No Smoking Allowed at Walt Disney World- What Smokers Need to Know

Walt Disney World has strict rules about smoking and vaping to create a more family-friendly and comfortable environment for all guests. In May 2019, Disney implemented a comprehensive smoking ban inside its U.S. theme parks, which includes all the Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and Disney Springs. This rule prohibits smoking and vaping inside the parks, near park entrances, and in common areas, significantly changing the experience for guests who smoke. Prior to the ban, guests were able to smoke in designated areas throughout the theme parks, however the decision was made to remove these areas and create a clean environment for all guests. Currently, guests are generally only able to smoke in the parking lot areas of Disney World.

Although the Disney World resorts still have designated smoking areas, smoking is not permitted within guest rooms or on balconies. Furthermore, guests are not able to smoke marijuana anywhere on Disney World property, even if they have a medical card to do so. This means smokers planning on visiting Disney World need to either prepare to go without a cigarette for most of the day, or make plans to leave the park and find a designated area to smoke if needed. If smokers need to leave the park, they will also have to reenter through security, which can take additional time out of their Disney day.

Although this ban has been in place for five years now, some smokers are still surprised today when they hear of this ban. Below I will break down the specifics of the smoking ban, what happens when guests are caught smoking at Disney World, and tips for smokers who are looking to visit Disney World.

Pre-Smoking Ban at Disney World

Before the smoking ban in 2019, Disney World had designated smoking areas inside the parks, placed in seemingly isolated locations so smokers could enjoy a cigarette without disturbing non-smokers. These areas were scattered throughout all four theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and other areas of the Walt Disney World Resort. These areas were often near restrooms, secluded garden areas, or at the edge of certain sections of the park, meant to minimize smoke exposure to the general crowd. Once the 2019 ban went into effect, all of these smoking zones were eliminated.

Honestly, although Disney World did their best to place designated smoke areas in secluded sections of the park, it was still very noticeable. Furthermore, it seemed a lot of guests didn't adhere to smoking in the designated areas, because I personally remember seeing guests smoke all over the parks prior to the ban. Even Reddit user LukeStuckenhymer wrote, “So glad they got rid of in-park smoking areas… I have bad memories of walking to the restroom over near Space Mountain and breathing in a cloud of smoke. Something very ironic about a designated smoking area in the land of the future.”

Although not all smokers were part of the problem, it made sense for Disney World 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 Disney World to prohibit smoking within their parks. 

READ MORE – Guest Behavior is the Reason These Popular Disney Rides Close Often

Current Smoking Ban and Rules

Disney World's smoking ban eliminated all designated smoking areas within the four theme parks, Disney Springs, ESPN World Wide of Sports Complex, and the two water 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 Disney Springs, the large outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in the public areas of Disney Springs, with only a few designated smoking spots available on the outer edges of the district. For Disney 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, Disney World's bag policy prohibits any guest from bringing items that can produce vapor or smoke into the parks. Guests visiting Disney World 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.

READ MORE – Universal Studios Orlando Bag Policy Explained  – What You Can & Cannot Bring into the Parks

Where Are the Current Designated Smoking Areas in Disney World?

Although Disney World eliminated the designated smoking areas inside of theme parks, there are still some designated smoking areas outside of the theme parks. To help guests easily locate these designated smoking areas, Disney provides a convenient feature in the My Disney Experience mobile app. Once you open the map icon located on the home screen, you can see an interactive guide to the parks and resorts. From the map, use the filter tool to narrow down options. There is even a search feature where you can type “smoking areas” which will filter all smoking areas throughout Disney World property.

After locating a nearby smoking area, you can get directions to it through the app by tapping the location on the map. This feature is especially useful when navigating larger spaces like Disney Springs or if you're unsure about the designated areas at a specific Disney resort. This app feature makes it easy to manage your smoking breaks without spending unnecessary time searching for the designated zones. Whether you're at one of the theme parks, Disney Springs, or a resort, the app will guide you to the approved smoking areas, helping you plan your visit more efficiently and comply with Disney World's smoking policies.

If you don't have access to the mobile app, simply ask a Cast Member for directions to find the nearest designated smoking area, they will be happy to point you in the right direction.

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, 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 Disney World still makes a strong effort to keep it enforced within the parks.

If guests are caught smoking in their Disney World resort guest room, or if housekeeping finds traces of cigarette smells in the room, Disney World may charge extra upon checkout. According to Walt Disney World property rules, a room recovery fee of between $250 and $500 will be charged for smoking in Disney World resort rooms, balconies, or patios.

Therefore, although there don't seem to be permanent bans to visitors that break the smoking ban rules at Disney World, Disney does strictly enforce this rule and will confront guests smoking in the parks and/or charge those who are caught smoking in their Disney World 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 Disney World.

READ MORE – Don't Overlook These Walt Disney World Enchanting Extras

Tips for Smokers Visiting Walt Disney World

For smokers visiting Disney World, 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 Disney World 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. Especially in Florida, it's important for both smokers and non-smokers to stay hydrated at Disney World.
• Distraction Techniques: Disney World 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.

Read More Disney Planning Advice!

For more information about the parks and the best planning information for your Disney trip, subscribe to our FREE Deals newsletter. We’ll provide you with helpful guides, all of the latest news, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest-priced Disney tickets anywhere.