To all smokers and non-smokers

[kathleena]

Another state heard from. We have had no-smoking laws in Maine for years. Everytime I go out of state I am painfully reminded of how much cleaner our air is here. As a DVC BoardWalk owner, I can't even go in and enjoy Jelly Rolls. Not that ownership should allow it, but just that it is my favorite area so I am denied that experience because of the smoke.

I quit smoking 13 years ago after 18 years of it. I am now 50, I have asthma with various breathing problems and found out recently that I am a carrier for a gene that makes me pre-disposed to emphysema. Basically, people with two genes almost always develop the disease even without smoking and people with one gene (like me) have a 100% chance of developing it if they do smoke. And even if we don't smoke, we are still at risk of lung damage.

For this reason, I consider second hand smoke to be hazardous to my life. If I even walk through smoke, it triggers an asthma attack.

I wrote to Disney in May and I will every May. I hope you will join me. May is allergy and asthma awareness month and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (that gene I mentioned) awareness. I wrote to thank them for the smoking areas, to tell them about Alpha-1 and to ask them to please enforce the non-smoking policy more. I received a very nice phone call.

Disney takes letters from quests very seriously. Definately write to them. They figure if 100 people take the time to write, how many more are there with the same opinion who don't write?

Having said all of this - I still do respect everyone's individual choice to smoke. I would never suggest to ban it from the parks altogether, but it must be banned from indoor areas to protect the health of people who suffer from lung disease.

Alpha-1 deficiency is more common than cystic fibrosis, but it is far less known and diagnosed. Does anyone else here know their Alpha-1 status? There are estimated to be over 25 million people in the US who are carriers. And if you are of Scandinavian descent, you are in the highest incidence group. These smoking laws may mean more to you and your family than you think.

Thanks for letting me tell my story in this thread.

 

[Tigger Woods]

If I even walk through smoke, it triggers an asthma attack.

Be sure to avoid all fireworks displays at Disney World, especially Illuminations. The smoke is very thick and lingers for hours. Also, avoid the campfire at Wilderness Lodge. Very smoky ..

 

[HeatherPage]

This is great news. Unfortunately, I live in N.C. also and since this is major tobacco country, I have a feeling that there won't be a law like that here in a long time, if ever. My m-i-l smokes and it is a great bone of contention everytime she visits. She doesn't dare smoke in the house, but when she comes back inside after smoking she stinks up the place and rarely washes her hands like I've asked her too (for when she goes and handles my 20 month old). Though she always points out that she washes her hands to us (I think the smoking has affected her memory). Anyways, maybe one day she'll get tired of my dirty looks toward her every time she goes out to smoke...I can hope can't I?

P.S. She lives in Florida, so maybe the new law will make her cut down some.

 

[peachgirl]

It really doesn't seem like all that big a change, at least as far as the resorts go. I had thought that smoking in the lobby had been off limits for a long time. They're not reducing the number of smoking optional rooms and they'll still have the smoking areas in the parks and outside the resorts.

There are some changes to DTD/Pleasure Island and the Boardwalk but I don't see much to get all that thrilled or upset about. Smokers will still be able to smoke and non-smokers can still avoid coming in contact with it. Sounds fair to me.

 

[baloo722]

I'm a non-smoker who is sick & tired of government telling private businesses what they can allow & cannot allow when it comes to a legal activity. It is a joke. If there was such a big market for non-smoking establishments, wouldn't they have sprung up everywhere? People, we keep giving away our freedoms a little at a time, & before you know it, they're all gone....(ever hear of the patriot act?)

 

[mrssalvaggio]

I'm all for making sure that the government doesn't infringe upon our rights. However, this is such a touchy subject. My Grandfather died much too soon as a result of smoking, and now my Mom has emphysema at age 55. My DH and I smoked until I got pregnant 14 years ago. I always said I wasn't addicted, just enjoyed it. I wouldn't quit for my own health though. It has only been in recent years that we realize second hand smoke is more than an annoyance. If that second hand smoke contributes to someone developing a fatal disease or an asthma attack that results in death, then isn't THEIR RIGHT to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness taken away?? I do believe for many it is an addiction as bad as heroin. Recently we took a long flight to Alaska and their was an elderly woman puffing on this white plastic thing that at first glance reminded me of a Vic's inhaler. She explained her doctor gave them to her to administer the nicotine. I don't know if it was any more healthy for her, but at least there was no second hand smoke. BTW, young children of smoker's are not able to "avoid" the smoking section.

 

[baloo722]

once again. I have no problem with a private company instituting a no-smoking policy, the government needs nto stay out of telling a private business that they cannot allow a legal activity.

 

[mep319]

The government tells us to wear seatbelts, helmets, not to drive when drinking and not to use other, what they consider, and more dangerous drugs. It is unfortunate when people can't make the wiser decisions for themselves and the government has to get involved. The tobacco interest in this country has managed to mass market a DRUG that is just as addictive as heroine and sell it for years on grocery store shelves. I watch my father puffing away as he slowly dies from lung disease....and the person I worry about most is my mother, a non smoker, who has breath in his second hand smoke for over 33 years. What effects will it have on her? What rights to do the people who have been exposed to this toxic air for years have? If the government can finally step up and start to do what it should have done years ago then BRAVO! In fact, they need to do more and have a long way to go. I'm sure what I've said will cause enough controversy, so I guess I will stop here. I say way to go Florida and Disney. I can only hope Pennsylvania will follow.

 

[baloo722]

The government was established for people to govern themselves, through their own choices. I'm for the legalization of drugs, no seatbelt/helmet laws...noo dui checkpoints. I don't need a mommy. I already have one. The government needs to stay out of the lives of the citizens. People are mindless drones expecting the government to make all of their decisions. is your father a mindless drone, or did he chose to smoke? his choice, his consequences. your mother chose to stay with him. her relationship was more important than her health. she chose. Pa probably will follow with that moron rendell in office! so sad....

 

[Mskanga]

I'm for the legalization of drugs, no seatbelt/helmet laws...noo dui checkpoints.

So when a drunk driver hits poor John Doe and kills him , and the drunk driver gets away with a scratch, who do we blame? You know the drunk driver is going to do it again, but if he can get caught on a dui checkpoint, it may save someone's life, including his/hers.
I somewhat agree to the legalization of drugs, as long as it's controlled and for medical reasons, not for pleasure.

I wish the government would ban cigarettes, I don't smoke but dh does and he knows how I feel about it.

 

[mep319]

I'm certainly not going to argue with baloo722 b/c obviously it would be quite pointless. To call someone's parent a mindless drone is certainly way below the belt and I won't even stoop to that level. I'm sure you have no mindless drones in your family. I won't even try to have civilized conversation with someone who has to be insulting just to get his point across.

 

[DrTomorrow]

baloo, I agree with you 100%, but things look gloomy. Personal freedom and responsibility are on life support, and each new government "We know what's best for you" edict takes them closer to the grave.

Now, if Disney had done this, I'd applaud - if I didn't like their policy, I could go elsewhere. But since Nanny Sam says I can't, I out of luck.

Note: I'm a confirmed never-smoked of two puffing parents.

 

[Tigger Woods]

she stinks up the place and rarely washes her hands like I've asked her too

Wow, do you spray her down with Lysol, too?

BTW, young children of smoker's are not able to "avoid" the smoking section

There are no smoking sections inside Florida's restaurants.

They're not reducing the number of smoking optional rooms and they'll still have the smoking areas in the parks and outside the resorts.

Exactly. Florida enacted a partial smoking ban last year. This is old news, for the most part.

Thanks for letting me tell my story in this thread

Thanks for asking.

There are hundreds of buses and watercraft spitting out toxic fumes all over Disney World, much more of a health risk than getting a whiff of some poor schmuck's cigarette. If you are in fragile health, your best bet is to stay home.

 

[eeyore0062]

There are smoking areas in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, as well, but they aren't heeded... everyone just walks along with their cigerettes trailing smoke behind them. I am just waiting for some poor unsuspecting kid to get burnt.

I am very disappointed that Jellyrolls won't be non smoking, if that is true, because I have been waiting to go there, and can't as long as the smoking remains.

 

[Mrs.A]

YIKES I THINK THIS HAS TURNED INTO A DEBATE MORE THAN ANYTHING. KING GOOFY WAS JUST LETTING EVERYONE KNOW THE NEW LAW PASSED AT DISNEY SO EVERYONE "SMOKING' OR "NON-SMOKING" WOULD BE PREPARED WHEN THEY WERE VISITING DW.

 

[Tigger Woods]

I am very disappointed that Jellyrolls won't be non smoking, if that is true, because I have been waiting to go there, and can't as long as the smoking remains.

Obviously, Jellyrolls made a business decision. If a large number of their patrons smoke, they'd be foolish to do otherwise. Perhaps you could lobby for a 'Non-Smoking Night' there.

YIKES I THINK THIS HAS TURNED INTO A DEBATE MORE THAN ANYTHING

I have never seen a 'Smoking' topic that didn't deteriorate into a lot of mudslinging. There are a lot of people with agendas when it comes to smoking.

 

[mrssalvaggio]

I agree that private business should be motivated by the will of the people. I remember when McD's corp. made the decision to go smoke-free. A year ago we moved from a small town near Springfield, MO to Raleigh, NC. I recently read in USA Today that a city ordinance has banned smoking in most restaurant in Springfield, MO. I don't know the details of the law, but one owner of a place called Ziggies opened a new restaurant across the street called Ciggies for those wanting to smoke with their meal. At first glance most people would say fair enough and what a smart business owner. Then I think about the infants and young children that will be taken into this establishment and it makes me sad. I taught first grade for several years and teachers come to easily recognize students whose parents smoke. Not just by the smell, but so many of them have that awful telltale cough. I taught in a small, rural school and knew these parents. They were good people and in my heart I don't believe any of them thought they were seriously endangering their children. Laws are passed by representatives we elect, with the hope they will do what the people want. I don't want government officials voting for what they think is right or in our best interest if it's not what the people really want. I don't think smoking should be illegal (it wouldn't work anyway). God has given us free will and we are blessed to live in a country that strives to enable us to live with as much freedom as possible, but there is a great responsibility that comes along with it. After 9-11 we have lost some of that. Our DD(13) will be flying alone form KC, MO to Raleigh in a couple weeks. United Airlines told us my Mom could not take her to the gate because of 9-11, but we could pay an extra $60 for someone to escort her. Southwest said my Mom could get a pass at the ticket counter, as we could also for her arrival, that would allow her to go to the gate with our DD. I thought D*** United for finding a way to make money off of a tragedy, and at the expense of our children (sorry to my MIL who retired from United and things they're the greatest). I'm sorry for being so lengthy and if I've offended anyone by being an advocate for children's rights. There are a lot of legal activities (that I want to remain legal) I would not choose to have my children around. From the ages of 10-17, I lived with a stepfather who was a violent alcoholic. In spite of the pain it caused my family, I would not alcohol make illegal (we tried and it didn't work because it's not what people wanted). When people don't behave responsibly, then we all pay a higher price for our freedoms, but I have faith in our society and I just keep hoping that people will make the best possible choices.

 

[mitros]

I was just wondering about these "smoking optional rooms". I never knew they existed. If a person does not like smoke, would he even choose a room like this? If you do not like or are extremley allergic to smoke, you would not use this room correct? So who would use it, smokers? Then, it seems to me that it would serve no purpose to have this type of room. I don't think you can "like" smoke a "little" enough in order to use a room like this. If you don't like smoke, you don't like smoke, period. Correct? Or am I just rambling?

 

[jlieblaw]

The new smoking law in Florida took effect on July 1st. Prior to that, many establishments had already gone to non-smoking to prepare for the law. I haven't seen any decrease in their business. At restaurants, smoking is still allowed at the outdoor seating area. Many restaurants have actually set up outdoor seating for those that want to smoke while at dinner. Smoking is allowed at bars as long as they have their own entrance and are completely shut off from a restaurant. Bars within restaurants must be non-smoking. As for the comment about our government being set up so that we can govern ourselves...this law was not just passed by the legislature here in Florida. It was part of the ballot at our last election and the citizens of Florida voted on it. Obviously, the people here (by 85%) chose to ban smoking in public places. All it means is that a smoker can't smoke during dinner. Surely it won't hurt anyone to go without a cigarette for a couple of hours. As far as I'm concerned, the only people that have the right to complain about this are the citizens who voted against it and lost. If more citizens wanted to allow smoking, they should have gone to the polls and voted. I'm sure this new law won't affect Disney's business at all.

 

[Tigger Woods]

a place called Ziggies opened a new restaurant across the street called Ciggies for those wanting to smoke with their meal .. Then I think about the infants and young children that will be taken into this establishment and it makes me sad.

No one in their right mind condones smoking around children indoors. I think thats why they opened up the second restaurant. You've got kids, go to Ziggies. You want to smoke, go to Ciggies. Sounds like a great idea to me.

As far as I'm concerned, the only people that have the right to complain about this are the citizens who voted against it and lost. If more citizens wanted to allow smoking, they should have gone to the polls and voted.

As only 30% of Americans smoke, they will never win a smoking referendum. Like everyone else, they will have to rely on the Constitution to protect their freedoms.