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As avid Disney World fans, we know that one of the most magical things about visiting the parks is the complete experience. We’re talking about the sights, sounds, and tastes. Every detail is carefully crafted to transport us to a different world.
In this article, we’ll take an aromatic journey through some of the most iconic and memorable scents you’ll encounter on a Walt Disney World vacation.
7 Attractions in Disney World with Iconic Aromas
While scents might fill your nostrils throughout the many lands of the theme parks, many rides are home to iconic smells. Some of the most iconic smells belong to ones on Disney World attractions. Here are our top picks.
1. Flight of Passage
If you’ve ever been on Flight of Passage in Pandora, you know exactly what we’re talking about. That’s right, the infamous cave scene in the ride. Spoiler alert if you haven’t been on the ride, it smells incredible.
In fact, I just got a “fresh cotton” room spray that smells exactly like the iconic bioluminescent scene. Now I can smell the caves of Pandora from the comfort of my own home – who knew?!
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
Okay – who knew water could smell so good? Honestly, any water ride at Disney World smells incredible, but this one knocks it out of the park.
And it’s not just us – so many Disney World goers remember the iconic water ride scent long after the attraction ends. The musky aquatic aroma (we’re really not selling it with this description, are we?) just adds to how much we love riding Pirates of the Caribbean time and time again.
3. Spaceship Earth
You know what scene we’re talking about! I feel terrible for all the Romans during the fall of their empire, but wow does it make for a great-smelling scene.
Anyone who’s journeyed through Epcot and experienced one of the oldest rides in the parks will remember the iconic burning smell. It also shows up in Pirates of the Caribbean!
4. Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Hey, we didn’t say all the scents were going to be good ones!
We love Figment because he’s just an adorable dragon who causes so much mischief. But who knew something so cute could smell so bad?!
In the “Smell Lab” of the attraction, Figment turns into a skunk and sprays the audience with a putrid odor. How’s that for a figment of your imagination?
Fun fact: did you know that the skunk smell is actually burnt coffee? If you don’t believe us, take another whiff the next time you’re on the ride. Just don’t breathe in too much!
5. Space Mountain
Okay, bear with us on this one. You wouldn’t think that an indoor rollercoaster would have an iconic smell, but it does.
And we can’t even describe the smell if we tried. It’s something in between wax, crayons, and nostalgia. What does nostalgia even smell like??
You really have to walk through the queue to know what we’re talking about.
6. Soarin’
Epcot really flexes your sense of smell, doesn’t it? As one of the only smells on the ride, guests will be treated with a soothing waft of oranges once they glide over the groves. Maybe that’s why this is everyone’s mom’s favorite ride!
7. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
As one of the most recent additions to the Disney World attraction lineup, we had to include it on our list. Yes, we know, it’s very new so it hasn’t reached icon status yet. But revisit this post in 10 years and I promise we’ll have predicted correctly!
True to its nature as a foodie ride, you’re shrunken down to the size of a rat and need to escape the kitchen. But throughout the journey, you come across deliciously smelling bread. Every time I ride that ride I’m somehow a lot more hungry than before.
Disney Resorts with Iconic Smells
But wait, there’s more! Iconic Disney World scents also exist at the many resorts. Your nose will also enjoy a vacation at these getaways.
Polynesian Village Resort
Upon entering the lobby of the Polynesian, you’re greeted by the sweet, heady fragrance of tropical flowers like plumeria and hibiscus, instantly transporting you to the South Pacific. This is definitely the most iconic smell at any of the resorts – Polynesian is practically known for it by now!
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The lobby has a very distinct smell often described as “apple meets clover meets sunshine”. It reminds guests of the lazy, hazy days of summer.
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club
These resorts share the same crisp, clean, and fresh “beachy air” scent. While not overpowering, it’s just enough to make you believe you are actually at a yacht club or beach club by the ocean.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The scent used here is called “Green Clover and Aloe” and is considered just the right amount of delicious.
The lobby scents seem to share a common base fragrance, with each resort then having a different scent layered on top to match its theme (tropical for Polynesian, floral for Grand Floridian, etc). Many guests love these scents as they immediately trigger happy memories of staying at the resorts.
The Role of Scents in Creating Disney Magic
At Disney World, the magic is in the details, and one of the most overlooked details is the power of scent. The sense of smell is closely linked to memory and emotion, and Disney uses this to its advantage to create immersive experiences for guests.
Memory and Emotion: The Power of Disney Scents
Disney World is full of scents that transport us to different times and places. Walking down Main Street, USA, we are greeted with the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies and confections.
The smell of popcorn and cotton candy wafts through the air, reminding us of childhood memories at the fair. Even the water in Pirates of the Caribbean has a distinct scent that takes us back to our first ride on the attraction.
These scents are not just pleasant, but they also evoke emotions and memories.
Disney’s Olfactory Branding and Guest Experience
Disney is known for its attention to detail, and this extends to the scents used throughout the parks. Each land has its own signature scent, from the floral scent of Adventureland to the smoky scent of Frontierland. These scents are carefully chosen to match the theming of each land and to create a cohesive guest experience.
In recent years, Disney has even started selling scented candles that capture the essence of the parks. Companies like Magic Candle Company and Main Street Melts offer candles that smell like everything from the Dole Whip to the Haunted Mansion.
These candles allow guests to take the magic of Disney home with them and to relive their favorite memories through scent.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to know more about how Disney World uses scent to evoke emotion, continue reading the section below.
Are there any behind-the-scenes tours that focus on the scents used at Disney World?
Yes, Disney offers a behind-the-scenes tour called “Sense of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge” which includes a discussion of how scent is used to enhance the immersive experience at the resort. However, there are currently no tours specifically focused on scents used throughout the entire Disney World property.
Has Disney ever changed or removed any iconic scents due to guest feedback?
While there have been rumors of certain scents being adjusted or removed over the years, Disney has not officially confirmed any changes to its signature scents based on guest feedback. The company is known for extensively testing and refining its sensory elements before introducing them to the public.
Are the scents used at Disney World safe for those with allergies or sensitivities?
Yes, Disney takes guest safety seriously and works to ensure that the scents used in its parks and resorts are hypoallergenic and safe for most guests. However, individuals with severe allergies or sensitivities should still exercise caution and consult with a medical professional before visiting.
Does Disney use any natural or organic scents in its parks and resorts?
Disney is always looking for ways to improve the guest experience and create new immersive environments. While there are no specific plans that have been announced regarding new signature scents, the company will likely continue to innovate and introduce new sensory elements in the future.
Are there any plans for Disney to introduce new signature scents in the future?
The secret behind the delightful scents found throughout Disney parks is a combination of natural and artificial fragrances. Disney uses a variety of techniques to create these scents, including scent diffusers, air fresheners, and natural elements like flowers and trees.
Can guests purchase the same scents used in the parks to use at home?
Currently, Disney does not sell the exact scents used in its parks and resorts for home use. However, there are many Disney-inspired fragrances and home products available from third-party companies that aim to capture the essence of iconic Disney scents.
