Vape use is on the rise globally. Not only do vapes provide an affordable and less-toxic alternative to combustible cigarettes, but people are also drawn to the fruity flavors on the market and the discrete nature of vapes.

Despite leaving less of an unpleasant smell around, vaping in certain public places is still considered by many to be antisocial. Vaping restrictions in public areas in the U.S. are on the rise, and heavily trafficked places like Disneyland and many other theme parks have severe restrictions on their use inside the park.

“The Happiest Place On Earth” might not be so happy if you can get your nicotine fix. Here’s what you need to know before puffing on the go on your next visit to the theme park. 

Theme Park Rules and Regulations on Vaping

The use of vapes in most theme parks in the U.S. is restricted. While vaping is less disruptive to others and more discreet, it usually falls under the same terms of policy enforcement as smoking traditional cigarettes. 

With over 17.7 million visitors in 2023, Magic Kingdom is the most visited theme park in the U.S. It is one of four Disney theme parks in Orlando, FL (Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom). All of these parks and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA, have the samerules regarding vaping. 

"For the comfort of all Guests, the theme parks, the Esplanade between the parks and the Downtown Disney District are smoke-free. The smoking of tobacco, e-cigarettes or other products that produce a vapor or smoke is allowed only in designated outdoor smoking areas." 

Universal Studios has similarvaping rules: "Smoking or consuming tobacco (including e-cigarettes and vaporizers) in areas other than designated areas is prohibited."

Busch Gardens is another Florida theme park thatrestricts the use of vapes inside the park to "specific outdoor smoking locations throughout the park." 

Where Can You Vape at Disneyland?

If you're visiting for the thrill of the rides, you will have to ditch your vape most of the time at Disneyland and other Disney Parks. While the resorts have more smoking areas sprinkled throughout, the only designated smoking areas in the theme parks are found just outside the entrance gates to the park.

Marijuana isn't allowed to be consumed, even in designated smoking areas. After riding the roller coasters, you may be staying in resort accommodation. There are more designated smoking areas sprinkled around the resort areas.

Guests can't smoke or vape in Disney Resort hotel rooms, patios, or balconies. The easiest way to find designated smoking areas at the park of your choice is by downloading the My Disney Experience mobile app. 

Open theMy Disney Experience mobile app to find these designated smoking areas. After downloading the app, click the search icon and enter "smoking" as your keyword for a prompt that allows you to see the areas on a map and get directions if you need them. 

What Happens if You Vape Outside Designated Areas?

The consequences for smoking or vaping in a non-designated smoking area at a Disney theme park or around the resort vary on location.

However, staff will usually give a warning before resorting to more severe punishments like ejection from the park, banning, and sometimes fines. If you’re staying in a hotel and smoke or vape inside, you may be fined $250-500. 

Disney’s vaping and smoking ban occurred in 2019, inviting all Disney employees to enforce the prohibition around the park. Disney introduced the ban to increase the enjoyment of the park for all visitors, just like the ban on large strollers and bringing ice into the park.

Get the best out of a visit by sticking to the rules, and don’t try to sneak a puff when you think nobody is looking, as it could result in the end of your vacation early. 

The Health and Safety Aspect of Vaping in Public Spaces

It’s your choice whether you smoke cigarettes or vape e-cigarettes. In the same way, people who choose not to smoke or vape have the right to avoid secondhand vapor.

 There are some risks associated with secondhand vapor in confined areas. One study found that young adults exposed to secondhand vape smoke around the home led to “an increased risk of bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath.”

Disney focuses on family-friendly, safe environments that everybody can enjoy, so they moved the smoking areas outside the main theme parks to focus on most people who don’t vape or smoke. 

The rise of vaping has increased public pressure on lawmakers and private establishments to get a handle on the public use of vapes. While restrictions may not bring the number of people who vape down, they may increase the enjoyment of non-vapers in public spaces. 

Vaping Etiquette at Theme Parks

Even when you’re vaping in designated smoking areas around Disney resorts or other theme parks, be considerate of other park visitors by keeping your plumes and puffs to a minimum when they are in your vicinity. It’s important to respect other people’s health issues that may not be obvious.

If you usually use a vape that produces big clouds, consider switching to an MTL vape during your trip. These vapes are also smaller, so they will be easier to carry around as you explore the park. 

Alternatives for Vaping at Theme Parks

In addition to being allowed to step outside the park to use the designated smoking areas for vaping and then reenter for more fun, you could also consider switching to another nicotine product during your trip, includingnicotine pouches like ZYNs, nicotine gum, or nicotine patches. There are no restrictions on these discreet products that don’t affect the enjoyment of other park goers. 

Conclusion

Disneyland allows visitors to vape in designated smoking areas beyond theme parks' gates and throughout the more expansive resort areas. For the best experience on your next visit, follow the park rules by only vaping in these areas and being mindful of other non-vapers when you do. While it's your right to vape, it's important to remember that other people don't and may have health reasons for this.