Smoking fines being enforced

[F4disneyfan]

I got this from another DVC forum I frequent and figured I would post it.

One of our members was talking to some other guests while out for a smoke. She was in the smoking section and was told by 2 other seperate guests that they were "caught" by survellince cameras ON THEIR BALCONYS and their rooms were charged $269 (including tax! what???? ) for smoking in a non-smoking area. The guests went to check their room charges and found it tacked on- I understand that one guest was given a $100 "credit" as he booked his trip prior to the non-smoking policy being enforced.

 

[mickeywho?]

Well, there is no point in creating a rule unless you are going to enforce it! Although I'm sure they don't spend time going through tapes unless another guest has complained. The charge may seem high but when you think about the time it takes for the CM (away from other guests) to go through the process of checking, informing and charging it would certainly begin to add up. Where they warned first - or was the policy explanation at check in considered a warning?

 

[siobhan1997]

Wow if Disney has no problems enforcing the no smoking bylaw why can't our Ontario Government enforce it. I highly doubt Disney employees make more money. Maybe our deficit wouldn't be so high if they started slapping down on by laws her in Ontario.

 

[maryliz]

And yet the CM's do very little to stop people in the Parks from smoking in non-smoking areas. I completely agree with enforcing the rules.

 

[tigercat]

Siobham1997 where is there a problem with smoking in a non-smoking area?
tigercat

 

[cdnmickeylover]

Glad to here that it's being enforced.

Fiona

 

[F4disneyfan]

Well, there is no point in creating a rule unless you are going to enforce it! Although I'm sure they don't spend time going through tapes unless another guest has complained. The charge may seem high but when you think about the time it takes for the CM (away from other guests) to go through the process of checking, informing and charging it would certainly begin to add up. Where they warned first - or was the policy explanation at check in considered a warning?

From what I understand your warning is when you sign your documents at check in after that you get charged.

 

[siobhan1997]

Siobham1997 where is there a problem with smoking in a non-smoking area?
tigercat

Look around its everywhere!!! Especially while driving company vehicles of any kind.

 

[damo]

Look around its everywhere!!! Especially while driving company vehicles of any kind.

Smoking in a company vehicle is very difficult to enforce as it is not often visible. As long as they enforce smoking in a restaurants, etc. I am good with it.

 

[squirrel]

I am very allergic to smoke (of any kind) and get asthma so bad that I have been rushed to the hospital by ambulance. I went to Mexico (first trip anywhere not Disney) and will never go back!

I'm very happy that there is one place I can relax and not be terrified that I will be in the hospital or dead. After my experience in Mexico, I will only go on vacation to Disney. That may change later, but for now I'm sticking with Disney.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I got this from another DVC forum I frequent and figured I would post it.

One of our members was talking to some other guests while out for a smoke. She was in the smoking section and was told by 2 other seperate guests that they were "caught" by survellince cameras ON THEIR BALCONYS and their rooms were charged $269 (including tax! what???? ) for smoking in a non-smoking area. The guests went to check their room charges and found it tacked on- I understand that one guest was given a $100 "credit" as he booked his trip prior to the non-smoking policy being enforced.

Sorry, but I don't believe this.

First - There is no way Disney would point a video camera even in the direction of a guest's room. Suppose the occupants drapes aren't competely closed and the video catches some unexpected shots. No way would Disney take that chance.

Second - This policy change just took effect. Virtually anyone staying on property booked before the policy change. Disney isn't doing anything more than warning people at this point.

Third - Disney said they would eventually charge a $50 cleaning fee (not a fine) if it was determined that a room had been smoked in.

We just spent a week at a Disney property 6/2 - 6/8 and there was no mention, no announcement, no leaflet, no nothing about the smoking policy change. The only reason I know about it is because I'm a DIS boarder. We asked them about the smoking policy change and they were unable to find a map to give us showing the smoking places. They had to show us a map on the wall.

Bottom line.... at this point there is no way someone got fined $269.

Don't get me wrong... I don't question your validity... just the origin of this tale.

 

[Lewisc]

Might be guests staying at the AKL. Smoking on the balconies has always been prohibited and they have cameras which look out on the balconies.

 

[OntFamily]

Sorry, but I don't believe this.

First - There is no way Disney would point a video camera even in the direction of a guest's room. Suppose the occupants drapes aren't competely closed and the video catches some unexpected shots. No way would Disney take that chance.

Second - This policy change just took effect. Virtually anyone staying on property booked before the policy change. Disney isn't doing anything more than warning people at this point.

Third - Disney said they would eventually charge a $50 cleaning fee (not a fine) if it was determined that a room had been smoked in.

We just spent a week at a Disney property 6/2 - 6/8 and there was no mention, no announcement, no leaflet, no nothing about the smoking policy change. The only reason I know about it is because I'm a DIS boarder. We asked them about the smoking policy change and they were unable to find a map to give us showing the smoking places. They had to show us a map on the wall.

Bottom line.... at this point there is no way someone got fined $269.

Don't get me wrong... I don't question your validity... just the origin of this tale.

Sorry -- Disney does have security cameras in soem resorts pointed at the rooms. At AKL you are notified at check in that any rooms overlooking the animals have security cameras aimed at the balcony. Also, there is a warning notice in each room (and advising you to keep the drapes closed for privacy).

Also, Disney has advised the room recovery fee is $250 - $500 USD

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/helpFAQ?id=HelpFAQSmokeFreePage

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Sorry -- Disney does have security cameras in soem resorts pointed at the rooms. At AKL you are notified at check in that any rooms overlooking the animals have security cameras aimed at the balcony. Also, there is a warning notice in each room (and advising you to keep the drapes closed for privacy).

Also, Disney has advised the room recovery fee is $250 - $500 USD

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/helpFAQ?id=HelpFAQSmokeFreePage

I stand corrected... Thanks for your enlightenment.

But, I still can't believe the cameras pointed at rooms. This can't be policy... Can it? Video cameras focused on guest rooms? Keep your drapes closed...? Maybe AKL is a special situation?

 

[Limmer]

I think it is done at AKL for the safety of the animals. They don't want people to try to feed the animals and make them sick.

 

[F4disneyfan]

I stand corrected... Thanks for your enlightenment.

But, I still can't believe the cameras pointed at rooms. This can't be policy... Can it? Video cameras focused on guest rooms? Keep your drapes closed...? Maybe AKL is a special situation?

The cameras are also used for security for mostly groundfloor rooms so if a room is broken into they may very well have gotten it on video. It just so happens they can also use it to catch smokers.

 

[debbiet1]

We were at Magic Kingdom April 2006 and my husband (the only smoker) decided to have a cigarette. At the time we didnt know there was designated smoke areas, as I dont smoke and try to get him to stop I never asked anyone. One of the Disney People came up to him nicely and told him that this wasnt a smoking area and gave him a paper that showed any area of the park he could smoke at. No fines no nothing just a polite conversation of where he could smoke with no problem.