Oversized Strollers Banned at Disney World & Disneyland
Walt Disney World and Disneyland have instituted a number of controversial rule changes that limit use of strollers, ban smoking in the parks, and prohibit loose ice. This post discusses the polarizing policies, what led to them, and “rumors” or urban legends that have arisen since these changes. (Updated October 2, 2022.)
For starters, you might wonder why we’re revisiting this topic over 3 years after these rule changes were made at Disney’s theme parks in Florida and California. Honestly, we were just as confused when noticing that this was suddenly one of our most popular posts yesterday. Usually, posts about old rule changes that have long since been forgotten by most visitors to Walt Disney World and Disneyland don’t see a sudden spike in views.
Then it came to our attention that there’s a viral TikTok video making the rounds, which claims that Walt Disney World and Disneyland are banning all strollers in October 2022. (I’m not going to link to the video, because attention is exactly what these people crave. I hate that I’m even addressing this nonsense.)
This TikTok video has over 3 million views, 90k likes, and over 6,000 comments–many of which are treating this as real news. Despite that, the video hashtags include #fakenews and #babylonbee, which seem to suggest it’s satirical. However, nothing about the video itself would give this impression. It’s just stupid, which is about par for the course with TikTok, in my experience.
In fairness, as someone over the age of 13 who doesn’t want the CCP accessing (more of?) my data, I do not use TikTok. So I’m not the best arbiter of what happens on TikTok or what passes for humor on the platform. In its defense, I’ve “heard good things” from friends about the creativity of creators on TikTok.
Yet, whenever I see TikTok come up in the context of Walt Disney World or Disneyland, it’s for the dumbest possible things–challenges to drink water out of toilets or whatever, “satire” like this, and the most obnoxious dances ever. But you’re probably not here for my old man yells at cloud schtick.
Presumably, many of you finding this post saw that viral video, freaked out, and frantically searched whether or not it’s true.
It’s not true. Neither Walt Disney World nor Disneyland have any intentions of banning strollers completely in October 2022…or ever. A Disney spokesperson has directly debunked this “rumor” as something that will not happen.
As a general matter, it’s always a good practice to consider whether any rumor passes the smell test. Disney has done a lot of things that defy common sense in the last few years, so this isn’t always easy. However, banning all strollers would be implicitly sending a message to the company’s target demographic that they are not welcome at the parks.
It’s true that there have been rule changes in the past to limit strollers–and the company arguably went a bit too far with that–but it was done as a measure to address the ballooning size of them. A cottage industry of novelty stroller rentals was popping up, with guests bringing in royal carriages and starfighters that took up entire walkways. That was a crowd and congestion issue, and one that the narrowly tailored rule change addressed without alienating Disney’s bread and butter.
In short, Disney won’t even ban children from bars and nightclubs–there’s no way they’re going from that to banning strollers. It’s utterly inconceivable.
As for the past rule changes, here are the details if you still want or need them for whatever reason. All of these rules that follow took effect on May 1, 2019 at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
These rules all remain in place as of October 2022. However, there have been questions about inconsistency with enforcement or lack thereof. Some visitors to Walt Disney World and Disneyland have reported success in using larger strollers, including wagons, in the last couple of years. There are even groups on social media and other sites that recommend breaking the rules and using the banned strollers.
As a general matter, we don’t recommend breaking rules. Setting that aside, we think it’s terrible advice to break this rule and bring an oversized stroller to Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Even if it’s true that enforcement is hit or miss, the risk outweighs the reward. If you take a stroller that’s banned and you’re stopped at the gate, it’s going to be a significant and costly disruption to your trip.
Why even risk it? Is the upside of using a wagon really that attractive? Purely from a cost-benefit perspective, breaking the rule does not make sense. The problems you’ll have if you’re stopped far outweigh whatever perceived advantage exists in using a contraband stroller.
Digging into the details, there are big changes to stroller size rules.
Walt Disney World and Disneyland are banning oversized strollers. The rules now require strollers to be no larger than 31″ (79cm) wide and 52″ (132cm) long. Additionally, stroller wagons will also no longer be permitted, which includes the Keenz strollers that have become popular with Disney fans.
Most strollers on the market, including some double jogging strollers, fit within these size guidelines. Of course, Disney’s rentals on both coasts fit within the parameters, and we’d assume third party stroller rental companies will scramble to add and remove strollers to their fleets to ensure full compliance.
Disney indicates that these updates are designed to help guest flow and ease congestion, making the parks more enjoyable for everyone. We’ve heard that, more specifically, Disney is aiming to tighten up operations and smooth traffic flow for the crush of crowds.
This is not the first time both Disneyland and Walt Disney World have done something to tighten up stroller rules. The same policy was on the cusp of being implemented last year, with size check stations outside of security, and a guest recovery protocol. For reasons unbeknownst to me, that enforcement never began and was shelved.
This would eliminate the large novelty strollers (the royal carriages that are more like undersized parade floats than oversized strollers), which have become a burgeoning small business around Walt Disney World. It’d also ban the stroller wagons that are pulled and loaded with enough rations to traverse the Oregon Trail.
Presumably, the goal is to roll out enforcement before bigger crowds arrive so that word starts to circulate about the new stroller policy so people leave their kids’ Cadillacs at home. For all parties involved, it’ll be better if the crush of crowds is reduced as much as possible.
As a non-parent, I’m not about to touch this topic with a 10-foot pole in terms of offering commentary. I will say that I’ve unintentionally locked eyes with a parent trying to navigate an oversized stroller amidst the gridlock of post-fireworks crowds in Magic Kingdom, and seeing the desperation and dejection in their face is something I can never unsee or forget. You could call it a cautionary tale, I suppose.
Next, smoking areas have been eliminated inside Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports, and Downtown Disney in California. Designated smoking areas will be available outside the park entrances, at resort hotels, and Disney Springs.
An all-out ban on smoking at Walt Disney World and Disneyland seemed like an inevitability, especially as American societal norms have rapidly changed. Real world smoking restrictions have become more stringent, with a growing number of states and cities, enacting laws that require all workplaces and public places to be smoke-free. While some Disney fans are lauding this change, I’m a bit apprehensive.
I’ve never smoked and question why anyone would start vaping or smoking knowing what we know now. However, our societal views about smoking are only a little over a decade old, and there are still plenty of older smokers who predate America’s more “enlightened” attitude towards smoking. Moreover, smoking is still viewed very differently throughout the rest of the world, and many guests visit Walt Disney World from those countries.
Like many non-smokers, cigarette smoke bothers me. I rejoice at the prospect of walking my favorite trail in Grizzly Peak at Disney California Adventure without having the serene sense of nature spoiled by smoke. I’d love to never smell cigarette smoke in the parks again.
However, I’m also a realist. I question to what degree this ban will be effective and to what extent smokers who previously were willing to jump through some hoops to light up will now just say “screw it” and smoke wherever. Out of my own self interest, part of me wonders if we’re better off with avoidable in-park smoking areas than an outright ban with guests violating that ban.
I also have a bit of empathy for the older generation, that started smoking decades ago and has been unable to kick the addiction. Yeah, it’s gross, annoying, etc., but for many people it’s not quite as simple as “just saying no.” I can’t think of an example of any popular habit about which public opinion has soured quite as quickly as smoking.
Despite many addicts taking up smoking before we knew the extent of its addictiveness, smokers are now vilified in a fairly unprecedented way. I’d hazard a guess that this is due to the unique second-hand effects of smoking, coupled with misplaced anger over how Big Tobacco deceived the public for so long. That’s all well beyond the scope of this post, though.
Anyway, I can already foresee the comments section of this post having a strong anti-smoking slant. I can also foresee a smoker chiming in, feeling upset or ostracized. Before piling onto that person, pause for a moment of empathy…and if you can’t muster that, at least pause to think about whether you’re truly better off with people breaking the rules and smoking wherever because they have an addiction and feel the new restrictions are too onerous.
Finally, there’s a ban on loose or dry ice that has been implemented starting today. This means that if you plan to bring a cooler or cooler bag to store snacks and drinks for theme park or water park adventures, you need to use reusable ice packs instead.
My first reaction to the “no loose ice graphic” was huh?! I didn’t realize this a problem, and thought maybe I missed some news about the social clubs of Disneyland having turf wars with ice cube fights at Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port.
In reality, it seems this rule is being implemented so cooler checks are easier for security to conduct at bag check. Apparently, it’s difficult to check the contents of a cooler with a bunch of loose or half-melted ice. This makes sense, and I can’t imagine many people being outraged over this one…but I’m sure there will be a few people.
To recap all of this, loose ice and smoking are banned at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and have been for over 3 years. Similarly, oversized strollers and wagons are also banned. Enforcement of the stroller rule is much more hit or miss, and some people might advise you to break that rule. We think that’s a risky recommendation and not worth the hassle, but you do you.
However, there is no rule on the horizon banning all strollers at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. That’s a nonsense “rumor” that was made up solely for the purpose of generating fake outrage and controversy in the name of supposed satire. Unfortunately, it has fooled a lot of people, who are now concerned that it is or will be a real rule. It is not and will not. Mark our words: Disney will never ban strollers.
For additional information about Disney’s park rules, see: DisneyWorld.com/RulesFAQ and Disneyland.com/RulesFAQ.
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Your Thoughts
What are your thoughts on stroller size limits at Walt Disney World and Disneyland? Pleased or displeased that smoking is no longer allowed in the parks? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments of these rule changes? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Uninformed Hippocrates…….I’m an ex smoker, however I vape, it keeps me away from smoking! What is misunderstood about vaping and Disney is the same basic compounds that are classed harmless are used in vape liquid and all the fog and mist you are all exposed to during many Disney shows, the fog generators use the same compound, and expose guests to much higher concentrations than me taking a puff of an e-cig. So ……. Tell me who’s being more offensive. Just more P/C nonsense!
Furthermore, why doesn’t Disney take the same stand against alcohol consumption, which can be more offensive when used to excess……..Because there making a TON of MONEY from it!
I have to say I am a non smoker – 57 and never touched a cigarette. We visit Disney twice a year and have never seen anti social behaviour in a smoking area, unlike the hoards or drunks who can be offensive wandering around the world showcase, especiially at weekends, being sold alcohol at every opportunity by Disney.
No, it’s not. Cheap vape garbage is far worse than cigarettes.
Whether it’s safer or not, it nauseates me to inhale something that has just come out of someone else’s mouth. I realize all air is recycled, but getting a face full of something that I have seen exit a stranger’s mouth is gross. I’m all for designated smoking areas, but I can’t stand when someone vapes/smokes in public areas.
There are a lot sicker people out there than smokers ,nasty violent ones.
On the smoking front, I don’t see why exiting and reentering the park is so terrible for smokers. It adds some distance, sure, but it’s not like they have to take a bus to the resort and back to smoke or wait until late at night. Maybe I am just being a little callous. Also I personally think most of the people who will break the rules smoking were already doing that anyway. Just hoping cast members are more encouraged to enforce it now, or maybe guests will be more likely to report it/complain if they see it now that the policy is a tad more black and white.
I agree 100% with the ban on smoking. The difference with smoking and other unhealthy lifestyle choices is that when a person chooses to light up, they are affecting literally every last person in their immediate vicinity with second hand smoke. That is quite simply a selfish choice. I drink alcohol. How would that smoker feel if I threw half of my cocktail right in their face and in the face of their child? Pretty sure they would not like it. So it works both ways.
So why no being drunk ban?
A breathalyzer before serving every beverage to ensure no one ever drinks in excess? The technology exists and it’s inarguable thag drunks take away from the experience for others.
All this is doing is targeting a vice Disney doesn’t profit from/is less popular.
Not like no one has ever vomited while drinking around the world…
Yeah, that’s not even remotely similar. I understand some drunks are obnoxious. I’m sure i’ve been one before. But not at WDW.
pretty sure they ban excessive drunken behavior. a member of the us national soccer team was thrown out last year when she and her group fell into that category. no one is immune.
Just being facetious!
I personally love the ban on smoking. That being said I understand how addictive it is and agree with you, Tom that it may become more of a problem with no designated areas if they don’t take a no tolerance stance from the start. And To be fair, there is a smoking area, it’s just outside the park gates. Two of my siblings smoke and constantly complain that their right to smoke is being infringed on, but the rest of us have a right to breathe so…
On the ice front, I wonder if anyone will consider dumping their loose ice out before security, then going into the park and asking for ice at a restaurant. Or better yet, Disney can just put an ice machine somewhere after security. I have done this many times at airports when one of my kids was on meds that of course needed to be kept refrigerated.
Wish I was going to Disney World soon but since I’m not I’ll have to live vicariously through your beautiful pictures Tom! Thanks for all the info!
Well, I love the attempt at the smoking ban. However, I also fear having to pass through a ridiculous vape cloud in the dark tunnels of PofC.
Now, for the strollers, I’m struggling. I have four kids and twin 1 year olds. My older too walk at 8 & 5, but the twins need to ride and be contained. On one hand I loathe the massive Cinderella carriages and “land yauchts”. On the other, I adored the Keenz strollers. (Side note: I hate to see what this will do for private owned companies like Main Street strollers) in regards to the Keenz, You can fit multiple kids in a more compact double option, they are breezier in those hot temps and the kids get a 360 view of what’s around them. Now, I’ve seen my fair share of people taking advantage and packing them down like a scene from National Lampoons, which is craziness.
For those sharing about getting run over…most stories I’m reading have less to do about stroller size and more to do with the character of the person driving it. No matter what stroller these people use, they pay no respect for those around them. Stroller size won’t eliminate stupidity.
And just a word of caution – you ban the strollers altogether & we got little spawns of disrespectful people running around unstrapped & unsecured…
those stroller companies are already out there on social media claiming their strollers are exempt from this ban, which may or may not be true, they may just want to placate their customers. particularly those insane pumpkin coach strollers that just look like mini tractor-trailers are ridiculous. and now they are making a millennium falcon version! personally i hope this ban does put them out of business. there’s magical, and there’s outlandish.
Banning the keenz when it is within the size limit is really crazy. It means we will need to take a double and a single stroller to the parks instead with 3 small kids who would have all fitted in the keenz
^this. And I emailed Disney the same. Keenz is the MOST COMPACT option for my large family and WELL within the size limit. Why is it being singled out?!
Side note: All the hate I’ve read in comments since this announcement was rumored has been very disheartening. As someone who is constantly feeling judged about having 5 kids and is always overly concerned about them bothering people or “being in the way” some of these comments have made me want to hole up in my house and never leave. And I believe, for some mean-spirited people, that is their intent.
Very interesting news. A few thoughts/questions:
1. I appreciate your take on both sides of the smoking ban. What are your thoughts on just banning cigarettes / smoking devices entirely from the parks? Why even allow something that’s banned in the first place? (Sure, people could sneak cigarettes in, but given that security is getting tighter all the time, a lot of “contraband” would be caught during bag checks, etc., just like someone trying to sneak in a bottle of beer. Anyone who needed to leave the park for a smoke break could rent lockers outside the parks.)
2. Our first two trips to Disney Parks were with very little kids in tow, and we brought our double stroller (the City Mini Double we used constantly in our big city neighborhood). It was probably more helpful getting to/from the parking lot than it was in the park itself. I really don’t know what we would have done without it. But I just checked and it was about 30 inches wide, which means even at its relatively large size it’s still within the newly allowable limits. However, that brings up a question — say someone arrives at the park with a larger than allowable stroller — what are they told to do with that stroller? If they didn’t drive themselves to the park do they have to find transportation back to wherever they came from, or just park it somewhere outside the gates for the day?
3. Ban on loose ice — if this is truly to help with cooler checks, I assume someone entering with ice left over in their refillable mug, personal water bottle, or misting fan will not be forced to pour it out?
I guess it’s a matter of time before Disney bans the backpacks and only allows clear bags? Many stadiums and similar venues no longer allow totes or bags of any kind unless they are clear PVC so security can see exactly what you have in your possession. Seems this would stop the cigarettes and vapes from entering the property. We went to an NFL game last fall and this rule was strictly enforced. Also at a concert last weekend the clear bags up to a certain size were strictly enforced.
They will have to leave the oversized stroller next to the new smoking section, then rent a stroller from Disney. Cha ching. It will be enforced.
Maybe Disneyworld should make a time out section for fat people who want an ice cream.
Hmmm what does that have to do with anything or are you implying that everyone that rides a scooter is fat and eats ice cream?
Good grief it’s Disney world not Alcatraz!
Yes, my fear is that without areas in the park, folks will just “sneak” a smoke where they can. I’ve already heard of folks vaping on rides and in other areas where they cannot be seen or stopped by a CM. So maybe that ship has already sailed; although I do see it getting worse and it not being enforced. I hope I am wrong and NO I am not judging anyone
While I understand the ice difficulty with coolers and probably also with people just dumping ice and water places around the park when it’s convenient for them, I think there could be a bit of an issue here for guests staying on property. Reusable ice packs aren’t possible for many resort guests for several reasons, including that I believe some of the small resort refrigerators don’t have freezers or don’t have ones big enough. Instead, they have ice machines for guests. If loose ice in ziplocs is not a problem, as referenced above, then this would at least address this.
It also adds a bit of a difficulty though when you’re talking about small cooler-type bags when staying on site. For example, we have some small, insulated bags that we would put yogurt pouches in for the kids and just add some ice from the resort ice machine. Even an insulated bag without a little bit of ice is not enough to keep something cold for very long in 90+-degree heat. I recognize, however, that adding a size caveat (i.e., no loose ice in anything over 5 x 7 inches) would just add unwanted layers that make enforcement more difficult, which in turn negates what appears to be the purpose of this rule – streamlining and speeding up bag inspections.
I am vehemently opposed to smoking and lost 3 of my 4 grandparents to horrific deaths directly attributed to smoking. But… I am with you. Unless the punishment is grand- like being removed from the parks- it does nothing. I hate walking through a cloud of smoke, but think there will be more random, “rogue” clouds from the “I am gonna smoke until I get asked to put it out” crowd, than we would see from designated smoking areas.
You might see those weak-minded fools get water or other liquids dumped on them. Or their little vape stick broken after they ‘drop’ it after an unexpected wind knocks it out of their hand…
Seriously? And you are raising respectful children?
Yes Janet, parents should teach their children to stand up for themselves and others.
I agree that the smoking ban is a stretch. Obesity is an epidemic and heart disease is rampant as well, but you won’t see Disney banning the turkey legs, churros or Mickey ice cream bars any time soon! 😉 The die-hard smokers will resort to their high school ways and go to the bathroom or behind a wall to sneak a puff. That said, my husband likes to vape. He quit cigarettes five years ago and has been vaping since. Last weekend we attended a large country music stadium concert in Phoenix and one of the rules in attending was NO smoking including vapes, and he said he did not miss his vape, survived those six or so hours we were there just fine.
Regarding the strollers, even as a young Mom going to Disney in the 90s we always rented their onsite strollers. How many Dads have we seen get frustrated trying to fold and unfold those overpriced and over-sized fancy strollers at the bus stops with a hundred eyes looking on, lol?? Last summer we took the grands and rented strollers for our 6 and four year old granddaughters. They now have a “length of stay” rental rate which is convenient. We paid around $135 for the whole week and only had to show our ticket to get a stroller in all the parks.
“I agree that the smoking ban is a stretch. Obesity is an epidemic and heart disease is rampant as well, but you won’t see Disney banning the turkey legs, churros or Mickey ice cream bars any time soon!”
Well said.
I’m not a smoker, but my dad was and I can’t stand the smell of it as a result. For my own reasons, I *should* be in favor of the ban.
That being said, I thought the designated smoking areas were out of the way enough that it was a reasonable trade-off where smokers could have a reasonable accommodation without negatively impacting the overall experience for non-smokers.
What ruins a stroll around Epcot more? A designated smoking area that is (mostly) tucked out of the way or people that have drank way too much at Epcot during Food & Wine? I’m going with the latter…
You think if Disney sold cigarettes in the park they’d be completely outlawed?
I agree. My dad is a smoker, I am not. I’m glad he went with us went to Disney last December when we did because there is no way he would go now. He had a fairly hard time finding smoking areas in some places and he dealt with it but a ban would be a no go for him. I understand the reasoning but makes me sad we wouldn’t be able to enjoy that trip again because of something as silly as smoking. He is 62 and been smoking most of his life, he’s not going to quit for Disney lol I’m pretty sure.
“but you won’t see Disney banning the turkey legs, churros or Mickey ice cream bars any time soon”
There’s one big difference. Turkey legs, churros, and ice cream can be eaten as treats by healthy people with no ill-effects. Also, they do have some nutritional value, no matter how small. There’s not a single healthful benefit to a cigarette, nor can they be enjoyed as a “treat” once and a while. That’s an important distinction why a churro is superior to a cigarette.
I sympathize with those who still smoke, but I think most people are having to adapt. Most apartment complexes ban smoking on property, even in your own rented apartment. It’s a new world for smokers, and I do feel for those who have difficulty kicking the habit.
Just for the record, I was being facetious in my remark about banning turkey legs and churros… 🙂
There is zero nutritional benefit to alcohol, it’s highly addictive, and kills thousands each year. It’s not only sold on Disney property, it’s promoted.
I’m fine with going the Puritan route, and banning vices from Disney property, but it should be logical (i.e. no alcohol, no cigarettes) vs. selective.
Drew, ok I’m for it! I seriously agree 100%. That argument holds no water with me when I hear it because you’re largely correct!
See how well that goes over though…
Great to hear about these new limits. Nothing ruins a beautiful stroll along Epcot’s countries and pretty gardens more than a pack of lurking smokers. Now we can have a few benches back, and truly enjoy the beautiful off-the-beaten paths. I agree they should give smokers a “back alley” but that entices security issues. Hopefully they will staff enough people to stop random rule-breakers. I have seen them in Disneyland, looking pleased with themselves, then throwing butts into the gardens.
And yay for the wagon & ice ban. These are not publicly owned parks.
I hope these types of Mousekeeping upgrades continue to improve the Disney experience!
What’s more European than people smoking on a park bench?!
There’s a place in France where the naked ladies dance…
I have never carried coolers into the parks, and there are no babies. So I am unaffected by those changes, however I used to be a smoker and was always grateful to find a smoking area. I must say I smoked a lot less being so busy, happy and not stressed out. It could be a good opportunity to get some nicotine patches and try to quit!
Foreseeing a serious uptick in Orlando area nicotine patch sales!
Between owners locker, golf cart rentals for fort wilderness, stroller rentals, and grocery delivery… The new hot service will be Nicorette delivered to your hotel door! Join me on the ground floor of this great investment opportunity today! “Mick-orette: get your daily Buzz delivered before you meet him in the parks!”
According to an answer to a question about loose ice on the announcement posted on Disney Parks Blog, resealable bags with loose ice are still allowed. Just pull the resealable bag of loose ice out of the cooler to view the cooler contents. Can’t share my screenshot here, but it was in the comments section on the announcement post.
I’ll be one of the first commenters to say YAY for the smoking ban. We went for the first time to WDW in dec and stayed at Pop and walking from our room to the dining or bus stops we passed a smoking area and the smell was so strong I held my breath and hurried my kids along (I was also pregnant which didn’t help). I do wish they’d implement this at the hotels too for that reason or at least move them away from common walkways. I do empathize with smokers who are unable to quit as I realize what an addiction it really is, but I don’t think with all we know about second hand smoke they should be allowed to smoke in a park that is geared towards families. And for those who don’t follow the rules, like any other rules in the park, should be kicked out. For the record my father died at 48 from lung cancer, my uncle at 50 from tobacco use and then my grandfather, so I do have a bias towards it and beg anyone who smokes to try to quit!
“And for those who don’t follow the rules, like any other rules in the park, should be kicked out.”
Maybe (hopefully) enforcement will be good on this rule. Historically, the practical reality is that Disney management has not empowered its front-of-line Cast Members to enforce rules like this, aside from security staff. Many Cast Members fear guest confrontations, as management often sides with the guest.
That in itself is a huge problem that needs to be addressed, but also beyond the scope of this topic…
I read on another site that it will be down to the cast member personally whether they decide to enforce the smoking rule – It says people would be removed from the park, but can go back in after they have finished smoking. Can’t imagine many cast members bothering with the hassle. Should just have 1 smoking area per park away from any rides / restaurants etc. The one in animal kingdom was no where near people who didn’t want to be near second hand smoke, it was so hidden we couldn’t even find it at first lol. Then all guests are being kept happy 🙂 it is the happiest place on earth afterall!
Easy way to control the rule breakers – have finger scanner kiosks available like they have at the entrances, and scan all 10 digits of the individual. Advise that person that the first “scan” will result in a warning the next time they enter any park. A second scan will result in a 12 month ban from entering the park(s) in the future.
If the person refuses to be scanned, police should be called and the person charged with being disorderly unless Disney already has a policy on the books that they use with drunks, chronic trouble makers, etc.
There’s nothing worse than seeing visitors break the rules without any penalty.
As a life-long non-smoker I’m also pleased to hear of this announcement, while simultaneously already feeling bad for those unfortunate enough to be addicted to nicotine. There are other situations where one must go a full day without a cigarette already (long haul flights come to mind) that people have to plan for, so I suppose the “must-park” kits will now contain patches/gum etc… for smokers? There’s always the mid-day break many take as well.