Smoking will be banned in all Disney resorts - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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The Orlando Business Journal had an article today that states the following:
Walt Disney World said Tuesday it will ban smoking in guest rooms at more than 20 of its hotels and time share resorts beginning June 1.
The new policy applies to all guest rooms, patios and balconies. It also designates outdoor smoking areas at all resorts affected by the change.
Smoking has been prohibited in lobbies, common areas, restaurants and convention space.
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I agree w/ Jim. I am a very rare occassional smoker, but not w/ my kids and this wouldn't affect me, but could Disney lose some of their visitors because of this... They should have designated wings of the hotels vs. floors... Remember, there are many, many international travelers who come to WDW & DL
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No it isn't fair but it seems we smokers don't matter. Once they run off all the smokers who will be next? Keep that in mind folks, cause smokers never thought the witch hunters wouldn't run us out either. They make take out all alcohol. All fatty foods not just transfats. Maybe they won't let you come on grounds if you have ever said a four letter word or got a speeding ticket.
Ok maybe the last two probably would never happen but don't think you couldn't be next.
No, I don't think it is fair to those who smoke. Separate smoking & non-smoking rooms is sufficient to give non-smokers a break. The ban will hurt the resorts. I quit smoking 3 yrs ago & I chose to take my business to places that don't discriminate against smokers even though I no longer wish to smoke because I think it is wrong. The whole thing is really getting out of control. I am surprised that WDW would chose to alienate 20% of the population & their families just to be PC, shortly after I read that they are having trouble filling all of their rooms. Designated smoking areas are appropriate in the parks, designated smoking rooms in the resorts are appropriate, but wholesale banning is discriminatory & people should be more concerned about it. I am very disappointed in WDW for making this kind of decision.
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I can see both sides to this coin. Cigarette smoke smells nasty and offensive, even when you're on your own balcony and being greeted by the smoke from someone else's balcony. Then again, it can be sooooo satisfying and taste soooo goooood with a bevvie on the balcony (I've been known to casually smoke on vacation. ) I think blocks of designated smoking rooms are best.
I just told DH (nonsmoker) and he said "WTH country is this??" Seems that shows where his sentiments lie.
Pretty bold move for Disney to make. I agree with Bridget, there's a lot of international visitors. And in my experience, alot of Europeans smoke. This could make them second guess their trips, and more importantly - their choice of resort. My brother smokes (but not around the kids, not even in his own home) and he was hoping to stay at the Poly next year. If this is true, he just may stay offsite.
On a personal note, I'm kind of glad for it. Ever since my first pregnancy, the smell of cigarettes makes me feel sick. Kinda weird, but it would be nice to sit out on a balcony or walk around resort property without having to smell someone elses smoke.
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The article does state that there will be designated smoking areas at the resorts, but I see where that could be inconvenient for smokers.
I am not a smoker, and I certainly do NOT want to stay in a hotel room that smells like smoke, but I don't think this will go over too well (as evidenced by the above posts).
Pretty bold move for Disney to make. I agree with Bridget, there's a lot of international visitors. And in my experience, alot of Europeans smoke. This could make them second guess their trips, and more importantly - their choice of resort.
I don't think it will have much impact on international visitors. I know the vast bulk of international visitors are from the UK and we are not a smoking nation in the same way we were a couple of decades ago. We're shocked by how much people smoke in continental Europe and the whole country goes smokefree on 1 July (controversial as you can imagine! ), meaning that smoking will be banned in all enclosed spaces that are open to the public - e.g. pubs, restaurants etc. so I doubt this will affect international visitors, with us Brits very much going down the no smoking route as we speak.
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Ok I went out and mowed my yard.....smoking. I thank God every day I am still "allowed" to smoke in my own yard but I am sure that will be taken away in the next few years.
As a smoker that has always stayed on property since becoming a adult I have NEVER smoked on a balcony, public sidewalk or any open area even if smoking is allowed because of the fact I may pass someone walking by with allergies. I would smoke in my room or designated smoking area in the parks. I find it offensive to me they are doing this and now will never stay onsite again. As much as I love Disney I have to wonder if I will start vacationing elsewhere. Somewhere my filthy smokers money will be accepted without a snear from the holier than thou.
I too agree that it is unfair to people who do smoke. Every resort has numerous buildings that setting aside one building in each resort as 'smoker friendly' might be the answer.
On a personal level, I want a non-smoking room and not one that was occupied by a chainsmoker previously. Going home to visit my Dad is almost impossible as he is a smoker and stays in the house.
Blame the special interest groups as usual. They scream the loudest and the rights of others are trammeled as a result. Many places around here are jumping on the bandwagon and restaurants and bars are to be totally non-smoking. Some places are trying to make it non-smoking in the streets. They can smoke at home you say? Not if the smoke drifts over your yard and bothers your neighbor. In your house? Not if you have children....even if they just visit on occasion. Pretty soon we will be locking up the smokers.
I'm an ex-smoker and I can't stand the smell anymore. But if you are outside, and if the smoke bothers you...then move. Smokers have rights too.
Well, my cigar-smoking DH will not be pleased. One of his favorite ways to relax after a day at the parks is a cigar on the balcony. But what can you do? Rules are rules.
I have a son with severe asthma who ends up in the ER if around someone smoking (it has happened), so I admit to being biased and judgemental on this issue, and have a hard time advocating for smoker's rights--- right or wrong, that's how I am on this issue (I feel that his rights are violated all the time when people smoke around us at the park, at the beach-- we have to move to another spot on the beach, we have to leave an area of a playground-- whatever I know that's not what we're debating here, and I always here about people saying that they can't smoke here or there-- but we're always the ones that leave-- this is a hot issue for me)-. We had people smoking right outside our room on the balcony of a non-smoking section of Asmo, and my room at CBR (also no smoking) was in an area with tables and chairs and ashtrays--- I'd rather them curb that, and stop smoking in non smoking areas then do this. I don't think this is a great move. I think this will cause smokers to feel as their rights are violated, and just say "what the heck" and go ahead and smoke in a non-smoking room (since they're all non-smoking)-- therefore no rooms will really be smoke free. I know many people will follow the rules, but some won't just because it's wrong that they don't have a choice of a room with smoking. I think it's better to just have some smoking rooms for those who want to smoke. I think this is a bad move. Although right now, I'm blessed with" Guaranteed non-smoking", so I probably have no right to say that.
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Last edited by Happymommy; 05-01-2007 at 04:36 PM..