Smoking & stroller wagons banned May 1!

[Tinkerbell19672]

I love these new rules. Hate walking through the smoking areas and the size of strollers/wagons is out of control. When did it become a thing to haul so much crap around? I might be in the majority but it’s unneccessary IMO. What’s wrong with taking a break from the parks to nap or get food or whatever. Don’t need to carry your whole house around.

 

[azdisneylover]

I love these new rules. Hate walking through the smoking areas and the size of strollers/wagons is out of control. When did it become a thing to haul so much crap around? I might be in the majority but it’s unneccessary IMO. What’s wrong with taking a break from the parks to nap or get food or whatever. Don’t need to carry your whole house around.

Well said!

 

[starry_solo]

I agree, I am not a smoker but my husband is, despite trying to quit many times. He has been a heavy smoker for the last 35years since he was 15.
He always trys to be courteous and never smokes where he's not allowed to. He never smokes inside even when it is allowed - we travel to Bali a lot and they are very lax with their rules there, still very much the done thing to smoke in restaurants etc.. around other diners. He wouldn't do that though out of respect to others, myself and the kids who don't smoke.
I read the property rules for Disney - it only states smoking will be banned in the parks, esplanade and DTD. No mention of it being banned at the hotels so assumably they will still have their one or two allocated smoking areas.
Also doesn't mention not being able to bring cigarettes into the parks. I think they will probably still be allowed but CM's will just enforce the no-smoking rules as they do now.
I see both sides, I think they should be able to find some out of the way area for smokers to do their thing but not impact other guests. I agree that where they are situated now, like on Big Thunder Trail, does impact other guests and also when it was down near ROA.
In our experience they did a much better job of the smoking locations when we were at USF - they were more out of the way and didn't seem to impact other guests that I noticed.
I will read up the latest info on the Disney website as to where the allocated smoking areas are and my husband will follow those rules as he always does.

Probably the quickest place to go to is Grand Californian Hotel so hopefully you have hoppers that you can go to DCA and then out the back entrance of the Grand!

 

[DznyPrnces]

I don’t want to start a debate, but it’s not always possible to go back to a hotel for a nap. Many of Disneyland’s guests are locals. And I’m not talking APs, I mean people who live near by and go for the day once or twice a year. They don’t have a hotel to go back to.

For me personally, I live in Colorado, but I used to be local. When we go to CA, we stay with my parents who live about 30/40 minutes away. Leaving for naps was not an option. My kids napped in their strollers. There were a few years where I rented a double stroller (the city mini), which fits within the new smaller requirements.

Just food for thought.

 

[piccolopat]

Maybe Disney can add a new Sleeping Beauty land within Fantasyland. In it there will be small sleeping rooms that can be reserved for in-park naps (adults or children). FP+ may be needed.

 

[BecAus]

Probably the quickest place to go to is Grand Californian Hotel so hopefully you have hoppers that you can go to DCA and then out the back entrance of the Grand!

Thank you for your kind and very helpful response.

That is what I was thinking too. We are actually staying at GCH Villas through a DVC rental agreement for the first time. I'd already read through all the rules and looked up the smoking areas as I'd explained to my husband that we are actually 'guests' of the DVC owner and we have to make SURE we are not doing anything to jeopardise their agreement. I was thinking GCH from DCA and either that or Harbor from DL. If he's desperate enough, he'll have to work something out. I'll be happy to take myself on Soarin', PoC or HM whilst he's off sorting himself out

 

[WonkaKid]

I don't think they're going to ban people from
bringing in tobacco products or vapes. They aren't illegal in and of themselves.

Yes, that's true and it's a good point. But glass bottles, selfie sticks and picnic lunches aren't illegal either and guests aren't allowed to bring those in.

 

[Kender]

I think this is the quickest response I've ever gotten, haha!

Thank you for contacting the Disneyland Resort Online Support

That was the hope with these policy changes, to improve Guest experience overall! These policy changes were made to ensure that all of our Guests receive an optimal experience.

We hope to see you again sometime soon!

Have a Magical day!

As mentioned earlier, I thanked them and said why the changes will have a positive effect for me personally. This also feels not as stock response as I've gotten in the past. Still a little like stock, but not as stock, haha! I like it

 

[agamble]

Any comments/opinions I shared about the new smoking policy were not intended to be polarizing--or start a debate on the dangers or pitfalls of smoking (which I think are pretty much undisputed), I try to post without coming across as condescending or judgmental, I wish all did the same.

So in response to some comments: I don't think this change in policy is the same as asking those wishing to picnic to enjoy the picnic area outside the parks - those folks don't have to leave Disney property altogether. Every airport I've been to one simply has to go outdoors, again they don't have to leave the airport property.

I grew up in the 70's and was subjected to plenty of secondhand smoke and am thankful times have changed and the many regulations in regards to smoking in public places have taken place, but apparently I'm in the minority that I feel like the people who do still smoke should continue to be a afforded a place to do so, especially in theme parks the size of Disney Parks after 64 years of smoking being permitted. I mean with all the amazing, magical attractions Disney imagineers come up with it seems it wouldn't be that difficult to create at least one teeny, tiny spot inside their property that does not seemingly villianize/penalize their smoking guests AND that causes the least effect on the non-smoking guests. ALL Disney guests are contributing A LOT of money to be in the parks. The parks are not always easy and quick to get in/out of and now by having to leave there are going to be times they won't be able to get back in because the park will be at capacity.

It seems like all the "particulars" are not yet spelled out, so some questions are yet unanswered. Is there going to be a "designated area" or is that pretty much going to be the entire Disney perimeter? Maybe I'm envisioning a worse scenario than will actually play out, but it would seem to me that this policy would create a more concentrated area of smokers (subjecting those walking to and from Harbor Hotels (for example) walking in and out of plumes of smoke to enter the parks, and the non-smokers won't really have an option to avoid that if they want to enter the park. For me, I'd rather know there are two areas inside the park that I can avoid (if I chose to) or just quickly walk through that area. I don't know, maybe the new policy will be better (for non-smokers) and not that disruptive to the smokers, but maybe not.

Also, not addressed, so assume it is not the case, but that could be coming down the line--will cigarettes or vapes will be forbidden to be brought into the park altogether? If so, then again those Disney smoking guests will have to make the long haul back to hotel, car, store, etc. for their breaks. At WDW -- well that would be even more difficult and seemingly not really viable. From a business perspective I am not sure that sending your guests completely OUTSIDE the park (where they aren't spending their money with you - especially if they can't get back in) seems like the best scenario.

I guess this is as good a time as any for a Disney lover who smokes to quit - which I am sure is not easy and yet it seems so simple and cut and dried for us non-smokers -- regardless, I don't think it is up to me (or anyone else) to pass judgment. Personally the rude, classless, arrogant guests we occasionally encounter at the parks bother me far more than either of the smoking areas ever have, but that is a whole other discussion.

I agree with your general sentiments. I am not a smoker, but my mother used to be. It took her many years to quit even after having part of a lung removed in her 40s. Then she was on the nicotine gum for years before finally getting to just regular gum. It will be nice to not have smoky walk ways. However I think it is unfortunate that they will not even have a smoking area in the esplanade. The idea that people will have to exit security and re-enter is a bit harsh and time consuming. I don't expect them to ban cigarettes through security as it was said they would have a smoke zone outside of security and at the hotels.

 

[lcp9]

Man, for a theme park that is ultimately about the fantasies of kids, there is a lot of smugness regarding the new stroller rule and what seems like thinly veiled disgust about children at the parks. I suspect the dimensions aren’t going to affect 99.9% of strollers outside of wagons because they definitely accounted for the biggest doubles on the market. I can’t remember which poster was talking about his little kid with naps, but FWIW we have a double chariot that has a bench seat instead of bucket seats, and we’ve had 3 kids simultaneously napping in that and it’s worked.

As for “well just go back to your hotel for naps” - what exactly are people supposed to do when you have two adults, 4 kids under 7 - so no kids can ride alone - 3 over 40” - and a 4 month old that needs naps? We all twiddle our thumbs in the hotel room while the baby sleeps all day? We probably should just not come to Disneyland at all, right? Kind of ridiculous advice, and the reality is there will always be strollers, and children, at Disneyland so it’s best to just have a positive attitude and have the best trip you can instead of worrying about everyone else.

eta I have no opinion about the wagons bc we don’t have one and I didn’t see any on our last trip (November.)

 

[Indiana Scott]

I don't think anyone here has any hatred towards smokers or kids. However, I understand how strong a habit can be and I fear some smokers will "sneak" a smoke here and there in a weak moment. Nothing worse than walking into a cloud of it when you least expect it.
As for the oversized stroller wagons, it seems to be a case of giving someone an inch and them taking a mile. Those strollers are just too big for the parks, especiallly when loaded down with stuff hanging off every direction. It's not about the kids, of which the parks would be nothing without IMHO. It's about simply taking up too much space in narrow walkways, stores, etc.

 

[Howry]

So happy about these changes. Hated having to walk through the clouds of smoke.

I'm also happy with the stroller changes. I wish they would have gone further but I will take what I can get.

I think the next step you will see them take is that they will ban all outside strollers and only have rental strollers available but that will be down the road.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I think the next step you will see them take is that they will ban all outside strollers and only have rental strollers available but that will be down the road.

I'm not sure that's will ever really happen. I mean, I think it's a good idea, but they'd have to have really good rental strollers.

 

[LizzyS]

The thing about second-hand smoke is that it's harmful to people who are not personally choosing that habit, so although I'm sympathetic to those with an addiction, I also don't want to breathe in second-hand smoke, either. At least nicotine gum is an option these days, right? Could smokers use the gum instead of smoking for a day at the parks and satisfy that craving?

On the stroller/wagon limitations, people always seem to push the limits on things like this. Every time I fly, someone is dragging on a "carry-on" that will either just barely fit in the overhead bin or it has to be checked at the last minute because it's absolutely too large. Parents of small children definitely need more room, but people will take advantage and go overboard, so I'm sure that's why they're enforcing the rules now. Bringing in enormous strollers or wagons is a really inconsiderate thing, especially at DLR, which has such small pathways.

 

[HydroGuy]

which is why a majority of people stay close to the parks.

I do not think that is true. My understanding is that the majority of DLR visitors are day trippers from SoCal. Like 70%. Most of them do not have the option to go back for a nap. Not saying I support the wagons or ginormous strollers. I do not. Just saying that the majority of visitors do not have that option.

 

[cinnaminny]

The Wagon strollers at Disneyland during SWGE summer would have been a real headache.

 

[HydroGuy]

I grew up in the 70's and was subjected to plenty of secondhand smoke and am thankful times have changed and the many regulations in regards to smoking in public places have taken place, but apparently I'm in the minority that I feel like the people who do still smoke should continue to be a afforded a place to do so, especially in theme parks the size of Disney Parks after 64 years of smoking being permitted. I mean with all the amazing, magical attractions Disney imagineers come up with it seems it wouldn't be that difficult to create at least one teeny, tiny spot inside their property that does not seemingly villianize/penalize their smoking guests AND that causes the least effect on the non-smoking guests. ALL Disney guests are contributing A LOT of money to be in the parks. The parks are not always easy and quick to get in/out of and now by having to leave there are going to be times they won't be able to get back in because the park will be at capacity.

I agree with you 100%. Frankly I think it is a detestable habit. I am not a smoker and never have been. My father was. My sons are, which is a huge disappointment to me, and have since switched to vapes. But it seems Disney could make smoking work. I have never been bothered by the smoking areas inside the parks in recent years. All my kids like to go to Disney parks with me. This may change their minds.

 

[Michele King]

My kids are bigger now, but we came all the time when they were little. I had a rather large single stroller when my daughter was little. It was a pain. When my son was born, I switched to a much lighter weight, smaller, umbrella-folded double stroller (It was a Maclaren brand). It was so easy to use and travel with. It folded fast and small for when I got onto the tram. It lowered nearly flat to allow my child to nap in it. I loved it for Disney. It was so easy to steer and maneuver around the crowds. When my daughter outgrew strollers, I then bought my son a single of the same type because it was so easy to use at Disney.

I guess I don't understand that need for big strollers and wagons. I would guess that these parents haven't actually tried to use a smaller stroller. Kids really don't need a wagon to sleep. When they get tired, they will sleep just about anywhere. A smaller stroller works fine. Our kids would fall asleep in the stroller and my husband and I would find a nice park bench and just wait for them to wake up.
I think a lot of parents will find that they are really okay using a smaller stroller. It won't really impact their experience.

As far as the smoking, I am a non-smoker and have a kid with mild asthma, so I am glad that they are banning it. I hated smelling it on the BTMRR, which is one of my favorite rides. It ruined that experience for me. But I also feel some sympathy for the smokers. It is a hard addiction to quit. I do wish there was somewhere outside the parks, but still within the security area, that they could go. Maybe set up an area with heavy duty filtration. Still glad it's not in the parks.

 

[Astylla]

I hate to bring this side of things up but the whole wagons started being allowed because one person decided to push the boundaries so others did and it became a domino effect.

I work with the public on my job and regardless of the rules posted that must be adhered to by everyone , there's always multiple people an hour with an excuse why it shouldn't apply to them.
It.comes down to entitlement, and its really unfair to assume anyone is more deserving than another. In this case I hear alot of " Well I have xyz # of kids so I need it " , need and want are two different things. You want it because it makes things easier for YOU , however it impacts everyone else from the CM that wants to enforce the rule but knows if they try in the current state of things they will hear the excuse of " But the other guests did it so why can't I " , to the other guests from all different walks of life who have to avoid them. Also consider the space it must take in the stroller parking sections. To be quite honest Disney doesn't have to allow anything they don't want to as a private company and I believe some foreign theme parks they have don't allow strollers at all.

While I do believe that the enforcement of the rule of no wagons which has been listed for ages regardless of push/pull ability should have been followed, it now leaves no loopholes.
If we all followed the rules and didnt expect special treatment just because its Disney or just because of reasons like " I paid so.much I deserve to have my way " attitudes things would be so.much better for everyone .

I get yelled at my job on a daily basis for enforcing federal regulations for example but regardless of the reasoning these rules are in place for a reason. Without enforcement there would be nothing but complaints of why didnt you do more , so basically Disney is damned if you do damned if you don't. At some point they had to look at the overall picture and do something. Every new rule and regulation regardless whe fr e it is was implemented because something influenced the need for it.

 

[Nonsuch]

...We are actually staying at GCH Villas through a DVC rental agreement for the first time. I'd already read through all the rules and looked up the smoking areas as I'd explained to my husband that we are actually 'guests' of the DVC owner and we have to make SURE we are not doing anything to jeopardise their agreement. I was thinking GCH from DCA and either that or Harbor from DL. If he's desperate enough, he'll have to work something out. I'll be happy to take myself on Soarin', PoC or HM whilst he's off sorting himself out

DH can exit DCA into GCH and walk through the hotel to the official smoking area at the front of the hotel, actually not very far. There is also is (or has been) a smoking patio outside the Napa Rose Lounge, which is very close to the DCA entrance -- perhaps this will eliminated with the new rules.

VGC guests often smoke near the barbecues. I have only seen the barbecues used a few times, but see smokers every visit.