There will be some new rules in place at Disney Parks this summer, and man, what a weird collection of updates.
With so many new offerings and experiences coming to Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and more, the parks are poised for a visitor surge this summer. Apparently, one way to prepare for that is to do a bit of regulatory streamlining. According to the official Disney Parks blog, new policies regarding smoking and strollers will go into effect on May 1. New rules for ice are in place now.
Smoking
Smokers can say adios to designated smoking areas beginning on May 1. Disney is getting rid of them at Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and the Downtown Disney District in California.
There will still be smoking areas outside of the entrances to the parks, at Disney Resort hotels, and at Disney Springs in Florida.
Strollers
Disney is also updating its guidelines on stroller dimensions. Now, strollers can’t be any larger than 31 inches wide and 52 inches long. Families with stroller wagons are getting a big shock, too, as those wagons will no longer be permitted come May 1.
On the blog, Disney Parks Moms Panelist Tabitha recommends just renting a stroller from Disney before you go buying new equipment just to fit the company’s ever-changing guidelines.
Loose Ice
Who knew this was a thing that even needed to be regulated. … Unlike the other two rules that go into effect on May 1, the ice rule is effective immediately. Visitors who plan to bring a cooler or cooler bag to store snacks and drinks are no longer allowed to bring loose or dry ice. The parks will have complimentary cups of ice, though. So, yay.
If you’re scratching your head at these new rules, you’re not alone. Twitter had some thoughts, too. Including many unhappy vapers and some people who don’t know what words mean.
By banning #smokers and people who quit #smoking thanks to the #harmless #vaping alternative, @DisneyParks is promoting the hate & division that’s tearing up the fabric of civilization. I don’t want my kids exposed to such bigotry. Tell your friends! https://t.co/Ke7Be3CdWz
— DrMA (@mihotep) March 28, 2019
Disney also announce that you can expect more smokers rage. Not only will be flying Dumbo’s, you might see some flying children, two hours after they haven’t had a cigarette. Bad move. Find a ventilated area and deal with cigarette smoking. I don’t even smoke and I know better
— Su Su City (@SuSuCity) March 28, 2019
Okay smoking I understand but some strollers? That’s just messed up in a place marketed for families with young children.
— Zachary Whitsett (@ZacharyWhitsett) March 28, 2019
In other news, Disney allowed smoking in its theme parks until now.
— boringfileclerk (@boringfileclerk) March 28, 2019
Photo: Disney