[kaytieeldr]

WDW is a public place. Separating smokers from nonsmokers, opening windows, or using air filters does not prevent people from breathing secondhand smoke.1,2,3

Not as described by the examples in the article. Every single example is an enclosed space: home, workplace, store, casino, motor vehicle.

I have never seen, and can't find, any indication or legitimate or supported claim that traversing an outdoor area momentarily where someone has or has had a cigarette has caused, can cause, will cause... cancer.

 

[BigAlsGal]

Ugh the smoking areas are so foul! Last time we went as we walked by the DSA by Adventureland one of my 8 year old daughters asked "Why does it smell like grammie's car over here?"

I laughed so hard. My mom is a chain smoker. She refuses to admit she wreaks of cigarettes. Sorry smokers. You smell like a dirty ashtray. If you think you don't, you're fooling yourself.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Not as described by the examples in the article. Every single example is an enclosed space: home, workplace, store, casino, motor vehicle.

I have never seen, and can't find, any indication or legitimate or supported claim that traversing an outdoor area momentarily where someone has or has had a cigarette has caused, can cause, will cause... cancer.

Again -- this debate was lost years ago by the pro-smoking side.

Seems odd that with all available info there is still a pro-smoking side.

 

[Pixie Dust ✨]

NYC has completely banned smoking in ALL public parks, beaches, and pedestrian plazas. You also cannot smoke within 20 feet of the door of most shops, restaurants, schools, and government buildings. The police are very willing to hand out citations. We're all happier & healthier for it, so I hope Disney will eventually get with the times.

 

[Floridaglen]

I haven't seen Disney really enforce the rules much as they do not want to upset guests.

Well, I'm a non smoker and a guest and they're upsetting me!