Designated Smoking Areas - Do they need to be more secluded?

[Timekeeper]

Please Note: This is not a question about a smoker's "right to smoke" or about a non-smoker's "right to clean air" at WDW; this only pertains to the location of designated smoking areas. Also, in order to get a more accurate representation of member opinions (and potential bias), and because plenty of smokers respect the position of non-smokers, the poll specifically separates these groups to reflect these differences.

Question: Given that the WDW parks are officially non-smoking parks, with smoking permitted only in designated areas as illustrated in the guidemaps, do you think that those designated areas are secluded enough to maintain the parks' non-smoking atmosphere?

My inquiry is based on a recent visit to the parks. It seemed to me that the smoking areas, for the most part, were reasonably secluded from areas of heavy guest traffic; to the extent that Disney designated existing less-populated areas. However, during these peak seasons, finding less populated areas may become more difficult as the parks become more populated.

For example, at the Magic Kingdom, there is a designated smoking area between the Carousel of Progress and Space Mountain, where I saw very little guest traffic of non-smokers. The majority of guests accessing the restrooms in that area did so from the SM queue area (not passing through the smoking area). Thus, this area seems to make sense as a designated smoking area.

In contrast, there is a small portion of the boardwalk that runs between the Splash Mountain bridge and the Liberty Square Riverboat station that is a designated smoking area. The boardwalk might have been thought to be an area of less traffic (that the adjacent street), but during these crowded seasons, and especially during parades, this boardwalk becomes quite congested with guest traffic. And as a result, people must literally walk through the smoking area, making the smoke much more noticeable (potentially diminishing the sense of a non-smoking environment). The area is also quite small, so the smoke is more concentrated [noticeable] than it would be in some of the other smoking areas.

I spent some time in both areas for observation. I did not notice any guests in the CoP area mentioning noticing the smoke(rs), but I did notice quite a few guests in the boardwalk area make comments to each other about the smoke(rs) as they passed by.

With that said, what do you think about the current placement of the designated smoking areas? ...And let's try to stay focused on the question.

 

[David S.]

Nice topic.

What I dislike about them as a non-smoker is that they have taken over some of the more charming and scenic quiet areas and basically hinder non-smokers from enjoying these areas.

My least favorite one is if you're in Fantasyland in back of the Castle and want to visit Cinderella's Wishing Well, you have to walk right through a smoking area to get to it! I've heard other guests and even a few CMs comment that this was a terrible location for a smoking area while walking by.

Also, a smoking area has taken over a scenic overlook of the Rivers Of America near Big Thunder (where the canoes used to load).

The ones in heavilly traficked areas that you mentioned are annoying as well.

 

[wolf359]

In spite of the stated goals, I think it's going to be hard to separate "rights" from the discussion, I just hope it all stays friendly.

I agree some smoking areas are much more secluded than others, but I also think it is each guest's responsibility to make the necessary adjustments for their own comfort.

Disney has provided smoking areas, so I think it is the responsibility of someone that wants to light up to only use those areas. But I also think it is the responsibility of those wishing to avoid people smoking as much as possible to pay just as close attention to where those areas are and do their best to avoid them.

I see it having to work both ways for it to be as successful as possible. I don't think there is any more reason to get upset over stumbling through a smoking area because they didn't realize it was there than to light up while in line for Pirates of the Caribbean just because someone wanted a smoke right now.

 

[Timekeeper]

In spite of the stated goals, I think it's going to be hard to separate "rights" from the discussion, I just hope it all stays friendly.

I agree, so I hope that it helps that I am only referring to the parks in their current state, and currently, guests do have the "right" to smoke in the parks - so long as it is in the designated smoking areas.

I think it is the responsibility of someone that wants to light up to only use those areas. But I also think it is the responsibility of those wishing to avoid people smoking as much as possible to pay just as close attention to where those areas are and do their best to avoid them. ... I see it having to work both ways for it to be as successful as possible.

And let's not forget that there is - equally - a degree of CM responsibility to remind guests who are found smoking in non-designated areas.

Approaching a guest for inappropriate smoking (and kindly reminding them of the designated areas) can be a little bit more intimidating than approaching a guest to stay behind the tape on a parade route or not sit on the queue ropes. I have, on rare occasions, seen CMs "look the other way" for what should have been an obviously "out of place" smoker.

Surprisingly, a vast majority of guests (smokers) DO respect the designated areas. :sohappy: During my last 2-day visit, I only noticed 1 person (younger male) smoking in an obviously non-smoking area - the Haunted Mansion queue.

 

[disney dharling]

As an Ex-Smoker I can see this issue from both sides pretty well.

From the smokers perspective.. they are secluded enough that sometimes it was a challenge to locate the one you were looking for. Rarely did I see non smoker's wander through by accident.

As a non smoker I walked into one by mistake. Mostly the views in these areas are of plants and trees. No great vistas. There are 1 or 2 that I can smell when walking past (now that my senses have been cleansed) but overall they are not obnoxious. I just say, "There's that smoking area we couldn't find back in 2003."

Now speaking on all counts, being an obnoxious smoker and not trying to find the correct area or at least a secluded spot to partake in your habit is annoying to everyone.

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

One must remember that its a fine line when it comes to smoking area locations. Make them too secluded, they become difficult to find and people simply won't take the time to search for them. At the same time, putting them directly along the main path or right in the middle of a major guest area makes them easy to spot, but it also defeats the purpose of having smoking areas.

All that said, I think Disney has done a better than average job in picking the smoking locations. However, I do think that most areas could use better signage to alert people where smoking is permitted. This would help smokers find them and allow non-smokers to better avoid these areas.

In the end, it comes down to this:

• If you're a non-smoker, realize that 98% of guest areas are smoke free, so don't get bent out of shape if you end up walking through a smoking area by accident.
• If you're a smoker, be considerate, take note of the location of smoking locations, and smoke in these designated areas ONLY.
• If you're a CM, do what you can to remind smokers of this rule and ensure people smoke where they are supposed to. I also would say that regular guests can politely remind inappropriate smokers as well.

 

[Edisto Pluto]

As a non smoker I'm happy the smokers have a place that is isolated to smoke. On the other hand I would like the CM's enforce the non smoking rule in other places in the parks.

 

[bamillerpa]

I have to say, I'm a non-smoker, and I have no idea where the smokers area is so it must not be too much in my way. I have no problem with people smoking as long as they stay where the designated areas are. I don't think they should be in a main area or anything because too many people (including kids) would be going through them. I get migraines easily from smoke but just walking by the smokers won't bother me. What bothers me is people smoking where they aren't suppose to be. I find it rude and incredibly inconsiderate. Thankfully, it seems that most smokers stick to where they are allowed to smoke. As long as the CMs address the ones smoking where they aren't suppose to I'm fine with how the park is currently set up. I would love to say something myself but honestly don't feel comfortable since I've done this in the past (at a nonsmoking restaurant where someone lit up at the table next to me) and was submitted to a long expletive filled warning about how I should mind my own business. I don't need to submit my daughter to that again!

 

[Timekeeper]

I think Disney has done a better than average job in picking the smoking locations. However, I do think that most areas could use better signage to alert people where smoking is permitted. This would help smokers find them and allow non-smokers to better avoid these areas.

I agree. The signage in the smoking areas are typically limited to the signage on the trashcans, which resemble "regular" trashcans except for their label and the ashtray on their tops. Because Disney can be "creative" with their smoking locations (such as across from the Dole soft serve station, next to the Swiss Family Robinson tree), they can be hard to spot for both groups; a smoker might not be able to find it on an illustrated map that misrepresents proportions and scale, and a non-smoker might take a shady seat not realizing that they are in a smoking section, and be put off by a nearby smoker (not realizing the smoker has a right to smoke there).

If you're a CM, do what you can to remind smokers of this rule and ensure people smoke where they are supposed to.

On this note, I've noticed a complete lack of consistency with the CM parking lot tram spiels. Some CMs remind guests that the park is non-smoking, while other CMs make no mention of it (while virtually all CMs mention that there is no smoking while on the tram). Maybe Disney should enforce a bit more consistency in these live-person spiels. For guests coming to the parks with tickets in-hand, this may be the last "live" CM that they hear speak before actually entering the park turnstiles.

 

[NewfieFan]

Nice topic.

What I dislike about them as a non-smoker is that they have taken over some of the more charming and scenic quiet areas and basically hinder non-smokers from enjoying these areas.

My least favorite one is if you're in Fantasyland in back of the Castle and want to visit Cinderella's Wishing Well, you have to walk right through a smoking area to get to it! I've heard other guests and even a few CMs comment that this was a terrible location for a smoking area while walking by.

Also, a smoking area has taken over a scenic overlook of the Rivers Of America near Big Thunder (where the canoes used to load).

The ones in heavilly traficked areas that you mentioned are annoying as well.

I have to agree with some of what you said! I checked the first option in the poll... I do agree Disney has done an ok job secluding the smoking areas... but as David S pointed out some of these little secluded spots are hidden gems in WDW! The two he mentioned were the ones I noticed the most!

But I realize I can't have my cake and eat it too... if I prefer the smokers tucked away... then I can't enjoy these spots that are tucked away!

 

[cmwade77]

I actually would have another option, get rid of smoking and ban it in the parks completely. Other parks, such as the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park have done this successfully and it makes the parks much more enjoyable.

The problem is no one respects the rules enough to only smoke in the smoking area, so an outright ban is the best option in my opinion.

If you are caught smoking, first offense is a warning (CM/Security scans your admission ticket/room key), second offense you are escorted out of the park for the rest of the day you cannot go into any of the parks (if you are caught in the park that day, then a one year ban, if you go during that year, a lifetime ban), third offense is a one year ban from the parks, even if you are on your vacation, fourth offense (after you are allowed back), a lifetime ban.

Aren't you smokers glad I am not in charge?

But again, other major parks (entire day parks) have done this, why not Disney?

Ok, since Disney would never have the guts to do it....how about this:
Comfortable Smoking Booths with automated Double Doors, the inside ones would never open until the outside ones are completely closed. The outside one will never open until the inside ones are completely closed. The ventilation system would be equiped with filters to trap all of the gunk. The booths would be air conditioned and extremely comfortable, with washers that would spray the room when empty down to clean it (everything water proof and non-asorbant of course) . The janitorial staff that smoke would be responsible for deep cleaning at night and periodically cleaning and emptying ash trays and such.

The booths would probably cost around $25,000 each (including proper theming) and could be placed just about anywhere that there is enough room. I thinks this would be a good compromise. If they are comfortable, then smokers will prefer to smoke there. In addition, I would use the same force as above for those not smoking in the smoking booths.

 

[Timekeeper]

To increase guest attendance, re-theme the "Enchanted Tiki and Designated Smoking Room." :lol:

Actually, in addition to leaving the designated smoking areas where they are now, Disney could implement some subtle fans (like the queue misting fans) to gently encourage smoke to drift in a direction away from guests.

The most out-of-the-way and not-a-gem smoking area that comes to mind is the one at ToonTown, next to the train station. It is literally at the end of a dead end street. No risk of non-smoker through-traffic.

 

[stlbobby]

I actually would have another option, get rid of smoking and ban it in the parks completely. Other parks, such as the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park have done this successfully and it makes the parks much more enjoyable.

The problem is no one respects the rules enough to only smoke in the smoking area, so an outright ban is the best option in my opinion.

If you are caught smoking, first offense is a warning (CM/Security scans your admission ticket/room key), second offense you are escorted out of the park for the rest of the day you cannot go into any of the parks (if you are caught in the park that day, then a one year ban, if you go during that year, a lifetime ban), third offense is a one year ban from the parks, even if you are on your vacation, fourth offense (after you are allowed back), a lifetime ban.

Aren't you smokers glad I am not in charge?

But again, other major parks (entire day parks) have done this, why not Disney?

Ok, since Disney would never have the guts to do it....how about this:
Comfortable Smoking Booths with automated Double Doors, the inside ones would never open until the outside ones are completely closed. The outside one will never open until the inside ones are completely closed. The ventilation system would be equiped with filters to trap all of the gunk. The booths would be air conditioned and extremely comfortable, with washers that would spray the room when empty down to clean it (everything water proof and non-asorbant of course) . The janitorial staff that smoke would be responsible for deep cleaning at night and periodically cleaning and emptying ash trays and such.

The booths would probably cost around $25,000 each (including proper theming) and could be placed just about anywhere that there is enough room. I thinks this would be a good compromise. If they are comfortable, then smokers will prefer to smoke there. In addition, I would use the same force as above for those not smoking in the smoking booths.

I have to say I am in agreement here, and I wouldn't say it will never happen. Most people would have said Disney would have never restricted smoking the way they have or make all of the resort rooms non-smoking, but they have.

As far as placement of smoking areas, the worst was in Kidani Villiage when it first opened they put a bench for smoking in the breezeway right outside the fitness center door. So after a nice hard run on the treadmill I walked out into a hallway filled with smoke. I was about to say something to the guy when I realized he was sitting under a designated smoking area sign.

I mentioned the poor placement to the concierge. I don't know if it was ever moved, but that had to be the dumbest place for a smoking area ever.

 

[wizards8507]

I agree, so I hope that it helps that I am only referring to the parks in their current state, and currently, guests do have the "right" to smoke in the parks - so long as it is in the designated smoking areas.

Freedom to smoke exists only in your own home and freedom to clean air only exists in public places. You forgot one key "right": The right of the company to make and enforce its own rules on its private property. The consumer (i.e., the guest) forfeits all outside rights and privileges upon entering into a contract to become a guest at the Walt Disney World Resort, and agrees to abide by the rules and regulations of the Company.

Anywhoozer,
I think the "smoke spots" are sufficiently placed for all parties to enjoy themselves. As long as they're enforced, I have no beef.

 

[Timekeeper]

You forgot one key "right": The right of the company to make and enforce its own rules on its private property.

To clarify, what I meant was that smokers have the "right" insofar as Disney - currently - extends that "right" to them. So guests, literally, have a "right" to smoke in the designated areas until Disney decides otherwise.

The consumer (i.e., the guest) forfeits all outside rights and privileges upon entering into a contract to become a guest at the Walt Disney World Resort, and agrees to abide by the rules and regulations of the Company.

I wouldn't use such a broad brush to suggest that a consumer "forfeits all outside rights and privileges." Lest we not forget that Disney is an innkeeper, for which there are specific laws and duties, etc. Thus, guests do not "forfeit" their right to be free from discrimination, etc. when at Disney. To that extent, Disney actually has less "rights" in creating their own private policies than I, as a private homeowner, do. Yes, Disney is private, but they invite the public in (for their economic benefit), and cannot willy-nilly create their own unlawful rules.

 

[Krack]

As a non-smoker who attended Disneyland several times with a smoker, I'd like to suggest they need more smoking areas. Whenever she wanted a cigarette, it seemed like we had to walk forever (and were constantly going back to the same spot next to Big Thunder Mountain).

EDIT: I just looked at a park map, and it appears there's only three smoking areas in all of Disneyland and none of them are what I would call "secluded" areas - they are major walkways.

 

[mikeanabean]

Why is this even brought up anymore???

 

[blackthidot]

The spots where people walk through ESP next to the castle are REALLY REALLY horribly located.

 

[wizards8507]

I wouldn't use such a broad brush to suggest that a consumer "forfeits all outside rights and privileges." Lest we not forget that Disney is an innkeeper, for which there are specific laws and duties, etc. Thus, guests do not "forfeit" their right to be free from discrimination, etc. when at Disney. To that extent, Disney actually has less "rights" in creating their own private policies than I, as a private homeowner, do. Yes, Disney is private, but they invite the public in (for their economic benefit), and cannot willy-nilly create their own unlawful rules.

Good point. Disney can't, for example, molest guests with their Donald Duck costumed cast members. :lookaroun

Timkeeper, I always appreciate your posts, especially when we disagree. You keep me in check.

 

[NewfieFan]

Good point. Disney can't, for example, molest guests with their Donald Duck costumed cast members. :lookaroun

Timkeeper, I always appreciate your posts, especially when we disagree. You keep me in check.

lol :ROFLOL: