Back in my 20s, I did something I shouldn’t have — I started smoking. My brain told me that it was the right move based on a bunch of illogical reasons (again, I was in my 20s), but what topped that list was that I’d “never get addicted.” Famous last words, right? It took over 10 years to drop the habit, but I’m glad I did. Those ads don’t lie — cigarettes really control your life.
And they also controlled every vacation I went on during that time. Instead of fully enjoying moments with family and friends, I was on the lookout for the closest convenience store in case I ran out of cigarettes.
Every time I saw a venue that had a no smoking policy, I had a brief anxiety attack trying to figure out what to do if a craving hit. And that’s why I actually love the fact that Disney has now banned smoking from their parks. The most magical place on Earth has no time for smoke clouds and paranoia.
My goal isn’t to tell everyone they should quit. People are responsible for their own actions and choices. But I will say that it’s quite the noble goal to achieve before booking that Disney vacation. That is, unless you want to be filled with dread while waiting in line.
Starting on May 1st, smoking will be banned at both Disney World and Disneyland. In general, the response is quite positive.
No more vaping either!!
— Lori Thompson (@LoriThompson13) March 29, 2019
It's a smoke-free world after all. Disney announced some policy changes Thursday on the official Disney Parks blog, including a smoking ban that will go into effect this spring.
As of May 1, no smoking will be permitted at... https://t.co/NqyavitFWM
Since both parks are for kids, it makes sense to shield them entirely from cigarettes. Especially because there are also a lot of people out there who are allergic to smoke.
I’m sooo happy to hear that! As somebody who suffers from allergies, this is amazing!!! https://t.co/Im5oGexuJi
— ckrusch (@ckrusch) March 28, 2019
And sorry, vapers — this applies to you too. Even though your form of tobacco use may be slightly less obnoxious to those around you, it’s still not appreciated at Disney.
Apparently I have missed drama with vapers thinking the new Disney no smoking laws shouldn’t apply to them (which it does). We don’t want to get a face full of your disgusting fumes either; poison yourselves elsewhere.
— FuseMP (@FuseMP) March 28, 2019
According to Disney, smokers will need to light up outside the park. There will no longer be designated spots for them inside.
Some people worry if this will actually cause more of an issue. “This is just going to make people create their own smoking areas in the parks,” Instagram user ricknacio wrote. “I think they were good with the designated areas they already have. Maybe [they] could have just tucked them away more.”
Even though smoking is one of the biggest new rules, there are a few others that are actually leaving fans shocked. For one, ice will also be banned.
The parks have plenty of other frozen treats, but the weather can get super hot. So it’s kind of a bummer that ice is now forbidden.
Starting May 1st no more #smoking #babies on #ice in #large #strollers allowed #disneyparks #disney #WDW #DisneyLand #HappiestPlaceOnEarth #rules https://t.co/NHhRic2Fip pic.twitter.com/IPbRzg4Mkg
— Christine & Gary Pappin Dream Vacations (@ChrisPappinMCC) March 29, 2019
But, back to smoking. Some fans think the change is a little strange because Walt Disney, himself, was reportedly a smoker.
Of course, times were different back then. Remember when diners had smoking and non-smoking sections? Even hotel rooms have all become non-smoking in the last decade.
There’s no doubt about it at this point. Cigarettes can cause so many illnesses, and make recovery time for injuries and sickness even worse.
Older smokers may have issues with the changes, but they have to admit that Disney making their parks smoke-free is a healthier change for the next generation.
Surely the janitorial crew is welcoming the news. Cleaning up cigarette butts constantly must get a little draining after a while.
Disney is also taking a stand against large strollers and wagons. For those of us with kids, strollers are the easiest way to get around the parks — but beyond a certain size, they can be a nuisance for other guests.
About time !!!!! The wagons,large coolers, bags being pulled really creates many to get hurt...I was one of them... Entire leg scratched(skin broken bleeding) when a wagon was being pulled thru Hugh crowd after fireworks .....
— semperadlucem (@semperadlucum) March 29, 2019
It’s a bit difficult to figure out how they’re going to actually enforce this one. Even though most strollers are reportedly fine, it’d be interesting to see if they get the measuring tape out at the front door.
Hey, @DisneyParks I can agree with the new stroller guidelines.. but my 2 year old brother bang his head pretty bad trying to get out of a disney stroller.. can we both compromise to make disney rental strollers a bit more kid friendly? 😢 @WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/EEd0yzmSTR
— Ferii Celis (@feriicelis) March 28, 2019
For those of us who are obsessed with the parks, and have a set routine down, this news may be a little hard to swallow. Change can be difficult sometimes.
Churros and popcorn don’t cause cancer. If you ever noticed cigarette smoke does not stay in designated areas. It’s shocking you are actually criticizing #disney decision to protect the health of young children
— Kevin Gaida (@KevinGaida) March 29, 2019
Yes, Disney World and Disneyland are still packed with not-great-for-you treats. It’d be hard to maintain a park for kids without a sugary Mickey-related snack or two.
But, at least people expect those unhealthy moments when they book their vacation. They don’t expect to come back to their hotel room smelling of secondhand smoke, which can happen even if they try hard to avoid it.
Hopefully, Disney’s new rule may inspire smokers to take that healthy jump forward. If you really want to have the best time at Disney World, it’s the smartest way to plan for it.
