“We make adjustments to our operations based on Guest demand,” Wallace said. “This policy complements our efforts to provide our Guests with the healthy living options they are requesting.”

During the last five years Guest demand for smoking rooms at the Walt Disney World® Resort has been declining steadily. Currently, less than 3.5 percent of Walt Disney World’s 24,000 resort rooms are smoking optional. This transition allows us to better accommodate the increasing number of Guests requesting smoke-free rooms. This trend is not specific to the Walt Disney World® Resort. According to the American Automobile Association, more travelers are requesting smoke-free environments.

With more than 50 million members, AAA represents North America's largest traveler group and increasingly our members, like many Americans, are demanding smoke free accommodations." said Sandra Hughes, VP of Travel for AAA. "Hotels are responding by going beyond the traditional standard of smoking and non-smoking rooms, and are going smoke-free throughout their properties.

The new policy applies to all Guest rooms, patios and balconies and designates outdoor smoking areas at all resorts affected by the change. Smoking is currently prohibited in all lobbies, common areas, restaurants and convention spaces. Additionally, in January 2000 the Walt Disney World® Resort Theme and Water Parks became smoke-free with smoking allowed in designated smoking areas only.