Magical Touches You Can ONLY Get at Walt Disney World
Disney World isn’t just a vacation. It’s an experience. It’s the kind of experience that turns people into lifelong fans.
Not only do millions of people visit annually, but many spend time trying to bring the magic home. We decorate our houses with Disney décor. We wear Disney-inspired outfits. We watch the movies on repeat and memorize the soundtracks.
Don’t get me wrong, those are all great things. (My house is always decked out in magical Disney collectibles.)
Despite that, there is a je ne sais quoi that can’t be replicated outside of Orlando. When the post-Disney blues hit me hard, I miss certain aspects of Disney World. And I’m not just talking about riding the attractions.
![Tiana Magic Kingdom Magical Friendship Faire](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wdw-mk-tiana-on-castle-stage-646x431-1.jpg)
![Tiana Magic Kingdom Magical Friendship Faire](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wdw-mk-tiana-on-castle-stage-646x431-1.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Today, I’m talking about those subtle, oh-so-magical elements that can only be found at Disney. Let’s discuss the best (sometimes underrated) aspects of being on Disney World property.
The Scents
Disney and other third-party companies have perfected creating candles/reed diffusers that smell like magical scents. But let’s be honest. Nothing can compare to the real thing.
Not only do some things at Disney World have that iconic smell (e.g. ‘pirate water’ in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction), but Imagineers have mastered pumping in specific scents around the parks.
This is why the outside of the Main Street Baker always smells like cookies. And this is why the scent of pineapples and flowers always trickles down the hallways of the Polynesian Village Resort.
We can buy copycat candles and candle melts to burn at home. But it’s unlikely we’ll have a different candle in every room. Also, it won’t be easy getting the scents to not mix.
The perfect engineering of Disney scents can only be found in Disney. (And sense of smell invokes the strongest core memories for a reason.)
The Sounds
Disney World has a certain fragrance, but it also has a certain sound. (And no, I’m not talking about the tantrums.)
Disney is the master of creating perfectly timed, never-overlapping music loops. Depending on where you are, pause and listen to the gentle soundtrack in the background.
Main Street U.S.A. plays jaunty big-band music. Disney’s Animal Kingdom features gentle African-inspired drums. The streets of Hollywood Studios are filled with Broadway tunes and its themed Toy Story section features background music from the movie score.
Truly, Disney World is a buffet for the ears.
You can always play this music at home. (I do.) But like the ever-changing scents, it’s hard to replicate a constant soundtrack that changes based on your location.
The music makes me feel like I’m starring in my own Disney movie, and that is pure magic.
The Cleanliness
Did you know that technically Disney World never closes? It can’t. Keeping Disney pristine is a 24/7 job.
Cast Members are always hard at work painting, cleaning, and scrubbing the parks until they are spotless. Unlike the cleaning we do at home, most maintenance is done overnight or behind giant scrims.
For guests like us, the immaculate cleanliness is magic. And that is something you can’t find in other theme parks.
My favorite aspect of Disney’s cleanliness is the janitorial staff. Not only do they keep streets clear of garbage, but they also mop literal magic into the cement.
![Magic Kingdom Walk](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Enhanced-Cleaning-Measures-2-scaled.jpg)
![Magic Kingdom Walk](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Enhanced-Cleaning-Measures-2-scaled.jpg)
(Matt Stroshane, photographer)
Don’t know what I’m talking about? Check out the fun Disney characters and silhouettes they mop onto the sidewalks. Even something as simple as a wet mop is enchanting here.
The Fashion
When I’m not in Disney, I love sprinkling magic into my wardrobe. Mickey-inspired jewelry, Disney Princess t-shirts, and hoodies from the park are my go-tos.
While that’s a great way to bring magic into my days, nothing beats park fashion.
In Disney World, Disney junkies go all out when it comes to ensembles. This is especially true of the last decade.
More of the guests don themed hats, shoes, dresses, and special-edition Mouse Ears. And admittedly, some stuff is so on the nose (e.g. an Orange Bird purse), that I probably wouldn’t see it in my local mall.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1332057922.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1332057922.jpg)
Image Credit: Getty Images/Stefanie Keenan
I love fully embracing my Disney side of fashion at the parks. Not only is it accepted, but it’s highly encouraged. I theme my outfits from head to toe and constantly get inspiration from other guests.
This fashion freedom is park-specific. And I miss that whimsy at home.
The Staff
Need I say more?
There’s a reason why working for Disney looks phenomenal on a resume. It’s because Disney employs the best.
Dubbed Cast Members and not employees, Disney operates under the philosophy that everyone, from ticket takers to street sweepers, is putting on a show.
Disney Cast Members take their roles very seriously. Many turn them into lifelong careers. And many retirees come to Disney to work for fun.
![Wilderness Lodge 30th Anniversary cast members](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-Wilderness-Lodge-Cast-Members-30th-Anniversary-4.png)
![Wilderness Lodge 30th Anniversary cast members](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-Wilderness-Lodge-Cast-Members-30th-Anniversary-4.png)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
I can’t get enough of the friendliness of every person I interact with. And it’s always exciting to see if I’ll get “pixie dusted”.
While not guaranteed, Cast Members will throw in extra magic at times, like giving you a complimentary ice cream cone or helping you find a good parade spot. These Pixie Dust moments create lifelong memories.
There is simply no other place on Earth that offers this kind of Guest Service. Please be kind to them my fellow fans!
Disney World is such a special place. For these amazing touches seen and unseen.
I hope reading this has heightened your appreciation for the magic Disney makes every day!
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Feature Photo: Gerard McGovern/Wikimedia Commons