If you’re a fan of Disney and you’ve been to the World more than a couple of times, you may have noticed a certain “smell” at the theme parks. No, not a foul, offensive scent, but more of an aroma that fits into a theme or puts you into a certain frame of mind.
Here are a few examples I enjoy:
Soarin’ in EPCOT–this is a ride that you must partake of while on vacation. It makes you feel as if you’re flying in a glider over the state of California and has scent along for the ride. You’ll experience oranges over the grove, pines over the forest and a certain dry, acrid “sand” scent over the desert regions. It’s very “Disney”.
Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom–As you’re walking along Main Street toward Cinderella’s Castle, you’ll notice a sweet, sugary vanilla scent. I used to think it came from the Bakery (now soon to be Starbucks) but I since found out the folks at Disney pump a vanilla scent into the air to encourage shopping LOL
Spaceship Earth in EPCOT–I love this ride. It takes places in the giant sphere that’s the icon for EPCOT. The ride goes through the history of communication through the ages. The scent most associated with this ride is burning embers or wood which you’ll experience when you come upon the scene of Rome burning. You can also catch this smell in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride during the “bombing” scene.
Water rides–Anywhere in the World at any given time you can ride on a water ride. From Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom to Living With the Land in Future World at EPCOT, the Maelstrom in the World Showcase to Pirates of the Caribbean in the Magic Kingdom to Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom, you’ll find a water ride. And you’ll smell chlorine as well as that water “funk” at times.
Magic Kingdom–Can I just tell you how much I adore the smell of fresh popped popcorn from the cart vendors? It draws me in every single time.
Kilimanjaro Safaris–There’s a scent of diesel fuel in the air in the Animal Kingdom when you’re standing in line to board this ride. Fuel and dirt. You know you’re getting ready to go on an adventure.
The Italy Pavilion in the World Showcase at EPCOT–How many times have you gone past this place on a walk and a cloud of perfume smacks you in the face from the usually open doors in the shops?
Hotels–That moment when you first step into your hotel room and the clean, fresh scent tickles your nose.
Anyway, these are just a few scent memories that come to mind as I write this post. If you’ve been to Disney, what’s a smell you remember clearly?
Scents always get me everytime. I love scents. That makes senses that they use them to draw you in.
Sue B
One of the happiest places on earth and one of the cleanest too, impressive considering. So no, foul smells don’t come to mind. I’ve been to the world twice, once as a kid and 2nd as an adult during a business conference in Orlando. I clearly need to go again, because I can’t remember the smells, I just remember how I felt. Happy.