HUGE news was announced today about a new smoking policy in the Disney Parks beginning very soon.
Smoking Policies are changing at Disney World…
According to the Disney Parks Blog:
…beginning May 1, smoking areas will no longer be present inside Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex or Downtown Disney in California.
But if you’re a smoker visiting the Disney Parks, note that the entire properties aren’t undergoing a no smoking policy. Smoking areas will be provided outside the main entrances of the theme parks, and if you’re staying or visiting Disney’s resort hotels, there will still be smoking areas provided for your convenience. Disney Springs has designated smoking areas as well.
The policy begins May 1st, and note that it applies to both Disney World and Disneyland as well as water parks, ESPN WWoS, and Downtown Disney in California.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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Bye bye disney!
I will spend my money at universal!
And everybody is okay with all the excessive drinking that goes on and is exposed to kids, you are all a bunch of hypocrites and I don’t even smoke, those without sin cast the first stone. Disney now discriminates, let the lawsuits begin, they discriminate against something that is not against the law. How many people die a year related to drinking, they don’t care about that, like I said, anybody who supports this as well as Disney are all hypocrites
I have been an annual passholder for over 40 years, but I smoke, therefore, I have no value to Disney. WDW is discriminating against smokers not drinkers for that brings in the money, doesn’t it? It’s all about how much money Disney can get. This is an unfair policy. It was bad enough when WDW went to 2 or 3 smoking areas, and began to remove the smoking areas that were covered so that when it rained there was no place to smoke. Now, not even the Winter/Summerlnd Mini Golf has a smoking area. We no longer live in a free
society, I guess if I want to smoke I must move to some third world country that treats us like people
Unfortunately, will no longer be visiting WDW.
I think this is silly. Walt was a smoker…
I cant stand the smell of alcohol and my wife gets migrain headaches from the smell of cologne and purfume.
Seems silly that they would push back on smokers when more people die from alcohol and obesity and they push all the booze and sweets.
I have had it with Disneys hypocrisy on this and other
issues not only will my wife and I not ever go back I will not be bringing our granddaughters either.
Sad considering I have been a Disney World attendee since 1974.
I am seriously allergic to cigarette smoke…as in my throat immediately starts to burn and I have trouble breathing. So yes, cigarettes (and people who stink of cigarettes) are a health threat. Someone drinking a glass of wine or eating a sugary treat has zero impact on passing children or allergic people. Smoke does not stay inside of the smoker! Basic reality. One cannot bring all kinds of things into Disney…including many addictive substances, so this is no different. Austin Texas is a clean air city…no smoking indoors, no smoking in parks or at public gatherings…and it hasn’t hurt the economy at all. But dang, it’s much healthier! If you smokers can figure out a way to keep the smoke inside of you, by all means, go ahead and poison yourself. But as soon as it ends up in other people’s air…nope. Not your right. Hurray Disney!
I’ve been coming to WDW for more than 30 years and I have in my adulthood probably maxed out my credit cards just for WDW. I was a smoker once upon a time, but now I vape.
If Disney forces smokers to leave the park, shouldn’t those smokers’ ticket prices be significantly lowered..?
Will there be free shuttles that will drive me back to the entrance so I can do my business and then drive me back to where my family is…?
Why can’t Disneyworld just make bigger smoking section signs..? Where the smoking section is a dead end, so no one can walk thru, if need be build an exhaust system that sucks all the smoke and vapors up and out.
Just come back from Disney, got to say I dont understand the logic of where they have now put smoking areas..
Hollywood studios is right where the boat arrives so many people including children have to walk past with no protection…Magic kingdom is another where public walk past..
Animal kingdom is fine…
But where they were previous was to me far better. Out of the way mostly..
I actually saw cigarette butts on the grounds of some parks..
You have to walk through them? That’s not an option for me… an instant severe allergic reaction, unable to breathe. Why Disney is accommodating smokers and putting the rest of us at risk is beyond me. And for the smokers who feel put upon, let’s all bring shakers of powdered sugar, and shake them over whoever’s smoke reaches us. Or spray stinky cheap perfume in their direction. That way they might understand why their right to smoke can’t come before our right to clean air. Not being mean…just illustrating what seems to be missed. The smoke doesn’t stay inside of the smoker…it impacts us all.
I’m done. The new smoking areas are pass through areas. Why can’t Disney put smoking areas on the outskirts where children and those allergic aren’t passing through. I don’t mind walking behind a building or fence. But hiking to the front to blow smoke at others? Forget it, I’m done.
I’ve been going to both coast parks as an annual pass holder for years. This discrimination is devastating. Shame on you Disney. Smoking sections weren’t an issue. Done with Disney. What a tragedy.
Horrible decision…as a non-smoker with small kids they made the smoking situation FAR worse! You now need to walk past the smoking areas to get into the park. Previously the sections were off the beaten path and we never had an issue…now you cannot avoid it!
Short sighted
When will WDW ban alcoholic beverages, if you can’t be an adult there ban alcohol too! It’s not good for kiddos! Won’t be back! Thanks for the memories of long ago when you could have a good time.
OK, I get it. The squeaky wheel gets all the oil. I do not want to be the squeaky wheel but it’s my turn to be one. I have found the same people who are now complaining about smokers are the same ones who will find something else to complain about if smoking is eliminated. They are the same people who are against sexual preference, racial and religious, rights. They are the same ones who have made being PC so unbearable people are afraid to say or do anything in fear of upsetting someone somehow. As a smoker I don’t mind being restricted to smoking areas but to totally eliminate smoking in such large areas that each park covers is ridiculous. You can not protect everyone from everything harmful or unpleasant.
I’m a smoker and will not visit Disney again until the policy changes back to the way it was. I am currently at WDW, but won’t be back until it changes. My money will be sent at an amusement park that doesn’t discriminate.
Stop acting like babies. If you can’t go 12 hours without smoking there’s something wrong with you.
I am a smoker and have been going to Disney World every year for over 40 years I definitely agree with not smoking while walking around the park because my kids have gotten burnt many times but we are out in the open air and there should be places for us to smoke the smoking sections were so out of way that if you didn’t smoke you wouldn’t be able to find them and to take them away is an infringement on my rights I just paid almost $3000 for my hotel why am I not getting a discount on my tickets?? As much as I love Disney I may not go back next year it’s very disappointing since Walt Disney himself was a smoker!!
Ok that last “babies” comment was ridiculous. Obviously you answered yourself in the comment. Yes smokers do have a problem… it’s called addiction. To not realize the curse of addiction is to be living a life in total ignorance. Can we put this to rest already. The new smoking areas are terrible for non smokers and smokers alike. This isn’t a place to hate on each other. It’s a way to search for a solution. I can’t stand trolls.
The amount of stress and anxiety caused by this ban is unnecessary. Imagine banning the use of smart phones and having to leave the park to use them. Most couldn’t go 12 hours without because they are addicted. There would be protests. I have read people will be protesting the smoking ban by leaving lighted cigarettes in multiple places in the parks.
Interesting that I see so many smokers calling this discrimination, comparing it to things like eating sugar or using cell phones. But not one of y’all seems to understand the critical difference. If someone eats sugar, they do not throw it on you, as you walk past. If someone used a cell phone in the park, they do not hit you with it as you stand in line. If someone has a glass of wine, odds are pretty certain that they don’t dribble it all over our clothes and hair while you try to enjoy your meal. But that is EXACTLY what happens when someone smokes nearby. It doesn’t stay within the smoker, or just in the smoker’s hand. That deadly smoke affects everyone nearby, including people like me with severe allergies. I do understand it’s an addiction. So get help. Use a patch. Go for therapy. Deal with YOUR addiction, just as every other addict whose addiction affects those around her/him needs to do. Don’t want to do that? How about this…every time your smoke gets into my air, I get to sprinkle you with powdered sugar, and throw in a spritz of air freshener, too. Deal? Not trying to be mean…just trying to give you smokers a feeling for just how invasive your smoke really is.
Okay so we have a consensus.
#1 Don’t let your filthy habit bother nonsmokers.
#2 YES! By all means, spend your money elsewhere. The parks are WAY too overcrowded and could use some relief.
#3 It’s more and more a nonsmoking world. Learn it, know it, live it.
How do I stop receiving responses from this post? Life is stressful enough and all the back and forth hateful comments is just making me smoke more.
BT – no trolling here. I just don’t understand why Disney is expected to carved out pieces of land for someone’s habit. They didn’t do a complete ban. You just have to leave the park. That’s the new designated smoking area. Now smoking is just inconvenient. It’s ridiculous that people are boycotting and saying they are being discriminated against because they have to walk further, or out of their way to feed their addiction. 99% of restaurants banned smoking but I’m sure all you smokers still frequent those. You will all be back at Disneyland once you get off your soap boxes and realize it’s really not that bad.
I understand it’s an addiction, but it’s not discrimination. And, what some people aren’t realizing is that not all addictions need to be accommodated – by that logic, people should be allowed to shoot up in designated safe injection areas around the park.
If you decide not to go to the park because your addiction to smoking makes it inconvenient for you, that’s your choice. It’s your right to show your displeasure with the policy change by not spending your money at Disneyland or on Disney related products – just don’t expect that to change their decision. That is your freedom, that is your choice, those are your rights in a free society. You can also do it at home, on property you own, because as many have mentioned it’s not against the law. However just because something isn’t against the law does not mean that you have the right to do it anywhere you please. walking barefoot isn’t against the law, but most businesses require you to wear shoes.
The fact is, smoking is unhealthy not only for you, but for those around you. It’s a well proven fact. Drinking and eating sugary or fat laden foods is unhealthy, but only for you and not those around you. Would I prefer for there to be less alcohol and more healthier options in the parks? Sure. As a nurse, I 100% support that. However the key point is the fact that smoking can cause harm to others who have made the choice not to smoke – which is different from alcohol and unhealthy foods. You could argue a drunk can do the same, and I do believe that Disney should do more training with staff about refusing to serve guests who have had too much – especially in Epcot…. However the idea that these policies need to both happen or neither should is a bit ridiculous. Should Disney do a better job about patrolling alcohol consumption? Yes. But just because they haven’t got there yet doesn’t mean smoking areas should continue until they do. That’s like needing to wear both a hard hat and steel toed boots for safety, but only having hard hats available and deciding no one should wear those until the boots come in. Doesn’t really make sense to continue doing something that could potentially damage the health of others just because they haven’t got around to stopping other unhealthy things.
I don’t think your evil, wrong or bad for being a smoker. I think it’s sad that this addiction might stop you from doing something you love. Sadly, I’ve seen that a lot with many kinds of addiction. If you want to quit, I hope you are able to get help that will let you do just that. If you don’t… well, as I’ve already addressed, it is legal and your choice to stay away from Disney and happily smoke.
As for everyone pointing out that Walt smoked…. you do know he died of lung cancer, yes? And that he smoked during a time when the adverse effect of smoking weren’t fully understood or spoken about? I’m surprised that is even being used to justify smoking. Dying young from lung cancer really isn’t a positive.
Please stop complaining about not being able to smoke in an area frequented by children.
Hey Fred, it must be nice being perfect and what gives you the right to judge anybody and I am a nonsmoker and all you non smokers should come down off your high horse, I want all the scooters banned, I find them annoying and they infringe on my right to have a good day at the parks
Okay, just to clear up a few misunderstandings….
Scooters for those with mobility or age or health issues do NOT expose bystanders to cancer risks
Sugar consumption in the park does NOT expose bystanders to cancer risks
Alcohol consumption in the park does NOT expose bystanders to cancer risks
Strollers in the parks do NOT expose bystanders to cancer risks.
Meat consumption, salty junk food consumption, and other bad food choices in the parks do NOT expose bystanders to cancer risks
People with BO because of the heat do NOT expose bystanders to cancer risks
Are you seeing a pattern, smokers? ONLY smoking exposes everyone nearby to carcinogenic second-hand smoke. Why is that so hard to understand and admit? Please stop trying to make false equivalencies. You just sound silly.
Oh, and by the way, those of us who are trying to protect OUR health from YOUR addiction are probably not the same people who are against gender equality, sexual identity rights or any other social justice issues, as one poster claimed. Smoking is actually far more common among political conservatives, as a whole than among those with more liberal social stances. But of course, there are smokers and non-smokers in all parts of the political spectrum. This is a health issue, not a political one.
As a smoker, I will adjust. Parents…I will keep my smoking in the designated area, and you have your kids stop with the bubbles. Got a bubbble in my eye and it burned the rest of the day. Keep your bubbles out of the park.
TexasToDisney, You are a wise person. I wish more people could grasp what you are saying.
This shouldn’t be a “smokers vs non-smokers” debate. It’s really about how people handle the change. Calling this change a “tragedy” is really a bit extreme. Either stop going to the parks, or go to the NEW designated smoking areas. Coming here and being dramatic about it is really just silly.
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Hypocrisy. Disney’s smoking ban was not well thought out. People bought annual passes and people booked vacations well in advance. Those that are smokers aren’t too happy. Many of the new smoking areas are close to pathways that people use to enter the parks, making non smokers not happy. Here’s my beef with a lot of these comments. There are some of people who are offended by the smokers. Bottom line before May 1 smoking was allowed and those who were that offended certainly had the option NOT to go to Disney, but they did. So how offended can you be? In addition to this, all one has to do is read the Proposition 65 sign at Disneyland. I would imagine that many of the same substances are at WDW. People worry about the effect of cigarette smoke, but they don’t even address the other substances in the park. Got to love those smell machines.
Oh and as far as some of these other arguments. I am allergic to lobster and it is not pretty and time for the emergency room. In fact, the smell of lobster makes me nausea. Do I tell people that they can’t eat lobster? Of course not, I have the common sense to not go there or remove myself to a different location. I guess that the same argument goes with the old smoking areas. I really don’t get why people who were that offended by the smoke would go near those areas. They were out of the way.
So the bottom line is that we are a capitalist society. Disney has certainly decreased the demand for attendance. People who were going to Disney would go even with the smoking. Smokers may not now. Just another really bad decision by Chapek. No need to worry, he will run the place into the ground.
I’ve been a Disney fan for years! Going at least 2xs per year. As a vaper, now I’ll go to Universal. Disney can suck it!!
I wonder if the people saying they will boycott Disney have seen how busy it is there. Trust me, WE won’t miss you… You shouldn’t smoke around other people and children, it’s a health hazard and you should know that.
The spaces in Epcot were off the way from children and as a smoker I truly appreciate that for safety reasons. Now they have moved them to entrances which will have way more smokers surrounding children walking in to parks. The entrance ways should be entirely clear of smokers and keep them out of harms way. They do have spaces to set up in Parks to designate that would be far better .
I won’t be going. The smoking areas were out of the way in the parks. Although I have seen non smokers go to the (well labeled) smoking areas, sit down and complain (seriously?).
With the new, totally smoke free parks…I’ll go elsewhere.
Besides, their prices have become so exorbitant that it is becoming out of reach for the average family (even with their monthly payment plan for those of us who get annual passports. )
I used to grin and bear it, but not with anymore the no smoking policy put in place.
Out of the way spots were fine. Not seen not heard- vacuum shacks where exhaust goes into filter systems is a suggestion at any location. Putting smokers at entry points is absolute idiocy. It’s ok to tax smokers, make the revenue from it then declare “ Oh by the way don’t here and don’t there!” Wrong answer WDW … not only will I not go to theme parks- but also ban movies- clothing- merchandise- ALL of it banned until there are adjustments made. Don’t take the taxes then tell us no. We’ve already paid. Won’t be buying anything Disney. Then you keep jacking up the prices . Your stroller ban is another unfriendly practice. What ? Are wheel chairs next? I may now be in one soon thanks to war related injuries. Liquor is good at theme parks huh Disney- among some of your other colorful decisions and who your industry does or does not support. Won’t go back. “Once upon a Star- hope it becomes a non visited slumping never land now clowns.”
30 years of visiting Disney – and now beeing older Disney tries to patronize us? They pretend to be creative, so why don‘t build cabins or something else for your smoking guests? Won‘t go there before they rethink there anti free people policy!!
Come to Disney over 40years we won’t be back can get drunk but I can’t smoke
I get that smoking can be a hazard to other people. However Disneys already had very few smoking areas that were away from others.
Now not only do we have to go all the way up front to smoke there’s not even a single bench to sit on but they have benches a foot right outside the smoking areas. We pay good money to come here and shouldn’t have to be treated like dogs that don’t even deserve a place to sit.
Next year I’ll be getting season passes to universal instead. They’re cheaper ,better parking and you can get a fast past that actually gets you through the line .
OK I’m riding on Disney transportation and someone is wearing enough perfume to choke a donkey. I’m allergic to perfumes as they cause me migraines and make vomit for hours none stop. Maybe you should also banned perfume since you’re trying to make everyone’s visit more pleasant!
At least people can avoid smoking areas. Its hard to avoid people that wear perfume.
Just a few designated smoking areas. Strategically placed for smoke not to hinder other guests(texas mama) you must be a wdw “plant-spy” w/ your comment.
1) Smoking is a choice, not a right 2) There are no ‘rights’ on private property. 3) If there are still designated smoking areas, there is nothing lost but convenience.
As an ex smoker and a 5 year vaper I can understand the smoking ban (sorry smokers) but to ban vaping is just plain dumb. It does not stink, no ash, no butts, & no second hand smoke. It has been proven that it is safer for the vaper and harmless to others. Until they rethink the ban on vaping I will stick with Legoland and Sea World.
Firstly smokers have zero rights in public places. Disney is a private company. It can enforce this rule. All smoking in public should be banned. Smoking anywhere near children, even inside homes or inside private vehicles, should be criminalized. Hopefully other theme parks and more businesses will follow Disney’s great example. As for allowing smoking at entrances, I’m disappointed that Disney is even allowing that. But if they have to have smoking at the entrances hopefully those will be at least a quarter mile away and completely out of sight – smoke travels and smokers really need all the cardio they can get. I prefer needle-injecting drug addicts over smokers. At least they keep their drug addiction confined to their own bodies.
Vaping is a disgusting habit. Research has shown that not all nicotine is absorbed and it and other chemicals are in the vapor. It should be restricted wherever smoking is restricted and to an equal level. Of course, “more research is required” but I do not want to wade through another 40 years of tobacco industry BS, denials and obfuscations. Inhaler drug-addicts should use patches when in public or when indoors with non-smokers.
Just at Disney and boy was I shocked when I realised I’d be walking miles to have a cigarette now. Not too bad at Hollywood studios but the rest of the parks it’s a mission. (Sound of a small violin for all smokers)
I understand what the p.c brigade are saying like i understand what the bygone conservatives are saying. I’m not going to use silly arguments about perfume,bubbles or ALCOHOL. Same way I wouldn’t like any of the others commenting ,being my next door neighbours, sound like right miserable busy bodies proper life and souls of the party I imagine.!
There has to be a better solution though,Than having small children passing the smoke near the front of the park. The Germans have the right idea at their airports. The boxed off rooms with extractors and filters.
Was relived when I went universal today and they still had designated smoking areas. didn’t feel like a criminal or a leper doing the walk of shame.
I don’t believe children and others should breath in toxic fumes that others create ,same way I believe smokers shouldn’t be vilified, I know there is a better solution though let’s hope Disney see some sense, because this one is shortsighted , we going green yeah we vegan, smoke free radicals , here you go children why don’t you pass a crowd of 30 smokers on the way to the park and as another mentioned seeing butts on the floor. This place used to be next level clean.
Most of the people commenting about second hand smoke inhalation are the type to still be driving 6 litre engines around and sleeping with their cell/mobile phone under the pillow. Clamouring for some 5g to fry their brains.
Slightly off topic but very poignant , I dislike the right wing for the hate they have in them at times but the left wow you will be the ones who take away everyone’s rights and freedom under the pretence of trying to free and help people. And you don’t even see it.
I have a Liberal heart with conservative values. Sometimes you got to Preserve the village green for the next generation !! The answers you seek are usually in that grey area. Things don’t have to be so rigid.
For all of you saying that walking by someone who’s smoking is detrimental to your health….
Did you know that just breathing the every day air living in a large city due to factors such as smog and air pollution is about 100 thousand times worse for you than walking past someone smoking a cigarette outdoors in a wide open area?
FYI I’m not a smoker I just hate hypocritical BS
I am a smoker and I am currently at WDW, I completely understand why Disney moved the smoking areas out of the parks. On past trips, I refused to use the one smoking area at the Magic Kingdom, because it was off a walk way and directly behind Barnstormer that area is heavily populated with children and I do not smoke where children are. I have been going 12 to 13 hours a day not smoking, so it can be done. I’m not going to stop coming to my favorite place because they will not let me smoke in the parks that’s just plain silly. But then again I have never been a heavy smoker in the parks because I am too busy doing other fun stuff to think about smoking. I will say this though, if I can’t smoke a cigarette in the park I do not think it is fair for people to be allowed to Vap in the parks, the vapor is very dangerous to the health of the vaper and people inhaling second hand vapor smoke. I would prefer not to inhale something that could give me popcorn lung.
Problem:
Putting the smoking areas outside the front of parks where everybody walks through. And what smoker in their right mind wants to walk 45 minutes round trip and have to revisit security check every time? By the time they get all the way back into the park they need a cigarette again, lol.
Solution:
Have a couple smoking areas per park, equipped with the industrial fans they already have everywhere on ride lines. Blast the fans straight up in succession, it will suck the smoke past the point where it could blow over into adjacent areas.
The bad news for everyone:
People who are physically reliant on nicotine will get their nicotine. Requirements of miles and hours to smoke during a trip is only going to make more people consider breaking the rules. Lets see… Walk from Everest or Mexico or Adventureland out past the front of the park and back through security for each smoke, or take a few puffs in the bathroom? I’m not condoning this, but making it so entirely inconvenient will decrease the amount of people who respect the policies.
Inwish I has known this before purchasing my ticket. I am a vaper nit a smoker. Vape hurts noone. This will be the last time I come to Disney. After paying such a huge ticket price…I now find out I will not be able to enjoy my day. Sorry Disney but I will be telling all my vaping friends that Disney judges us unfit to go to its theme parks.