Smoking is not only a waste of money and bad for you, but it's bad for those around you. That's why smoking in the parks is something I do not think should be allowed.
That is, unless the sections are far off (out of sight, preferably) from other guests. And if children are not allowed near them. Can't stand little girls with their daddies in the smoking sections, it's horrible. That would be a reasonable but big step foward.
But I really do think WDW should just completely bad regular smoking in the parks. Yes, I did say that. They fully can and should. Hey, maybe they'll happen to stop bad habits and save some lives by doing so. Smoking is not just a personal decision because it's disturbing and unhealthy to those around. That's why it's especially bad. Vaping is less disturbing and not really unhealthy to those around, so I'd be in full support of vaping sections only, regular smoking banned. If the guests can't help themselves, they should either leave the park to smoke, or shouldn't visit until they stop their unhealthy habit. That would be a huge step foward.
Sorry if I sound harsh. But it'd help everyone. It'd be good for the other guests and it'd be good for the people who are motivated to change their habits. And I think it'd be good for Disney's reputation. If not, they'd certainly look good in the history books. Hey Bob Iger, it would improve your legacy! What are you waiting for?!
It ironic and too sad that the company's founder died from smoking, yet 60 years later, people are allowed to make the same mistake in his parks. At least Walt didn't smoke around children.
As for today's news, well, if I'm understanding correctly, it's a replacement. So there are still three sections, just possibly better placement. Sounds like a positive and a small step forward.