Undeniably the big news of the week is Disney’s decision to eliminate smoking rooms from all Disney owned resorts at Walt Disney World, including the five current DVC properties. Effective June 1st, smoking will be prohibited in all DVC guest rooms, balconies and patios.
Following is the announcement currently posted at DVCMember.com:
Disney-owned-and-operated hotels at the Walt Disney World® Resort, including all Disney Vacation Club Resorts, will be non-smoking by June.
"We make adjustments to our operations based on Guest demand," said Erin Wallace, Senior Vice President for Operations at the Walt Disney World Resort. "This policy complements our efforts to provide our Guests with the healthy-living options they are requesting."
During the past five years, Guest demand for smoking rooms at the Walt Disney World Resort has declined steadily. In fact, at the time of the policy change, less than 3.5 percent of Walt Disney World Resort hotel rooms allowed smoking. This new policy is designed to better accommodate the increasing number of Guests requesting smoke-free rooms. This trend isn't specific to the Walt Disney World Resort. According to the American Automobile Association, more travelers are requesting smoke-free environments.
The new policy applies to all Guest rooms, patios and balconies, and designates outdoor smoking areas at all resorts affected by the change. Guests who violate the policy by smoking in their rooms, or on their rooms' balconies or patios, will be assessed a room-recovery fee (no impact on Members' Annual Dues) to cover the costs of a deep-cleaning process, which may include the replacement of air filters, extraction of carpet, and the cleaning or replacing of drapes, comforters, blankets and pillows.
As noted, designated smoking areas will be established at each resort. The exact locations of these approved smoking areas remains to be seen, as does the level of convenience for resort guests.
The “room-recovery fee” noted will range from $250-500 depending upon the size of the guest room. If administered properly, the fine will be assessed to the departing guest and the funds used to cover the cost of returning the room to an acceptable smoke-free environment prior to the arrival of the next guest.
This policy change does not impact the Hilton Head Island or Vero Beach DVC resorts.
