Pet Peeve at the World...Anyone else?

[princessmurdough]

I know this will step on some toes out there, but I just had to rant a little - is anyone else really bothered by the smokers at the World? We're just back from our holiday trip with our one-year-old, and I was just continually annoyed at the amount of guests lighting up on Main St., than walking along with their cigs down in their hands swinging along without regard to the little heads walking just below them. I wonder if it occurs to people what a hazard a lit cigarette could be to a little face? I'm sorry, I know that smokers will say - Oh no, I always keep to the designated areas, and so on, but we just didn't find this to be so. And frankly, those designated areas were bad too - we were enjoying a meet-n-greet with Pocahontas, but since the entry only accomodates those coming in, the CM directed us to exit behind, right through the smoking section of Liberty Square - no other option than to go through the CLOUD with my baby. Hated that. I for one, REALLY wish they would ban smoking in the entire park - there's just too many little ones around. Is there an email address to direct this suggestion??
Thanks, all

 

[jgmklmhem]

I don't think it will be an all out ban...but if they would establish firm policy about the smoking areas and actually enforce it...I would be happy. Now you having to go through the smoking section to wait for a character is bad planning on the CM's part and that should be addressed.

 

[PatricenPete]

Before I got pregnant with my son, I was a smoker and a frequent guest at WDW. I ALWAYS adhered to the smoking areas. In fact, I would even direct people that I saw smoking in non-smoking areas to the smoking sections.

I am no longer a smoker (go me!) - it has been over a year since I last had a cigarette.

I think that maybe if people would politely remind people of the smoking sections in the park that would help. I know that when I did smoking when people would cough loudly at me or say EW - it only made me mad. I think that if people are polite about it and maybe even say that the smoking is hurting my child then people might be more likely to smoke only in the designated areas.

I agree though - I wish that the CM's would enforce it more.

 

[Ambassador]

We have often found ourselves stuck behind an inconsiderate smoker on Main Street. The danger caused by them holding it low in their cupped hand has caused concern; because the hot coal is behind them out of sight, where little ones least expect such a thing in their excitment. We politely remind the person of the smoking areas, and ask that they watch their ash.

It is a terrible addiction. We have felt badly for those children waiting in the designated-smoking areas as their parents light up.

 

[tink&cinderella]

Hooray! Finally someone else who thinks smoking in a child focused place is offensive, inappropriate and certainly doesn't set a good example for the future generation.

Where I live smoking in public buildings is prohibited and no bar/restaurant is allowed to have smoking unless it is a completely separated area with it's own ventilation.

I too wish people would respect the designated smoking areas so at least you can avoid them - I am allergic to the smoke myself and do not want my two young children exposed to it.

My poor father always complains that he has to smoke outside of my house - as I do not permit it inside at all.

I totally agree with you. Smoking is a filthy, unhealthy and expensive habit and I wish people were not addicted. I feel sad for all those who wish they could quiet and have a hard time. Bravo to those that have been successful!!

 

[Theultimateparkhoppe]

Hooray! Finally someone else who thinks smoking in a child focused place is offensive, inappropriate and certainly doesn't set a good example for the future generation.

Where I live smoking in public buildings is prohibited and no bar/restaurant is allowed to have smoking unless it is a completely separated area with it's own ventilation.

I too wish people would respect the designated smoking areas so at least you can avoid them - I am allergic to the smoke myself and do not want my two young children exposed to it.

My poor father always complains that he has to smoke outside of my house - as I do not permit it inside at all.

I totally agree with you. Smoking is a filthy, unhealthy and expensive habit and I wish people were not addicted. I feel sad for all those who wish they could quiet and have a hard time. Bravo to those that have been successful!!

I am guilty but i do follow the rules and regs.

I also am a uncle and i dont smoke in front of my niece, It will be our first trip with her (she is 2) and I already stocked up on nicorette gum

I agree no one shoudl be walking down main street with a smoke it is not nice. But u cant expect them to ban smoking all togather.
Unless they ban drinking , crying, whynning, stinky diapers, line cutting (ban), kissing, spitting (I hope this is banned), well I think you get my point.

 

[all4fun]

This also bothers me, so you're not alone. I would just like to ask, what is it with holding the cigarette in cupped hand down at the side anyway? Do they think that they're hiding it (yeah, right) or is it just a comfortable position to hold it in? In any busy park with lots of little kids, this is just asking for some little kid to walk right into it.

We fortunately never saw this at WDW on our most recent trip, but we did see it happening several times at Universal IOA (I know, a breed apart, but they still cater to families with younger kids, and have designated smoking areas). I even saw an instance where two smokers walked right past three park employees, who smiled and nodded at them as they walked right by. There was no way they couldn't have seen that both men were smoking. I was disappointed they didn't stop them and point them in the right direction, as this isn't just a public health issue, but a safety issue as well.

 

[princessmurdough]

And see, I think they can ban it altogether - unlike the other habits mentioned, this one is as hurtful to those around as to those engaging in it. Secondhand smoke is dangerous - and a serious public health issue. I fully support the rights of smokers to damage their own lungs, but I see no justification for others being able to pollute my child's air space. Smoking is a choice - breathing is not.

 

[ujpest_doza]

They have recently banned smoking in our local shopping malls, not before time.

I personally think smoking should be banned altogether at Disney, its horrible.

On another note, a pet hate of mine is people saving tables in dining areas while other people get the food. Manys the time my food has gone cold while i look for an empty table because the tables are taken by people who haven't yet gotten their food.

 

[HopperFan]

I'm all for an all out ban, but if not then Disney needs to enforce the rule of specified locations!

My daughter was burned by a cigarette at MGM. A burn bad enough to look like it was deliberate, and required first aid.

 

[krystyana]

I'm jumping on the all out ban bandwagon....I smoked for a few years when I was younger and not as well educated on the dangers.... I don't think anything that can cause so much damage to a little one (or us big ones too!)should be allowed in a place that caters to children and magic. It is very difficult to quit but you have to realize by smoking in public you are not just affecting yourself, you are harming everyone around you and setting a bad example. Parents smoking over their newborns drives me wild!

 

[Sandyincanada]

Not getting on the smoking/no smoking soap box that seems to be the topic on here every couple of days but I did want to reply to those who wonder about cupping the hand over a smoke.

Believe it or not, its uncomfortable, you burn yourself alot but its the best way I can think of to protect most other people (other than not lighting it, obviously) . And most people cup it for that reason. Otherwise, its out in the open, possibly swinging or if its in front of you its very dangerous as people always stop dead in their tracks unexpectedly. The way I used to hold mine back when it was allowed, I couldn't see anyone running into it and if they did, I would be the one that got burnt.

I think they need more signs, if your new and especially from another Country not used to designated areas, you may not even realize that there are banned areas.

 

[T16GEM]

When we were there in November I was burned by someones ash flying off their cigarette, I wish that they would ban smoking too, it's a filthy habit and we don't all want to breath in other peoples smoke!!!!

 

[sandyluvsdisney]

I believe that for anything and everything in life the key word is consideration.

If everyone were more considerate with other people than i believe there wouldn't be so many problems.

I think that there is always that one person who wants to get "away" with something and that is when things go wrong.

Let be considerate with our fellow vacationers at Disney (not just with smoking) and have a great trip.

 

[JMCDAD]

I was trying to avoid replying to this but here goes
I am a smoker, the last time I was at WDW I only smoked in the designated areas.
In fact I thought that there wasn't enough designated areas, I had a hard time finding one on many occasions.
Of course I agree that people shouldn't be smoking on Main Street, but to complain about people smoking in the desiganted areas I think is a bit much.
I am not sure I understand how they are harming you if these areas are outside and out of the way, if they are not positioned in the right place then they need to be repositioned not eliminated.
And yes the cupping of a cig as the previous person mentioned is to protect other people so that if they bump into you, you get burned, not them.
Try not to generalize and lump all smokers as inconsiderate etc, etc, and us smokers will try and do the same and not generalize all non smokers as complainers etc,etc

 

[dturner]

I was trying to avoid replying to this but here goes
I am a smoker, the last time I was at WDW I only smoked in the designated areas.
In fact I thought that there wasn't enough designated areas, I had a hard time finding one on many occasions.
Of course I agree that people shouldn't be smoking on Main Street, but to complain about people smoking in the desiganted areas I think is a bit much.
I am not sure I understand how they are harming you if these areas are outside and out of the way, if they are not positioned in the right place then they need to be repositioned not eliminated.
And yes the cupping of a cig as the previous person mentioned is to protect other people so that if they bump into you, you get burned, not them.
Try not to generalize and lump all smokers as inconsiderate etc, etc, and us smokers will try and do the same and not generalize all non smokers as complainers etc,etc

AMEN!!!

The last time I was at Disney I also WAS a smoker. I too had a hard time finding anywhere to smoke so I usually waited until I was waiting for a bus (not too many people around).

I also cupped my cig in my hand so no one would get hurt, just me. We smokers REALLY do try and be considerate of those who don't.

 

[the kabuki]

I agree with JMCDAD. I have no problem whatever smoking in the designated areas, not once during our trip did I do otherwise, and did not see one person in 7 days light up anywhere but the designated areas. I am sure there's always going to be a few bad apples in every crowd and on behalf of them, I offer my apologies to the non smokers. Yes it is a bad habit, yes I would like to quit, but until then I don't see how my smoking in a out of the way (most times I had to look at a map to find them) designated area is affecting those of you calling for a complete ban. If Disney would enforce the current rules, this should not be necessary.

 

[MrsPete]

I also despise smoking, and I'd like to see it done away with it altogether (despite the fact that I live in NC, a state whose economy would be harmed tremendously if tobacco suddenly disappearead tomorrow).

Smokers simply cannot "do it politely". It's not possible. The smoke wafts across from the designated areas and it clings to them long after they've smoke -- even outdoors. I understand that smokers themselves don't notice it because they're so accustomed to the smoke, but it's enough to harm the lungs of bystanders or to set off an asthma attack.

 

[dturner]

I also despise smoking, and I'd like to see it done away with it altogether (despite the fact that I live in NC, a state whose economy would be harmed tremendously if tobacco suddenly disappearead tomorrow).

Smokers simply cannot "do it politely". It's not possible. The smoke wafts across from the designated areas and it clings to them long after they've smoke -- even outdoors. I understand that smokers themselves don't notice it because they're so accustomed to the smoke, but it's enough to harm the lungs of bystanders or to set off an asthma attack.

All I can say is that YES I DO, DO IT POLITELY!!! YES IT IS POSSIBLE TO NOT BOTHER A NON-SMOKER WHEN YOU SMOKE.

Until cigarettes are deemed illegal (which will NEVER happen) then smokers will continue to smoke. Yes, it's a bad habit, yes it CAN cause health problems but we are all adults and can do whatever we want to do within the law and smoking is STILL within the law.

 

[crazymomof4]

The designated smoking areas are a great idea but there will always be those that think it's cruel and unusual punishment to have to smoke there and so break the rules at the expense of others. I just keep my mouth shut and walk a wide circle around them.

.... trip with our one-year-old, and I was just continually annoyed at the amount of guests lighting up on Main St., than walking along with their cigs down in their hands swinging along without regard to the little heads walking just below them. I wonder if it occurs to people what a hazard a lit cigarette could be to a little face?

I'm just waiting for someone to post here saying that WDW isn't a place to bring little ones! Believe it or not they are out there!!

I think that maybe if people would politely remind people of the smoking sections in the park that would help.

I'm not that brave!