We love going to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. As you can see from searching this site, I have a variety of posts about traveling to and from Disney, and tips for experiencing Disney World to its fullest. I even have a post about the Sharks at Typhoon Lagoon!
I am a big Disney fan and supporter. So I feel pretty guilty complaining about anything there. However, for years now, I have had a major issue with Disney. Specifically, a big problem at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon kids section.
Walt Disney World’s smoking policy is one of acceptance. You can smoke in the parks. However, only in designated areas. You can find out where those areas are in the Park’s guide maps.
At Typhoon Lagoon, if you look for the smoking sections, you will find a minimum of two smoking areas. However, one of the smoking sections is right next to Ketchakiddee Creek – the baby, toddler and younger kid splash zone section.
As you walk into that space, you can smell the secondhand smoke hit your nostrils as you enter the kid water zone. As you splash with your baby and/or toddler, you can enjoy the smell of cigarettes instead of sunscreen.
Due to the proximity of the smoking section and the splash zone, it is a frequent occurrence. Especially since you have to walk right by it.
I understand that there is limited space at the Typhoon Lagoon for designated smoking areas, and secondhand smoke affects everyone of all ages. The fact that the area is right by babies and toddlers makes it more disturbing in my opinion, and I really hope to see it moved in the years ahead for the health of the youngest Disney guests.
“Secondhand smoke can be especially harmful to your children’s health because their lungs still are developing. If you smoke around your children or they are exposed to secondhand smoke in other places, they may be in more danger than you realize.” HealthyChildren.org
Ironically, at Magic Kingdom, one of the designated smoking areas is also by New Fantasyland. This area is designed for younger guests too. Luckily, there is a bit of separation that rarely can you smell the smoke in the air. Yet, with the right wind, you can. However, it is less frequent than at Typhoon Lagoon. Especially in light of the fact that you are staying in that area for a longer period of time and exposed to the smoke for longer as well.
At Blizzard Beach, the other water park other than Typhoon Lagoon, you are clear for fresh air. There is no smoking section near the Tikes Peak area – another splash zone for babies and toddlers.
Thus, it has always been a shock and disappointment to me to see the smoking section right next to the toddler area at Typhoon Lagoon. With all the space at the water park, you think they could find another area to designate.
Hopefully that change will not only happen, but happen soon. Us parents only want pixie dust and magic for our kiddos to be enveloped in!
