Non-Smokers

[pbruce706]

As an on again off again smoker (back on unfortunately) I will only smoke in the DSA's and am feel I'm very considerate of my smoking habit. I will figure out which way the wind is blowing and stand / sit to minimize where it drifts, I'll hold my breath as people walk their strollers directly in front of me. If I wander into a DSA that is not secluded I'll move on to one that is more secluded. I get the fact that smoking stinks, can make people feel ill, is a bad habit and I'm pretty much a social outcast for doing it.

I don't expect a ticker tape parade for what I do, I consider it common courtesy and respectful of others.

At the same time, I expect if I'm sitting alone in a DSA having a cigarette and a family of five come in to sit down because there are empty benches, please don't give me dirty looks for smoking. I also consider that common courtesy and respectful of others.

 

[Myalyas]

Your comments on obese people are completely off topic & have nothing to do with DSAs as evidenced by the swift removal of your post. I would hope you realize that comments such as that only lessen your credibility when trying to discuss an issue which you obviously feel very strongly about. If you want people to respect your opinions & give serious consideration to your requests, perhaps you should remain on topic.

I didn't remove my comment. A mod must have.

 

[amg35]

I didn't remove my comment. A mod must have.

...

 

[wench]

I didn't remove my comment. A mod must have.

Exactly my point

 

[River Country]

Your comments on obese people are completely off topic & have nothing to do with DSAs as evidenced by the swift removal of your post. I would hope you realize that comments such as that only lessen your credibility when trying to discuss an issue which you obviously feel very strongly about. If you want people to respect your opinions & give serious consideration to your requests, perhaps you should remain on topic.

Agreed

 

[Myalyas]

Then, by all means, let us stay on topic of Designated Smoking Areas being for Smokers

 

[sonofanarchy]

Well, I am a smoker who follows the rules. Just came back from 6 days and didn't see a single person smoking in a non-DSA. On the other hand, I saw a LOT of non-smokers taking up space in DSA's and then having the nerve to complain about the smoke.
By the way, the exhaust fumes from the trolley about choked me to death!

I can't recall a day in any park at Disney in any trip I've taken where I didn't see at least half a dozen smokers puffing away in a non designated area.

 

[Jennasis]

While waiting for illuminations to start, a group came up, stood right behind us, and lit up. I checked our park map to make sure we hadn't settled in a DSA (we hadn't) and then walked up to a CM and asked if this was a DSA, just to be sure. She said it wasn't and I wasn't allowed to smoke here. So I told her I wasn't a smoker and pointed out the group to her and she VERY HAPPILY went over and had them leave.


EVERY time I've visited WDW there have been smokers trying to hide their cigs down at their sides as they walk through the park. I;ve been burned by cigs too. I HATE having to walk through certain DSA's but I do so without making a fuss at the folks in there.

 

[Pkltm]

I can't recall a day in any park at Disney in any trip I've taken where I didn't see at least half a dozen smokers puffing away in a non designated area.

Agreed!!

 

[Myalyas]

As an on again off again smoker (back on unfortunately) I will only smoke in the DSA's and am feel I'm very considerate of my smoking habit. I will figure out which way the wind is blowing and stand / sit to minimize where it drifts, I'll hold my breath as people walk their strollers directly in front of me. If I wander into a DSA that is not secluded I'll move on to one that is more secluded. I get the fact that smoking stinks, can make people feel ill, is a bad habit and I'm pretty much a social outcast for doing it.

I don't expect a ticker tape parade for what I do, I consider it common courtesy and respectful of others.

At the same time, I expect if I'm sitting alone in a DSA having a cigarette and a family of five come in to sit down because there are empty benches, please don't give me dirty looks for smoking. I also consider that common courtesy and respectful of others.

 

[MrsDuck]

Sorry, but if I inhale the smoke, I'm going to complain. I don't like being exposed to the toxins nor do I want my family exposed.

I know many respectful smokers (who I appreciate and love!) but you telling me not to complain is like me telling YOU not to complain about people complaining... (aka: pointless).

 

[MrsDuck]

Double post!

 

[Spunky946]

I'm also a rule abiding smoker and I have to agree with this. Maybe I've just been too busy enjoying myself to notice, but I've never seen anyone smoking outside the DSA's in all the times I've been to Disney. Unless parking lots count? I have seen people smoking in the parking lots while walking to their cars. I have overheard numerous non-smokers complaining about the smoke in the DSA's though. Particularly the one by Aloha Aisle in MK. I do not think that should be a DSA. It's too close to Aloha Aisle and people will naturally want to sit on the benches in the shade and enjoy their Dole Whips.

That is a terrible DSA. It's such a crowded area and adding the smoke is annoying,

 

[Myalyas]

There was a couple that camped out at a shaded DSA with their 2 small children and complained the whole time - the whole, entire 30 - 45 minutes they were there. These are the type of people I'm talking about. They should've moved on.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I smoke and only smoke in a DSA. Earlier this month I went to the DSA near Sir Mickey's, sat on one of the benches, and the woman sitting on the other end turned and said "I hope you don't smoke. I can't be around it. I'm just waiting for a friend to finish." and then asked me to move. I did, as I'm not one to willingly throw someone into an asthmatic fit (or whatever her condition was), but did find it incredibly odd that she willingly sat in a DSA and then asked all those around her to move.

It is rude to walk through a DSA gagging and coughing loudly, proclaiming loud enough for those in a 1/2 mile radius to hear "it's a smoking section, move quick!". I understand most come to the areas unknowingly but for the most part we're tucked away in a corner somewhere.

That lady was out of line. That's all.




I, too, have yet to go to Walt Disney World and not encounter a smoker who is not in the DSA. Most of the time, it appears that they are aware that they are breaking the rule as they are trying to hide it in their hand. Those are the ones who really annoy me. I am willing to bet that there are a good number of smokers who don't realize that there are designated areas to light up and the rest of the park is non-smoking. But these people clearly know and that is why they are trying to hide. I have a friend who is a previous smoker and she said that she had no idea how far the smoke smell travels. She was rather immune to it when she was a smoker and thought you could only really smell it if you were right next to her. That's really not the case, though.

I dislike where some of the smoking areas are because it is next to impossible to avoid them. The one by Aloha Isle that was previously mentioned is a prime example of this. Another one that comes to mind is the one by the exit of Great Movie Ride. I also tend to forget about the one behind Storybook Circus as you are walking towards Space Mountain right up until I am near it. Then again, it likely bothers me as much as it does because I have the nose of a bloodhound. I never lost my pregnancy nose (for those unaware, when pregnant, your sense of smell is heightened which is clearly a joke played by nature as smells are quick to trigger gag reflexes in those pregnant... but I digress) so the smoking sections can bother me when I'm pretty far from them. Not the smokers' faults as they are doing what they are instructed to do. Just my crazy nose, I guess.


ETA: I'm not surprised that non-smokers are sitting in the areas, though. As Disney takes away more and more seating, especially seating in the shade, I can see the temptation to go to an area filled with smoke if only to get off your feet and out of the sun for a moment.

 

[Kristine316]

That obese person can make me sick at my stomach, so yes, it does affect me.

As for being prejudicial, I find that more and more non-smokers are that way. Instead of turning this into a fight, just be more tolerant and considerate of smokers who follow the rules of using a DSA. That's all I meant by starting this conversation.

I was sympathetic to you until I read this. I am an ex-smoker and haven't smoked in a decade but, I understand your point about people being judgmental about smokers. If a smoker is following the rules and is smoking in the designated areas I think non-smokers should cut them a break.

I do however find your comments about obese people especially offensive. They make you sick to your stomach? Now why is that exactly.. because they are gross, disgusting, difficult to look at? I know you didn't use those words but, by saying they make you sick to your stomach just by looking at them you are most certainly implying these things.
You write about tolerance but, it sounds to me like you really need to learn some yourself.

 

[Myalyas]

I was sympathetic to you until I read this. I am an ex-smoker and haven't smoked in a decade but, I understand your point about people being judgmental about smokers. If a smoker is following the rules and is smoking in the designated areas I think non-smokers should cut them a break.

I do however find your comments about obese people especially offensive. They make you sick to your stomach? Now why is that exactly.. because they are gross, disgusting, difficult to look at? I know you didn't use those words but, by saying they make you sick to your stomach just by looking at them you are most certainly implying these things.
You write about tolerance but, it sounds to me like you really need to learn some yourself.

The comment has already been reported. I apologize for being sensitive to that, but I am and have personal reasons for it. I apologize to those who found it offensive.

The main topic remains DSA's are for smokers

 

[mr noodle]

One of the main reasons why one might see a smoker in a non DSA is because of the many international guests that WDW attracts. In many countries, smoking anywhere is not a problem. Does not take away from the thought that visitors should respect and understand their surroundings, but this is likely a big reason.

 

[maxiesmom]

Sorry, but if I inhale the smoke, I'm going to complain. I don't like being exposed to the toxins nor do I want my family exposed.

I know many respectful smokers (who I appreciate and love!) but you telling me not to complain is like me telling YOU not to complain about people complaining... (aka: pointless).

I think they are saying to not sit in a DSA and then complain about the smoke. That is a pretty silly thing to do. Not to mention it doesn't do one bit of good, and just makes the complainer look like a jerk.

I don't smoke but that doesn't mean I get to run around being a jerk to those who do. A little respect and understanding goes a long way.

 

[Myalyas]

I think they are saying to not sit in a DSA and then complain about the smoke. That is a pretty silly thing to do. Not to mention it doesn't do one bit of good, and just makes the complainer look like a jerk.

I don't smoke but that doesn't mean I get to run around being a jerk to those who do. A little respect and understanding goes a long way.

Yes! Thank you!