No Smoking Allowed at Disneyland- What Smokers Need to Know

The smoking bans at Disneyland are part of the park's ongoing efforts to provide a clean, healthy, and family-friendly environment for guests. In recent years, Disney has increasingly prioritized the well-being of its visitors by enforcing strict smoking regulations across its properties. The move aligns with broader public health trends that seek to limit exposure to secondhand smoke, particularly in areas frequented by families with children. As Disneyland welcomes millions of guests annually, the smoking ban plays a critical role in ensuring a comfortable and safe atmosphere for everyone.

Disneyland's decision to impose smoking bans reflects its commitment to health-conscious and eco-friendly practices. Especially in the last few years, Disney has taken steps to minimize harmful environmental impacts and improve guest safety. The smoking ban was met with positive feedback from many visitors, especially those with young children or respiratory issues, who appreciate the added protection and comfort. While some smokers may have initially been inconvenienced by the change, the availability of designated smoking areas ensures that all guests can still enjoy the magic of Disneyland while adhering to the park's regulations.

As frequent visitors to Disneyland during both the pre and post smoking ban, we have personally seen the effects the ban has made to the Disneyland Resort. Below I will get into how the smoking ban affects past and current visitors to Disneyland today, what happens if you are caught smoking inside the Disneyland parks, along with tips for smokers who plan on visiting Disneyland in the near future.

Pre-Smoking Ban at Disneyland

Before the smoking ban in 2019, Disneyland had designated smoking areas inside the parks, which were often located in secluded areas near restrooms or on the edge of certain sections of the park. The seemingly strategic placement of these designated smoke areas were intended to minimize the smoke exposure to the general park crowds.

The official smoking ban at Disneyland Resort, along with Walt Disney World, went into effect in May 2019, marking a significant policy change. All of these smoking zones within Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney were eliminated. Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, was prohibited within the theme parks, the Esplanade between the parks, and Downtown Disney. The resort designated a few specific areas outside the park gates for smokers, which allows those who smoke to do so without impacting the majority of guests. This initiative not only helps protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke but also enhances the overall guest experience by maintaining the park's cleanliness and preserving its family-friendly image.

As a visitor to the Disneyland parks before and after the bans, you can definitely tell a difference. Although most smokers did use the designated areas to smoke, a lot of guests including myself could still smell the smoke. As smoking has become less and less popular due to the discovery of it's long-term health effects, it only made sense that Disneyland banned smoking inside it's theme parks altogether. Especially in California where most residents are extremely health-conscious, it is reasonable that they would not want to potentially inhale second hand smoke while trying to enjoy a day at Disneyland. Additionally, some smokers seemed to completely ignore the designated smoke areas, and decided to light up a cigarette whenever they felt like they needed one.

Although not all smokers were part of this problem, it made sense for Disneyland to completely get rid of the designated smoke areas to create a cleaner environment, especially for families with young children who could be affected by the smoke. It was also very beneficial for visitors who are allergic, or are easily triggered by inhaling secondhand smoke. Despite protests from smokers, it seemed to be the right decision for Disneyland to prohibit smoking within their parks. 

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Current Smoking Ban and Rules in Disneyland

Disneyland's smoking ban eliminated all designated smoking areas within the two theme parks. Smoking and vaping are now prohibited in the parks, near entrances, and in public areas like walkways, shopping areas, and restaurants. This move aligns with Disney's ongoing efforts to enhance the guest experience and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.

The smoking ban also applies to Downtown Disney, the large outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in the public areas of Downtown Disney, with only a few designated smoking spots available on the outer edges of the district. For Disneyland resort guests, smoking is banned in guest rooms, balconies, and other common areas. However, Disney resorts still provide limited outdoor smoking areas, generally located away from high-traffic zones like pools or dining areas.

In addition to the smoking ban, Disneyland's bag policy prohibits any guest from bringing items that can produce vapor or smoke into the parks. Guests visiting Disneyland will walk through a metal detector similar to an airport, and if more screening is needed, security officers may have to ensure the contents of each bag is safe and contains no prohibited items, including vapes or cigarettes.

This ban, though restrictive for smokers, aligns with Disney's broader goal of creating a more pleasant atmosphere for all visitors. Smokers must now plan their smoke breaks outside park areas, which may require going through security checkpoints again to re-enter the parks. While this can be an inconvenience, it reflects Disney's commitment to providing a cleaner, more enjoyable experience for the vast majority of guests who prefer a smoke-free environment.

Where Are the Current Designated Smoking Areas in Disneyland?

Although Disneyland eliminated the designated smoking areas inside of their theme parks, resorts, and Downtown Disney, there are still a few designated smoking areas outside of Disneyland property. However, I was surprised to see that unlike the Disney World mobile app, the Disneyland app doesn't actually show these areas. Instead, when you search “designated smoke areas” within the interactive map, it shows the following message: “For the comfort of all Guests, smoking is not permitted in the theme parks parks and hotels of the Disneyland Resort, the Esplanade between the parks, or the Downtown Disney District.” Usually, there would be an option to choose “show on map,” however this option is not available. In the Disney World mobile app, you are able to choose “show on map” to see exactly where the smoke areas are located, which are typically a short distance outside of the park's entrances.

Although it may be a bit more difficult to find a designated smoking area at Disneyland compared to Disney World, they still exist. I would recommend asking a Cast Member for directions or information on where these areas are located. Otherwise, you may be asked to leave Disneyland property or be charged extra at your Disneyland Resort, which I will get into more next.

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What Happens When Guests Are Caught Smoking?

Although I cannot confirm this firsthand, reports have indicated that if guests are caught smoking inside the theme parks or anywhere on Disneyland property, they will be asked by security to immediately stop smoking or leave the park to find a designated smoking area. There doesn't seem to be a permanent or short term ban enforced for those who break the smoking rules, however Disneyland still makes a strong effort to keep it enforced within the parks.

If guests are caught smoking in their Disneyland resort guest room, or if housekeeping finds traces of cigarette smells in the room, Disneyland may charge extra upon checkout. On Disneyland's Resort Rules site, it clearly states that a $250-$500 room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in guest rooms, including balconies or patios.

Therefore, although there don't seem to be permanent bans to visitors that break the smoking ban rules at Disneyland, Disney does strictly enforce this rule and will confront guests smoking in the parks and/or charge those who are caught smoking in their Disneyland resort room. Being asked to leave by security, or being charged upwards of $500 can definitely put a damper on an otherwise magical day at Disneyland. Therefore, I highly recommend that all smokers make a plan for smoke breaks throughout the day, or to try and wait until it is convenient.

Tips for Smokers Visiting Disneyland

For smokers visiting Disneyland, dealing with the long, busy days without being able to smoke or vape can be challenging. To help manage cravings and make the day more comfortable, here are a few tips:

• Nicotine Patches: These are a great option to help curb nicotine cravings throughout the day. Nicotine patches provide a slow, steady release of nicotine and can be worn for hours, reducing the need for frequent smoke breaks.
• Nicotine Gum or Lozenges: Another convenient way to manage cravings, nicotine gum or lozenges can be discreetly chewed or sucked on while in the parks. Just be sure to use them according to the directions, as overuse can lead to unpleasant side effects.
• Chewing Gum or Mints: If nicotine replacements aren't your thing, consider regular chewing gum or mints. Chewing gum can keep your mouth busy and help distract from the urge to smoke, while mints provide a fresh flavor that can reduce cravings. Keep in mind that you'll have to bring your own gum into the parks, because Disneyland does not sell gum anywhere on property. This is to prevent maintenance workers from having to scrape used gum off the ground or in other areas of the parks throughout the day.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help reduce cravings and keep you feeling better overall. Cravings are sometimes triggered by dehydration or stress, both of which can be common when walking around the parks for hours.
• Distraction Techniques: Disneyland is full of exciting attractions and entertainment. Immerse yourself in the experience to take your mind off cravings. Keeping your hands and mind busy can go a long way in helping you manage without smoking.
• Plan Designated Breaks: If you need to smoke, plan your day around the smoking areas outside the parks. Look at park maps and identify exit points close to smoking zones so that you can step out for a quick break and return to the fun without too much disruption. Keep in mind that this may require passing through security again, so allow some extra time. Cast Members can help assist with finding designated smoke areas.

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