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Disney Bans Smoking in Theme Parks and New Stroller Restrictions

A big change was announced to the Disney theme parks this morning. Starting May 1, Disney is eliminating all smoking areas inside Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex or Downtown Disney in California.

No Smoking at Disney Theme Parks

While smoking will not be permitted in the parks, there will be designated smoking areas available outside the entrances of the above listed areas and at Disney Springs in Florida. Only Florida was mentioned so we’re still confirming whether or not this will also be available in the Disneyland parks in California.

Smoking will still be allowed in all the Disney hotels, and guests who are staying in a room or have dining reservations can used these designated smoking areas at their leisure.

So the first thing that sticks out to me is that we could see these changes coming a mile a way. For some time Disney has been phasing out smoking in the parks and this shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone.

2019 Disney World Free Dining UK Residents

Just last year they got rid of the smoking area in the UK Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase, which at the time brought the total smoking areas in Epcot to 5. I’m not sure what percentage of park goers smoke, but obviously some people are going to be upset about this.

I think this also fits the cleaner, green image that Disney has been trying to give for some time and for that reason and complaints they realized the benefits would outweigh the complaints from smoking guests.

Stroller Changes in Disney Parks:

Also starting May 1, there are some big changes coming regarding stroller restrictions in the parks.

Disney is adjusting their guidelines on stroller sizes, which will require them to be no larger than 31″ (79cm) wide and 52″ (132cm) long. This isn’t too bad as the majority of the current strollers on the market are within these measurements, even many double jogging strollers.

Also beginning May 1, stroller wagons will also no longer be permitted in the parks either.

Crowds on Main Street in Disneyland

All these changes are to make the guests experience better for everyone coming to the Disney Parks and the updates to the stroller guidelines will help clear up some of the congestions that is found on the paths inside the parks.

In fact the pathway behind Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom is already getting worked on to become wider and allow more people to walk freely in an area that’s traditionally difficult to navigate when there are lots of families.

pathway widened behind Cinderella Castle magic kingdom

Even though theses new restrictions on strollers might seem harsh, it’s actually better to use a smaller one when at all possible. Even the driver of the stroller will find it easier to navigate around the parks and get in an out of spaces that are often tight.

The good news is that if you need a stroller, Walt Disney World already offers a double stroller rental, and very soon the Disneyland Resort will soon offer one too!

Your Thoughts:

I want to know what you think about Disney banning smoking in the parks and the new stroller guidelines…

  • Should smoking be banned in the parks?
  • Are you happy about these changes?

Let us know in the comments section below!

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Mindy

Sunday 7th of April 2019

I don't see how I could visit Disney either. I'm a smoker. It is outdoors. I knew something was wrong Sept 2018 when they were NOT cleaning ashtrays. I think it should be illegal and am looking for a class action lawsuit. It's descrimination.

Kaniela

Friday 29th of March 2019

Smoking should be allowed in one area of each "Land" in the Magic Kingdom and one location in each of the other parks. More in Magic Kingdom because it's more popular. If you've got to exit the park completely each time you want a cigarette, then fight the crowds to get back in, and try finding which narrow walkway your family are pushing their strollers in a race to see who can hit the most people or ramming into Disney Characters, only then having to turn around again and exit the park for a cigarette to do it all over again because you're kids are driving you and everyone else crazy. Next time, leave the kids at home so you can pop over to Epcot, grab an alcoholic beverage or two and relax ... enjoy the Parks!

Ziggy

Friday 29th of March 2019

Thanks for commenting Kaniela. it is an inconvenience I know

Melissa

Thursday 28th of March 2019

I think they should worry more about the drinking in Epcot than smoking !! We went and people were doing bar crawls around the countries which was annoying and they were obnoxious!! On the bus they were totally disgusting screaming and singing. Cursing ? with small children in the bus. Disney needs to cut people off and not allow them on the buses that drunk . I also think smoking should be in one section of each park out of the way outback they are going to lose a lot of people.

Ziggy

Friday 29th of March 2019

Thanks for commenting Melissa. Yeah this is 100% true and some of the guests get completely out of hand I Epcot, especially during the festival periods (which is always basically!). I've seen people get on the ground and try to stand on their heads, just crazy stuff and Disney needs too crack down more on this behavior!

Leigh

Thursday 28th of March 2019

Smoking is disruptive to the people around. And very unhealthy. And kids shouldn’t have to grow up with second hand smoke. Plus it will keep Disney cleaner.

Mary Lundburg

Thursday 28th of March 2019

The smoking sections were way off the beaten path, myself am a smoker, unfortunately. 2 years ago there were only 2 places at the Magic Kingdom. Was always a place to meet other people and relax for awhile. I do think that we are the minority of people. So......