Questions and Concerns about Resort smoking policies

[skiwee1]

The last thing I want to do is stir up an argument on an already very sensitive topic, but I don't agree with some of the things that are said. I am a smoker, not the typical blow it in your face kind, but a smoker none the less. I make a point to stay as far as I can away from people that are not smoking, and I avoid smoking next to children if at all possible. However, when we are travelling to WDW in April I will be travelling with my Mother and Father in law neither of which smoke. We are travelling together and really want our rooms to be connected. They will want a non smoking room, and if we can't get a smoking room next to theirs then I will definately want to go out on the balcony and have a cigarette instead of having to go all the way downstairs. I guess my thought on the subject is that as long as I shut the door to the balcony so that the smoke doesn't go back in the room I am doing what I should to protect other people. Am I missing something?

So your smoke will come into my door because we like to keep our door open and enjoy the fresh Florida breeze. Or your smoke will waft over to my child and me while we are enjoying our balcony. That is what you are missing. I was a smoker for years but always went far away from my non smoking room. My oldest DD smokes and went to WDW with us two years ago. We got a non smoking room. She too thought she was going to smoke outside on the balcony. Not happening. She was made to go outside and far from the building. She did find a picnic table at the Nuie building at the Poly which had ashtrays on it. Nuie is a smoking building so she fit right in. You can't do it at the Poly anyway as the mgmt will tell you otherwise.

 

[skiwee1]

I am a smoker and I do adhere to smoking policies and designated areas but what bugs me so much is people that complain even when you are smoking in an area that it is allowed. If I am in a designated smoking area and you smell my smoke,well I'm sorry but there are less and less places to smoke and I do try to be considerate of non-smokers but I feel if I am in a designated area than I should not be harrassed for it.

I would never do that. I am a ex smoker and really feel for the smokers that can't light up as much anywhere. I couldn't imagine going to a bar and not lighting up! I am very glad I no longer smoke because I'd be a nervous wreck thinking of where I might get my next smoke in. Having said that I think the smokers that follow the rules are great. I would never cough or something while walking near a smoking area but have seen the rude ones that do.

 

[andromedaslove]

So then people on the next balcony (and above) will have to smell your smoke. Very inconsiderate.

Talk about inconsiderate?! I was sincerely asking so that I could understand what the problem was.

I think the problem is that the smoke will drift and be bothersome to people in surrounding rooms who would like to enjoy the balcony but can't because of the smoke.

Anne

Anne,
Thank you very much for explaining that for me. I guess because I smoke I don't tend to notice the smell of it as much, and have a hard time realizing how much it can bother others. The last thing I want to do is make anyone else uncomfortable, which is why I try and stay away from people when I am smoking. I know that it can bother others. Anyway, thanks again. Looks like I will just be making sure I get a smoking room, so that I can smoke on the balcony.

Dana

 

[Ladyhawke10]

At AKL, there is absolutely no smoking on the balconies overlooking the savannah. You may smoke in a smoking room on the savannah, but not on the balcony.

At WL, you may NOT smoke on a balcony of a non-smoking room. I know this because on one of my trips one of us was a smoker and we were specifically instructed that we could have a smoking room and smoke on that balcony, but if we chose a non-smoking room, we would not be allowed to smoke on that balcony. Seems fair to me.

Also there is not a policy of no smoking at WDW pools. You may smoke at all pools if you so choose, according to several CMs I have spoken to. Not sure how fair that policy is, but that's what I have been told.

I wonder if you can smoke around the AKL pool, since there are the animals so close by?

There are some pretty cool places to smoke at AK that I've noticed....around little pathways or along the river. I have never noticed other areas at the other parks. I thought that was a good idea at AK, to have certain areas designated. That might be a good idea at the resorts...so there isn't the issue of unexpected full ashtrays or having someone smoke next to you while you're laying out by the pool or sitting on your balcony. I also want the smokers to have a comfortable place to smoke so no one is unhappy. I'm someone who is really uncomfortable with speaking up about smoking. Even in the parks (someone smoking while we are waiting in line is no fun). I usually leave rather than say something, but I like knowing what the policies are (and the differences with what is actually enforced).

 

[Tissa]

I'm not a smoker but my mother is and she goes out on the balcony of our non smoking room.

 

[skiwee1]

I'm not a smoker but my mother is and she goes out on the balcony of our non smoking room.

If you have stayed at only the resorts listed in your signature then you haven't even had a balcony. Only deluxes have balconies.

 

[brittsmum1998]

the people that are complaining about the smoke coming up to their balconey better not stay on the third floor of the bwv's either 'cause the second floor is smoking and you would hate to have the smell drift up from the wind. I guess I don't understand what happened to tolerance and consideration. Yes, smoking is BAD we all know that. For some people (like me & DH) it is not an option right now. Hopefully All of us can be considerate, but again, I always request a smoking room and DON'T always get one. I'm entitled to enjoy my vacation like everyone else. Without getting into a bigger debate.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

Hmmmm, I could have SWORN that we were on the second floor at BWI during our infamous "smelly room" stay with the loaded ashtray out on the balcony. We requested a non-smoking room and we told we were in a non-smoking room....did this designation change? Maybe we were on the third floor??? (we were on the first floor over the restaurants--the front desk told us that our room smelled because we were right over flying fish and it couldn't be helped and we couldn't be moved because it was spring break and the hotel was completely booked). I can't imagine that the CMs would be untruthful about this...

 

[skiwee1]

the people that are complaining about the smoke coming up to their balconey better not stay on the third floor of the bwv's either 'cause the second floor is smoking and you would hate to have the smell drift up from the wind. I guess I don't understand what happened to tolerance and consideration. Yes, smoking is BAD we all know that. For some people (like me & DH) it is not an option right now. Hopefully All of us can be considerate, but again, I always request a smoking room and DON'T always get one. I'm entitled to enjoy my vacation like everyone else. Without getting into a bigger debate.

Why should someone tolerate someone else's bad habit? Why should the non smoker be the considerate one here when they are doing NOTHING wrong? The smoker is the one that needs to be considerate and not infringe their unhealthy habit on those that chose to live a healthier lifestyle. I don't know what you mean about it isn't an option for you right now but I doubt anyone is going to force you to smoke. You are entitled to enjoy your vacation as long as it doesn't infringe on anyone else's right to enjoy theirs. You are certainly all about me me me aren't you? If you don't get a smoking room then please have some class and take your smoking away from a non smoking building so others won't have to put up with the stench. And yes I smoked for 25 years and still think it stinks.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

The concierge ettiquette thread that I thought was so informative (and a blast to boot, hearing about all the wild concierge experiences) got closed because there were episodes of posters criticizing other posters for their opinions or the interpretations of their experiences. I think its helpful to hear about what's allowed and not allowed at WDW in relation to smoking, so I (and others) can avoid future problems in this area on our vacations. Please let's try to keep this a friendly topic!

 

[dreamflight99]

I think the problem is that the smoke will drift and be bothersome to people in surrounding rooms who would like to enjoy the balcony but can't because of the smoke.

Anne

This is the same problem I've experienced in the past.

On our last Disney cruise, sitting on the verandah...the people in the next room smoked incessently on the adjacent balcony. Yet, it never prevented me from sitting outside, or using the verandah. Perhaps it's because the ship is moving along at such a brisk pace, and the breeze is also helping to lift/remove the smoke.

Yet, on a hot, humid and stagnant afternoon in Orlando, it's an entirely different matter. The smoke seems to make a direct b-line for my nasal passage as I sit on a resort balcony. I am highly allergic, and extremely sensitive to cigarette smoke. I immediately experience trouble breathing, begin coughing and always get an instantaneous & excruciating migrane headache (caused by the constriction of blood vessels).

I am not trying to offend anyone here, and fully understand the addiction to smoking (I have a sister whom smoked in the past). Therefore, I empathize with those in the "smoking" sector. I also understand most smokers are considerate and try very hard to avoid irritating/affecting non-smokers with respect to this matter, which is greatly appreciated. I recently became aware of the shocking results of an extensive study, which reflected some incredible statistics on the caustic damage caused by sidestream or second hand smoke to non-smoking, pre-menopausal women. (http://quitsmoking.about.com/b/a/2005_03_04.htm). (Scroll down to find: Smoking Increases the Risk of Breast Cancer in Premenopausal Women).

I am astounded to read Disney actually has smoking/non-smoking rooms on the SAME floor of some properties?!? I was completely unaware of such a practice. I was recently on a smoking floor (for about a NY minute), while in an L.A. resort. I could not even believe the overwhelming smell of residue and smoke which hit me like a "ton of bricks" the moment I exited the elevator to enter the corridor. I would find it impossible to stay on such a FLOOR, even in a desigated "non-smoking" room. The heavy smell of smoke, penetrated every possible corner of this floor. Yet, once I was moved...to a non-smoking section/floor, the air was fresh & clean!

I'm just thrilled and relieved by the state of Florida's continued commitment to incorporate new laws with respect to smoking in public. These regulations help to increase the health and safety of the patrons frequenting these businesses/establishments.

 

[Nik's Mom]

At AKL, there is absolutely no smoking on the balconies overlooking the savannah. You may smoke in a smoking room on the savannah, but not on the balcony.

At WL, you may NOT smoke on a balcony of a non-smoking room. I know this because on one of my trips one of us was a smoker and we were specifically instructed that we could have a smoking room and smoke on that balcony, but if we chose a non-smoking room, we would not be allowed to smoke on that balcony. Seems fair to me.

Also there is not a policy of no smoking at WDW pools. You may smoke at all pools if you so choose, according to several CMs I have spoken to. Not sure how fair that policy is, but that's what I have been told.

Glad to hear absolutely no smoking at AKL balconies. DS has asthma and can't tolerate smoke. I'd hate to have a neighbor smoking on their balcony all of the time.

 

[ducklite]

I'm asthmatic, and have never smelled let alone been bothered by smoke on the 3rd floor of the Hawaii building. I walked the length of the hallway to see how it was on the other end, and could barely smell the smoke from the last 3-4 rooms on either side. If you are in the first 4-5 rooms closest to the lounge you'd never even know there were smoking rooms at the other end of the hall.

Anne

 

[dizluvr71]

How many people have had problems requesting a non-smoking room and did not get one?

We are going in May and my son has asthma and just the residue left behind from smoking can be a problem.

 

[ducklite]

How many people have had problems requesting a non-smoking room and did not get one?

We are going in May and my son has asthma and just the residue left behind from smoking can be a problem.

If the request goes through special services and is for a medical reason the non-smoking room will be guaranteed.

Anne

 

[Ladyhawke10]

How many people have had problems requesting a non-smoking room and did not get one?

We are going in May and my son has asthma and just the residue left behind from smoking can be a problem.

Honestly, I still don't know if we were mistakenly put in a smoking room when we were on the second (or third floor) in the BWI. The room smelled horrible, and we woke up with headaches in the morning--however, like I said, we were told we were in a non-smoking room and that the smell was due to the fish, so I don't want to jump to conclusions. Still, I would be pretty upset if I'd requested a non-smoking room (and I don't have asthma but have pretty bad allergies, as does my son) and didn't get one. That would be the first priority because I get bad headaches from smoke. I wonder if smoking only rooms were left during a stay if Disney would move you to a different resort without extra cost?

 

[SueEllen]

You are incorrect. The balconies of non smoking rooms are also non smoking. I do not want to inhale anyone else's smoke while trying to enjoy my balcony. At the Poly one just has to call the front desk and management will extinguish any smoking on a balcony of a non smoking room. Wonderful policy!

Skiwee--it is not incorrect. This is fact. If you are in a non-smoking room the interior of the room is non-smoking not the balcony. The balcony is OUTSIDE and is indeed okay for smoking. The front desk will even have housekeeping bring up an ashtray for the balcony.

When you book a non-smoking ROOM, that is what you are booking. Not a non-smoking exterior. It is the interior that is non-smoking.

I suppose if you complain enough someone might move you to another room, but it is not fair to ask the smoker to leave from OUTSIDE to smoke somewhere else.

Again, I am NOT a smoker and detest it. I am highly allergic and asthmatic from smoke. I have to have a non-smoking room. Balconies are fair game (just as on the cruise ship--all cabins are non-smoking but verandahs can be smoked on.)

Sue Ellen

 

[skiwee1]

Skiwee--it is not incorrect. This is fact. If you are in a non-smoking room the interior of the room is non-smoking not the balcony. The balcony is OUTSIDE and is indeed okay for smoking. The front desk will even have housekeeping bring up an ashtray for the balcony.

When you book a non-smoking ROOM, that is what you are booking. Not a non-smoking exterior. It is the interior that is non-smoking.

I suppose if you complain enough someone might move you to another room, but it is not fair to ask the smoker to leave from OUTSIDE to smoke somewhere else.

Again, I am NOT a smoker and detest it. I am highly allergic and asthmatic from smoke. I have to have a non-smoking room. Balconies are fair game (just as on the cruise ship--all cabins are non-smoking but verandahs can be smoked on.)

Sue Ellen

You are wrong. The balcony is an extension of the room. Thankfully the resort I stay, the Poly follows the rules. I found this out the first time at the Poly and someone smoked non stop outside my balcony. I called down to the front desk and was told immedietely that smoking was not allowed on the balconies of non smoking rooms. After that one phone call the smoking stopped. Apparantly the management took care of the problem right away. The GM told me that if there was ever an instance like that again to call him and he would take care of it as it is not allowed.

 

[brittsmum1998]

Ok I can't quote so I'll try as best I can Not ALL smoking rooms are on 2nd floor of BWV's. Just some, and none w/ a view of the boardwalk.

I don't want to "infringe" on anyone elses vacation either. I have HepC, arthritus and diabetes and require alot of sleep. Does that mean that I can request no young children running around above or below me? Oh and don't forget don't let them out on the balconey, your infringing on my health even outside and while we are at it, ....don't drink too much alcohol, I can't have you being loud at night, rest is imperative to my health. I guess what I'm saying is noone is perfect, no vacation is going to be perfect unless we relax a little and stop worrying about so much.... I understand medical issues w/ smoke, that would be easier to get away from than say...the peanut allergies. I think people have a huge right to be concerned about that whereas it may not be something you see to be able to get away from. I'm done though, these smoking issues are getting as boring as the handicapped issues. Light(en) up everyone. (its a joke)

 

[skiwee1]

Ok I can't quote so I'll try as best I can Not ALL smoking rooms are on 2nd floor of BWV's. Just some, and none w/ a view of the boardwalk.

I don't want to "infringe" on anyone elses vacation either. I have HepC, arthritus and diabetes and require alot of sleep. Does that mean that I can request no young children running around above or below me? Oh and don't forget don't let them out on the balconey, your infringing on my health even outside and while we are at it, ....don't drink too much alcohol, I can't have you being loud at night, rest is imperative to my health. I guess what I'm saying is noone is perfect, no vacation is going to be perfect unless we relax a little and stop worrying about so much.... I understand medical issues w/ smoke, that would be easier to get away from than say...the peanut allergies. I think people have a huge right to be concerned about that whereas it may not be something you see to be able to get away from. I'm done though, these smoking issues are getting as boring as the handicapped issues. Light(en) up everyone. (its a joke)

Unless I'm tossing peanuts down the throat of someone with a peanut allergy or lacing a diabetic's diet coke with sugar there is no comparison to these issues and the effects of secondhand smoke. My husband is diabetic also but children running down the hallway has about as much effect on his health as is does on a non diabetic. It might get in his nerves but his health is not going to suffer from it. I just think that it is much easier to have a smoker take an elevator downstairs and step away from the doorway then it is for a non smoker enjoying his balcony to have to come in a shut the door. It's called consideration. Like I said, I smoked for years and years, two packs a day, and never subjected my kids to my bad habit, much less perfect strangers. I always made sure to light up where it would affect no one. It never entered my mind to smoke on a balcony of a non smoking room. I guess I just knew that the non smokers next to me would not care too much for me stinking up their non smoking air. That isn't being perfect. It's being considerate.