The Best Smells in Walt Disney World

A visit to the Walt Disney World Resort is a completely immersive experience thanks to every sense being stimulated. Guests might not realize it in the moment, but they are taking in an incredible amount of detail not only in what they see at a given moment, but also in what they hear and even smell. Smells are a big part of creating memories in Walt Disney World, with the Imagineers even going as far as creating special scents to evoke feelings and more and Disney Resorts having signature fragrances. Let’s look – or smell – at some of the best scents that can be found throughout Walt Disney World.

Main Street Popcorn & Candy

Main Street, U.S.A. is beloved by many Guests as it often signifies the official start of their Walt Disney World vacation, but several scents along the street also draw them in. Right past the Walt Disney World Railroad Station is a traditional popcorn cart that is continuously popping fresh, buttery popcorn throughout each day. The enticing smell draws Guests further down the street where they then can smell delicious candy creations and fresh bakery items coming from the Confectionery and Main Street Bakery. These smells are sure to make Guests’ mouths water and are a special part of the charm of Main Street, U.S.A.

Pirate’s Water

A smell that many Guests are particularly fond of might seem strange, but if you know, you know. The water on Pirates of the Caribbean, particularly just past the loading area as Guests move into the caves, is the stuff that Disney memories are made of. Part humidity, part musty, part unforgettable, the distinct and hard to explain scent that can be enjoyed on Pirates of the Caribbean has long been a favorite of Disney Guests.

Rome Burning

Another favorite Disney smell on an attraction can be found over in EPCOT on the iconic Spaceship Earth. This classic attraction opened with the Disney Park on October 1, 1982 and Guests have been obsessed with the smell of Rome burning ever since. This relatively depressing scene that depicts the burning of the Library of Alexandria before the Renaissance smells deliciously good and is the perfect combination of smokiness and firewood. There are literally candles and other third party products sold to evoke this smell – seriously, it’s that good.

Flame Tree Barbecue

Speaking of smokiness, one quick service restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom draws in countless Guests each day thanks to its mouthwatering aroma. Flame Tree Barbecue can be found on Discovery Island near the Tree of Life and the menu focuses on decadent and indulgent barbecue which smells almost as good as it tastes. Guests who find themselves on Discovery Island are sure to pick up on the smells of barbecue and be drawn in, and they won’t be disappointed.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Lobby

Each Disney Resort features a signature fragrance blend that is unique for that location, but there is one Disney Resort that just seems to knock it out of the park. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort smells amazing, and it has for years. The lobby originally features a massive greenery and waterfall focal point in the center that provided a floral and thick smell that Guests love. Unfortunately, the whole feature was removed in a renovation, but the lobby still has a wonderful smell that combines floral notes with teakwood and tropical goodness that Guests can’t get enough of.

Karamell-Kuche

Guests who are walking through EPCOT’s World Showcase are immersed in eleven different countries along the way, but only one can immediately draw Guests in with a mouthwatering smell. The Germany Pavilion is home to Karamell-Kuche, a small shop which translates to “Caramel Kitchen” and specializes in creations featuring Werther’s Original Caramel. Perhaps most popular for the famous Caramel Corn, Karamell-Kuche pumps out the most amazing caramel smell that Guests cannot get enough of!

Pandora’s Forests

The final smell that has become a favorite of Guests in recent years can be found on Avatar Flight of Passage in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This innovative ride uses incredible technology to make Guests feel as though they are soaring over the skies of the Valley of Mo’ara on Pandora on the back of a banshee. Along the way there are plenty of exciting moments, but many Guests find themselves enjoying the scent the most! An exotic blend of the bioluminescent plants on Pandora and otherworldly notes, this scent has become a favorite of many and can also be found replicated in third party products including candles!