resorts going smoke free - BAD news for disabilities

[KPeveler]

I like that the rooms are going smoke-free. however, the smoking rooms that are magically "smoke-free" are still going to stink!!!

if we need a never-smoking room, do you think disney will even know which rooms are which anymore???

 

[Schmeck]

I would expect the smoking rooms to be cleaned properly before they are made smoke-free.

No rooms at WDW have ever been completely 100% guaranteed non-smoking. There are jerks out there that smoke in non-smoking rooms, out on the balcony, in the halls, etc. Seen it and smelled it at WDW every trip!

 

[KPeveler]

i used to work at a hotel, and we can only hope that disney will do better than we did when we went smoke-free. we did not change curtains or rugs, so the smoke smell was still there!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I think it will take only about two or three months for everything to clear up. Generally the full bedding (mattress pads, blankets, pillows, etc., are changed out monthly and cleaned, and the rooms receive a heavy duty cleaning about every two to three months.

Probably the only possible bad situations will have been cleared up by the beginning of September.

Also, for a person where there is a potential asthma problem over the next few months they could probably ask, through special reservations, for a deep cleaning for medical reasons.

 

[shovan]

That does worry me. I would love to hear that carpets & bedding are being totally changed out, but I guess that's just wishing. I know for myself just cleaning the room will probably not suffice. With asthma & allergies after one night I'd probably end up sick.

 

[Selket]

I think it just makes it more likely that people will smoke in the rooms when before they could request a smoking room. But maybe folks are becoming more used to smoke free hotels and will not smoke in the room - gotta hope!

 

[Schmeck]

I know that at some of the more $$$ hotels I've stayed at, there are warnings about smoking in the room, and getting charged a substantial fee on your credit card if the room smells smokey after you check out. Perhaps Disney is planning on doing that as well. Then they'd have to get the rooms smoke-free before they can use them!

 

[dclfun]

Sadly we were at MGM last Friday and I noticed an abundance of guests strolling around with a cigarette hanging out of their mouths, putting them out in the bushes and flicking the ashes. At no point, even when there was a CM around, was anyone confronted. I remember when the parks went to the smoking-only areas and it was so much better. I guess people either forgot about that now or figure the rules have relaxed. My thoughts would be that initally there will be a lot of communication given to guests about the new rules at the resort then it will "relax"...which is when I would think that problems could arise.
I know before when we received a room that smelled like smoke I went right up to the front desk and asked to be moved. Once they saw me with all my equipment I guess that helped but I was never denied that request. For example this happened one time at Coronado Springs. I was told they had a lot of folks on conventions and thus many gathered in one guest room to smoke even though the room they gathered in was supposed to be smoke free. Since they had no room to move me to at that resort, we were moved to AKLodge along with another party who was accompanying us to help me with transferring and care. I was so appreciative as truly I could NOT have stayed in that room. I wasn't just being picky. I'm thrilled that the resorts will be smoke free as changing plans and locations upon arrival isn't something I'd want to do again, even though it was the best solution at the time. I am sure Disney has thought this out carefully. The Disneyland resorts have been smoke free for awhile so they can use that experience as a benchmark. ---Kathy

 

[BCV23]

I think it is wonderful news. I will no longer have to worry that we need to choose between an accessible room for our daughter or a smokefree one for me. I have severe asmtha. We never ended up having that dilemna but especially with DVC reservations, I was concerned.

As to rehabbing the rooms, I don't think it will be a problem. A small fraction of the rooms were smoking. It wouldn't surprise me if they have already been working on some rooms since Spring Break and Easter are over. May is a slower month at WDW. All rooms could be good to go by June 1.

Supposedly all rooms in the main building of the GF were smoking optional. Every review I've read of those rooms has said there is no smoking odor. We stayed there once and I agree. So WDW knows what they're doing to get rid of any odors.

 

[andijean]

I had not heard about this. When are they going to institute this and will all rooms at all resorts be smoke free? Does this mean I no longer need to have a non-smoking room listed on my res?

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I'm sorry, but I fail to see how this is bad news for all disabilities. Those with asthma a breathing issues sure, but not disabilities as a whole.

 

[maestro]

Sorry but this new policy is going to cause us MAJOR problems to the extent that I am seriously thinking of cancelling. DH is a smoker, he also has severe mobility issues!(3 #vertebrae sustained whilst serving Queen and country) Smoking in designated areas at the parks is second nature to us, and although we have always booked smoking rooms we do not in fact smoke IN the room. However, we do like to step outside for a ciggie first thing in the morning and last thing at night. The thought of now having to plan a major expedition every time we want a ciggie will have a huge impact on our vacation. I fully appreciate the need for a smoke free environment for the vast majority of guests however, I hope that Disney do consider those smokers who are mobility impared when planing the designated smoking areas.
Ceri x

 

[nobodies36]

Sorry but this new policy is going to cause us MAJOR problems to the extent that I am seriously thinking of cancelling. DH is a smoker, he also has severe mobility issues!(3 #vertebrae sustained whilst serving Queen and country) Smoking in designated areas at the parks is second nature to us, and although we have always booked smoking rooms we do not in fact smoke IN the room. However, we do like to step outside for a ciggie first thing in the morning and last thing at night. The thought of now having to plan a major expedition every time we want a ciggie will have a huge impact on our vacation. I fully appreciate the need for a smoke free environment for the vast majority of guests however, I hope that Disney do consider those smokers who are mobility impared when planing the designated smoking areas.
Ceri x

Oh my goodness! Thank you! I have been arguing this point since the news was released (please not arguing means that although the ban is great news overall letting others know that it accommodates most, but some, especially disabled people, will fall through the cracks).

I know how you feel.

 

[dclfun]

I can understand how smokers must feel but even smoking outside one's door can impact another guest. I stayed for 10 nights at All Star Movies last year during the "free dining" promotion. In a non-connecting room adjacent to mine there was a gentleman who kept a room chair outside his door for this purpose. He smoked all night long about every 30 minutes ( guess he couldn't sleep). Not only did I hear the banging door as he came in/out of his room but the smoke drifted through my closed door to the point where I also was up all night. Housekeeping didn't do a great job of cleaning up and there was the chair surrounded by masses of cigarette butts throughout my stay right outside my door. I'm sure this person didn't realize how much he hurt me. He was probably trying to be kind to the rest of his family. I reported this to the front desk in the hopes that one of us could be moved. No such luck...I had an accessible room and there weren't any left, nor would they confront this person and move his family. I'm thrilled to think I won't have to worry about this scenario again. Perhaps someone who smokes can request a room close to the smoking area so there won't be such a hike...and I'll be sure to request a room *away* from this area. ---Kathy

 

[maestro]

Perhaps someone who smokes can request a room close to the smoking area so there won't be such a hike...and I'll be sure to request a room *away* from this area. ---Kathy

I agree Kathy, but Disney are not being very forthcoming as to where these areas will be, telling guests to ask about DSA's when they check in! I'm sorry but this is of no use to me, I need to know ASAP so that I can make a decission as to whether staying on site at all is practical for us. ( I hope so as we have already parted with £400 deposit with disney uk which is non refundable!)

Oh my goodness! Thank you! I have been arguing this point since the news was released (please not arguing means that although the ban is great news overall letting others know that it accommodates most, but some, especially disabled people, will fall through the cracks).

I know how you feel

You are not alone honey I am wondering if it perhaps seems like a bigger deal to those of us from the UK as we generally stay for a longer time period, ie 2-3 weeks rather than the 5-6 days which appears to be more common among our American friends ( this is a broad generalisation).
I have now decided to ask for a parking lot veiw!!!!! so that at least DH can smoke there.
I know that the decision has been made and there is nothing that we can do about it , but I think a better decission would have been to keep smoking optional buildings but with no smoking in the rooms ie in certain buildings the balcony, patio or walkway it would be ok to smoke.
I seriously think that this new policy will actually affect non smokers adversely, as many smokers will just choose to pay the cleaning fee, (I'm not saying me, but some will) $250 cleaning fee is a drop in the ocean when you have paid $15 -20,000 for a vacation.
We fully intend to play by the rules, However, how many smokers will continue to refrain for example if confined to the room by a huricane?

 

[clkelley]

I agree Kathy, but Disney are not being very forthcoming as to where these areas will be, telling guests to ask about DSA's when they check in! I'm sorry but this is of no use to me, I need to know ASAP so that I can make a decission as to whether staying on site at all is practical for us. ( I hope so as we have already parted with £400 deposit with disney uk which is non refundable!)



You are not alone honey I am wondering if it perhaps seems like a bigger deal to those of us from the UK as we generally stay for a longer time period, ie 2-3 weeks rather than the 5-6 days which appears to be more common among our American friends ( this is a broad generalisation).
I have now decided to ask for a parking lot veiw!!!!! so that at least DH can smoke there.
I know that the decision has been made and there is nothing that we can do about it , but I think a better decission would have been to keep smoking optional buildings but with no smoking in the rooms ie in certain buildings the balcony, patio or walkway it would be ok to smoke.
I seriously think that this new policy will actually affect non smokers adversely, as many smokers will just choose to pay the cleaning fee, (I'm not saying me, but some will) $250 cleaning fee is a drop in the ocean when you have paid $15 -20,000 for a vacation.
We fully intend to play by the rules, However, how many smokers will continue to refrain for example if confined to the room by a huricane?

That's another question they haven't answered. Can a guest truly just fork over $250 - $500 and smoke in their room and balcony to their heart's content, or is it a per night fee, or will they be asked to leave by security after an incident and still pay the $250 - $500.

 

[maestro]

That's another question they haven't answered. Can a guest truly just fork over $250 - $500 and smoke in their room and balcony to their heart's content, or is it a per night fee, or will they be asked to leave by security after an incident and still pay the $250 - $500.

This is what Disney are saying

Smoke Free Policy FAQ
Beginning June 1, 2007, Disney owned and operated resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts will become smoke-free environments. This policy includes all guest rooms, balconies, patios, meeting spaces, restaurants, lounges and public space. Smoking will be allowed in designated outdoor smoking locations only. A room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in Guest rooms, on balconies, or on patios.

Q. When does this policy go into effect?

A. All Disney owned and operated resort hotels at the Walt Disney World® Resort and all Disney Vacation Club resorts will become smoke- free environments June 1, 2007.
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Q. How will smokers be accommodated?

A. Smoking will be allowed in the designated outdoor smoking locations of each resort. Guests can request location information upon check-in.
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Q. Are other areas at the Walt Disney World® Resort already smoke-free?

A. Yes. In 2003, Walt Disney World® Resort restaurants became smoke-free per local law. In addition, Disney Theme Parks and the clubs at Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island and Disney's BoardWalk Resort are smoke-free environments (except for designated smoking areas).
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Q. Can a Guest smoke on the patio or balcony of a Guest room?

A. No, Guests may not smoke on the patio or balcony of a Guest room but may smoke in the designated outdoor smoking locations of the resort.
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Q. Are Resort hotels located at any other Disney Parks non-smoking?

A. Yes, the Disneyland Resort® hotels transitioned to a smoke-free environment in early 2006.
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Q. Does this policy apply to Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort and Disney's Vero Beach Resort?

A. Yes.
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Q. How will this policy be enforced?

A. Guests will be reminded of the policy upon check-in. A $250 - $500 room recovery fee plus tax (based on the Resort and room) will be charged to Guests who smoke in Guest rooms, on balconies or on patios to cover the costs of cleaning and restoring the room to a smoke-free condition.
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Q. Why this change in policy?

A. This change in policy allows us to better accommodate the increasing numbers of Guests who request non-smoking hotel rooms and complements our efforts to provide our Guests with the healthy living options they are requesting.
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Q. What are you doing to prepare for the June 1, 2007 effective date?

A.No further smoking requests will be taken effective May 1, 2007. This will allow us to transition our properties for the June 1, 2007 effective date. Rooms will undergo a deep cleaning, which will include bed linens, carpets, and draperies.


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Nowhere does it state that a guest will be asked to leave, just that they will be charged the cleaning fee
Ceri x

 

[Schmeck]

I have now decided to ask for a parking lot veiw!!!!! so that at least DH can smoke there.
We fully intend to play by the rules, However, how many smokers will continue to refrain for example if confined to the room by a huricane?

Unless they designate the parking lot as a DSA, I don't think you can smoke there either, as it is a public space, and WDW has banned smoking in public places except for the DSAs.

I don't know how WDW plans to handle a hurricane and having to confine guests to their rooms, but I would think that guests would be charged the clean-up fee if they smoked in the rooms, regardless.

 

[dclfun]

It seems as though by this point they should know where the DSA's are, and be able to accomodate someone who is disabled by putting them near the DSA. I would "think" the area around the outdoor bars would be a DSA so perhaps having someone close to that area would help. It would also allow smokers to have a covered area- I can't imagine hiking somewhere to smoke in the rain. ---Kathy

 

[cmwade77]

I think it just makes it more likely that people will smoke in the rooms when before they could request a smoking room. But maybe folks are becoming more used to smoke free hotels and will not smoke in the room - gotta hope!

I hope what happens is they put in the same kind of detectors as in Airplane restrooms and if a guest lights up in the room then they get charged the full cost of replacing carpets, draperies, bedding, etc. Of course have it posted as such there. Wishful thinking I am sure though.