Walt Disney World bans smoking in resorts

Orlando Business Journal - 12:04 PM EDT Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Walt Disney World said Tuesday it will ban smoking in guest rooms at more than 20 of its hotels and time share resorts beginning June 1.

Disney says it is the largest single site resort complex to institute this type of smoking policy change.In January 2000, Walt Disney World theme and water parks allowed smoking only in designated areas.

The new policy applies to all guest rooms, patios and balconies. It also designates outdoor smoking areas at all resorts affected by the change.

Smoking has been prohibited in lobbies, common areas, restaurants and convention space.

The Central Florida resort says that during the last five years, demand for smoking rooms at the Walt Disney World Resort have been steadily declining, with less than 3.5 percent of Walt Disney World's 24,000 on site rooms allowing smoking. Requests for non-smoking rooms, Disney says, have increased.

In a statement, operations Senior Vice President Erin Wallace says, "We make adjustments to our operations based on guest demand. This policy complements our efforts to provide our guests with the healthy living options they are requesting."

Walt Disney World Resort is a 40-square-mile, entertainment and recreation complex near Orlando. It includes four theme parks, two water parks, more than 20 resort hotels recreation facilities and retail and entertainment areas.