smoking on the balconies

[WaltD4Me]

I think requests for smoking rooms are more popular than we realize. When I made my building requests for POFQ I requested building 4 or 5 purely for location, I didn't even KNOW one of the buildings was smoking! (I do smoke, but only outside)
The CSR asked me if I wanted a smoking room and when I said it didn't matter, I was told more than likely I would get building 4 because the smoking rooms fill up more quickly and if I didn't specifically want building 5 to have a smoking room, we would most likely be in building 4. My 1st priority really is a first floor room, so I told her whichever building they could put us in on the first floor was fine. Mostly because my mom has bad knees and doesn't like steps, but also because it's easier to slip outside to smoke away from the building.


Lisa

 

[Tigger Woods]

Originally posted by Bojangles
We had the same problem there. At a Holiday Inn or somewhere else it probably wouldn't be an issue, but at WDW we pay a premium for the location and view from our balcony.

I'm assuming those folks who are smoking on their balconies also paid a premium for the location and the view.

 

[floridagirrl2]

I appreciate the fact that you and your husband are so considerate! I am also an ex-smoker and I have to say I was pretty inconsiderate in my smoking days (of course, our culture and laws have changed since then--this was in the 70s and early 80s, back when you could smoke in workplaces and hospital rooms!).

I agree with the posters who say that smoking on the balcony of a non-smoking room is very tough on the non-smokers in rooms near you. I wonder if the shortage of smoking rooms is somewhat due to visitors from other countries?? My European and Asian friends say smoking is much more prevalent and accepted outside the USA.

 

[Kimberle]

If you are staying in the wings, just request a first floor room. They all have sliding doors to a small patio. He could just take a few steps outside, and I think everyone will be happy

 

[RoLaren]

If you're staying in the Contemporary wings, you can request a room in the South wing. Two of the three floors are smoking rooms, from what I understand.

What I don't understand is the good of sandwiching a non-smoking floor between two smoking floors...they should just make the whole south wing a smoking building! Don't know what the logic was with the resort there.

I applaud the smokers who want to be considerate. Those of us with serious lung issues appreciate it more than you know! Thank you!

If you're stuck in a non-smoking room, why not take a little stroll out away from the building and smoke on the grounds where it's more open? That way people have the option of just walking away if they are allergic to smoke/asthmatic, it won't effect their rooms.

Whether or not the people next door use the balcony, I can tell you that if you're smoking on the balcony connected to another non-smoking room, your neighbors can smell it inside their room. I know from experience.

If I'm in a guaranteed non-smoking room (one booked through special needs) it won't help much if the person next door smokes on the balcony. Smoke travels especially if the wind blows it toward your neighbor.

Putting it out in a can of water doesn't stop the smoke from the actual cigarette from traveling, as well as the smoke your DH exhales.

I know some people just don't like the smell of smoke. It wouldn't bother me, honestly, if it didn't interfere with my ability to breathe. So again thank you for being considerate and I urge those of you who smoke to think before you light up because so many kids with serious illnesses are around WDW (wish trips and all) and that is why I ask people to be careful that they only smoke in designated areas, especially at the resorts near where other people sleep. Two minutes to enjoy your cigarette in a non-smoking area could have big consequences for another family.

Kudos to the OP for caring!!!

 

[MandaPerry]

My husband smokes - I'm an ex-smoker. He never smokes in the room or on the balcony. In the morning he leaves the room and walks outside away from whatever hotel we are staying at for his cigarette. When we are in the parks - he only smokes in the areas that allow smoking. I have to say - I wasn't as considerate when I smoked. Sorry to all I offended.

Manda's Mom

 

[goofydad621]

Makes you wonder about Disneys enforcement of their "No smoking policies" Last time we were there we had requested a Smoking Room at Riverside "then Dixie landings" Every time I called I made sure that the res. had smoking room on it. When checking in I told them again we had requested a smoking room. When we got to our room there was a NO Smoking sign, no ash trays or matches. I called the front desk and told then the problem and the first thing I heard was "maybe it was a good time to quit" Or maybe we should "just smoke outside" which we usually did because of the kids. I told them no I was promised a smoking room and our vacation and that is what we wanted. They sent mouskeeping down with three ashtrays and told us to smoke in the room. Knowing what I know now I would have never lit up in that room, my wife and I both quit smoking 4 years ago and to be put in a room where people had smoked now would be very un-enjoyable for us. How they can tell people to go ahead and smoke in a room then book it out as a non smoking room is beyond me. Sorry for the rant, I need a happy thought oh yea I paid my deposit to Disney today YAAAaaa

 

[gottaluvdis]

This is a hot issue, but I really appreciate those smokers who go away from the building to smoke rather than do so on the balcony. We all know smoke travels to non-smoking areas. It's this way in most restaurants as well. On the Disney cruise back in May, we were hardly able to use our balcony due to heavy smokers next door. It really detracted from our enjoyment of the balcony. It's also very annoying when Disney (and other hotels) allow smokers to smoke in non-smoking rooms when smoking rooms aren't available. I didn't book POR this year for that very reason - it was obvious they had tried to "cover up" the smoking of a previous guest. Sometimes the chemicals/air fresheners used are worse than the smoke smell, but you can always tell someone smoked despite their best efforts. I had to take a smoking room at a Starwood resort recently, and never again will I do that. They offered an air cleaning machine that did nothing besides make a lot of noise. Again, I appreciate those of you who take the time to ask about where smoking is and isn't allowed, and especially those of you who choose to do so away from the building.

 

[DisneyMim]

threehearts I agree with you. We stay Poly concierge every year and the only thing I hate about the building is they allow smoking. I wish I didn't, but I get migraines when I am around smoke and when I get hit with a bad one I can be out for 2 days. Not fun when I am suppose to be having a good time. Now I realize a lot of people smoke, my own parents smoked, but I don't think people realize how offensive it is to some people. I can smell it a mile away. I have a very dear cousin who sends my kids cards and gifts every holiday and you can even smell it in her cards! Amazing. I always request a non-smoking room and have always gotten one, but last year at the Poly the people next doot smoked (a lot!) on their balcony so I wasn't able to sit out there and see my beloved castle. This was when concierge was in Tahiti. This past year we stayed in Hawaii again and had a second floor room. We were lucky and did not smell any smoke from above us, BUT I have to say I was very concerned when I walked around the Poly and saw many people smoking out on their balconies and on their lanais in buildings that I knew were non-smoking. And most of them had their balcony doors opened. Where did they think the smoke was going to go? I know this is a very hot issue and believe me I agree with smokers that they have every right to smoke just like I have every right to not. I honestly don't know how this can be solved, but being considerate is a step in the right direction.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I did hear a CM tell a man who was smoking on a bench that he could smoke on his balcony even if the building was non-smoking. The CMs should let people know what the policies are because I felt bad for the man if he followed the CMs advice and ended up bothering other people.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

Get a non smoking room for your family and just let DH smoke on the balcony.

Notice everyone is saying request a non-smoking/smoking ROOM? That is all you are paying for. There are no laws in the state of Florida about smoking outside. If someone comes out on to their balcony and you are already outside smoking, they can wait until you are done if they don't like the odor.

The only reason this is a hot topic is because some people want to infringe on the rights of others all the while whining about their rights.

There are desiganted smoking areas in the parks only. The only thing designated non-smoking at the resorts are public indoor areas and ROOMs. Not areas, not balconies and not buildings.

Being polite and considerate applies to everyone. Smoker vs. Non-smoker, Cusser vs. Non-cusser, deodorant wearer vs. Non-deodorant wearer, cell phone users, stroller users, backpack users, people screaming, and hardly dressed out of shape people. Just keep in mind that everyone wants to see and hear you about as much as you want to them.

FYI - my DS shouldn't be around smoke and we don't smoke but it's not my world, I only live in it!

 

[ckret01]

QueenOfCelts Well said!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hoping not to offend anyone.... a non-smoking room at a Disney Resort includes the balcony. As several others have mentioned, it is not always about odor, but medical reasons. For those with asthma, other allergies or medical conditions it is imperative for them to be smoke free - therefore they book a non-smoking room in a non-smoking buidling to be medically safe.

I don't think anyone on this board wants to offend another. This issue is not only about preference, but necessity.


It is too bad it's such a touchy topic.

Take care.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

Originally posted by BaciBecky
Hoping not to offend anyone.... a non-smoking room at a Disney Resort includes the balcony. As several others have mentioned, it is not always about odor, but medical reasons. For those with asthma, other allergies or medical conditions it is imperative for them to be smoke free - therefore they book a non-smoking room in a non-smoking buidling to be medically safe.

I don't think anyone on this board wants to offend another. This issue is not only about preference, but necessity.


It is too bad it's such a touchy topic.

Take care.

I just spoke the CM (sounded like Garden Rose was her name) at CRO who told me that the non-smoking room policy is for the ROOM only. Smoking on balconies is allowed as well as just stepping outside your room as long as you are outside. I said to her so if I am staying at the Contemporary in a non-smoking Tower room and I want a cigarette all I have to do is go outside on my balcony, and she replied yes, that's all. I said, Well, what if I am staying at the Pop Century and I have a non-smoking room, can I just step outside my door and smoke? And again, she said yes.

Not my opinion this time - I was told that by a WDW CM. Disagree if you want, but it is not going to stop.

No offense meant or taken.

BTW, I am not a smoker and I told the CM that when I asked my question.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by QueenOfCelts
I just spoke the CM (sounded like Garden Rose was her name) at CRO who told me that the non-smoking room policy is for the ROOM only. Smoking on balconies is allowed as well as just stepping outside your room as long as you are outside. I said to her so if I am staying at the Contemporary in a non-smoking Tower room and I want a cigarette all I have to do is go outside on my balcony, and she replied yes, that's all. I said, Well, what if I am staying at the Pop Century and I have a non-smoking room, can I just step outside my door and smoke? And again, she said yes.

Not my opinion this time - I was told that by a WDW CM. Disagree if you want, but it is not going to stop.

No offense meant or taken.

No offense but the CMs at CRO know nothing! Most don't even know that fridges are now free! Anyhow at the Poly the general manager will personally tell you that non smoking rooms include the balcony. I put up with an inconsiderate smoker one trip. Every time I opened the door to the balcony the smoke got sucked into the room. We like to spend a lot of time enjoying the views off our balcony and the last thing I am going to put up with is someone stinking it up. When I spoke to the GM about it he told me that I was to call him and he would personally come up to the offending room and make them move. I will not think twice about doing just that.

 

[Bojangles]

Originally posted by skiwee1
When I spoke to the GM about it he told me that I was to call him and he would personally come up to the offending room and make them move.

I will do that next time. I don't pay over $300/night not to be able to use my balcony due to chain smoking people in the non-smoking room next door.

 

[sweet angel]

How far in advance can you/should you request a smoking or non-smoking room? Is it something that can be done at check-in?

 

[Tinkbell]

Originally posted by alicenwonder99
Would they allow smoking on the balcony of a nonsmoking room?

I'm not going to tell you whether it's appropriate or not to smoke on the balcony, but I will tell you that it's allowed. I travel with a smoker who only smokes outdoors. I can tell you that at the GF and the BWI, we were told that it is acceptable.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

It goes to show that different CM have a different understanding!



So, we could go on all night. I just called the Poly and was told nonsmoking includes the balcony and that if I want to smoke to request a smoking room or smoking building,,...hmmm... I did not mention that I do not smoke.

I think all should take into consideration that there could be someone with a medical problem who has a non-smoking room to be able to breath. I cannot imagine anyone would want to put another in harms way just so they can smoke on the balcony of a non-smoking building. Seems non-smoking is pretty clear.

Take care.
Christine
9 days to Poly
(non-smoking )

 

[The Edge]

I think this is a case of Disney playing "The Customer is Always Right" game. They are telling people what they want to hear. We stayed at the Polynesian three years ago with my DW's parents. DW's father is an AVID cigar smoker. We requested a smoking location for him. When we arrived, we were told that smoking wasn't available, but my FIL was welcome to smoke on the patio since it was outdoors. God help the family who was next door to him! Nobody complained, and that's just what Disney is betting on. Keep everyone happy and hope that nobody bothers to complain if they are bothered by smoke. They probably tell non smokers that smoking is not allowed. At the same time, they tell smokers that it is acceptable.