Top 5 Favorite smells of Disney World

If you are here, reading this post, then you have at least basic knowledge of the magic that is Disney. From the moment you arrive, Disney grabs hold of your senses and you are completely immersed in a whole other world. The colors and textures attract you visually, the music and atmospheric sounds ( birds, crickets etc.) are picked up by your ears and the tastes are too many to go into right now; all of these things help you build strong, vivid memories of your experience. They even cater to your sense of smell by using manufactured and naturally occurring smells in different areas of the park and that's what I found myself and the kiddo's discussing recently. Without further adieu, here are our top 5 smells of Disney World!

1. The Main Street Confectionary - I know, I know! I have hardly made it in the entrance and already have a favorite. In my defense, I didn't mention the pop-corn cart you have to pass. It's the combination of the sight and smell that just gets me...ahem... I mean, the kids. Who can resist the combination of caramel apples, cotton candy and Mickey krispie treats. The aromas swirl together in an invisible sugar cloud and leak out of the store and halfway down the street. If the smell was portrayed in a cartoon, it would look like a light fluffy cloud with a little wisp of a hand snaking out to tap you on the shoulder and beckon you in with a crook of the finger. Too much? Sorry, it's that yummy of a smell. I have to remind myself...I mean, the kids... that we have a whole day ahead and can get a treat on the way out.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean - Seriously! I'm not crazy, there is a smell about the place. As soon as you enter the ride there is a cool, wet smell. I don't understand the psychology of it, but it SMELLS a few degrees cooler. The "Pirate smell" seems to be a magical combination of damp, singed material, burnt wood, maybe something tobacco-ish and the chlorinated water your boat floats in. None of the smells alone are worth comment, but the subtly blended smells definitely put you in mind of swashbuckling adventures. If you don't believe me, try to close your eyes and breathe in deeply next time you visit.
3. Mickey's PhilharMagic - The whole show is a treat for the senses but my favorite is the "Be Our Guest" scene when you get "gassed" with a delicious smell of baked treats and sugary delights. The smells I recognize are of what is represented on the screen; apple pie, champagne and grapes. You can almost smell the bubbles and taste the pie crust.
4. Tomorrowland Speedway - OK, right now your nose is turned up and your lip is curled. I agree, this might not be for everyone. The smell of this attraction is exhaust, hot tire, and metal. Not really attractive but it is not overpowering. For me this smell takes me right back to riding the cars with my dad, not just at Disney but also the antique cars at the old AstroWorld and many go cart tracks. I guess this is a comforting, nostalgic smell for me and I understand if this doesn't make your list. It goes to show though just how smells affect the memory.
5. Candied Pecans at the Animal Kingdom - Our family loves The Animal Kingdom! The earthy, animal, jungle smells are exactly what you expect from such a place. You are going along exploring when a sweet, spicy roared nut smell hits you! You are ready for a snack anyway so go ahead and grab some candied nuts to munch. The smell of cinnamon blends perfectly with the natural smells and just belongs there.

I know now there are many other smells around "The World " but if I close my eyes at home and think of Disney, these are the scents that pop up with memories attached. Are you ready to go back? Are you pumped about your visit now? You're welcome 😊. I'd love to hear your favorite smells from Disney; comment below.