Cigars at Disney WorldBy: Gary Manelski & M. Wright Disney World is not a destination for cigar smokers, but it is a place to enjoy a vacation that can (and should) include cigars. During a May 2026 visit to Disney World in Orlando, we found that for the most part, smoking is only permitted at designated outdoor smoking areas. Sosa's Fuego cigar bar in Disney Springs was closed back in September 2013, and then the Sosa Cigar Store was also shut down on January 2, 2023 - after 25 years. There are a few other spots that sell cigars at Disney World, but Sosa's was the only actual cigar store on the premises. However, the main issue isn't about buying cigars, it's all about finding a place to smoke and enjoy them. Although Disney resorts are officially smoke-free, there are still some places where cigars are still welcome. The My Disney Experience Apps for Android and iPhone make it easy to find a place to smoke and enjoy cigars. Search “smoking area,” and you’ll uncover marked locations across each resort that are often tucked away and sometimes surprisingly well-placed. Think of it less as a restriction and more of a scavenger hunt. During our stay at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, we found two very different experiences. The first was exactly what you might expect: one small bench under an umbrella that was functional but forgettable (more for a cigarette smoker). The other, near the Copper Creek Villas, felt more inviting for cigar smokers. It was in a quiet nook removed from the crowds, where both cigars and cigarettes could be enjoyed in peace and comfort. That contrast seems to define Disney’s approach: smoking isn’t part of the show, but it’s not entirely pushed offstage either. At Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, we discovered a terrace near the Enchanted Rose that immediately stood out. With drinks available to-go from the bar and a relaxed, open setting, it felt like an ideal place to pause. Interestingly, it wasn’t clearly marked as a smoking area and ashtrays were not visible during the afternoon, but it had the feel of a spot that could easily become a favorite for those who know where to look.For repeat Disney visitors and those who have the time, there’s even a case to be made for creating your own resort cigar crawl. The monorail loop, linking the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian, offers an easy scenic route. But it doesn’t stop there. The Disney experience expands even further when you include other modes of transportation. The Skyliner gondola system creates a slower, more scenic crawl connecting resorts like Riviera and Caribbean Beach, as well as the EPCOT-area resorts. Meanwhile, Disney buses and boat launches quietly extend the map even further, offering another approach that's less structured and more exploratory. With the app as your guide, each stop becomes an opportunity to discover a new setting, a new pace, a new place to light up. Disney may not design its resorts for cigar culture, but with a little intention, you can still carve out your space within it. |
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