Smoking areas GONE starting may 1st Pinned so people can still see the announcement.

[susan mccartney]

So long as they wash their hands before they exit. I am good with this.

lol

 

[DisneyDebRob]

There are specially designed enclosed smokers are with filters and A/C. Unsure what do you mean with "lack of flow".
Its all about the design and how much money they put.

This. The problem is Disney not wanting to spend money on it, imo. When I worked at Fitzgerald's casino in MS, they had a room in the employee cafeteria dedicated for smokers. It was fully windowed and when you opened the door to go into it, you could hear the suction of the fans sucking in the air for filtration. It was just as clean in there as it was in the rest of the area and those folks got their fix.

If the amount of people in these rooms were minimal, it would work. Like the area your referring too, the employee room. When you have many people, and Disney rooms would have many people, you would need airplane jet motors to clear the place.The ones in casinos I used to frequent way back when, you couldn’t even see the end of the room. And besides all this, Disney will NEVER build one.

 

[Tanna Eros]

Wouldn't it be much easier for WDW to have smokers right next to security so a CM would not have to wait to resolve the issue? And would someone who is breaking the law hang around until security/police show up?

But not Right Next! to security I hope. It would be within eyeball distance away?
With a private company, the pendulum can swing either way with rules. The park was once dry.
We don't know what's going to go through in the future.
I don't drink, but I don't want people to not to enjoy themselves on their vacation.

Where I'm at, you can join a private club with dues, to be able to smoke indoors. That's how they accommodate the tobacconists.
With technology, the smoke clubs can keep the air clear. This I know. If it would benefit this park in the long run to have a tobacconists club, they will have it, but I keep seeing posts about never ending seas of people elbow to elbow at the parks, which I think is a bigger concern right now.
I agree with the MJ arguments, but I think crowd control is uppermost on the minds of management at this point.
I think this is more about freeing up areas.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I'm not sure that MJ doesn't have more to do with it. Right now, tobacco smoking is illegal in certain places, but otherwise it's up to a property owner setting rules. It is not illegal for those over a certain age to possess or smoke in designated areas - only if you violate the rules will you be asked to leave, and you have no legal recourse. The owner cannot have you arrested for violating an owner imposed rule unless you refuse to abide it.

However, MJ IS illegal unless you have a medical license to use it - which is a different conversation; I'm already seeing ads for "Get Your Medical License Here!" .
How would a CM know if you are legally using it? He/she would have to ask to see your license. A CM selling alcohol can control sales - no license showing you can legally purchase it, no sale, but they have no control over the sale and use of MJ, so would have to go around each smoking area asking for licenses. If no license, security would have to be notified as the guest would be breaking the law - not just a park rule.

Wouldn't it be much easier for WDW to have smokers right next to security so a CM would not have to wait to resolve the issue? And would someone who is breaking the law hang around until security/police show up?

I think isolating smoking is a step towards handling legalized recreational marijuana...but that is the step where It becomes a “real” problem for Disney.

Still not there in Florida...plus, when that occurs...what will it look like socially?

I tend to think the free flowing pot scenario is over stated. It will likely be very marginal as tobacco is now.

 

[PorterRedkey]

No - because hippa has no application between a business like Disney and a patron

You could be right.
I did said may, but If I go to Target they can’t ask for my medical information.

Even in the disability assistance program, Disney cannot inquire about the medical disability.

I think the real problem is that HIPPA is a federal law and pot is illegal by federal law. Since Fed law overrides state law, pot is still illegal. Being illegal, pot may not fall under HIPPA protections even if the underlying reason for using pot is protected.

 

[jaklgreen]

Many designated smoking areas are isolated, and smokers would not have a problem if all of them were. Indeed, I have repeatedly emphasized that point in contributions to this forum.

I do think that you, and others on this thread, have deliberately over emphasized their personal "hurt" from smoking on site in order to attack those customers who do smoke. So yes, I do not like your attitude. I find it to be be based on unjustified anger at people you do not know and who have little real impact on your overall enjoyment of your vacation. It is mean spirited and is not aimed at improving the experience of everyone who vacations at WDW.

I haven't "over emphasized" anything. My allergies are real. The second that I smell cigarette smoke, I get a migraine, my eyes start to water, my nose plugs up, and my throat gets itchy. These are REAL. I live with this every single day. If I go to the grocery store, there is always someone smoking on the way to/from the entrance to their car. If I am driving, if the person in front of me is smoking with their window down and mine is too, then it hits me. Just like smokers don't appreciate someone downplaying their addiction. I don't appreciate you downplaying my REAL physical allergic reaction to it. I barely go anywhere now. I go to work and the store when I need to. I don't do any outdoor events or go where a bunch of people gather because there is always someone who smokes within the proximity of others. WDW is one of the few places that I go now because, for the most part, I am able to skirt around the smoking areas. But Every Single Day at the parks I come across someone who is smoking where they are not supposed to be. So I need to stop and take my medicine and sit down for a few minutes while the pounding in my head subsides. Yeah, lots of fun. So you tell me, who's personal experience is more important? The smokers or the other people who can't be around it? Because we obviously can't have it both ways. I can't help that cigarettes bother me so much, I wish that it did not. When it comes down to it, smoking is a choice. Someone chose to start smoking and anyone under the age of 50 knew that it was addictive. It does not matter why they chose it. Those with allergies and asthma did not CHOOSE to have this issue. I don't think smokers are bad people and I have nothing against them personally. I just can't be around the smoke, that's it. I am sorry that it will more of an inconvenience, but it will not be impossible.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

I think isolating smoking is a step towards handling legalized recreational marijuana...but that is the step where It becomes a “real” problem for Disney.

Still not there in Florida...plus, when that occurs...what will it look like socially?

I tend to think the free flowing pot scenario is over stated. It will likely be very marginal as tobacco is now.

I disagree with you on the pot. Legal recreational use is relatively new here, and I'm stunned at the number of people who are coming clean about their use, as well as the number of people who would never have considered it prior to legalization who are now at least trying it as a means of pain management.

 

[Castle Cake Apologist]

Even CMs asking for medically marijuana cards may violate HIPPA protections. That wouldn’t be the case with law enforcement.

You also get into the whole “why is my medicine banned, but not everyone else's?” It’s a nonsense argument, but I’m sure Disney doesn’t want to be associated with a lawsuit about people smoking pot in their family parks.

I wanted to kinda back this up. I work in healthcare and asking for somebody's medical card would very likely be against HIPAA regulations (at least in my state, but HIPAA is federal, so presumably all states). Even a doctor (other than the patient's primary or prescribing doctor) wouldn't be entitled to see it without first verifying their national provider ID and credentialing information and at least 3 pieces of personally identifiable information for the patient.

 

[Tanna Eros]

I disagree with you on the pot. Legal recreational use is relatively new here, and I'm stunned at the number of people who are coming clean about their use, as well as the number of people who would never have considered it prior to legalization who are now at least trying it as a means of pain management.

I disagree with you on the pot. Legal recreational use is relatively new here, and I'm stunned at the number of people who are coming clean about their use, as well as the number of people who would never have considered it prior to legalization who are now at least trying it as a means of pain management.

I have talked to my mother about it for her pain management. Everything she's using right now has worse side effects than pot, so there's one person supporting your argument.

 

[donaldtoo]

I just watched Justin Scarred, DLR only has the smoking area near BTMRR only, all the others are gone.

Well, the theme there is the old western frontier, and smoking was certainly allowed then...

 

[ImperfectPixie]

I have talked to my mother about it for her pain management. Everything she's using right now has worse side effects than pot, so there's one person supporting your argument.

Even my mother-in-law, who is in her mid-70s, has been trying vaping pot, edibles, just plain smoking it, and CBD oil.

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

I think the point in all of this is that Disney doesn't really have this figured out. Politely asking someone to put out a cigarette is not going to work because their is no risk to the smoker that they can weigh against the reward.

The current Disney smoking areas are placed in terrible locations for the most part (being a smoker I can agree with this). They could have moved them to more isolated spots and appeased both groups.

Most smokers are conscientious about their habit and refrain until reaching one of these areas (for the most part). We do it today in stadiums, arenas, and in short anywhere that is a public space. We're not opposed to being slightly inconvenienced. Disney's solution is not realistic unless there is some tangible risk to the smoker.

I see this as the "Please don't park at Disney Springs or a resort hotel if you are visiting the parks" type of rule. Yes they've made improvements on this, but there are still people that do it. Without any repercussion to the smoker (Which Disney has already said that there won't be) - people will still smoke in the parks.

You'll have two types. Type 1 will be the one that will light up whenever they feel like, which will be obvious, and will lead to some interesting interactions with fellow guests and will bring intervention by a CM, due to their obvious disregard to the rule. Type 2 will be the one that knows the rule, knows not to bring needless attention to themselves and will enact certain measures so as to mask what they are doing. These are the ones that will have less problems.

Last week I was at DHS. Leaving Fantasmic we hit the restrooms by the front before we left the park. An older gentleman walked past me off to an area that was somewhat isolated and lit up a cigarette. I looked on as I knew what he was doing but he concealed it very well. Had I not seen him light it - I'd have never known he was smoking inside the park. Sure you could smell some smoke - but you couldn't really tell where it was coming from. By the time he finished about 4 drags, he was gone. Nobody was the wiser. This is what I think you will see play out.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Well we’re way off the grid if we’re talking about the pot culture....so here’s where I return to the 300 level seats.

And this may be a stupid question...but why not attempt to correct the source of the pain...not the masking agent?

Maybe it’s just me...

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I think the point in all of this is that Disney doesn't really have this figured out. Politely asking someone to put out a cigarette is not going to work because their is no risk to the smoker that they can weigh against the reward.

The current Disney smoking areas are placed in terrible locations for the most part (being a smoker I can agree with this). They could have moved them to more isolated spots and appeased both groups.

Most smokers are conscientious about their habit and refrain until reaching one of these areas (for the most part). We do it today in stadiums, arenas, and in short anywhere that is a public space. We're not opposed to being slightly inconvenienced. Disney's solution is not realistic unless there is some tangible risk to the smoker.

I see this as the "Please don't park at Disney Springs or a resort hotel if you are visiting the parks" type of rule. Yes they've made improvements on this, but there are still people that do it. Without any repercussion to the smoker (Which Disney has already said that there won't be) - people will still smoke in the parks.

You'll have two types. Type 1 will be the one that will light up whenever they feel like, which will be obvious, and will lead to some interesting interactions with fellow guests and will bring intervention by a CM, due to their obvious disregard to the rule. Type 2 will be the one that knows the rule, knows not to bring needless attention to themselves and will enact certain measures so as to mask what they are doing. These are the ones that will have less problems.

Last week I was at DHS. Leaving Fantasmic we hit the restrooms by the front before we left the park. An older gentleman walked past me off to an area that was somewhat isolated and lit up a cigarette. I looked on as I knew what he was doing but he concealed it very well. Had I not seen him light it - I'd have never known he was smoking inside the park. Sure you could smell some smoke - but you couldn't really tell where it was coming from. By the time he finished about 4 drags, he was gone. Nobody was the wiser. This is what I think you will see play out.

I disagree completely...this will be enforced. They wouldn’t have bothered doing this if it’s “for show”...they don’t do anything without a revenue stream attached “for show”

 

[ImperfectPixie]

Well we’re way off the grid if we’re talking about the pot culture....so here’s where I return to the 300 level seats.

And this may be a stupid question...but why not attempt to correct the source of the pain...not the masking agent?

Maybe it’s just me...

In a nutshell, anything medical - including corrective surgery - is expensive and isn't guaranteed to work. My sister had three vertibrae re-shaped and her nerve moved so as to avoid it being rubbed...it only worked for a few months before she was in pain again.

 

[Tanna Eros]

I think the point in all of this is that Disney doesn't really have this figured out. Politely asking someone to put out a cigarette is not going to work because their is no risk to the smoker that they can weigh against the reward.

The current Disney smoking areas are placed in terrible locations for the most part (being a smoker I can agree with this). They could have moved them to more isolated spots and appeased both groups.

Most smokers are conscientious about their habit and refrain until reaching one of these areas (for the most part). We do it today in stadiums, arenas, and in short anywhere that is a public space. We're not opposed to being slightly inconvenienced. Disney's solution is not realistic unless there is some tangible risk to the smoker.

I see this as the "Please don't park at Disney Springs or a resort hotel if you are visiting the parks" type of rule. Yes they've made improvements on this, but there are still people that do it. Without any repercussion to the smoker (Which Disney has already said that there won't be) - people will still smoke in the parks.

You'll have two types. Type 1 will be the one that will light up whenever they feel like, which will be obvious, and will lead to some interesting interactions with fellow guests and will bring intervention by a CM, due to their obvious disregard to the rule. Type 2 will be the one that knows the rule, knows not to bring needless attention to themselves and will enact certain measures so as to mask what they are doing. These are the ones that will have less problems.

Last week I was at DHS. Leaving Fantasmic we hit the restrooms by the front before we left the park. An older gentleman walked past me off to an area that was somewhat isolated and lit up a cigarette. I looked on as I knew what he was doing but he concealed it very well. Had I not seen him light it - I'd have never known he was smoking inside the park. Sure you could smell some smoke - but you couldn't really tell where it was coming from. By the time he finished about 4 drags, he was gone. Nobody was the wiser. This is what I think you will see play out.

I'd rather not the second scenario of stealth smoking, but there's another issue with smoking sections that smokers know, but non-smokers don't.
Smoking sections creep.
There are benches, and receptacles for refuse, and people sit and smoke. Then another person comes in, and stands by the benches, further away. Another person comes in, stands to the outside of the fellow standing, and the next thing know, there's a small crowd outside the premium smoking space. When people come in after that, they go to the other side of the people already there. The smoking section creeps down the path, like kudzu.
You can politely all you want scoot on the bench, hustle closer to the premium area and invite them in, but they stand there. In the path. Smoking. The path is not the smoking section.
(Sorry to rant, but this is a personal pet peeve of mine.)
Shrubbery doesn't make a good enclosure material, because it's considered decoration, nor do wide stone walls, because people sit upon them. Red works best for the demarcation spot.
There has to be a clear demarcation of "This is the place!" or else you'll have meandering.

 

[eliza61nyc]

Well we’re way off the grid if we’re talking about the pot culture....so here’s where I return to the 300 level seats.

And this may be a stupid question...but why not attempt to correct the source of the pain...not the masking agent?

Maybe it’s just me...

Usually it's for those of us who have chronic conditions where there is no "correction". for example I have horrible osteoarthritis, there is no cure and it's only going to get worse as I get older. I've already had my left knee replaced and my right knee got jealous and is now on it's down hill slide to replacement. but I can't replace every joint in my body and many of the other treatments are just as bad. for example steriod shots for menopausal women increase the risk of cancer concerns, humm been there done that. thanks. Opiods??? love 'em lol except they lead to addiction...... so forth and so on.

Now the big thing is stem cell injections. many professional athletes tout that, unfortunately they are not covered by my insurance and I don't have Tiger woods purse. so spending 5-7K on a procedure that MIGHT or might not work isn't an option

so for many folks who suffer from chronic conditions, some one mentioned migraines, which have no cure, it's really about pain management.

Many folks are finding that medical marijuana gives excellent relief without the side effects.

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

I disagree completely...this will be enforced.

The question is how. To date, what I've surmised based on previous posters, is that Disney is not offering any real penalty. Other than to ask the offender to stop offending.

 

[Tanna Eros]

Usually it's for those of us who have chronic conditions where there is no "correction". for example I have horrible osteoarthritis, there is no cure and it's only going to get worse as I get older. I've already had my left knee replaced and my right knee got jealous and is now on it's down hill slide to replacement. but I can't replace every joint in my body and many of the other treatments are just as bad. for example steriod shots for menopausal women increase the risk of cancer concerns, humm been there done that. thanks. Opiods??? love 'em lol except they lead to addiction...... so forth and so on.

Now the big thing is stem cell injections. many professional athletes tout that, unfortunately they are not covered by my insurance and I don't have Tiger woods purse. so spending 5-7K on a procedure that MIGHT or might not work isn't an option

so for many folks who suffer from chronic conditions, some one mentioned migraines, which have no cure, it's really about pain management.

Many folks are finding that medical marijuana gives excellent relief without the side effects.

For me, it's the opioid issue that leads me to suggest pot as an alternative. I fear for my mother. I had family members go to the 420 festival in Colorado, and asked them to think of their grandmother- not in the "what would she think of you!" way, but in the way of "look around for edibles and items you think she might like to use."

 

[flynnibus]

You could be right.
I did said may, but If I go to Target they can’t ask for my medical information.

Correct - but it has nothing to do with HIPPA. HIPPA is not the universal 'medical privacy law'. HIPPA is a law that requires providers, insurance companies, and those that handle that insurance interaction (your employers) to secure, protect, and limit access to that information. It has ZERO to do with anyone besides those covered entities and zero to do with you disclosing, or anyone ASKING about your medical history/condition/care/etc. There is no universal 'medical privacy' right in the US. There are specific confidentiality laws and a patchwork of other privacy standards.

In a nutshell... HIPPA only regulates storage, handling and disclosure by insurance and providers (and a subset of entities that interact with them).

Even in the disability assistance program, Disney cannot inquire about the medical disability.

But that is for an entirely different reason - avoiding discrimination - not privacy. the ADA act garuntees people the protections and public accommodations WITHOUT the need to prove it. So asking for some sort of proof of need is pointless because the person is entitled to it without it... and all it does is stand to make a case for discrimination. Hence, people are trained to avoid asking about the condition/disability and focus only on what accommodations the person seeks.

It has nothing to do with privacy - and everything to do with avoiding violations due to denying accomodations that they were obligated to provide.

I think the real problem is that HIPPA is a federal law and pot is illegal by federal law. Since Fed law overrides state law, pot is still illegal. Being illegal, pot may not fall under HIPPA protections even if the underlying reason for using pot is protected

Nope - that's a mashup that has no meaning here. There are issues with state vs federal recognition of medical marijuana.. and largely get exposed with topics like insurance, etc. But not as you're constructing.