If it’s your first time traveling to visit the Disney theme parks, you’ve got so much to look forward to. While some might say the planning is the best part, the excitement you will feel as you experience all of those wonderfully unique Disney firsts is unparalleled. Everything from the first time you see Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty Castle all the way to your first fireworks display, the magic of Disney awaits. However, there are a few Disney touches that you are unlikely to understand how enchanting they make your time in the parks feel. Here are five of my favorite magical touches that I adore:
The Ambient Music
Most of us are familiar with the music that plays in public areas. From the mall to the market, it’s rarely ever quiet out in the world. Well, you won’t find any of your top 40 hits in the Disney theme parks. Instead, you will find perfectly balanced ambient music from your favorite Disney stories. Strategically played around the park, the music and sound effects can transport you from one land to the next, complimenting the activities and theming of each area. It’s so special it feels almost addictive, and you won’t be the first to come home and crave the instrumental background tunes of Disney around your home.
Heavenly Deliciousness In The Air
Just as the music will creep into your soul while you are visiting Disneyland or Walt Disney World, so too will the delicious scents piped in around the park. You can smell fresh baked goods on Main Street, U.S.A., and so many more. The scents of Disney parks are so famous that you can even buy candles and room sprays that recreate them! You won’t believe how immersive these sweet-smelling accents are until you experience them.
Delightful Cast Members
We are sure you’ve heard about Disney cast members and how special they are, though it’s hard to understand how wonderful these people are before you arrive. Disney CMs are the magical core of your park experience, dressed to the nines and ready to pixie dust your day with bright attitudes and a genuine willingness to help. While you are likely expecting the attractions to be memorable, watch out for the cast members who bring this place to life.
Photo by Steven Beyer on Unsplash
Mischievous Characters
Characters are a traditional part of every Disney experience. However, you might not be expecting some of the mischievous encounters that can be spontaneously enjoyed along the way. Your character meet and greets are the perfect place to pose for photos with your new friends, but there will be other times around the park when you might be caught in the middle of a tea party with the Mad Hatter, or perhaps Lady Tremaine will watch disapprovingly over your shoulder as she makes her way through the park. These random moments of enjoyment are so unexpected and make for some of the best memories.
Extraordinary Talent
While no one expects a Disney performance to be an amateur hour, it’s unlikely that you are anticipating the Broadway-style talent of some of their performers. Some of the shows you can see on Disney property are outstanding and often leave guests wondering what just happened. A quick stop in a cool theatre between thrill rides can quickly become a memorable entertainment experience of a lifetime. Be prepared to fall in love with these entertainers and take the opportunity to see as many as you can throughout your stay.
Those are just a few of the lesser-known magical aspects of Disney that first-timers can look forward to. If you need any help with planning your first Disney adventure, don’t miss our planning pages on The DIS or ask the experts on DISboards.com!
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
