Top 10 Best Smells of Walt Disney World: Part One
As I sit upon a bench in my favorite Walt Disney World hiding place, tucked far away from the social distanced crowds and opulent theming, a character-clad cavalcade waltzes by, emitting a grandiose score fit for the likes of royalty. The procession passes and takes its ever-present score with it, softly warbling like an Ice Cream truck traveling out of reach on a hot summer day. I strain to hear what comes next. Now, only faint cheers and winged laughter fill the angelic blue sky from afar. Yet, without an attraction in sight, I am somehow closer to the action than ever before. What keeps lingering in my senses is not visual nor is it audible. It is far more effective than that, my friends! As I close my eyes and cover my ears, I begin to be transported; not to the most magical place on earth, but to far-off lands. A 19th century Mainstreet, a tropical tiki haven, and a fading and falling Roman Empire. With each scent brings a deluge of happy memories and hopeless nostalgia. Whether it be attractions, shows, shops or resorts, there are an endless array of intoxicating scents waiting around every corner at Walt Disney World… you just have to know where to find them! And that is precisely why we’ve made a list of our Top 10 Best Smells of Walt Disney World!
Mainstreet, U.S.A.
Is there anything more picturesque than Walt’s beloved Mainstreet, U.S.A.? Designed to mirror that of his hometown in Marceline, Missouri at the turn of the century, this enchanting land seamlessly captures the heart and spirit of classic Americana. You can almost feel your innocence being restored as you take in with pure wonderment the gentle charms of days gone by. Yet, something stirs you deep inside, working its way from your nostrils to your tummy. Sweet, salty, and familiarly inviting; the aroma of popcorn and ice cream engage in a masterful game of tag as they overwhelm the streets with jejune frivolity! If eternal optimism had a scent, this would be it. And Disney Imagineers have managed to find a way to produce, bottle, and pump it through the parks via a Smellitozor, directly to your heart. Good luck getting out of Main Street, U.S.A. without buying yourself a treat or two. And heck, that just may be the point! However, sales tactic or not, the trip to yesterland was well worth the price of admission.
Spaceship Earth
“Like a grand and miraculous spaceship, our planet has sailed through the universe of time.” These inspiring words loom over us as we venture from one highly themed historical event to the next. But one seems to stand out from the mob in this classic Epcot attraction; the fall of Rome. As we harken back to the bygone days of Julius Caesar and the Roman Empire, the oddly pleasing smell of burning wood, cinder, and knowledge takes center stage. Frankly, it smells like a good ol’ fashioned campfire hanging on by its last remaining ember. While I may not be in a mad dash to make this my new car air freshener, this effect has my deepest respect and is altogether not as disturbing as it probably should be, given what it signifies. Which is why I always feel a little guilty when I take a deep breath in as we pass the ruins and rubble. (Breathes In) “Ahhh… Rome!”
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Mickey’s PhilharMagic musical fanfare showcases the splendor of Disney’s beloved animated films upon a massive 150-foot-wide x 180-degree seamless wraparound screen. Add in a pixie-dust sprinkling of immersive effects and you’re got yourself one unforgettable experience! Without a doubt, two of the most irresistible Walt Disney World scents make an appearance in this show! In fact, they are in the exact same scene! Throughout Lumière’s rousing rendition of “Be Our Guest,” an array of edible airs burst in your direction, including that of a fruity champagne (highlighting notes of grapefruit, lemon and orange) and one explosively delectable apple pie!
Rumor has it that throughout “A Whole New World,” the show used to inject jasmine into the theatre. Word around the hub is that they quickly cut the scent due some guest’s hypersensitivity to its compound. What a shame, huh? That would have been two airborne jasmines for the price of one!
The Haunted Mansion
Contrary to what some may assume, Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion most certainly possess a distinct, albeit hard to describe, smell. Next time you board a Doom Buggy, alert your inner bloodhound and try to focus. In my opinion, the scent is old, musty, and dank. Reminiscent of a decaying library, but less pungent. One must wonder; is this an intentional bouquet or is it a serendipitous mixture of theatrical haze and animatronic hydraulic fluid? Or could it just be the byproduct of an aging ride without an attached outdoor queue, which would allow for it to breathe. Regardless, it is as effective as it is affective.
One deathly sobering note regarding the animatronic hydraulic fluid theory. When you pass through Madame Leota’s Chamber, there is no floor between you and her mystical table. Rumor has it, if you were to step out of your vehicle, you would fall fifteen feet down into a purgatory- like pit of retired animatronics. Hence, the ghastly, ghostly stench!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Ever wish you could live out your days relaxing upon your own lush tropical oasis? Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort invites you to do just that. This Walt Disney World Opening Day Resort and has been tantalizing guests with its soothing fragrance ever since.
As you enter The Grand Ceremonial House, you will immediately be welcomed by a healthy dose of warm alohas, exotic cuisine, immersive theming, and island-inspired décor. However, baked beneath its chic tranquility, a gentle breeze of aromas awaits your attention, longing to captivate your soul and seduce your senses. Once you know it, you’ll never want to live without it; a hint of light floral with an oceanic purity. While there is one overwhelmingly responsible culprit for this heavenly odor, I would be remiss if I did not mention that the addition of fresh Floridian foliage and Ohana’s culinary masterworks wafting through the lobby play a helpful hand in creating this blissful patchwork of perfumes.
According to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s lobby uses a scent called Hibiscus Passion. Unfortunately, this scent is only available for businesses and hotels. If you are looking to recreate your own Hawaiian hideaway at home, try getting your hands on a scent called Paradise Breeze. Or you can always try Magic Candle Company! But, more on that next week, as we bring you Top 10 Best Smells of Walt Disney World: Part Two!
That concludes our Top 10 Best Smells of Walt Disney World: Part One! Be sure to check back next week as we add five more glorious aromas to our Top 10 Best Smells of Walt Disney World!
Can you guess which fragrances will make it to our list for Top 10 Best Smells of Walt Disney World: Part Two? See ya real soon!
