What’s in the Air at Soarin’ in EPCOT?

We think a lot about the sights and the tastes of Disney World, but what about the SMELLS?

From the scent of sugar wafting down Main Street, U.S.A. to the irresistible smell of popcorn lingering in the air, there are delicious smells all over Disney World. But one ride in particular is known for its spectacular scents, and that’s Soarin’ at EPCOT!

Have you ever wondered how the scents are pumped in at Soarin’? Or where they came from? We recently did a little investigating to find out!

We spoke with a Cast Member at Soarin’ in EPCOT (which is currently the Soarin’ Over California version instead of the Soarin’ Around the World version) who shared that the scents are made by an industrial air freshener company. This same company provides scents to various hotels.

Cast Members told us that the scents are in the form of “scent beads” in bags that are air permeable. Fans blow air through the scents at the appropriate times during the ride.

Disney’s patent for the smellitizer system on Soarin’ shows a reservoir above the seats with a pump. Once the scents are pumped out, a fan blows them downward over the passengers on the ride.