Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Go Smoke-Free

[ToTBellHop]

come on people, health risk for 2nd hand smoke? you are not going to get cancer from being around cigarette smoke for a few minutes. as far as someone drinking doesn't bother my health, i do drink occasionally but never ever in front of my children. they do bother my health when they are intoxicated and they say or do something stupid. i have an anxiety disorder (clinically diagnosed), so to see someone drunk in front of my kids sets me off. especially in a place that is designed for children mostly.

hahaha...you are clearly speaking of something you know nothing about. You should really research the effects of 2nd hand smoking before deciding to "teach" everyone else. While a few minutes of cigarette exposure will not likely give you lung cancer, frequent exposure will--like what Cast Members can be exposed to (less these days due to the increasing restrictions).


Here are some papers to educate yourself with:

Risk of Lung Cancer from Environmental Exposures to Tobacco Smoke
Douglas W. Dockery; Dimitrios Trichopoulos
Cancer Causes & Control, Vol. 8, No. 3, The Harvard-Teikyo Program Special Issue. (May, 1997), pp. 333-345.
Stable URL: http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0957-5243(199705)8:3<333:ROLCFE>2.0.CO;2-J
Abstract
Epidemiologic evidence on the relation between environmental tobacco smoke and cancer is reviewed. The labeling of tobacco smoke as an environmental cause of lung cancer has been challenged based on allegations of bias in the epidemiologic data. However, tobacco smoke has been shown to increase the risk of lung cancer down to the lowest exposure levels. Environmental tobacco smoke contains the same carcinogenic compounds as those found in the tobacco smoke inhaled directly by the smoker. Nonsmokers environmentally exposed have elevated levels of tobacco smoke byproducts in biological samples. These observations alone are sufficient to identify tobacco smoke as an environmental carcinogen. The epidemiologic studies showing that environmental exposure to tobacco smoke is associated weakly but consistently with increased risk of lung cancer. While these epidemiologic studies have been challenged, it does not appear that the observed epidemiologic associations are due to misclassification or confounding. Indeed, the epidemiologic results, particularly among the studies with superior data collection methods and better control of bias and confounding, find consistent associations between environmental tobacco smoke and lung cancer. This paper summarizes the evidence that environmental exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of lung cancer, and considers the criticisms of the epidemiologic evidence which have been raised.


Report of Workshop on the Contribution of Airborne Pollutants to Respiratory Cancer
Contribution of Passive Smoking to Respiratory Cancer
Lewis H. Kuller; Lawrence Garfinkel; Pelayo Correa; Nancy Haley; Dietrich Hoffmann; Susan Preston-Martin; Dale Sandler
Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 70. (Dec., 1986), pp. 57-69.
Stable URL: http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0091-6765(198612)70<57:COPSTR>2.0.CO;2-F

Abstract
This article reviews data from experimental and epidemiologic studies on passive smoking and makes 12 recommendations for further study. The physicochemical nature of passive smoke, the smoke inhaled by nonsmokers, differs significantly from the mainstream smoke inhaled by the active smoker. At present, measurement of urinary cotinine appears to be the best method of assessing exposures to passive smoking. Data indicate that the greater number of lung cancers in nonsmoking women is probably related to environmental tobacco smoke. Exposures in utero and very early in life to passive smoking may be important in relationship to the subsequent development of cancer and need further consideration. The short-term effects of environmental tobacco smoke on the cardiovascular system, especially among high-risk individuals, may be of greater concern than that of cancer and requires further study. Further study of increased risks of lung cancers in relation to environmental tobacco smoke exposure requires larger collaborative studies to identify lung cancer cases among nonsmokers, better delineation of pathology, and more careful selection of controls. In addition, studies of epithelial cells or specific cytology should be undertaken to determine evidence of cellular changes in relation to environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Animal inhalation studies with passive smoke should be initiated with respect to transplacental carcinogenesis, the relationship of sidestream smoke exposure with lung cancer, the induction of tumors in the respiratory tract and other organs, and the differences in the physicochemical natures of sidestream and mainstream smoke.

__________________________________

No risk of 2nd hand smoke? The people who actually study its effects would disagree. Props to Disney for clearly paying attention to such papers.

 

[clarkstallings]

Here's a really good question, if Disney was so concerned about everybody's health, why don't they create designated smoking areas backstage to protect cast members who don't smoke? As a former Disney CM, I can say that I have never seen a higher concentration of smoking employees anywhere else. You go backstage, and people are smoking all over the place. It's really out of hand. Disney should do something about that as well. Sloppy Magoo, go have a cigarette.

EDIT Here, I'll humor Sloppy Magoo. "I just know that if I'm approached by a cast member trying to enforce the "designated" smoking area and it's one in the morning, and I'm far from a building, and nobody is about and I'm enjoying a cigar in the balmy Florida night, it ain't going to be pretty. Just typing that sentence, makes me sad, I really see part of my vaction dying now." My sarcasm becomes evident in the second sentence. My acknowledging that part of my vacation is dying is also my acknowledging my intended cooperation with the new rules. I'm sorry that you didn't pick up on that.

 

[jerichar]

disgust!!!!!!!!!

As a supporter of the Disney company, I am disgusted at the recent decision to make all resorts smoke-free. Yes, I am a smoker, and I respect the rights of non-smokers. I can live with public building smoking bans, I can live with designated areas throught the resort, but to TOTALLY disallow smoking in private rooms, away from other guests, is an outrage:fork: !!!! When guests make reservations, they can specify whether they want a smoking or non-smoking room. When I am visiting the resort, I enjoy my right to smoke in a room I requested to be a smoking room, with my door shut, away from other guests. I understand that percentages of requested smoking rooms have gone down...but there are still thousands that would like to have the option.
My solution is to offer at least one hotel in each resort package (value, moderate, deluxe, etc.) that offers smoking rooms to those who desire them. Disneyworld is supposed to offer all the comforts of home, and I smoke in mine. Disney would NEVER make its resorts unaccessible for handicapped guests, laws discriminate against that.....so, why discriminate against smokers? Why would I want to spend my hard-earned money and be a "guest" at a place that does not value my comfort and satisfaction? I am totally disgusted!!

 

[ToTBellHop]

As a supporter of the Disney company, I am disgusted at the recent decision to make all resorts smoke-free. Yes, I am a smoker, and I respect the rights of non-smokers. I can live with public building smoking bans, I can live with designated areas throught the resort, but to TOTALLY disallow smoking in private rooms, away from other guests, is an outrage:fork: !!!! When guests make reservations, they can specify whether they want a smoking or non-smoking room. When I am visiting the resort, I enjoy my right to smoke in a room I requested to be a smoking room, with my door shut, away from other guests. I understand that percentages of requested smoking rooms have gone down...but there are still thousands that would like to have the option.
My solution is to offer at least one hotel in each resort package (value, moderate, deluxe, etc.) that offers smoking rooms to those who desire them. Disneyworld is supposed to offer all the comforts of home, and I smoke in mine. Disney would NEVER make its resorts unaccessible for handicapped guests, laws discriminate against that.....so, why discriminate against smokers? Why would I want to spend my hard-earned money and be a "guest" at a place that does not value my comfort and satisfaction? I am totally disgusted!!

there is no alcohol in the Magic Kingdom. Is Disney discriminating against drunkards?

 

[slappy magoo]

Sloppy Magoo, go have a cigarette.

No thanks, clerkstrollings, I'll stick to secondhand smoke. All the fun of lung cancer at a fraction of the price.

 

[sleepybear]

It will be interesting to see if they change where the designated smoking areas are at the resorts. Truthfully, I'd like to see them moved someplace more distant and isolated. I don't want to annoy anyone with my cigarettes. At Animal Kingdom Lodge, there's one outside the main entrance where everyone walks past on their way from the bus stops. I felt very guilty lighting up only to see a bunch of families heading my way. But the only other option was the pool area, and it was the same deal there.

 

[gotribe07]

As a supporter of the Disney company, I am disgusted at the recent decision to make all resorts smoke-free. Yes, I am a smoker, and I respect the rights of non-smokers. I can live with public building smoking bans, I can live with designated areas throught the resort, but to TOTALLY disallow smoking in private rooms, away from other guests, is an outrage:fork: !!!! When guests make reservations, they can specify whether they want a smoking or non-smoking room. When I am visiting the resort, I enjoy my right to smoke in a room I requested to be a smoking room, with my door shut, away from other guests. I understand that percentages of requested smoking rooms have gone down...but there are still thousands that would like to have the option.
My solution is to offer at least one hotel in each resort package (value, moderate, deluxe, etc.) that offers smoking rooms to those who desire them. Disneyworld is supposed to offer all the comforts of home, and I smoke in mine. Disney would NEVER make its resorts unaccessible for handicapped guests, laws discriminate against that.....so, why discriminate against smokers? Why would I want to spend my hard-earned money and be a "guest" at a place that does not value my comfort and satisfaction? I am totally disgusted!!

Well, you may be a "guest" but who really owns the right to the room at the end of the day? Disney

Seriously, it's not just your room. The smoke from your room will get into the vent and thus extend to other rooms. And is it really that difficult to go outside? I mean, its not like we're asking you to leave WDW property to smoke.

You are probably going to be the minority on this subject. No one likes to check into their hotel room and smell smoke in the room. And quite honestly, Disney spends so much money on making all their guest rooms just right, it would be a shame to see it tainted by smoking.

 

[Lee]

Disney would NEVER make its resorts unaccessible for handicapped guests, laws discriminate against that.....so, why discriminate against smokers? !!

Oh, please! Handicapped guests don't have a choice. :brick:
Smokers do, and choose a slow, painfull, smelly, early death. No need to encourage it.

 

[SCRacerX70]

Another victory for the "Pleasure Police"

This really comes as no surprise, but it's still sad to see.

As a cigar smoker, I'm quite courteous when it comes to when/where I choose to enjoy my choice of cigar. I don't smoke in the room, but rather go outside on the balcony (with the door closed) if I feel like decompressing a bit after a long day. I also take either a glass or something that I can rinse out to catch the ashes. Once finished, the butt goes in the toilet and is flushed away. As I said, I take great pains not to let my affinity for fine cigars bother others. Most of the time though, I just head on over to Sosa's for some fine cigars and good company (some of the best "views" can be found at DTD).

However, this being said I will still enjoy a cigar on the balcony while at the Contemporary if I choose to, as I usually stay on the top floor anyway and the basic makeup allows for quick dispersal of smoke.

 

[SpongeScott]

As a former Disney CM, I can say that I have never seen a higher concentration of smoking employees anywhere else.

You've obviously never worked at a Target.

 

[Lee]

No one likes to check into their hotel room and smell smoke in the room. And quite honestly, Disney spends so much money on making all their guest rooms just right, it would be a shame to see it tainted by smoking.

Yep.
Only time I have complained to management on Disney property. Opened the door to my room and immediately smelled smoke. Turned right around and walked out. Never set our bags down.
Funny thing about cigarette smoke smells....smokers don't smell it. I hang around a relative that smokes for even like 10 min. and when I get home my wife smells it within 2 seconds.:lol:

 

[k.hunter30]

Yep.
Only time I have complained to management on Disney property. Opened the door to my room and immediately smelled smoke. Turned right around and walked out. Never set our bags down.
Funny thing about cigarette smoke smells....smokers don't smell it. I hang around a relative that smokes for even like 10 min. and when I get home my wife smells it within 2 seconds.:lol:

Were they able to get you another room right away?

 

[Lee]

Were they able to get you another room right away?

Yep. With many apologies.

 

[8<:-)]

Smokers stink...

Non-smokers are whinny morons...

All the anger against smoking is just the "trendy" thing right now. Disney changed the rules... so be it. We all have rights but when on Disney's property they make the rules. Smokers will find a way to make it work. It isn't fair that smoking is harder and more expensive to do and its not fair for you and your family to have to smell it.

All you self-rightous non smokers need to chill out.
All you smokers need to figure something out.

I'm an ex-smoker (3+yrs) I never smoked anywhere but the parking lots in my car. So I'm right in the middle. This subject is nothing but controversy.

Everyone needs to calm down and just adapt.:zipit: :fork: :zipit:

 

[gotribe07]

Yep.
Only time I have complained to management on Disney property. Opened the door to my room and immediately smelled smoke. Turned right around and walked out. Never set our bags down.
Funny thing about cigarette smoke smells....smokers don't smell it. I hang around a relative that smokes for even like 10 min. and when I get home my wife smells it within 2 seconds.:lol:

Thank you for reaffirming my point.

Just think, now that's a room where Disney is going to have to go in... clean EVERYTHING... air it out for a few days... and then MAYBE the smell will be gone.

Just think of all the extra time and money that was wasted because of that smoker. Honestly, in the long run Disney probably ends up losing money from them even after their fees are paid due to the fact that now the room has to be cleaned or else no one will stay there.

I'm terrible with the smoke smell. It usually gives me a terrible headache and really restricts my breathing. I really don't want to stay in a room for a week when that's the case

 

[MickeyTigg]

Smokers stink...

Non-smokers are whinny morons...

All the anger against smoking is just the "trendy" thing right now. Disney changed the rules... so be it. We all have rights but when on Disney's property they make the rules. Smokers will find a way to make it work. It isn't fair that smoking is harder and more expensive to do.

All you self-rightous non smokers need to chill out.

I'm an ex-smoker (3+yrs) I never smoked anywhere but the parking lots in my car. So I'm right in the middle. This subject is nothing but controversy.

Everyone needs to calm down and just adapt.:zipit: :fork: :zipit:

Finally some reason in this discussion.

 

[fers31]

:sohappy: That's it

 

[fers31]

Disney would NEVER make its resorts unaccessible for handicapped guests, laws discriminate against that.....so, why discriminate against smokers?

You can't be that stupid

 

[JWG]

there is no alcohol in the Magic Kingdom. Is Disney discriminating against drunkards?

Sort of different. I'd argue if I bring a case of beer to my room, no one notices or cares and I can go do any restaurant and order whatever drink I want.

Smoking is now an inconvenience and not allowed in any place that a smoker would naturally be going to. I'd also argue if a smoker ignores the rules and smokes in their room, mousekeeping would likely notice far quicker than if someone cracks open a cold one.

Not a smoker, like the policy change but also understand and respect a smoker's dissatisfaction.

 

[wonka]

I'm not sure that a blanket statement calling all non-smokers whiny morons is exactly the voice of reason, but I do agree that anyone affected is going to have to adapt.

As a non-smoker with kids, I certainly appreciate the fact that the pool areas around going to be surronded by clouds of smoke any more. We go on the off season, I can only imagine what it's like when the resorts are truly crowded.

As for the comparisons of cigarettes/cigars to people drinking on the property, when I walk by one of the little outside bars they have at some of the resorts (Pop, for instance) to get to my room, there are typically people drinking and smoking there. When they take a big gulp of their alcoholic beverage of choice and put the glass down, do I suddenly get a mouthful of their second hand beverage? No. Do I typically get a lungful of their second hand smoke on the way by? Yes. That's the difference.

The argument then tends to head into the area of "If people are intoxicated, they're going to bother you, so alcohol should be removed as well!" If people are going to be allowed to drink past their limit, either the person doing the serving needs to go, or the guest needs to be escorted from the property. There are perfectly responsible people who can drink if they feel the need to drink and not affect me or my health in any way, shape or form. It's very hard for even a responsible smoker to do the same simply because they cannot control where the smoke goes.

You may think you're being very considerate by going out on a balcony to smoke and close *your* door, but you cannot keep your smoke from drifting in the open doors of others. That's where the problem lies. The only real solution is to have a place which is reasonably far from buildings and public areas and that's what Disney seems to be trying to accomplish.

Of course, I completely agree with people who think that Disney is doing this mostly for the money they are going to save on cleaning and maintenance and I also agree that people should have been given much more of a warning. I would also hope that Disney would be a little relaxed about refunding room rates for people who might choose to stay off site because of this change.

An additional personal opinion comment... I had to laugh when I read the comment about the cigar smoker who thinks that cigarette smoke is disgusting, but that they should be allowed to have their cigar. I really don't care for either, of course, but it seems like I can smell cigar smoke from *much* farther away. It looks thicker in the air and really seems to linger for a long time. I may just be unaccustomed to the smell, but in comparison cigarette smoke tends to be irratating (physically) and bothersome but cigar smoke really seems to stink in addition to all of that. Like someone is burning hair or a tire. :hurl: