Smoking on balconies

[wilma-bride]

OK, I just posted this on the DVC board (which is where I thought it belonged), only to have the thread locked and to be told to post over here. So here I am.

Am I right in thinking that smoking is no longer allowed in the rooms OR on balconies??? We have just returned from a 2-week stay at VWL and OKW. While at VWL, there were no problems but we were very disappointed that we were unable to enjoy an evening on our balcony at OKW because of people smoking on the balconies above and next to us. I was also quite surprised at the number of people who though it was OK to stand right next to the outside eating area at Olivia's and light up

Is there anything to be gained from reporting it - and who can it be reported to? Or am I being over-sensitive and these people are doing nothing wrong?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yes, you are correct.

It's too late now, but you should have at least tried notifying management. There are varying reports on what would be done - from nothing, to visiting the unit to remind the Guest of the smoking policy, to fining them.

Especially at OKW (and SSR) where, in addition to the multitudinous Designated Smoking Areas, smoking is permitted in front of each building, it's particularly inconsiderate to smoke on the balcony (and note, this thread may get closed too, if it becomes argumentative/heated/insulting, or turns inot a debate vs. simply informational).

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

You can report it to any CM you see if it really bothers you. I don't smoke, but unless someone is literally blowing smoke directly in my face, I could care less. That's just me.

 

[Luv2Roam]

We experienced the same at Contemp earlier this year. And I am pretty sure there were different smokers on different balconies.
The plus side is we were two couples with connecting rooms. So when one balcony was stinking from a smoker below, we switched balconies until that one stunk too. However, we were at the point of thinking of dumping water onto the balcony below us. But I would call the front desk and complain before doing that.
Had we been there more than one night I certainly would have reported it. But unless they know exactly which room, I am not sure what they could do. I doubt anyone is going to admit to it as then they would be paying an extra $250. Which still does not help those around the smokers.
But I think this is an issue Disney should be made aware of since they initiated all rooms be non-smoking, and now smokers are just stinking up their immediate area and the balconies above them.
I mentioned this in the on-line survey I rec'd shortly after our stay.

 

[SnowWitch]

At POR they would step out of their rooms and light up. You could see where guests had put out their cigs on the hand rails, real classy!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Since smoking is not allowed on the balconies at OKW, you should have contacted the front desk immediately. The people who were smoking could have been fined for doing so. As for the smoking at Olivia's, again, if you had walked over to the Hospitality House and informed them immediately, they might have done something immediately.

It appears there are considerate smokers who use the designated areas and inconsiderate smokers who smoke wherever they wish.

 

[ChelleinNC]

OK, I just posted this on the DVC board (which is where I thought it belonged), only to have the thread locked and to be told to post over here. So here I am.

Am I right in thinking that smoking is no longer allowed in the rooms OR on balconies??? We have just returned from a 2-week stay at VWL and OKW. While at VWL, there were no problems but we were very disappointed that we were unable to enjoy an evening on our balcony at OKW because of people smoking on the balconies above and next to us. I was also quite surprised at the number of people who though it was OK to stand right next to the outside eating area at Olivia's and light up

Is there anything to be gained from reporting it - and who can it be reported to? Or am I being over-sensitive and these people are doing nothing wrong?

I'm surprised that when your thread was closed they didn't send you to http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1482684 The Smoking DSA's at Resorts thread

You are correct about the rooms & balconies, no smoking allowed for either. As for next to the outside eating area at Olivia's, I don't know because I haven't looked at a DSA map for there. It may be that the DSA is located right there, and while you can blame management for putting it there, you can't blame the smokers who follow the rules and smoke in the Designated Smoking Area.

 

[missycj96]

We had a situation at POP last October where an entire family put chairs out in front of their room on the walkway and sat and smoked so to get to the stairs we had to walk through their smoke. I told them that it was no smoking and they said "no its not." So I went to the front desk and told them what happened. I saw someone come by on a segway to check on it soon after I complained but he didn't do or say anything to them and just rode away. I ultimately changed my room. We ended up with a great room in a great location but I was really surprised that when I told the other guests they wouldn't change their behavior - I feel like most people are polite and would apologize or something. I was also disappointed that it was not enforced. I feel like for the all no smoking room situations to work, the rules need to be enforced. Because the reality is that people do smoke. So if the rules are not enforced, the non-smokers are better off with set smoking rooms so the situation I described wouldn't happen.

 

[gardenia]

I'm surprised that when your thread was closed they didn't send you to http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1482684 The Smoking DSA's at Resorts thread

That thread isn't a place for non-smokers at all - it's a place for smokers to complain about the rules and discuss ways to cheat and circumvent them. Why they even allow that thread to exist is BEYOND me!

 

[ChelleinNC]

I'm surprised that when your thread was closed they didn't send you to http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1482684 The Smoking DSA's at Resorts thread

That thread isn't a place for non-smokers at all - it's a place for smokers to complain about the rules and discuss ways to cheat and circumvent them. Why they even allow that thread to exist is BEYOND me!

Wow, didn't think I would strike a nerve by referring to the thread that smoking discussions are supposed to take place

For the record, I've seen smokers & non-smokers on that thread and they're generally very nice & polite. Most would not encourage "cheating & circumventing the rules" because they don't want to lose all privileges of what is a legal activity.

 

[tiger4me2]

The Mousekeepers can & should report it so the smoker or smokers can be fine. I was at the Yacht Club sitting out on the balcony & the person in next room was out on his balcony smoking. Didn't say anything but call front desk who told me I had no proof. I went out on my balcony & hung a towel on the railing & then went outside & took a picture. Took my camera to front desk & ask proof enough? Then they did something about it.

 

[Sammie]

The Mousekeepers can & should report it so the smoker or smokers can be fine. I was at the Yacht Club sitting out on the balcony & the person in next room was out on his balcony smoking. Didn't say anything but call front desk who told me I had no proof. I went out on my balcony & hung a towel on the railing & then went outside & took a picture. Took my camera to front desk & ask proof enough? Then they did something about it.

One problem is when you "called" the Front Desk, you don't get the front desk, you get the Disney Call center and they don't care about the problems and many are not even at Disney World.

When you took the photo to the "Front Desk" then you are speaking to someone who does care about that resort and its guests.

Never, ever call the Front Desk, go down and talk to them in person for any problems.

 

[tiger4me2]

One problem is when you "called" the Front Desk, you don't get the front desk, you get the Disney Call center and they don't care about the problems and many are not even at Disney World.

When you took the photo to the "Front Desk" then you are speaking to someone who does care about that resort and its guests.

Never, ever call the Front Desk, go down and talk to them in person for any problems.

Learn something new each time Of course I could have taken the route of knocking next door or leaning over balcony railings & tell the guy put your ****out or something else will be missing Or throwing a ice bucket of water over saying opps I thought there was a fire on your balcony from all that much smoke Thanks

 

[alldiz]

The Mousekeepers can & should report it so the smoker or smokers can be fine. I was at the Yacht Club sitting out on the balcony & the person in next room was out on his balcony smoking. Didn't say anything but call front desk who told me I had no proof. I went out on my balcony & hung a towel on the railing & then went outside & took a picture. Took my camera to front desk & ask proof enough? Then they did something about it.

Did you tell the person that the smoke was bothering you and that this was non smoking. If you didn't seems like a lot of trouble to play "CSI" while on vacation
Kerri

 

[brittsmum1998]

Didn't read the whole thread so don't know if this has been mentioned but there is a designated smoking area outside the doors of Olivias which lead to the back walkway right next to the gurgling suitcase. I smoke and had complained to dh that I really didn't like that area 'cause its too "out there". I was smoking while families were eating which I would've NEVER done except that is the only smoking area near the pool.

 

[Tink888]

I'm surprised that when your thread was closed they didn't send you to http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1482684 The Smoking DSA's at Resorts thread

That thread isn't a place for non-smokers at all - it's a place for smokers to complain about the rules and discuss ways to cheat and circumvent them. Why they even allow that thread to exist is BEYOND me!

I didn't read through the entire 38 pages, but I did read through at least 10 pages and I didn't read anything where smokers were trying to break the rules. I'm a non-smoker but honestly why SHOULDN'T smokers have a thread. Aren't these boards for everyone to discuss everything Disney? As long as people respect eachother's opinions, I think they have every right to have a thread on this board.

As for the OP's question, I think the policy is that you are not allowed to smoke on the balconies and if there is a behavior that is truly bothering you then yes, you should speak to someone about it.

I've found that on my vacations, I try to give folks the benefit of the doubt (maybe the person didn't realize they couldn't smoke out there) and I try to be a tolerant of everyone (smokers, drinkers, strollers that bang my legs, people cutting in front of me, too much perfume, unruly kids, etc) and I tend to have a much nicer vacation that way. JMO

 

[bnba2]

I'm surprised that when your thread was closed they didn't send you to http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1482684 The Smoking DSA's at Resorts thread

That thread isn't a place for non-smokers at all - it's a place for smokers to complain about the rules and discuss ways to cheat and circumvent them. Why they even allow that thread to exist is BEYOND me!

I checked out that thread too and found the vast majority of folks just wanting to know where they can smoke...and "Why they even allow that thread to exist..." it is to provide information about Disneyworld....pretty simple basically...I am surprised it is beyond you to understand...it also suggests ways, as well as execute means, that non-smokers can communicate their desire to not be infringed upon by second hand smoke if they are bothered by it....and dont forget not all non-smokers are rabid ex-smokers!! lol

As a non-smoker I hate it when other non-smokers make us all look like intollerant and agenda driven **insert obvious choice of words here**

bnba2

 

[brittsmum1998]

I didn't read through the entire 38 pages, but I did read through at least 10 pages and I didn't read anything where smokers were trying to break the rules. I'm a non-smoker but honestly why SHOULDN'T smokers have a thread. Aren't these boards for everyone to discuss everything Disney? As long as people respect eachother's opinions, I think they have every right to have a thread on this board.

As for the OP's question, I think the policy is that you are not allowed to smoke on the balconies and if there is a behavior that is truly bothering you then yes, you should speak to someone about it.

I've found that on my vacations, I try to give folks the benefit of the doubt (maybe the person didn't realize they couldn't smoke out there) and I try to be a tolerant of everyone (smokers, drinkers, strollers that bang my legs, people cutting in front of me, too much perfume, unruly kids, etc) and I tend to have a much nicer vacation that way. JMO

I wish more people vacationed like you do...I bet you would be a nice neighbor too. Very well put

 

[tiger4me2]

Did you tell the person that the smoke was bothering you and that this was non smoking. If you didn't seems like a lot of trouble to play "CSI" while on vacation
Kerri

Yes I did mention to him but he told me to f*#37 off so not going to get into with someone with an attitude. it was my vacation as well. Darn right I played CSI if you want to call it that Rules are there to be enforced if not them why have them? MHO.

 

[alldiz]

Yes I did mention to him but he told me to f*#37 off so not going to get into with someone with an attitude. it was my vacation as well. Darn right I played CSI if you want to call it that Rules are there to be enforced if not them why have them? MHO.

Well then you had good reason....I'm glad you gave the other person the opportunity to do the right thing, looks like he/she was rude and you had no other choice
Kerri