One thing I noticed last week at DLRP that I don't remember from before, is the HUUUUGE numbers of people smoking. I know the proportion of smokers is very high in France in general compared to the UK, but it really was very noticeable just how many people were lighting up everywhere I went.
I thought Disney was supposed to be a "smoke in smoking areas" sort of place, but it clearly isn't enforced. A few yobs were actually smoking aboard Big Thunder Mountain when I was riding at one point, couldn't believe it.
I've not been to any other Disney park, but I'd be EXTREMELY surprised if the American parks permitted smoking.
I have to say that it was one of the very very few things which spoilt Disney Paris slightly for me.
What's everyone's thoughts?
I totally agree here. I have seen CMs look at people smoking in DLP and not say anything, however in WDW I have seen CMs asking people to put their cigarettes out. They don't seem too bothered about it in DLP for some reason!
I agree with Vegitabeta! I've never seen CMS in DLP ask people to get rid of their cigarettes.
What's partly to blame is poor signposting to the designated smoking areas. But a lot of the blame goes towards the guests themselves.
The American parks have a strict smoking policy: only in the designated smoking areas. It's not just the Disney parks. At Universal / Islands of Adventure the same thing: designated smoking areas and they are heavily used and not a nice place to stay for non-smokers. Americans are a lot more smoking conscious than the French as there is a very strong and succesfull anti-smoking lobby. And the French are a lot more abusive of rules... (in general, of course)...
Marnix
Yes, the smoking is really annnoying. What I don't understand is when parents smoke, their little kid in the pram next to them. Saw that some times during my last visit. :(
And what I think increased, there are many people smoking while waiting in the queue. Is it so hard to wait for 20 minutes without a cigarette?
It did seem worse to me too, last trip in Oct we felt that smoking in queues and around children was a real spoiler.
As an ex smoker I can understand to some small extent but there are clear areas to go to if you want to smoke, I think there are just some very different cultural ideas about what is ok and not ok in DLP. I don't want to throw nationalities about but I'm sure it would make for a better experience for all visitors if CMs found a way to politely but consistently change the message about smoking in the parks.
Hi,
I don't often post on this forum ( although I do read it! ) but wanted to reply to this thread....
I have noticed the smoking in DLP getting steadily worse over the years. I don't remember it being as bad around the parks and in ride queues even before the designated areas were introduced.
There used to be a lot more CMs walking round the park all day keeping an eye on things in general, than there are now. I have seen CMs telling people to put cigarettes out, but they just refuse or light up again as soon as the CM has gone.
The smoking areas are not easy to find nor clearly marked. One British family having a picnic gave me and my son dirty looks until I pointed out that they were sitting in a smoking area!
In the early days of ' EuroDisney ' the park was not as busy even during summer holidays, so there was less smoking around. Now at busy times of the year it seems to be everywhere. I got burned on the leg wearing shorts in summer by someone with a lit cigarette after Moteurs Action Show. It was about the same height as a young child's face. People were lighting up in the crowds leaving the seating area as soon as the show was over, walking past CMs who paid no attention.
If you read reviews on Trip Advisor they frequently mention the smoking everywhere in the parks and the pushing & shoving to meet Characters. This does NOT happen in WDW, so surely DLP could manage the same??
It gives the place we love a very bad reputation, and puts many UK people off going there.
I travelled to DLP a couple of weeks ago and have been 8 times before that. The smoking issue was something I actually commented on whilst we were there, it seems that its much more common now! However I do admit that I think I only saw two or three designated smoking areas. So whilst smokers should be aware of where they are smoking I think it is also up to DLP and the CMs to advise them to move to a smoking area.
Can I just ask if the areas have always been there and if not, what were smokers supposed/allowed to do before that? I was always under the impression it was strictly no smoking but obviously I was wrong.
I suppose it was allowed before since the smoking ban has "only" been around since 2008 (someone, please correct if I'm wrong).
QuoteFrom 1st April 2008, the two theme parks of Disneyland Resort Paris will officially be smoke-free zones. No smoking will be allowed in any restaurants, attractions or queue lines — not even in the streets.
Source: http://www.dlrptoday.com/2008/03/14/dis ... announced/ (http://www.dlrptoday.com/2008/03/14/disney-parks-in-paris-go-smoke-free-new-smoking-areas-announced/%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
It seems like people think they are allowed to smoke or tend to think that other people don't mind their smoking once they are in an outside area. Perfect example here in Holland is the smoking ban from train stations, even if they're in the open air. People still smoke whenever they want, the only way to stop them seems to be to fine them when they're caught. And even that might only stop them for that specific moment.
Thank you pinkboxers, this must be where I had the idea that it was banned from! :)
Personally I think it's getting worse. I've been going since about the age of 10 and always had the impression that smoking was actually banned purely because I didn't see anyone smoking. Over the last few years though I have noticed more and more people smoking around the park.
What's strange is that is seems to often be the people with children, some even with babies, and they smoke directly next to them.
I really wish castmembers would insist on smokers using the designated smoking areas. I don't like breathing in people's smoke and when there are so many children around I really think they need to do more to put a stop to people smoking all around the park, especially in queues where you are actually unable to get away from it.
I agree .. it was bad bad bad when I was there last week - sunday (when we arrived) was very bad with day trippers and the Friday that we left also - there was a suprising amount of Brits smoking openly in the parks.
There were more people smoking in queues this time as well - and where people were eating - which is just damn rude at the best of times, but esp in a theme park. I hate to point fingers but it appeared to be the French and Spanish people who were the worst offenders, but a close 3rd were the Brits - many of which were women with kids !!!
Being an ex-smoker I know what its like when you need a cigarette, but not in a queue, or when people are eating, or in a crowd!!
Another thing that shocked me is how untidy some people are. put your cigarette butt, coffee cup, sandwich wrapper in a bin!! There are hundreds of them in the park, in ride queues, by restaurants and kiosks - there is no excuse to drop any kind of debris on the floor !!!
moan over .. and I agree the CMs should at least point out where the smoking areas are.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52wwFyuPyqg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52wwFyuPyqg%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
Is it really as bad as it's shown in the above video? EW
Anyone know if they sell personal fans at any of the stores in the resort? I'd want all that smoke away from us, specially while waiting in line to get on rides, or inside restaurants.
I wouldn't say it's bad in comparison with other places but as I said further above, it's definitely getting worse rather than better.
I wish they would follow the strict smoking policy in the US and make sure that it's actually enforced. To be fair there have only been a handful of times when I've been in a queue and someone has been smoking, but to be honest there should be a zero tolerance policy where smoking and queues are concerned.
My son got burnt by a cigarette there in 2010. He couldn't figure out what hurt him but we definitely gave the idiot who did it a piece of our minds, told them to go to the smoking area, they didn't know there was one and thought it was okay as they were out in the open
That's terrible.
I think that's a large part of the problem, a lot of people don't even know they are not meant to be smoking around the park unless they are in the designated areas. They just presume it's okay and no one is telling them otherwise.
I emailed DLP about this a while back, the response was that smoking is banned in the parks, apart from in designated areas! I truly think that until guests raise this issue, again and again, with DLP it will just continue to get worse! If everyone who complains on here about the smoking emailed them about this issue surely it would get their attention? Or maybe start an e-petition.
Just my thoughts!
I've noticed that a lot of generic No Smoking signs have appeared throughout the park, but only in French. They probably have to give them out by law, because I saw exactly the same sign in CDG Airport.
Quote from: "princessbug"I emailed DLP about this a while back, the response was that smoking is banned in the parks, apart from in designated areas! I truly think that until guests raise this issue, again and again, with DLP it will just continue to get worse! If everyone who complains on here about the smoking emailed them about this issue surely it would get their attention? Or maybe start an e-petition.
Just my thoughts!
I think you're right, use the feedback forms at the end of your stay and email DLP too, if enough people make it clear that this issue is to the detriment of their 'brand' of holiday, I think they'll have to address it. But it needs enough people to actually do something.
anyone know the best email address to use to complain/suggest etc?
How about everyone who's agreed with points raised here commit to express them directly to DLP?
DopeyDad Where can you get feedback forms from? Is there a way of getting hold of one once you have returned home?
I'm thinking of the leaflets left in the hotel rooms, with a section at the back I think to leave feedback.
(if memory serves that is)
Not sure of best way to feedback after a trip, although I'm sure someone here will have the best email address to use.
Lets get a bit of people power going! when we find the best email to use, post here when you've asked DLP to do something about smoking in queues etc. And we can all try to feedback on it once we've visited.
Drop in the ocean I know but at least we'll be doing something about something that bothers us.
Kevin
DLP.GUEST.COMMUNICATION@disney.com (mailto:DLP.GUEST.COMMUNICATION@disney.com)
I have to admit, my mom is a smoker too, and she smokes inside the parks. However, we always find a clear spot, or one of the areas to smoke, never ever will she smoke inside the queue.
It really suprised me on my last trip how many people were smoking inside queues, that's just unacceptable. But it seems to me that you can figure out for yourself that a queue is not the best place to light a cigarette?
As for the smoke areas, I only know one, which is in the front of Main Street USA, but apart from that I haven't seen one smoke area...
Quote from: "princessbug"dlp.uk.admin@disney.com
DLP.GUEST.COMMUNICATION@disney.com
Thank you princessbug
I found quite a lot of smoking areas last time I was there as we were looking for somewhere quiet and secluded where the wife could breastfeed and not once did we see anyone smoking in one of these smoking areas lol.
Smoking is disgusting and their is no excuse to the rudeness of smokers, you are in a land designed for children to live out their dreams, do you want them breathing in your smoke?
So disgusting and it really makes me mad
I'd like to contact DLP and give them my 2 cents about this issue. What exactly should I say?
I'll be so ticked off if I travel 5000 miles across the Atlantic just to have people blow their disgusting smoke in my face everytime I wait in line to get on rides.
In some way it is ironical that there are so many problems with people smoking in a park whose founder (ok, he wasn't directly the founder of DLP, but you know what I mean) died of lung cancer at the age of 65. Oh Walt, how many years more would we have had with you if you hadn't smoked?
Somebody was about to have a cigeret in the entrance of the Prince Pavilion - even though they were right next to the door, they were still "inside" the building. Luckly the cast member told him off and he just walked out leaving his 'wife' and daughter - didn't say a word from what I heard.
We weren't the only ones to comment upon it though.
But it is really bad - I didn't realise how bad it was, unless it's got worse over the past few months. :x
Quote from: "alternativerock123"But it is really bad - I didn't realise how bad it was, unless it's got worse over the past few months. :x
These days it might be that we're growing very used to more stringent rules about smoking in every day life, so it's not often you're forced into a busy area where people are lighting up cigarettes.
It felt "bad" for me during both my trips this month. There was one parent in front of me lighting up literally as the lights came up from Dreams and they were joining the queue to get out the park. I mean seriously, was the show so stressful that they needed a cigarette
immediately afterwards, in the middle of a huge crowd?
Now that people are perfectly willing to accept no smoking rules (or only being able to smoke in specific areas) in airports, train stations and other public places, surely it's time that Disneyland Paris can step this up a gear, they're massively behind and it really does negatively affect a day in the park. They need to start with signs at the park entrances (similar to the eternal "Filming Today" signs) which clearly state the smoking rules.
Quote from: "Anthony"Now that people are perfectly willing to accept no smoking rules (or only being able to smoke in specific areas) in airports, train stations and other public places, surely it's time that Disneyland Paris can step this up a gear, they're massively behind and it really does negatively affect a day in the park. They need to start with signs at the park entrances (similar to the eternal "Filming Today" signs) which clearly state the smoking rules.
My thoughts exactly. Western European society has changed this past decade and it's time to start enforcing the rules. It won't happen overnight, but they have to start somewhere. All Cast Members should be instructed to ask people to put out their cigarettes, particularly in queues and other places where lots of people are forced to huddle up in tight spaces. I used to work in a hotel and everyone, from housekeeping to front desk staff, was clearly instructed to do this — well, we had to ban them from the premises, actually, which may be a step too far for Disneyland Paris at this point. But all these excuses, from "this is not America" to "it's not the Cast Members' job" are just that, excuses.
Perhaps they can go lightly on people smoking in large open spaces for a few years, focusing on the aforementioned queues, the crowded sidewalks before a parade, and places like the Main Street arcades where some of the more clever, existential smokers decide that they can argue being outdoors on the basis of a lack of doors. But something has to happen.
I'm not a smoker, never liked it and I know how badly it's viewed in Britain. But I wonder what the attitude towards smoking is in France, because i think there has to be a public change in attitude towards smoking. It can't be theme park lead and maybe some European countries are way behind us. On a crowded day at DLP with people determined to smoke, it could be hard for a CM to enforce a non smoking ban in parts of the park. I think there has to be a change in public attitude towards smoking in society. In the last 25 years in Britain peoples views on smoking have changed so much and for the better.
How many people on the forum have actually contacted Disneyland Paris over the smoking issue? I emailed them a while back but never got a reply, just wondering what the response was for anyone else.
Well I've never contacted DLP over the smoking issue, obviously it's not illegal. I don't notice it in their restaurants. To enforce a ban on smoking in certain parts of the park the public have to cooperate with Disney, that's why I think the change of attitude has to come from society. That's what happend in Britain.
Smoking is banned in public buildings in France just as it is in Britain and most of Western Europe at this point. How do you think they got people to stop smoking at railway stations and airports? By making it very clear that it isn't allowed and that penalties exist for offenders, and by continuously tapping said offenders on the back. These things don't just happen, you have to enforce your rules.
Of course, the concept of not being able to smoke outside is still new to Europeans and the French, let's face it, won't go down without a fight in that regard. But I think we can all agree that a person smoking in the Big Thunder Mountain queue should be removed. Let's start there.
Oh, and to all of us: tap people on the back for pete's sake! Anyone blowing smoke in your face should be told off. By you. Do your part.
I would like it better if they just made smoking illegal, then end of problem. But I shant be tapping a 6ft hoody on the back and tell him to stop smoking in case he tells me to.........off. A little old lady maybe.
Yes, and then get her to tell the hoodie off.
Will do. :thumbs: But I do agree with you, I dont like smoking. I try to lead by example. If I was standing in a queue at a cash point machine, and somebody infront of me was smoking, I probably wouldn't tap them on the back and tell them to stop, but that could just be me.
You know me, I probably wouldn't be bold enough to ask someone to stop myself, and I'm not sure I'd want the Cast Members to have that put upon them either just yet, not without more warnings and statements of the rules being put in place across the parks to back them up. At the minute do they seem happy to ask people to stop smoking in queue lines, since there are those legally-required signs for covered areas in place, so that's what they need. DLP should come up with a solid plan to gradually make clear and enforce the rule over a year or more, with a CM asking someone in the street to stop smoking being the final step.
I know this might be ugly in itself, but I'd also support an announcement in several languages being made 10 or 15 minutes before parades or shows like Dreams begin, saying something like "While you wait to enjoy the show, please respect other guests by not smoking. Specific areas are available for smoking, consult your park guide for details." Getting an announcement in before the daily parade would be about as much publicity as you can give to the rule. Reports of smoking annoyances would plummet overnight.
Perhaps I should send this idea to them...
Well, perhaps I should have rallied more specifically for polite requests... I realize not everyone has the temperament of Donald Duck. But there are definitely times when it is perfectly appropriate to call someone on their behavior, and no one should have to suffer in a cloud of smoke produced by some callous ruffian wearing a polyester shirt while stuck in a queue.
And I have never seen a Cast Member ask anyone to stop smoking, anywhere. Not in the Small World queue, not in the Arcades, not in one of those immobile lines within four feet of the Bureau Passport Annuel entrance, not even in Alice's Curious Labyrinth, which is an attraction for pete's sake. (Although then again, people pee on attractions, so perhaps I'm overestimating humanity on this.) Staff members do this all over the world; I don't see why Disneyland Paris' staff couldn't.
And I do like your idea of an airport-style "and no smoking please" announcement. Then further increase awareness by putting up signs, and then, finally, actually enforce this thing.
I realize I'm sounding more and more like a Daily Mail letter to the editor, but really, something must be done about this horrible nuisance, haha.
Quote from: "15MagicalYears"How many people on the forum have actually contacted Disneyland Paris over the smoking issue? I emailed them a while back but never got a reply, just wondering what the response was for anyone else.
I just sent them an email. I hope more of us do this so that they realize it isn't just a handful of people that are annoyed by this. Here's their reply, which amazingly was fast!
"Thank you for contacting Disneyland® Paris .
I am pleased to hear that you will be visiting the resort.
Further to your query, I would like to assure you that considerable attention is currently being paid with regard to comments on the amount of smoking within Disneyland® Paris .
Once again I would like to thank you for taking the time to share your vision of Disneyland® Paris with us. We sincerely hope to welcome you soon to our Resort to discover new surprises and adventures.
Yours sincerely,
Susie Parker"Guest Communication
Quote from: "pussinboots"And I do like your idea of an airport-style "and no smoking please" announcement. Then further increase awareness by putting up signs, and then, finally, actually enforce this thing.
I realize I'm sounding more and more like a Daily Mail letter to the editor, but really, something must be done about this horrible nuisance, haha.
I wonder if a British Disneyland would have been similar to our large railway stations: rarely a 10 second gap between endless announcements warning everything from "This station is a no smoking environment" to "Due to today's wet weather please take extra care" to "Abandoned luggage may be moved or destroyed by security personnel". You're lucky to hear an announcement for a train.
But yes, a Disneyland Railroad-style "and please, no smoking" is what they need across the park and especially before outdoor events to get this going.
Just wondering if anyone else had been in contact with DLRP about the smoking and got a reply. Recent TR's I have read have had some awful tales of smoking in queues and children being burnt etc.
Disneyland in no way could operate in the UK, the level of general insanity with regard to rules, operation, etc would make it even more unprofitable than it already is. ;P
It is an odd difference though, because in WDW the roped off smoking areas are usually followed, but then again when they aren't the cast members appear like wild bulls and stomp it out.
"Sir, You CANT SMOKE IN HERE, this is Disney World!" was a nice quote to the gentleman behind me at the MSEP.
I have to say, aside from right after Dreams had finished, I didn't notice the smoking being a big problem last week. In fact it seemed a lot less of a problem than previous visits in November 2011 and October 2010. I'm an ardent anti-smoker so this usually bothers me.
I notice quite a few people think cast members should be taking a more active role in stopping smoking away from designated areas. I do agree with this to a point.
The other day I was waiting for the parade to begin when a woman began smoking right next to me, my friends and a big group of children. We asked her to stop in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Dutch, she ignored us. we attempted to call over a cast member who was keeping the parade route clear to sort it out, he obviously ignored us several times so my friend went over and spoke to him directly.
He came over and asked the woman to put out her cigarette and offered her the option of going to a smoking area, she then replied that she was almost done. the cast member shrugged his shoulders and walked off.
This is an example of a cast member really not doing his job correctly, so this is where I completely agree that cast members need to do more.
On the other hand though, I've been at work and when I asked a guest if they could smoke in the designated smoking area just across from where they were sitting), they stubbed their cigarette out on my shoe and began screaming in my face. So I can see why cast members avoid enforcing this.
Unfortunately its yet another thing Disney really needs to change from the core, which is why I'd urge you to get in contact with Disney, send them your opinions if you don't like the smoking situation.
Both Guests and Castmembers want a change!
Yes, there's a huge different between a few , and a whole bunch of us contacting the resort about this problem. Come on y'all! Who all has emailed Guest Relations, and what kind of reply did they get?
I do wonder what the solution is, because as has already been mentioned, and I've seen for myself in the past, people can get very aggressive when asked to stop smoking. Do they need to employ a special unit to deal with it? Standard CMs may not be enough as people don't seem to take any notice of them and they themselves probably don't want to out themselves in a situation where they may get abused. Seeing a security force around the park would kill the magic somewhat. maybe more signs and announcements would help. Maybe a message when you book a holiday and a statement in every brochure and confirmation letter.
Signs around the resort would work and they could even be themed to each land.
Quote from: "gldc"Signs around the resort would work and they could even be themed to each land.
Yes, definitely themed ones! Not those generic French-only signs they have everywhere that make no difference.
Quote from: "Josh"Quote from: "gldc"Signs around the resort would work and they could even be themed to each land.
Yes, definitely themed ones! Not those generic French-only signs they have everywhere that make no difference.
I think those ones might be a requirement under French law, whenever you enter a covered or indoor space? The trouble is, people would probably ignore themed signs because they don't stand out enough.
I still vote for verbal warnings, announcements joined onto the 10-minute warnings for shows and parades, not just visual ones. You can't get more visible than an announcement in front of the daily parade. They could also have it at park opening "Welcome to Disneyland Park, please walk to your first destination and note that smoking is allowed only in specific areas." Speakers fitted above the park turnstiles (those ones you can only hear from a certain distance/angle) could play the same words on a loop, in different languages, with large, clear signs above each gate stating "you are entering a no-smoking park, please consult your park map for further details".
Really, no Cast Member at the moment can be blamed for not daring to stop people smoking. There are things that need to be put in place first from higher up...
I must admit on my last trip the majority of smokers I saw were Italian. :shock:
For every French or British smoker I saw there were 6 Italian smokers. As far as I'm concerned it's a pity they couldn't get there hands on a scanner like in the airports to pick up boxes of cigarettes people have on them.. :roll:
Then if found they could be locked away somehow in locker type devices to be retrieved on the way out.. ;)
Turns out they're on this!
The new meet mickey mouse attraction has this sign:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hp ... 1105_n.jpg (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/577574_384918241560826_254927091226609_1131052_1418851105_n.jpg%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
Admittedly it should be multi-lingual but there is a fine of 68 euros if caught apparently.
I agree! Im an ex smoker and it annoys me specially when u see fag butts on the floor (spoils the Disney vibe)
I was heavly pregnant at one of my trips to Disney and got smoke blown in my face in a line, I did have a right go at her but there was also young children, it's disgusting!
They should have certain areas you smoke, and deaf not in areas you are waiting for a ride, show etc
Going in June it's my 2.5 year old and they better not smoke in her face I will go mad!
Seconding the annoying smokers argument. My sister, who comes with me and my mum to DLP every time we go, is suffering from Cystic Fibrosis, so having smoke blown into her direction will literally suffocate her. Anytime we had found a shady place (it was really hot from Wednesday until Friday when we left) someone started smoking and we had to leave. But what annoys us even more is seeing people holding their kids on one hand, and a cigarette in the other. Or bending over a stroller with a newborn (or at least toddler) in it whole still in- and exhaling the smoke.
I wish the cast members you often seen going around with brooms and garbage collecting devices (no idea what esactly those are called) would adress any smoker they see smoking outside of the designated smoking areas, as I am sure they are pretty annoyed by having to remove all the cigarette stumps from the floor. Just a friendly "excuse me, but you are not allowed to smoke here" would be enugh.
It's pure selfishness! If you cannot wait a few hours (or in some cases a few minutes) to light up then don't come to a place that is mainly full of children!! If someone lights up near me I have great pleasure in telling them where to shove it as I don't want my son or I to a) stink of disgusting smoke b) choke our way to a ride and c) get cancer from second hand smoke.
Sorry but this kind of thing really makes me angry. And the fact that smokers get angry with people telling them to keep it away from them is diabolical! It's their choice to smoke a cancer stick, not ours, why should we suffer just because they want to suck on nicotine !!
It's probably one of the most selfish things a person can do. And I agree with someone above who said about people with a child in one hand and a ciggie in the other. Makes me sick. You would think they would have enough respect for their own children even if they don't for the rest of us.
Rant over
:-)
I am a smoker and on my last trip in November i tried to go to places where there were no children or familys or anyone for that matter near to us when smoking.
The problem was people with their kids would come and sit right next to me i didnt understand it.
But i would not smoke in a queue line as i dont like it when people do smoke in queues and i smoke myself..
I guess some people just dont understand things very well
smoking is a filthy, disgusting, dirty habit and it should be banned in parks like Disney. I've been to wdw 5 times and never seen anyone smoking. I think they have areas people are allowed smoke but I don't think even when we first went and my father smoked at the time I don't think he used them. I think he did without until we left the parks.
Don't you see? This year we all are complaining about guests' behaviour in the parks. Climbing, smoking, shouting... What is happening? What do you think?
Quote from: "Lorum"Don't you see? This year we all are complaining about guests' behaviour in the parks. Climbing, smoking, shouting... What is happening? What do you think?
I find this very interesting. As an American, I have been to WDW, Disneyland California, Seaworld, Busch Gardens, Universal, etc. and I have never had to deal with smokers in non-designated areas, line jumpers, or people trampling flower beds to see a fireworks show. Yes, you do get the occasional kid pushing to the front of a crowd to see a parade, but that is minor. I think the kind of things that everyone is complaining about are rare in American theme parks, so why is an issue at DLRP? And no, I don't think claiming a "cultural difference" is acceptable. I think it always comes down to the Cast Members. If they make themselves aware of their surroundings and when they see an infraction, politely ask the person to stop, this is all it takes. From what everyone has been saying, the Cast Members are ignoring the problems. And with the lack of no smoking signs and announcements, it sounds like management isn't concerned with it. Could this have something to do with the fact that the Walt Disney Company doesn't own the majority share in DLRP? That they cannot enforce the Disney Standards they use in the US parks to DLRP? I will be at DLRP in 19 days, I will be interested in seeing everything for myself.
Well the cast members can't do much, at least that's what they told me when I got pushed aside with my pregnant stomach into a pole last year at fantalusion. And to be honest I love DLRP but there are some people in the world without any manners.
its horrid when the smokers smoke in the queues, you can move away from the elsewhere but its a bit hard when you are stuck in a queue. It spoils the place with the stink.
Am I wrong in thinking that smoking is prohibited in DLP apart from in certain areas. If this is the case then the cast members should be able to tell people to stop smoking and if they refuse refer them to security.
It is often a case of companies not backing up their policies I think. We found this on a trip to Chessington. My friend repeatedly asked staff there where the smoking areas where. None of them knew or could find anybody who could help him locate them on the map. So he just sparked up as did everyone else.
If rules arent backed up then thery will always be easily broken.
France, the country where everything is prohibited and no one follow the rules.
Quote from: "Lorum"France, the country where everything is prohibited and no one follow the rules.
too true.
I went in Sept 2011 and myself and 2 friends were queuing for Crush's Coaster (the outside bit before it goes undercover) this was first thing in the morning and there was a French person in front of us in the queue, and two more French people directly behind us, and all three of them were smoking! There were young children behind the two smokers, and i think i can recall we were all queuing directly next to some no smoking signs, although i could be wrong about that. Nevertheless, i was shocked that they were doing it in the queue!!!
Luckily a Cast Member spotted them and told them to stop, which they ignored. Then a minute or so later a different Cast Member told them to stop and they did.
Didn't experience anything else like that for the rest of my 5 day trip, luckily.
We all know most smokers can't do without one every 10 minutes or so after finishing one, so let alone if they need to be a que for an hour.
2nd, you're outside, I really don't think any funpark for that matter, can set the rules that far, that you can't smoke outside anymore.
It's relying on the good mind of the people themselves, and unfortunetly, most of them are too blunt, and can't be without a sigaret for at least 30 minutes. What a shame, if you can't hold it in for 30 minutes while waiting in line.
I am more bothered about people throwing their sigaret butts onto the ground! Like there isn't a trashcan on every corner??
I'm really not bothered that much with people smoking outside (I do hate it while waiting in line or waiting for a parade, don't get me wrong, as you're all jammed up next to each other most of the time), but when sitting on a bench, if I really don't wanna sit next to someone who is smoking, I'll find another spot to sit, or when already sitting down, I'll just move away.
I grew up with smoking parents, maybe that's why I don't really care.
There are spots at DLRP, and in my last 3 trips, I knew they were there, but don't ask me where, and I also never saw them, or saw any signs anywhere mentioning that "here is a smoking area".
I seriously don't find it that big of a problem at DLRP. People are generally pretty kind and (excluding in lines) will be happy to move away if you ask them nicely.
Was there last week, the smoking spots are very hard to spot, even with map.
Everytime I read this post I think of my father. He smokes a lot! almost 1 pack of 20 cigarrettes per day!! and he doesn't care if someone by his side doesn't like the smoke. he thinks he is in his right to smoke and that others should respect him :?
If my father went to Disneyland, he wouldn't care about smoking spots, he would smoke anywhere, even in the outside cue areas. I'm sure of that!
I don't smoke myself but it do sent bother me as my girl is a heavy smoker
DLP is for every age group, I know, but still it's a little bit focussed on the young ones so why do people even consider smoking in a place like Disneyland. It's rude if you'd ask me.
The girlfriend smoked outside the auberge by the pumpkin coach I believe it is a smoking area and she had some in main street can't u smoke in a hotel room as she went outside
Last week we only got some french men (they were always french men, don't know why...) smoking in queues. Everywhere else i really don't care and it doesn't bother me. But in queues i find it really annoying and a huge lack of respect.
There are plenty of places to smoke other than in a line as I have said the other half chain smokes so she never really went on rides but characters didn't seem to mind posing for a pic with her when she had a fag in her mouth but I feel it may not be comfy for them if they don't smoke but they can't say anything
Quote from: "SVioletS"Last week we only got some french men (they were always french men, don't know why...) smoking in queues. Everywhere else i really don't care and it doesn't bother me. But in queues i find it really annoying and a huge lack of respect.
You must be far more tolerant than me :) I'm afraid I would have not shown the same tolerance believe you me :lol: :o
Smoking in line is a big no no for me, and they would have been left in no doubt about that, French or not :lol:
Is there a proper ban now on smoking (outside of designated areas) ?
I ask because when we was there 3 years ago we were stood queuing for the parade and a french lady decided to firstly butt in and stand in front of our little one in his pushchair and then proceeded to light up. Despite numerous complaints from us and the family next to us she refused to put it out.
http://www.dlrpmagic.com/planning/pract ... s/smoking/ (http://www.dlrpmagic.com/planning/practicalities/smoking/%22%20target=%22_blank%22%20rel=%22nofollow)
As I suspected smoking is not allowed apart from in designated areas however as said before it is really down to a lack of enthusiasm to enforce the rule on Disney's part. many people are unaware of the rule (or just ignorant in general) and Disney dont really do enough to make people aware of it.
I think that they need to start enforcing it a lot more.
the sighns are mostly in french to be fair the areas we found were on main street a small area on fantasy land and outside the carrige in auberge and in fronteirland thats where me mrs went and cast members said thats whar to smoke
god next time it looks like we will have to get a smoking room as she kept going outside we didnt ask thought it banned in france aswell
We've just go back from a 5 day trip and the amount of people smoking seemed to have increased considerably. Walking around the parks or waiting for a parade to start we just couldn't escape the constant cloud of smoke. Waiting for the Christmas Tree Lighting my Mother had to move and waiting for Dreams it was getting hard to breathe. Most days were foggy so maybe the smoke wasn't blowing away which is why it seemed worse than usual?
Twice I saw people smoking whilst talking to Cast Members and nothing was said.
I don't like smoking, but other people smoking doesn't normally bother me but on this trip it was really getting to me. Walking out of a lovely smelling hotel lobby straight into a cloud of smoke is not a great way to start the day.
OK rant over.
No, you are completely right MrsPirate. As a castmember I try to make sure people know about the rule, especially around characters. However, it's not always possible and especially french people are very sensitive about it as they think it's their right to smoke anywhere they want (probably because of the abrupt way the smoking laws were introduced in France). I do always try to give them the locations where they CAN smoke but mostly they don't even want to know and I'm very sure most of them lit one up again after I leave.
It's a horrible habbit to smoke in a park like Disney and in my opinion it's mostly up to the company to prevent this from happening by informing guests BEFORE they enter the park. For example by communicating it in the busses to the parks, putting up signage at the ticket boots, etc.
I hope it will some day happen!
Jens, you're so right. I can't even think about the words to formulate how 'astonished' I am when I'm waiting in a line and I see a person lighting up a cigarette in the middle of a big crowd full of young children. I'm always just standing there with a face like 'where are your manners?' and all they do is lift their eyebrows and turn around. It would be way better if Disney informed everyone BEFORE they entered the parks. And even better would be if the castmembers direct the smokers to a smoking area.
Just got back from DLP today and I have to say I was disgusted with the amount of smoking in the park. I would say at least a fifth of all adults were smoking. I had to ask a CM to stop a woman smoking in the queue for Winnie the pooh. A woman was smoking only 2 metres away from Belle as she did her meet and greet. I really found it hard to find anywhere to wait with my little boy while my husband took my daugter on rides. CMs were doing nothing. People were standing right next to them smoking and they were saying nothing.
It is not the CMs fault. It is the managements fault. There are no big signs or anouncements. There should be big signs as you enter the park. These people are ignorant and until the management decide to actually do something then it will only get worse.
Quote from: "lorrig"Just got back from DLP today and I have to say I was disgusted with the amount of smoking in the park. I would say at least a fifth of all adults were smoking.
I was just about to say that last week I hardly saw anyone smoking! I guess I was just lucky then!
As it would appear most Europeans have a very relaxed attitude to smoking and the majority of visitors to DLP come from mainland Europe I think the management are scared to enforce it incase visitor numbers drop and revenue drops as a result.
Even before the smoking ban in England it was unacceptable to smoke in most restaurants, shops, theme parks etc. Most places had a 'No Smoking' sign. I think this is a way off in Europe.
Just back and it seemed worse to us too. Smoking in queues, even in the doorway to Santas Grotto for Christ's sake. We even could tell people were smoking in their room (disneyland hotel). But it was the complete disregard for others, especially children and the lack if any attempt by the park to address it that shocked us. Cultural issues can be changed quite effectively, just watch a 30 year old man picking up dog poo, or how people see seat belts for example. Some will always feel its an infringement, but it won't be accepted by the majority and that alone can change a lot. Come on DLO show some leadership on this one!
I'm a smoker and I agree that they really need to police this although I smoke it doesn't mean that I break the rules if I want to light up the. I go to where it is permitted I try very hard not to impose my smoking on anyone else as it is my choice not there's as Disney hAve made some smoking areas people should at least use them
I'm completely stunned that this is still allowed. Not sure if it's a French thing or not maybe it's ALL nationalities realising that DLP are soft on enforcing it. I've had so many arguments in lines for rides over the years I've lost count (smoking and queue jumping and PLEASE! don't get me started on queue jumping) ...
We were here 2 years ago and someone was smoking near me while I sat on a bench with my 4 month old! :evil:
Apart from that I didnt come across too many other smokers but it is vile and the sooner they sort it out the better!
Hey guys, listen to THIS: Last Year, we were on Main Street USA, Central Plaza, waiting for the parade. When, out of nowhere a smoker came towards us, shoved their cigarette in the bin (that was right next to us) and walked off. After a matter of seconds, the bin started smoking, literally! Smoke was puffing out of the bin! My Mum (not Mom) informed a CM who went off and, like in a swarm of flies, a load of Security Personnel came in and cordoned the area off. A Woman in a Denim Jacket showed my Mum a Security Badge. Then we moved to another spot. The End! You'll probably know why they cordoned it off. Coulda got worse, you know what I mean, cigarette + bin = TROUBLE
Quote from: DisneyManiac on April 28, 2013, 03:58:07 PM
Hey guys, listen to THIS: Last Year, we were on Main Street USA, Central Plaza, waiting for the parade. When, out of nowhere a smoker came towards us, shoved their cigarette which they got from ecigfiend (http://www.ecigfiend.com) in the bin (that was right next to us) and walked off. After a matter of seconds, the bin started smoking, literally! Smoke was puffing out of the bin! My Mum (not Mom) informed a CM who went off and, like in a swarm of flies, a load of Security Personnel came in and cordoned the area off. A Woman in a Denim Jacket showed my Mum a Security Badge. Then we moved to another spot. The End! You'll probably know why they cordoned it off. Coulda got worse, you know what I mean, cigarette + bin = TROUBLE
Well smoking is surely horrible and good for nothing.. It must be banned in public places..
Hi all,
Just got home from a 3-day trip today. Had a wonderful time, but I did notice smokers on this trip more than previous occasions.
What I do know is that:
1) the no smoking signage in the parks is poor and the only ones you tend to see are when entering indoor attractions, where the reason for not smoking is being in/on a ride. It is written, in tiny print, at the bottom of the park map.
2) like queue-jumping, there is absolutely no enforcement whatsoever.
Quote from: Sully on December 02, 2011, 01:14:55 AM
One thing I noticed last week at DLRP that I don't remember from before, is the HUUUUGE numbers of people smoking. I know the proportion of smokers is very high in France in general compared to the UK, but it really was very noticeable just how many people were lighting up everywhere I went.
I thought Disney was supposed to be a "smoke in smoking areas" sort of place, but it clearly isn't enforced. A few yobs were actually smoking aboard Big Thunder Mountain when I was riding at one point, couldn't believe it.
I've not been to any other Disney park, but I'd be EXTREMELY surprised if the American parks permitted smoking.
I have to say that it was one of the very very few things which spoilt Disney Paris slightly for me.
What's everyone's thoughts?
I agree with you! I was a smoker to but no way that I smoke in a area where kids are or much as people are. Always at a area with no kids or no people. But now I am a e-smoker :D so no smells!!
If there is no enforcement, perhaps we should start the enforcement as a team.
I think it depends on the CM and also as awful as it sounds your nationality.
In November my partner had stopped smoking for 2 months and was finishing his course on the inhalators( the ones that look like little white applicators!). We were stood waiting for the parade when a group of French stood next to us and sparked up right by us and our son. A CM came over and we thought great they'll tell them off but instead the CM came over to us and said if my partner didn't stop smoking he would be evicted from the park! We pointed out that he was using an inhalator (there are no fumes even that come out of these) and that he wasn't smoking but that the group of people next to us were. The CM walked off in a huff, spoke some words of French to the group next to us, they all had a chuckle and and then he left! The other group just stood there and carried on smoking. I couldn't believe it!
I personally think there should just be an outright ban in the parks altogether.
Quote from: gemma2806 on July 15, 2014, 08:06:40 PM
I think it depends on the CM and also as awful as it sounds your nationality.
I personally think there should just be an outright ban in the parks altogether.
Actually it is, Disney Parks have a no smoking policy except in the designated smoking areas. Unfortunately it is up to Park Management via the CMs to enforce this policy. If the Park Management and CMs had the same brand loyalty and same Disney spirit as the American parks, then maybe they would enforce the Disney No Smoking Policy. Also I think it is the different opinion between America and Europe regarding smoking in general. In America, smoking is very much frowned on and seen as very anti social. European people think that as they are outdoors in DLP they can smoke anywhere they choose. In the American parks this does not happen.
Has someone created a petition on a crack down on smoking in Disneyland Paris?
https://www.facebook.com/BanSmokingAtDisneyLandParis
I have a smoker friend, but she can spend a whole day without a cigarette and takes care not to smoke where it is forbidden. When she came on holidays to DLP, she asked a CM where she could smoke. The answer? Everywhere except for queues and indoor areas. If freaking CMs aren't told the rules, how on Earth are visitors supposed to know them?!
The French smoke quite a lot, but in France, I've never seen people smoke where it is forbidden. So it's just another case of DLP being very French about things and not giving a damn. They don't care that food is worse quality than Subway, they don't care that toilets are nasty, and they certainly don't care if a group of people are smoking right next to very small children. And if the management doesn't care, or even tells them they can smoke where they aren't supposed to, smokers won't care either.
Oh God ... I really don't think it has something to do with "them just being French".
Every nationality has flaws (or maybe I've putted that wrong, every country has good and bad people, maybe like that?), no matter where you are from.
And you just can't compare Europeans to Americans, no point in doing that (just like there is no point in comparing every other park to Disney or whichever park you choose to compare it with), we are not like them, they are not like us, it's a totally different mentality between every nation.
I've been to London a good amount of times, it bothers me more that every 30 minutes I need to wash my hands, because it is so dirty out there, just from walking outside they get all black from smokes and fumes, then someone who smokes, when, if I can't handle the smoke, I won't make a fuss and I'll just move.
Quote from: nathalie on November 08, 2014, 09:54:57 AM
I really don't think it has something to do with "them just being French".
[...] it's a totally different mentality between every nation.
You just contradicted yourself. And Paris is exactly the same. Not in people smoking more or less, because that shouldn't be a problem in DLP. If they can't smoke in queues, doesn't matter how many smokers there are, they won't. The problem is, the management doesn't care about the simplest rules that make a big difference being reinforced, or even making sure their staff know them so they can at least reinforce them. So the bathrooms are a mess, just like in the Louvre. Just like the metro is super old and the stations smell like pee and they don't do anything about it. The RER trains are full of trash because people have dinner etc. in there and then leave cans and bags in the floor, or they just puke all over the floor, and there's nobody to clean it so people will have to ride a train full of puke for the whole day. Because they don't care. That's the problem, not the nationality of the smokers (although the French do smoke quite a lot, yes).
DLP is French. For the good and for the bad.
I thought of an Eddie Izzard quote when typing that, so it came out like that I suppose.
I total agree, i do think it has gotten worse over the years. I dont think the smoking areas are known and thats why they smoke where ever they want. I do agree that it should be banned, just think if someone didn't put it out properly and it set something on fire!! I think this needs to be addressed sooner before something bad happens, i also agree that the castmembers should be enforcing it also, it should be part of there job role.
To continue that it could get set something on fire, if people are doing it in lines to rides or even on rides then they should be escorted away from the ride and removed as it is not pleasant for other people to breathe second hand smoke!!!
Non smoker here. I don't really care if people smoke in the park. Just don't do it in the queue or crowded areas. It's common decency.
On the other hand. Ever been to Orlando? Smokers are being treated like criminals. When waiting outside the Hotel for the bus to the parks I saw a CM directing a smoker (who stood as far away as possible from the other people) to the parking lot on the other side of the street. That was an overreaction imo. No way I want these kinds of rules enforced in Europe.
The smoking issue is one of the very few negative things I have to say about DLP. It really detracts from the entire experience. I only visited for the first time in 2014, so can't speak about whether it's got worse, but on our two short visits this year it was more than just noticeable. It's distracting and really breaks the suspension of disbelief that the Disneyland experience strives to build.
It doesn't ruin things, but if they could get it under control and eliminate casual smoking and cigarette butts from the park, it would exponentially improve the entire atmosphere.
Quote from: Cringer on December 16, 2014, 10:14:51 AM
The smoking issue is one of the very few negative things I have to say about DLP. It really detracts from the entire experience. I only visited for the first time in 2014, so can't speak about whether it's got worse, but on our two short visits this year it was more than just noticeable. It's distracting and really breaks the suspension of disbelief that the Disneyland experience strives to build.
It doesn't ruin things, but if they could get it under control and eliminate casual smoking and cigarette butts from the park, it would exponentially improve the entire atmosphere.
Yep, exactly what I think. It doesn't ruin the whole experience but it certainly damage it a bit.
Quote from: Cringer on December 16, 2014, 10:14:51 AM
It doesn't ruin things, but if they could get it under control and eliminate casual smoking and cigarette butts from the park, it would exponentially improve the entire atmosphere.
How do you want to get rid of casual smoking? Don't let anyone in who smokes? Smoking is an addiction, it's not that easy to quit it for some, especially if you have been smoking for most of your life.
By having better appointed, easier to find smoking areas and make it a lot clearer that smoking is not tolerated in the park itself. You can't smoke in a cinema or a theatre, or any similar tourist attraction that might happen to be indoors. I understand that it can be difficult dealing with an addiction, but it's still just a poor lifestyle choice and doesn't entitle people to any extra rights that the rest of us don't have - it can ruin an expensive experience like Disneyland for other people, very easily. Especially children.
Disney strive to make their parks a hyperreal experience that feels like being in a film or a different world. That illusion is immediately shattered by the kind of behaviour mentioned in this thread.
Quote from: Cringer on December 17, 2014, 01:21:53 PM
By having better appointed, easier to find smoking areas and make it a lot clearer that smoking is not tolerated in the park itself. You can't smoke in a cinema or a theatre, or any similar tourist attraction that might happen to be indoors. I understand that it can be difficult dealing with an addiction, but it's still just a poor lifestyle choice and doesn't entitle people to any extra rights that the rest of us don't have - it can ruin an expensive experience like Disneyland for other people, very easily. Especially children.
Disney strive to make their parks a hyperreal experience that feels like being in a film or a different world. That illusion is immediately shattered by the kind of behaviour mentioned in this thread.
Thumbs up! Well said.
I do not believe they have any extra rights. But Disneyland happens to be outdoors. Plus, places will be really smelly if all the smokers smoke in the exact same spot. Don't get me wrong, I'm absolutely against smoking in queues, parades, any place where people are standing right besides you. But these designated areas are firstly very hard to find and they create a cloud of smoke by having all the people smoke there. But that is just my opinion!