Disneyland Bans Smoking in Most Areas of The Park

Disneyland Bans Smoking Starting January 30, 2000

In a move that's sure to spark some controversy, Disneyland has announced that beginning January 30, 2000, smoking will permitted inside the park at designated areas only. According to Disneyland, the move was made because in recent years some guests have expressed concerns about smoking in theme parks. This change in policy will allow Disneyland to respond to non-smoking guests’ concerns, while also providing options for adult guests who want to smoke.

Once the policy is implemented, Disneyland guests who wish to smoke may do so outside of the Park’s Main Gate, along an area of Big Thunder Trail in Frontierland, at the Spanish Fountain near the entrance to the Haunted Mansion, or on the walkway leading to the Disneyland Railway Station in Tomorrowland. When asked if no-smoking signs would be posted around the park Disneyland spokesperson Ray Gomez responded "the specifics are still being worked out, but it looks like we'll have signs that will direct smoking guests to the designated areas. Also, guest literature such as Disneyland Today will point out the smoking areas."

Disneyland has already had a long-standing policy of designating all attractions, wait lines, restaurants, merchandise locations and resort transportation areas as nonsmoking. Also, two months ago Disneyland also stopped selling cigarettes within the park. This change is also in keeping with the policy of Disneyland Resort hotels where all indoor common areas, and many guest rooms, are designated nonsmoking.

"Personally? I say for Disneyland to go for it, allow smokers only in certain parts of the park." says Chris Scott of Anaheim, a smoker and regular Disneyland visitor. "As a person in general? It will be difficult to control something like that, especially with tourists from out of state as well as from other countries, for example Japanese tourists who are used to smoking where ever they wish. I have no problem with Disneyland proposing certain areas as smoking areas, it will just require a lot of enforcement"

Walt Disney World will have a similar policy effective January 30, 2000, and Disney's California Adventure, scheduled to open next door to Disneyland in 2001, will have the same policy.

-- Posted 11/2/99
-- Story by Doobie Moseley