Universal Parks Eliminate In-Park Smoking Areas, Shift to Designated Zones Outside
Universal Parks & Resorts has officially removed all designated smoking areas from inside its theme parks, opting instead to limit smoking to specified areas outside park gates. The policy change, which went into effect this week, applies to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Hollywood, among others.
In a statement, Universal cited guest comfort and health concerns as key reasons behind the move.
“We are committed to maintaining a clean, family-friendly environment for all of our guests,” the company said. “Designating smoking areas outside park entrances helps us better achieve that goal while still accommodating guests who choose to smoke.”
The new policy applies to all forms of smoking,
including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices. Universal had already been gradually reducing the number of in-park smoking zones in recent years, but this move marks a complete transition.
While the change has been welcomed by many families and health-conscious visitors, some guests have expressed frustration on social media, noting the inconvenience of exiting the park to smoke.
Theme park analysts note the move aligns Universal with industry trends. Disney Parks implemented a similar policy in 2019, eliminating in-park smoking areas in favor of designated zones outside the gates.
“This shift reflects a broader effort by major parks to enhance guest experiences, improve air quality, and reduce litter,” said theme park consultant Daniel Perez. “It’s part of a long-term strategy to appeal to modern family audiences.”
Universal has updated signage and park maps to reflect the new smoking areas and is training staff to inform guests of the change. The company emphasized that its goal is not to alienate smokers, but to create a more enjoyable and inclusive environment for all parkgoers.