Disney Has Banned Smoking at All U.S. Theme Parks

Photo credit: Michael Orso - Getty Images
Photo credit: Michael Orso - Getty Images

From Woman's Day

Disney may no longer be the happiest place on Earth for some visitors.

The company just announced a few major changes to the policies for theme parks in Florida and California. Beginning on May 1, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and other Disney locations will be smoke-free environments. Following the ban, new designated smoking areas will become available outside the entrances of the parks. Smokers and vapers can also indulge outside of Disney Resort hotels and restaurants, according to a post on the Disney Parks blog.

While the outright ban may seem severe to some, smoking has already been restricted in most sections of the properties, and there are already a few designated smoking areas available in the parks. Hotel guests can also be fined between $250 and $500 for smoking inside Disney rooms, on patios, or on balconies.

"As we expand our offerings, we continue to take steps to enhance the guest experience and make it more enjoyable for everyone who visits," Liz Jaeger, a Disney spokeswoman, told The New York Times. "Employees will ask anyone caught smoking to leave the park and smoke in a designated area."

Other changes to Disney's U.S. locations include stricter regulations for stroller sizes and a ban on "loose and dry ice." Effective immediately, cooler or cooler bags may only be filled with reusable ice packs, and cups of ice will be available for no charge at specified locations. The new stroller guidelines go into effect alongside the smoking ban on May 1, which will require them to be no larger than 31 by 52 inches.

('You Might Also Like',)