No more smoking or vaping in the parks

[PollyannaMom]

Well... spent hours planning my trip from May 13-18, then found out about their new non smoking policies, I get it Disney can do whatever they wish in their parks and I can do the same with my cash(10K). called them up cancelled my grand Floridian reservation along all my restaurant bookings. They tried to give me a hard time about their non refundable park ticket and Disney after hours ticket policies (had those too) and that didn't go very far once I told them they would deal with my lawyers.

20 posts since joining in 2002 and half are on this thread.

Disney will usually refund to get rid of a nuisance.

I agree that they probably gave in to avoid the hassle, but I also think it was the right thing for them to do. You bought your tickets when they had one policy, and they changed that policy in a way that would significantly alter your experience, so the polite move was to make an exception and refund your tickets. - Dis they have to, no. I'm sure there's something in the fine print about policies being "subject to change," and I do think you would have lost an actual lawsuit. But I think good companies want happy customers, and try to be fair.

In the short-term, I do think this a badly-implemented move, both because they didn't give much notice and because they don't have reasonable plans for enforcement. I think for a little while we're going to see smokers who go anyway (because they're not willing to threaten or have already promised their kids) and have a rough time. - Some will cheat, some will make do with patches and gum, and some will just be really grouchy.

But in the long-term, I think it's the way things are going in general (and a calculated decision on Disney's part to cater to customers who want a smoke-free environment rather than to customers who want to smoke). The more inconvenient it becomes to be a smoker, the fewer people will take it up in the first place, which is good for everyone in the future. Smoke-free policies are slowly becoming the norm, and Disney is no exception to that.

If they lose a few customers over this, I think they expect to gain more. (And even if they don't, if Disney has one problem right now, it's over-crowding. - Maybe slightly fewer people will lead to the remaining people being happier and spending more; who knows?)

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

This is how I feel as well. I have never smoked a cigarette in my life. My grandparents smoked and my grandfather died of emphysema. I really dislike smoking and hate to be around it.

Yet... I really feel for the smokers and completely understand their reluctance to visit Disney now. I really don't want to walk through clouds of cigarette smoke, but I have no problem with DSAs that are located out of the way. It sounds like some of them were badly located, but if they are truly tucked out of the way, I can't imagine why it would bother me (as a non-smoker) that they are there. Of course, Disney can do whatever they want, but I really do feel for the smokers in this situation. I also understand why the short notice is so upsetting to people. I do think that it is really unfair of Disney to change this policy with such a short notice. Sure, they are within their right to do so, but I think a six-month notice would have been better.

I do think that this policy will likely result in people smoking in places where I am more likely to encounter it. The DSAs seem like they were the appropriate solution to this and the CM's should have enforced rule-breakers better.

I remember reading that some smokers didn't like where the DSA's were...in the sun, too far, not enough, etc. There is no out of the way places in the parks where it would not impact non-smokers...IMHO. I also remember the short notice about pet friendly resorts and the uproar over that. Didn't change Disney's policy on that. What did smokers do when some of the major airports took away smoking areas? Remember those glass rooms at the Atlanta-Hartsfield airport....filled with smoke and fires in the ashtrays. Thankfully they removed those. I will be at Epcot when the smoking ban starts. Will see how it goes.

 

[LSUmiss]

Or, some Millennium child who has been over-promoted and has anti-smoking prejudice has made a decision that does not reflect the customer base requirements. I actually believe that this decision has been promoted by someone who hasn't a clue about how it will impact on park operations.

I’m not a millennial & don’t think I should be subjected to your poor choices either. I cannot get over the amount of smokers who think they’re entitled to expose others. Not liking smoking is NOT a minority opinion. It’s banned nearly everywhere & for good reason.

 

[luvsJack]

I quit smoking in my 20s, cold turkey. Your comparison of smokers to heroin addicts is quite frankly appalling. Any person that puts others in danger through second hand smoke is an entitled person and I for one, will be glad they quit going to Disney,

I am comparing the addictions, I said nothing at all about second hand smoke.
Below is one of MANY links that says simply that nicotine is just as addictive as heroin. Some say more so.

https://www.councilonchemicalabuse.org/ndfw-nicotine-vs-heroin.html

My bil quit crystal meth cold turkey as did his wife. Should I tell other meth addicts that they just need will power and desire?

 

[luvsJack]

I remember reading that some smokers didn't like where the DSA's were...in the sun, too far, not enough, etc. There is no out of the way places in the parks where it would not impact non-smokers...IMHO. I also remember the short notice about pet friendly resorts and the uproar over that. Didn't change Disney's policy on that. What did smokers do when some of the major airports took away smoking areas? Remember those glass rooms at the Atlanta-Hartsfield airport....filled with smoke and fires in the ashtrays. Thankfully they removed those. I will be at Epcot when the smoking ban starts. Will see how it goes.

I am curious how a smoking area down a dead end path, surrounded by foliage in AK was impacting non smokers.

 

[luvsJack]

So I am really curious about something else. Some of y’all have mentioned gaining guests. So y’all think there are people that didn’t go to Disney because there were smoking areas inside the park but now they can go because it’s outside the gate?

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

I am curious how a smoking area down a dead end path, surrounded by foliage in AK was impacting non smokers.

Smoke does not stay in 1 place, it blows around. Example.. I have a neighbor that smokes in a small covered area with foliage around her patio and foliage around ours. We are directly downwind from her for most of the year. That smoke settles into our back porch and by our front door. It does not stay in 1 place. The one at Epcot/WS was awful, the smoke blew all the way down to Japan. In the fl heat and humidity it was nauseating.

 

[SaraJR]

I'm really surprised how mad people are about this. Like to me its surprising smoking was ever allowed

 

[Disneychick75]

I am curious how a smoking area down a dead end path, surrounded by foliage in AK was impacting non smokers.

It didn't because there were only smokers in the area.

Guessing that eventually "guests" will reach their limit with the nanny state. Disboarders, at least some, are fanatics and would be fine if WDW said "Your ticket allows you to visit MK on Wednesday, April 10th, but no other park and you must give up being able to choose where to eat and what to ride on the spur of the moment BUT for only $60 more per ticket per day you can go to other parks"- oh wait.

Remember when Disney's children's lunches would only offer healthy choices? That went bye bye so we know that health of the little ones is not the motivating factor.
Remember when Disboarders were outraged at the suggestion that Disney would allow guests staying in higher end resorts more FP options than the rest of the guests? Good times

People outside of this bubble are not die hard Disney partisans. They think those putting up with all of these rules are nuts. I used to be one of the fanatics. Now, I've become one of those who think all of this is ridiculous.

 

[Disneychick75]

I'm really surprised how mad people are about this. Like to me its surprising smoking was ever allowed

Like how old are you?

 

[SaraJR]

It didn't because there were only smokers in the area.

Guessing that eventually "guests" will reach their limit with the nanny state. Disboarders, at least some, are fanatics and would be fine if WDW said "Your ticket allows you to visit MK on Wednesday, April 10th, but no other park and you must give up being able to choose where to eat and what to ride on the spur of the moment BUT for only $60 more per ticket per day you can go to other parks"- oh wait.

Remember when Disney's children's lunches would only offer healthy choices? That went bye bye so we know that health of the little ones is not the motivating factor.
Remember when Disboarders were outraged at the suggestion that Disney would allow guests staying in higher end resorts more FP options than the rest of the guests? Good times

People outside of this bubble are not die hard Disney partisans. They think those putting up with all of these rules are nuts. I used to be one of the fanatics. Now, I've become one of those who think all of this is ridiculous.

How is not having smoking ridiculous or a "nanny state"? I am authentically curious about how/why some people are feeling this way

 

[Allison]

I'm really surprised how mad people are about this. Like to me its surprising smoking was ever allowed

You must be very young to not know how the rules for being able to smoke in public areas or on private property have evolved over the last 10-15 years.

It isn't at all surprising that it was ever allowed.

 

[SaraJR]

Like how old are you?

28

 

[luvsJack]

Smoke does not stay in 1 place, it blows around. Example.. I have a neighbor that smokes in a small covered area with foliage around her patio and foliage around ours. We are directly downwind from her for most of the year. That smoke settles into our back porch and by our front door. It does not stay in 1 place. The one at Epcot/WS was awful, the smoke blew all the way down to Japan. In the fl heat and humidity it was nauseating.

Well I realize how smoke works.

I wasn’t asking about the ones in Epcot but blew down to Japan from where?

Small covered area next door to you is very different than what I described. It was a dead end path. No reason to go anywhere near it unles you were a smoker. There was no way it was bothersome to non smokers unless anyone was looking for a reason to be bothered.

 

[SaraJR]

I do remember when smoking was allowed in more places I shouldn't say EVER that was a bit of an exaggeration but I am surprised this change didn't come sooner, especially considering how Walt died

 

[Disneychick75]

How is not having smoking ridiculous or a "nanny state"? I am authentically curious about how/why some people are feeling this way

nanny state- the government ( in this instance, the corporation) regarded as overprotective or as interfering unduly with personal choice

 

[SaraJR]

nanny state- the government ( in this instance, the corporation) regarded as overprotective or as interfering unduly with personal choice

I know what it means I just don't get how you feel not having smoking equates to that?

 

[Magical2017]

nanny state- the government ( in this instance, the corporation) regarded as overprotective or as interfering unduly with personal choice

You can still smoke. Just not inside Disney parks.

 

[luvsJack]

It didn't because there were only smokers in the area.

Guessing that eventually "guests" will reach their limit with the nanny state. Disboarders, at least some, are fanatics and would be fine if WDW said "Your ticket allows you to visit MK on Wednesday, April 10th, but no other park and you must give up being able to choose where to eat and what to ride on the spur of the moment BUT for only $60 more per ticket per day you can go to other parks"- oh wait.

Remember when Disney's children's lunches would only offer healthy choices? That went bye bye so we know that health of the little ones is not the motivating factor.
Remember when Disboarders were outraged at the suggestion that Disney would allow guests staying in higher end resorts more FP options than the rest of the guests? Good times

People outside of this bubble are not die hard Disney partisans. They think those putting up with all of these rules are nuts. I used to be one of the fanatics. Now, I've become one of those who think all of this is ridiculous.

Can’t say I don’t agree with you. I have been less than happy with some of their decisions since FP+, honestly. The money grabs are just too much. And someone will say “but you don’t have to pay for any of those things”. But we all know that for a “magical” trip like those of yesteryear you have to fork over those nickels and dimes.

As for rule changes, we had at least 3 different threads across the boards going for pages and pages with many angry about straws and plastic bags.

Charging to park almost caused a revolt!

Reducing hours so they can have more extra ticket events (more of those nickels and dimes). Oh wait, and posters have the nerve to complain when they pay for these things and should have the whole of fantasy land but end up with one ride because the rest are down but they should just happily continue to fork over money and feel the pixie dust. I mean after all Disney doesn’t guarantee anything for your $$$$$.

Add this? Yep just about too much. Other places, wouldn’t have an issue with it so much because the rest of their rules and policies, I am ok with and not so many money grabs, but Disney has just about crossed the line for us.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I am curious how a smoking area down a dead end path, surrounded by foliage in AK was impacting non smokers.

I, personally, am not bothered by that type of smoking area.

So I am really curious about something else. Some of y’all have mentioned gaining guests. So y’all think there are people that didn’t go to Disney because there were smoking areas inside the park but now they can go because it’s outside the gate?

I was one who mentioned it, but only because it had already come up. (I also said they might not gain any, and that that wasn't necessarily a bad thing either. - I think Disney has done almost "too well" lately, increasing attendance to the point that guests are actually complaining about the crowds.)

I expect there are some folks out there with severe allergies or just very extreme personal policies who currently skip Disney, but I definitely don't think there are throngs of people waiting for this rule to kick in so they can go!