They say smell is the strongest sense. After spending a week in Walt Disney World you can probably attest to this fact. Whether it is sweet smells or rotten ones, Walt Disney World certainly has distinct scents.
5 Best Smells In Walt Disney World
5) Rome Burning on Spaceship Earth
For such a short part of the attraction the smell of Rome burning still seems to be many guests’ favorite part. The convincing burning smell has many guests fascinated by this small part of the attraction. The smell reminds me of a campfire, which is why I personally enjoy the smell. For many years I have wondered why this scent hasn’t been replicated and put into Pirates of the Caribbean.
4) Water in Walt Disney World
There is something in the water. Walt Disney World’s water has a very distinct smell that I’ve never smelled anywhere else in the country. Many believe it is the heavy chlorination in the water in central Florida. I have such a nostalgic association between this smell and Walt Disney World that I have grown to love it. Who would have thought that chlorinated tap water would have made this list?
3) Soarin’
Evergreens and oranges. What is not to love about smells on Soarin’? The attraction pumps in smells that not only make the attraction come to life, but additionally the scents smell fantastic. The scents transport guests into the scene as they perfectly time up with whatever appears on the screen.
2) The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
Walking down Main Street U.S.A. you might notice the smell of warm waffle cones. This is an artificial smell pumped from The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. Although it might not be the smell from the actual waffle cones it still smells fantastic. If I could buy a candle of any smell from Walt Disney World this would be the smell I’d want.
1) Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion
Not only is this my favorite smell in Walt Disney World, but it might be my favorite smell in entire world. The combination of bread, seasonings, and rotisserie chicken makes me crave the smell of The Land Pavilion. Whenever I walk into The Land Pavilion I start to crave their food. While the food is decent for quick-service it is always the smells that keeps me coming back.
5 Worst Smells In Walt Disney World
5) Tomorrowland Speedway
The Tomorrowland Speedway is not only smelly, but the diesel fumes from the cars can make it downright hard to breath. This attraction is dated and the cars leave behind a stench that leaves me feeling lightheaded. Hopefully the Tomorrowland Speedway will switch over to electric cars in the coming years and put an end to the fumes.
4) Affection Section
The nature of a petting zoo is that they are smelly. This isn’t Disney’s fault, but it is the nature of the beast when dealing with animals. For many guests this is not a big deal because the hands on experience of petting goats, sheep, and donkeys far outweigh the smell. There are sinks to wash your hands before and after petting the animals, so not only are you keeping your hands clean, but you can also wash away the animal odor.
3) Inside the Monorail
For a long time I have noticed that the Monorails smelled funny. Personally I think it smells like human body odor combined with a barn. For the longest time no one agreed with me, but recently I found some threads on DISboards.com where other guests have thought the same thing as me. Here is what some other people have said:
Belle599: Monorail smells like a barn. Why doesn’t Disney fix this?
Irenep: Haven’t been in any barns lately (or Gorilla cages!) but I have raised 3 children and to me it smells of wet diapers
kadesha: It reminds me of the smell on a school bus. Just lots of sweaty people, body odor from the “less hygenic,” stuff like that.
2) Skunk Smell on Journey to Imagination
To be fair this smell is intentional, but nevertheless it does smell horrible. Personally I have never really understood the comedy of putting guests through something that smells bad. Overall the smell shouldn’t keep you and your children from riding this attraction, but be prepared to cover your nose!
1) Stitch’s Burp in Stitch’s Great Escape
Like the skunk smell in Journey to Imagination this smell is also intentional. Stitch’s chili cheese hot dog burp is definitely my least favorite smell in Walt Disney World. To add insult to injury, this attraction is one of the worst on property. Unlike Journey to Imagination I personally believe Stitch’s burp makes this ride an easy attraction to skip when vacationing in Walt Disney World.
