Massive Policy Shift at Disney Resort Comes With 2,800 Warning Signs

Disney resorts around the world follow many of the same operational standards, but local laws and cultural expectations often shape how each park handles its daily rules. From dress codes to ID checks, what flies at one location might not at another.

Now, Shanghai Disney Resort is making a notable adjustment of its own—one that will be visible to every guest entering the property this week.

Credit: Shanghai Disneyland

Smoking Rules Tighten at Shanghai Disney

Starting May 29, the resort will reduce its designated smoking areas from 24 to just 11. The change follows a full review of guest traffic and feedback, particularly in areas where non-smoking visitors were exposed to second-hand smoke in high-volume walkways and near entrances.

Smoking—whether it’s cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or any product that emits vapor—is only permitted in clearly designated areas. To support the new policy, more than 2,800 “No Smoking” signs are being installed across Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown, Wishing Star Park, and the resort’s two hotels. These signs are customized to match the design of each area and depict both cigarette and e-cigarette symbols.

Credit: Shanghai Disneyland

Cast members will also be trained on new enforcement procedures. Bilingual reminder cards featuring QR codes will help guests locate the nearest designated smoking spot. Posters featuring Chief Bogo from Zootopia will serve as an additional nudge, encouraging guests to be considerate and follow park rules.

A Growing Shift Across Theme Parks

This isn’t the first time a Disney park has taken a firm stance on smoking. In 2019, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort eliminated all in-park smoking areas, confining them to spaces outside the main entrances. Universal Orlando Resort followed suit earlier this month, instituting a similar in-park ban.

Other international parks have not made the same move. Tokyo Disney Resort still offers smoking zones inside both of its parks—three at Tokyo Disneyland and two at Tokyo DisneySea. Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Paris also maintain designated areas, though enforcement is less consistent. At Disneyland Paris in particular, guests have been seen smoking in crowded areas like the entrance to the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A. and outside popular rides such as Le Carrousel de Lancelot.

Credit: Disney

In some cases, the relaxed enforcement may reflect broader cultural norms. France had one of the highest smoking rates in Europe in 2023, with 28% of adults identifying as smokers. That compares to just 11.6% in the United States the year prior, according to public health data.

Shanghai’s update comes shortly before World No Tobacco Day on May 31 and International Children’s Day on June 1, signaling alignment with broader public health efforts. Earlier this year, a guest confrontation over unauthorized smoking at the resort drew viral attention—offering a glimpse at why the park may be moving to formalize its stance.

Do you think Shanghai Disneyland is making the right move?