Smoking at Universal and IOA

[kathleena]

Let me say I'm an x-smoker - 12 years+. So, I understand the "need" to smoke, but I also know for a fact that when I smoked I could last hours without a cigarette, easily and respectfully refrain from smoking around non-smokers, find smoking areas on my own - all that and still live to tell about it!!!

Second, I live in Maine where we have very tough smoking laws and whenever I go out of state, I am reminded of how much of a difference they make.

And last, I just wrote a letter to WDW after my May trip where I saw more smokers than ever. I pointed out to them that they do a real good job of making sure that they separate riders at the end of the single riders line, making sure people don't stand in footpaths while waiting for parades, making sure people move all the way to the left although the theatre is half-empty etc etc etc but they do a lousy job of enforcing they smoking policy - which is a HEALTH policy more than anything else.

I also told them that while I do not advocate a total ban - that would be limiting to those who choose to smoke and I do believe they have rights and should have conveniences also - it is important to protect the lungs of children and adults who have asthma and other lung diseases by even the smallest measure.

The odor from a fart has never caused long-term harm to anyone I'm sure, but an asthma attack brought on by smoke inhalation can kill a child. And a person with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency has little to no protection for their lungs. If you don't know what that is check here http://www.alpha1.org/ and thank your lucky stars that you have normal lungs.

To all of you who smoke and head to the designated areas, my asthmatic and alpha-1 affected lungs thank you. I may not want you to smoke at all, but I will always defend a place for you to do it if that is your wish. I would just ask for respect for my wish to keep my personal airspace clean.

 

[bamacamp]

This may not have anything to do with this thread, but I just wanted to say I am trying to quit smoking. I am at day 21 without smoking. It does not sound like long but to me if feels like an eternity. I have smoked for 20 years. And this is the hardest thing I have ever tried. Now saying that, I just wanted to say I always look for a designated area for smoking wherever I go. This year at US/IOA I hope that I will not need to look for those areas. Wish me luck.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Good luck!

 

[Molokai Gram]

I raised my children in a time when many more people smoked and there were no smoking bans, but I never once heard of any child being burnt by a smoker. I always thought the purpose of bans was due to the fear of second hand smoke and could not understand how places that have such pollution could be so righteous about smoking bans. I don't smoke, but do not believe in outdoor smoking bans.

My grandson is asthmatic and when we took him to WDW, UO and DL, I was not worried about smokers outside, only the pollution and mildew and the people coughing on the airplane.

I have seen more smokers out of the smoking area in WDW than UO, but that could be because it is more crowded. More people, more smokers.

I am very much opposed to swearing in front of children. But then I could just be jealous that someone could find a place to watch a parade without lots of kids around.

 

[Tekneek]

For me, it has way less to do with asthma, health reasons, or anything else like that.

It breaks down to being respectful of the rights of others. I feel very strongly that all human beings have the right to not have to be exposed to cigarette smoke of others. People do not have the right to force another human being to be exposed to their cigarette smoke. Unless there are signs at the entrance that indicate it is a "smoking park", there should be limits or it should not be allowed at all. The *default* should be non-smoking, not smoking. A respectful and responsible human being should never consider smoking anywhere that is not specifically pointed out as a 'smoking allowed' area, everywhere they go and everything they do in life. People who cannot be bothered to consider this most basic, and easily comprehended, issue of rights are a poor lot and need to consider what they've been using the planet's supply of oxygen for.

As if anyone can honestly feel they have a right to force others to deal with their cigarette smoke, and other people do not have an equal right to not be exposed to it. You should not have to avoid WDW or US/IOA simply because you do not like smoking. Smokers do not have to smoke 24/7, but everyone has to breathe 24/7. Anyone who thinks they have the right to 'light up' no matter where they are is a jerk, pure and simple.

If I was in charge, you would be issued a warning on the first violation (not sure on the method to mark them for it, but there has to be a way that will carry over so they do not get multiple warnings), and subsequent violations get you removed from the park for the day, doing it again after that results in your bags (if staying on resort) sitting on the curb. At least that is how I would wish to handle it. After some people get tossed out, I bet others would learn how to respect those simple rules.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

That would be bad for business, tekneek.

 

[Tekneek]

Originally posted by the Dark Marauder
That would be bad for business, tekneek.

Maybe so, but if I had rules about where you could smoke in place I would enforce them in a way that would have some impact. Much better than letting people get away with it.

 

[kathleena]

Tried to PM you, but I guess you can't receive them. Sorry to everyone else for a private message in here, just want to provide encouragement!

Best of luck to you in your quitting smoking. It is indeed very hard to do, just remember that you are past the nicotine addiction already - you are now in the habit-breaking stage. It truly is mind over matter - you are fighting your habit to satisfy your urge.

And you don't just quit once, you quit over and over again, each time you fight it. Each time you pick up the phone, get in the car, have a cup of coffee (or a drink, whatever). You are re-training your mind NOT to crave a cigarette. Eventually, it will become much, much easier. Your mind will adjust to your new habit of not smoking and soon you will not be thinking of it so much.

And then instead of saying "I'm trying to quit" you will think of yourself as an ex-smoker.

"Each time we make a positive choice in our lives, we take one step closer to being the person we want to be."

 

[nhrenee]

Bamacamp,

kathleena put it perfectly. I smoked for many years. Eventually it will become easier and easier. Hang in there!Quitting was difficult but worth it!

 

[ksdave]

I smoked for 22 years. My quitting was "easier" than most people's experience. I developed a serious case of pneumonia and was taken to the hospital semi-conscious. They hooked me to a Demoral drip for three days to kill the pain. After that experience, I never touched a cigarette again.
That was six years ago.

 

[Bacrd]

As a non-smoker...I can stand the the "smoke-smell" much beter than the "took-a-bath-in-my-perfume smell" that many women seem to think is attractive. Cheap (or even no-so-cheap) perfume will throw me into an asthma attack 100s times faster than someone's cigarette smoke. But....excuse me....perfume is socially acceptable..isn't it!!!

 

[wendypooh]

Well, I might as well put my two cents worth in......... Number 1. Smokers have the right to go to any park they want! HOWEVER....... SO DO I, and I also have the RIGHT to NOT be forced to have someone blow smoke in my face.......
Number 2. Rules should be enforced!!!!
Number 3. Too much perfume makes me gag......... as a woman, please take my advice ladies who drown themselves in perfume........ IT STINKS!!!!
Number 4. Men, even if you are hot, literally or otherwise....... and escpecially if you once we're hot, however, you are now lukewarm.......... please keep your shirts ON.
Number 5. Ladies........ hello, the parks are NOT go go joints........ lets skip the bikini tops and infant shorts!!!!!!!
Number 6. The parks are NOT navy ports of call......... could we all curb our desire to use foul language....... especially in front of little one's.
and finally........... I know, you're all glad, HAVE A GOOD TIME........ and enjoy the parks......... but be respectful of everyone else around you.... especially when you have to pass wind........ that's just RUDE!!!

There, said my peace..........

 

[MadamG2U]

Wendypooh I could not have said it any better!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

We were at USO this spring and didn't realize it, but we were sitting in a smoking area. We smelled smoke and wondered why someone was smoking in "our" area before we realized that we were in the wrong place. The funny thing, though, is my 15yo daughter and my sister (60yo) pretended to light up and put on a very nice show before the threw their "cigarettes" on the ground and put them out with their feet. I was so embarrassed (usually I'm the one embarrassing my daughter--lol), but it is one of our favorite, albeit silly, Universal memories.