The MousePlanet Mailbag is a regular compilation of some of our reader feedback and writer responses that may be of interest to our readers. We encourage you to drop your questions, opinions, or comments to us in care of our mailbag.
Recently, Mark Goldhaber reported on the recent move by Walt Disney World to go totally smoke-free in its hotel rooms, including balconies and patios (link). Readers responded with such a huge volume of e-mail that we have decided to run their feedback in two separate Mailbags. Before we get into reader responses, here are Mark’s thoughts on the subject.
Many who wrote to us make good points, on both sides of the discussion. It’s interesting the debate over the issue of smoking on balconies and patios. The smokers feel that in the open air, their smoking shouldn’t be an issue, while some of the non-smokers complain of being unable to use their balconies or patios because of smoke blowing over from the next one over. The concern that people will be undeterred by the $250-$500 cleaning charge for smoking in their room and that someone will walk into their non-smoking room with a smell of smoke.
Personally, I’m a fairly militant non-smoker, both because cigarettes killed one of my grandmothers and because cigarette smoke can touch off serious asthma attacks in my wife and son. I’m glad for the healthy focus that Disney is setting at the resorts, both in terms of the healthy food options and the non-smoking policy. I’m also concerned about whether the smoking areas in the resorts may prove to be inconvenient enough for smokers that they feel the need to smoke in their rooms or on their balconies. To those smokers who are able and willing to comply with Disney’s smoking policies, both in the parks and at the resorts, I give my deepest thanks. However, there are many who can’t even wait to get to a smoking area in the park. I doubt that they’ll follow the policies in the resorts, either.
I guess I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I think that there should be one building at each level (value, moderate, deluxe) that is kept as a smoking building for those who have to smoke in their rooms so that there’s no temptation to smoke in a non-smoking room; on the other hand, the example being set by the company in terms of promoting health and being the leader in this direction is a great thing. I really hope that this works out as well as the plan dictates. I just worry that it may backfire.
Today’s set of comments are those who oppose the ban; this group made up about one-fourth of the total letters received. Meme L. writes:
I know that smoking and secondhand smoke is not safe, but people who smoke have rights, too, and should not have to be made to feel like they are second rate. Some smokers may not care about non-smokers but I always show respect for others—non-smokers as well as smokers. I don’t smoke in friends’ cars or houses or near anyone eating, or even in my own house if non-smoking friends are visiting. I don’t mind public places setting policies about smoking, but every time they do, non-smokers look at you as if you were dirt. Disney cleans their rooms very well so you cannot smell smoke in the rooms, or on the curtains. I think they should keep some rooms for smokers, just for the reason they are people to and do spend money and support Disney just as well as non-smokers. I wish smokers and non-smokers could just respect each other.
Lisa G. writes:
I am very upset that the Disney Resorts have gone smoke free. In January of this year, I purchased a membership in the Disney Vacation Club with the understanding that there would be smoking optional rooms available. In fact, the representative said I was more likely to have trouble getting a smoke-free room than a smoking one.
I do not mind having to smoke on the balcony of my room. However, I understand that the new prohibition extends to the balcony. That is simply absurd. If I am outside the room with the door to the room shut, no smoke is going to taint the room. If I want a cigarette at 2 a.m., I am going to have to leave my room and walk, probably a good distance, to the designated smoking area. Considering what I paid to join the Disney Vacation Club, this is just unreasonable.
I know it probably won’t do any good, but I will be writing Disney to voice my displeasure. Based on response, I will have to decide if I am going to sell my DVC points. This may cause me to cease to stay on Disney property. The fact that they are willing to deny a whole segment of their buying public the right to exercise their right to smoke in the open air outside the room for which they paid is not smart. I expect other smokers and DVC members will feel the same.
Darlene H. writes:
I’m not a smoker so Disney’s decision shouldn’t affect me, but it does. My mother is a chain smoker, big time. I wish she would quit, but she’s tried and has been unable to. And based on the fact that she can’t quit combined with the fact that she wouldn’t be able to smoke in her room at Disney (we have a trip in the works) means we no longer would be able to have a family vacation at Disney.
Vacation to us means being able to relax. And a vacation at Disney means being able to stay on the property and take advantage of all the perks it has to offer. My mother states that smoking is relaxing to her. How can she relax, especially after long days in the park, if she can’t get comfortable in her room and do what she enjoys? It’s not relaxing to have to get dressed and walk to a designated spot to smoke, especially at night. Yes, I know not many of the rooms are smoking anymore, but why get rid of the few that are left?
It sounds like Disney wants to push long time stay on Disney property guests who smoke to other hotels off the property. That’s not very accommodating. And if the truth is told, last I heard, smoking is an addiction. Addictions to things are also considered disabilities. Does Disney really want to discriminate against people with disabilities in their hotels? If that’s the case, then I won’t be returning anymore to Disney properties as my mother has a disability because of her smoking, my husband is disabled because of mobility issues due to severe arthritis and my daughter is disabled because she is autistic. If Disney doesn’t want to be a disability-friendly place anymore, then there are plenty of other places I can go to with my family.
Michelle writes:
I don’t mind the new policy, but as a smoker, I’m concerned about the “restricted areas.” I’ve come across several places that have these areas and they are so far away from the population, that it’s a little nerve-wracking. I am always mindful of who is around me, but it seems like these restricted areas are always set way outside of whatever attraction I’m attending. The Braves Stadium is one that has a far away smoking section. I just want to make sure you take into consideration the smokers, as well as the non-smokers. I believe you should still have smoking rooms, because there are still some of us out there. I appreciate it.
John writes:
Horrible idea. Excellent, of course, to make rooms smoke-free, but patios and balconies? If I’m paying $500 a night for a room at the Polynesian that features a balcony, I think it’s reasonable to expect to be able to smoke outside on the balcony where it doesn’t disturb anyone.
Management who thinks that the 3.5 percent smoking-room rate reflects the actual number of smokers should take a walk around the resorts after 10 p.m. They may be surprised to find as many as a quarter of the rooms “lighting up.” With many Americans who smoke and many Europeans and non-Americans who smoke visiting the resorts, it seems a little crazy to expect that even on the balconies one can’t enjoy a cigarette!
Linda M. writes:
I think if you want to smoke on your balcony you should be able to. Part of a vacation is to relax with a cup of coffee and if you smoke that is very important. If I am paying $300 a night for a Disney hotel room I will smoke on my balcony
Chris R. writes:
I think it’s fine if they want to do away with smoking in the rooms, but to prohibit it on patios and balconies (which are not much used by guests, in my experience), is absurd. These are, of course, outdoors and there are usually not other guests in proximity.
Phil writes:
As a smoker and a frequent visitor to the Disney resorts I am not happy. When I stay on Disney property I do not smoke in the room but instead go outside. Now it sounds like I will be making a trek to have a smoke. I do not mind the policy in the parks because you are usually on the move and I only take a moment to have a quick cigarette.
The resorts are a different story. You go back to the room to relax and slow down for a little while. Now it seems I will be spending more time walking not kicking back. As much as it pains me I may have to consider staying off site. I hope when they plan the placement of the smoking areas there are more areas in the resorts than they have in the parks. If I have to walk a mile for a cigarette I will stay somewhere else!
Carolyn S. writes:
As a smoker I really have no problem with making the rooms non-smoking, but the patios and designated outdoor areas at your resort? Will all of the buildings have a designated area, or will they expect us to pay the price of staying there and then ask us to go forever to their designated area? I feel they are taking this issue too far. Let the rooms be non-smoking—even the patios are OK—but really outside. We usually stay at Walt Disney World for six weeks in the spring—we may need to sell our points if they carry this much further.
Jean S. writes:
I was just invited today to join friends at Walt Disney World for 10 days in July and 6 days in October. We were planning on staying at Old Key West in July and Boardwalk in October. After reading this I’ve decided not to go. If I can’t even sit on the balcony/patio with a cup of coffee and smoke a cigarette, I’d rather say home. I’m guessing this will apply to the pool areas also.
We always stay in non-smoking villas out of consideration of the non-smokers in the group. I don’t mind this at all because I could always step outside to the patio, sit down and relax with a cigarette and a cup of coffee or a drink while I read a book or the newspaper.
I try to be a considerate smoker. Finding the designated smoking spots at the parks is difficult and time consuming as they are not well marked. I can only imagine where they will hide them at the resorts.
This is the final straw—I give up. I’ll stay home and save a lot of money. I was just getting ready to renew my annual pass. I won’t have to do that now.
Randy B. writes:
I think that when people who don’t smoke conflict with my interest and needs with their own special needs of not having to smell second hand smoke, where does it leave me and why are their needs more important than mine? I will still go and stay at a Disney resort because I like the convenience but am considering an RV at the Disney campground so no one can tell me what to do. Where does it end? No smoking, no cell phones, no pets, no anything that annoys the select few. I know that second hand smoke bothers other people but to what extent of my freedom to enjoy life and Disney.
J.C. writes:
I am a smoker and a huge Disney fan (in 3 weeks I take my 38th trip to Walt Disney World resort from NJ). I enjoy staying in a non-smoking room and respecting the rules. They smell and feel better. I do occasionally step out to the outdoor railing (Pop Century) to enjoy a smoke. Does this mean I need to leave my floor, building or perhaps area to light up? I don’t so much mind the DSA policy in the park. Everyone pays admission to be in Disney Parks they shouldn’t have to suffer from second hand smoke at every turn. The complaint I have is that I am paying a premium to stay on property I should be able to smoke outside so long as to be respectful of others.
Gerri writes:
I reserved 3 suites for July 17-25 at the All-Star Music Resort at the end of April. I requested one of those suites to be a smoking suite and was assured that I would be accommodated. I left a deposit for the suites and thought everything was in order. During a casual reading of Allearsnet, I noticed the article about the smoking ban going into effect on June 1 and that no reservations for smoking rooms would be taken after May 1. This statement would almost lead one to believe that reservations taken before May 1 would be honored. However, I called Walt Disney World and was told that the smoking ban would, indeed, be put into effect on June 1 and that I would not be given a suite in which I could smoke. They told me that there are designated smoking areas and that smoking is banned on all balconies, terraces and patios. I have until June 2 to pay the remainder due and I’m considering finding accommodations elsewhere.
When I questioned why a reservation was taken for a smoking room when the company clearly knew that there would be no smoking after June 1, they told me that letters were being sent to people who had smoking reservations telling them of the ban.
I am disappointed that this has been handled so carelessly. It will be a burden to change plans now for the 11 people I am planning to bring. I was expecting so much more of Disney.
Greg I. writes:
I am a smoker. I don’t mind having to smoke in designated smoking areas, but not being able to smoke in my room might cause me to not visit Walt Disney World ever again. In the past when I have gone to Walt Disney World I spent at least a week at a time. Now maybe I’ll just stay at home and watch Walt Disney World movies so I don’t bother anyone with my smoking.
Next week: Those who support the smoking ban speak their minds…
