Top 10 Disney World Scents
What makes me hum Soarin’s score when peeling an orange? Why does a peculiar smell of ‘burning wood’ put a smile on my face? What makes the scent of shampoo remind me of Walt Disney World? Does anyone else find alien mushroom caves oddly alluring? Am I just a lunatic with a weird obsession?! Probably, but there are dozens of us…dozens! (Updated August 7, 2023.)
It turns out that something else might be at play. “Scent-evoked nostalgia,” is a hot topic among scholars and might explain why certain Walt Disney World scents trigger emotional reactions and memories. For Disney fans, this might seem like old news. Disney perfected the art of triggering emotions via scent years ago.
In fact, there’s probably no better case study of scent-evoked nostalgia than exists in Disney fans. That’s in large part due to the concerted efforts of WDI’s division of Smellagineers. (I don’t think that’s an actual type of Imagineer, but it totally should be.)
Nostalgia is something I contemplate regularly when it comes to Disney. How it keeps pulling me back, causes me to view the parks from a certain perspective, and ultimately, gives me certain biases. From a sensory perspective, nostalgia is undoubtedly strong, too. We covered how the sounds of the parks have this impact a while ago, and virtually every other post covers the visual and culinary feast the parks are for our nostalgia.
While scents are probably less obvious, their role is no less vital–and they are just as compelling. Heck, there are multiple brands of candles and other products that exist to evoke memories of scents from the parks and resorts! So I can’t possibly be alone…and there are probably more than dozens of scent-obsessed Walt Disney World fans.
Here are the 10 most memorable scents of Walt Disney World for me…
10. Pirates of Caribbean Water
Try explaining to a non-Disney fans that one of the scents that puts a smile on your face is, essentially, dirty water that boats float around in all day. Seriously, try it. If your friends and family didn’t already think you’re crazy, this could be what pushes them over the top.
Yet, despite the reality of what this water is, many of you were probably nodding in agreement as you read this entry on the list. I’m guessing/hoping that it’s some cleansing agent treating the stagnant, slightly musty water that gives it that “special” smell I love. Regardless, I have no shame in admitting that the smell of dirty boat water puts a smile on my face.
9. Main Street, USA
If you’ve ever read one of the myriad “37 Unbelievable Disney Secrets!” sorts of lists on the various clickbait sites, you’ve undoubtedly read about the “piped in” scents outside the Confectionary and Main Street Bakery that lure guests into those shops.
It’s not just that Disney pioneered the use of “Smellitzers” in attractions (some of which are discussed below)–the parks also savvily use artificial scents to enhance real smells and entice guests. Even the Starbucks signature scent of burnt coffee plus sweets is largely artificial (both at Walt Disney World and the real world). Regardless, these shops evoke strong memories of wandering Main Street at night.
8. PhilharMagic Pie
PhilharMagic makes me nostalgic for the “Disney Renaissance” animated classics with which I grew up, and the smell of apple pie makes me nostalgic for PhilharMagic, and for Magic Kingdom.
This Glade apple pie spray–a dead ringer for the PhilharMagic smell–in turn makes me nostalgic for college, because Sarah and I used to spray it heavily in our dumpy apartment back in the day. Phew, that’s a lot of nostalgia!
7. Soarin’ Around the World
Soarin’ Around the World had a tough act to follow. From the orange groves of Camarillo to the pines of Lake Tahoe to the ocean mist of Malibu, Soarin’ proved once and for all that California is the best-smelling state in the U.S.
Personally, I don’t think Soarin’ Around the World manages to hit these same high notes on the olfactory scale. (But it’s already grown on me, so maybe I’ll feel differently in another few years once scent nostalgia takes hold.) Sure, there’s the wonderful fragrance of the Taj Mahal, and some other great scents, but others leave something to be desired. Overall, though, it’s still one of the best attractions at Walt Disney World from a scent perspective.
6. H2O Soaps
I’ll be honest with you: I can’t remember the last time I bought shampoo. Every time we travel to Walt Disney World (or any Disney destination), I stock up on shampoo from our room. The exact scents vary (from resort tier to tier, and they’ve also changed over time), but each of the scents is a distinct reminder of Disney.
It’s probably because that’s how I remember smelling from particular trips (much the way that certain sunscreen still reminds me of childhood visits to Typhoon Lagoon), and I love the memories the soaps can trigger. There are certain bottles of shampoo that are more treasured that others that I only use on special occasions, such as my Hotel MiraCosta shampoos that I’ve been rationing for the last 2 years.
While my collection might seem large in the photo above, this is only a small sample of what our drawers look like. With that said, our H2O+ stockpile is slowly shrinking, and will probably only get worse from here. Not only are most shampoo and conditioner dispensers wall-mounted, but Disney’s Bath Brand is Ending (or rather, has ended). It’s likely that Walt Disney World and Disneyland will run out of their current supply of soaps sometime between the end of summer and early fall. Expect a new bath brand partnership to be announced for 2024 and beyond any day now.
5. Norway, World Showcase
My fatal flaw when I tried to convince Sarah that she should buy the perfume Laila was saying that it reminded me of my grandma’s house. Apparently, wives do not want to smell like grandmas. (Who knew?) That was an unfortunate choice of words on my part, as Laila is probably my all-time favorite perfume, and not just for its inextricable association with Norway and Maelstrom it has for me.
Basically, Laila is the smell of freshly-bathed angels prancing around Norwegian mountain lily fields while playing the sjøfløyte. That’s about the best way to describe its divine smell, but I suppose you could also call it a fusion of natural oil with the delicate scent of Norwegian wild flowers and a refreshing touch of lavender that is subtle but distinct, light yet long-lasting and incredibly clean and crisp.
4. Pandorian Mushroom Cave
Along the same lines of Soarin, Avatar Flight of Passage has a variety of scents to help immerse you in the experience. From the crisp scent of intergalactic ocean water to the alien savannah, these immerse you into the world of Pandora.
There’s one scene, however, that surpasses them all. When your banshee stops for a rest in a Pandorian mushroom cave (I’m aware that this is probably not what it is at all), you experience the most serene and enchanting moment of the attraction, and that’s in large part because of the scent that wafts through the air as the scene completely envelopes you.
I cannot put my finger on why this scent resonates with me so much. It’s like a mix between a sweet perfume and freshly cut flowers–the best way to describe it might be as the ocean in Soarin’ meets the Norway pavilion. Perhaps this is the actual fragrance of alien mushroom-flowers!
3. Burning Rome, Spaceship Earth
Nature enthusiasts love the smell of burning timber because it reminds them of fun times spent camping; Disney enthusiasts love the smell of burning books because it reminds them of fun times spent dark ridin’. Ever since I became an active member of the Disney fan community, I’ve been hearing about efforts to re-create this scent and different methods of replicating it.
It’s another one that would be odd to the uninitiated, but for Disney fans, this is arguably the most distinct and memorable scent in all of Walt Disney World. If I weren’t a married man, this is another one I’d wear in cologne form; I fear such a cologne would contain a dangerous number of seductive pheromones, making it a wear at your own risk kinda thing.
2. Deluxe Resort Lobbies
As I’m writing this, I am seeing this slowly devolve into “Tom’s Disney Scent Fetishes,” but whatever. In addition to dirty water, shampoo, and the smell of burning, the smell of cleaning products–or whatever makes the resort lobbies smell as nicely as they do–also make me nostalgic. The two resorts with the most memorable smells for me are Yacht Club and Grand Floridian. Wilderness Lodge and Contemporary follow close behind those, with the rest of the Deluxes also represented.
I can’t pinpoint what, exactly any of these smells are, but I know Yacht Club and Wilderness Lodge have a sharp, masculine edge, while Grand Floridian smells floral and elegant, and Contemporary’s smell reminds me of “modern” (somehow). I’m not saying I’d hang out in the lobby of any of these hotels for hours just to smell them, but I’m not not saying that, either.
1. Journey Into Imagination
I know what you might be thinking, and to quash that: no, the skunk scene is about as far from this list as possible. I’m talking about the original Journey into Imagination. Every once in a while, I catch a whiff of something (to this day I can’t figure out what…I’m thinking a specific cleaning product or perfume), and I am swept back to the Art Room in Journey into Imagination, where a flowery scent is sprayed into the air.
This happens about once a year, and is always a fleeting moment. I get goosebumps as I try to savor and inhale as much of the smell as possible, holding onto the moment back in time. This #1 is a very personal one, and I doubt anyone(?) else will remember it, but it’s my far and away top scent ever at Walt Disney World. (Update: the name of the perfume that was sprayed into the air was “Morning Mist.” Not sure if that’s the actual name of the fragrance, but if anyone knows, please let me know!)
As a bit of an aside, the skunk stench versus the perfume fragrance is a perfectly succinct summation of the new attraction as compared to the original. While the entries on this list demonstrate just how powerful scent is as a nostalgic tool that can be harnessed to tug at our emotional heartstrings, some uses (that skunk smell, Stitch’s burp, etc.) demonstrate its potential for misuse in creating a negative experience, too.
Fortunately, examples of this are few and far between. Most of the scents of Walt Disney World trigger happy memories…even if those scents are a bit weird to non-fans. But, you know what’s even more weird? Not being a Disney fan. 😉
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Which Disney scents are most nostalgia-evoking for you? Any aromas that instantly transport you back to a certain moment from past visits to Walt Disney World? Any favorites you recreate around your house? Any that you don’t like? Do you agree or disagree with our picks? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
…And I agree that the old Imagination ride was soooo much better than the new one. I was a little offended when I rode the new one, as weird as that sounds. Haha, and the trifecta of nostalgia-driven disappointment continued with the closing of the Maelstrom. Oh, well.
Ok , so I’m showing my age here…and I’m still a Disney nut nonetheless…But to the orange scent smell that people love on Soarin’, I remember that smell but from an older ride that is no longer at Epcot called Horizons. It was an amazing ride for its time, and one that changed my brain chemicals for life. There was a section where the moving cars rode past a diorama of a futuristic orange grove, showing how high tech machines and computers can help make farming more productive. In the distant sky a dark storm was rolling in and there was a warm breeze complete with the orange smell and the subtle flash of lighting. It still is one of my favorite memories. I was sad to see Horizons was closed a while back, but I understand, as the big impressive build-up of the ride was a living room, and a large screen wall TV where the family is face-timing with their daughter who is doing underwater marine biology studies.
Has anyone ever used Out Pro Wash? It’s label says “Workwear Odor Eliminator Detergent”’ and the scent takes me right back to Disney. I can’t
figure out what scent or where the scent is located but I know for a fact is somewhere is Disney! If anyone has used it and can help me pinpoint its location, I would be ever so grateful! It’s bothered me for well over a year now, but for now I just enjoy the scent anytime I add it to my wash:)
You all do know there’s an actual fragrance company http://www.magiccandlecompany.comthat sells ALL of the Disney smells in fragrance oils, candles, spray soap and even car fragrance hangers.
I’m looking for the smell of All-Star Movies. I couldn’t get enough of it – anybody know what the smell is?
Does anyone know the scent of the French Quarter resort?
Yes Magic Candle and I also found someone on Etsy- it’s like 3 Sassy Sisters or something like that. They have a candle as well that smells like the foyer of the French Quarter. No one at the front desk ever knows what the scent is.
What is the name of the scent that you smell when you are in the gift shops??
Tom, one of our favorites is the smell of Animation Hall. It is very clean and fresh. Maybe it’s a favorite because it was the very first smell associated with our very first trip to WDW. I occasionally catch a scent that almost replicates it ( Clorox brand cleaning wipes come close) and it takes me right back!
On another note, if you are like me and LOVE the smell of Rome burning or The Pirates of the Caribbean, then you NEED to try this:
Twinings Black Tea, Lapsang Souchong, 20 Count Bagged Tea, 1.41 oz, (6 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F4F9HU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8OHqBb0TZT0CP
It’s also available in the Twining’s Tea Shoppe in the UK pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. It will smell and TASTE like either of those two attractions based upon your mood. For us it’s such a strong connection that we usually refer to it in house as “Pirate Tea”. Imagine… Being able to drink dirty, musty boat water,,, without it ACTUALLY BEING dirty, musty boat water! 😉
I used to work at Art of Animation and I always thought the lobby smelled like the old Fruit Strip gum! Loved the look on guests face when I mentioned it and they knew what I was talking about!
Oh, Tom. I feel you , man. My favorite smell, maybe on earth, is the Polynesian Lobby. I don’t know what it is… chlorine and flowers and pineapple? I just love it. Can’t recreate it – obviously, I can’t even describe it – but I could smell it every day, all day long!
If you go to the front desk they can tell you what the name of the scent is and which company sells it. Ive asked before but always forget lol.
theres a lady on etsy who has tirelessly worked to re create disney world smells into sort of gourmet candles and she does 1 with the pirates of the caribbean water scent i have 1 in my basket and cant wait to try it along with main street bakery and grand floridian lobby il let you know how they are tom but from reviews etc her candles are dead ringers for what she says they are
I’m in the process of finding Disney smells for my sisters birthday, this is so helpful!!! Thank you 😀
This past July marked 20 yrs since my last time in the Magic Kingdom. I walked to the line for Pirates and started to cry a bit, It smells the same! Kari
The smell of the lobby and entryway into the Polynesian. Best. Smell Ever. For whatever reason, I think it has to do with the lush plants, every time I cut into a raw potato the scent takes me right back there (my happy place!).
I heard that the water smell is bromine. As in, not chlorine to control algae growth, but bromine.
Not sure if I can link in the comments, but here’s my source (also not sure if it’s accurate, but sounds good).
https://youtu.be/QZ-k0clndV0
One of my favorite scents (now discontinued) was the Green Clover & Aloe from Bath & Body Works. That is exactly what the GF smells like & it is AMAZING!
Burning wood in Spaceship Earth is definitely one of my top.
My number 1 tho is stepping out of the Orlando airport into the Florida air. I can only describe my memories of it as what an indoor fountain smells like. Every time I walk by a fountain in a mall or such it takes me back to some trip.
Some of my other new favourites are the abrupt change in scent as you walk into Pandora from the main entrance and past whatever that first giant plant thing is. It is one of the best Disney experiences of transporting you away from reality into a new world.
Honorable mentions for the nostalgia that universe of energy had in the jungle and the great movie ride. They were subtle but memorable.
Other scents that come to mind are living with the land in the forest and the desert and star tours smelling like a spaceport. Not sure if I am crazy on these ones or not??
The “Burning Rome” scent is lapsang souchong tea. This is directly from a cast member who proceeded to bring some out and it is the exact smoky smell.
I am not one for merch, but I would *totally* buy a bottled fragrance or a candle scented like the original Journey into Imagination flower/Art Scene scent! They’re missing a merch opportunity by not selling _Figment!_ in a bottle.
Oh my….the burning scent in Epcot. Love it. I’d give anything to find a car scent thingy for that. Only 36 days til I get to inhale that scent again.
The burning scent is lapsang souchong tea!
Shout-out to my hometown Camarillo!!! Fun Fact! Patrick Warburton (the pre-show narrator) also lives in Camarillo. I miss the old Soarin’…
The smell of the Contemporary is something like “Upscale Aloe.” I told my friends that it smells like luxury.
As for memorable smells, I feel like the warm, humid post-rain smell is quintessential Disney. Something about the combination of the heat, moisture, and fresh plastic ponchos that really takes me there.
I returned home to Australia recently after my first ever trip, and I almost cried the first time I busted out my pilfered H2O body lotion – I wanted to be back in the Wilderness Lodge so badly!
Regarding that amazing smell from Flights of Passage – I just this week bought a Yankee Candle “Kilimanjaro Stars” scented melt, and it is precisely the same smell! I even googled it to see if I was just crazy, and I may well be as I haven’t seen anyone say the same thing anywhere. Anyway I urge you next time you see that scent in a store – give it a sniff and agree with me!
Beach Club all the way for my favorite Disney smell… I asked if they sell it, to no avail. However, the woman in concierge told me the distributor that Disney uses is Enviroscent, and though Disney’s scents are proprietary, Green Clover & Aloe is essentially the same as the Beach Club scent. They sell a ScentHD machine that wafts the smell throughout your house, though it is a little expensive.
Sometimes you can get samples of all the scents. They come in little individually wrapped packets.
I was also nodding my head like a maniac when I saw the “Pirates of the Carribbean” water on the list. I totally get it! it’s like a musty cool smell like how you would imagine a cave would smell. I find that a lot of Disney water has that type of smell and weirdly, I love it.
theres a lady on etsy who has tirelessly worked to re create disney world smells into sort of gourmet candles and she does 1 with the pirates of the caribbean water scent i have 1 in my basket and cant wait to try it along with main street bakery and grand floridian lobby il let you know how they are but from reviews etc her candles are dead ringers for what she says they are
Please report back on the Pirates water candle!
I just received all of my Enviroscent samples in the mail and I believe I may have pieced together the Poly scent 🙂
I debated waiting to open Green Clover & Aloe until I REALLY needed a hit of Disney, but decided I could not wait and tore into it like a kid at Christmas. Its heaven!
Does anyone know what the scent is in the lobby of Pop? I was there for the first time last month and I wanted to bottle it up.
I was told that Pop is “Green Tea & Lemongrass”.