Did you know that going to Disney World can actually IMPROVE your health?

Cinderella Castle

Yes, I’m sure for many Disney Adults, going to the parks brings immense joy. But that’s not what I’m talking about. Nope, there are actual scientific reasons that going to Disney World can be good for you, and the reasoning is fascinating!

The Olfactory Benefit

Let’s start things out with the smells! Disney World is full of them thanks to the parks’ smellitizers — pumps hidden around the parks that they use to add in particular scents. That’s why you get the sweet sugary smell wafting from the Main Street Confectionery or the enticing aroma of popcorn as you pass the carts.

Main Street Confectionery

But it doesn’t stop there! Many rides are associated with particular smells. Think of the iconic water scent on Pirates of the Caribbean, the burning of Rome on Spaceship Earth, or the delightful fresh smell you get on Flight of Passage. Soarin’ is even an entire attraction centered around different smells as you fly across the globe. On top of that, many of the Disney hotel lobbies have distinctive scents that fit with their theme — fans will go as far as purchasing candles that smell like their chosen hotel so they can feel relaxed at home.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

In a piece from the LA Times about why fans are so drawn to the Disney parks, they shared a quote from Neuropsychologist Paul Nussbaum, who said, “The brain region critical to smell is located near the hippocampus, which is an important brain structure that helps us remember.” The article went on to explain that the sensation of smell can trigger memories and our sense of smell has a stronger link to memory and emotion than any other. So, you can quite literally go to Disney, enjoy a particular scent, and then when you come home and smell it there, experiencing it again can increase your happiness and help your memory by connecting you to your vacation. Fascinating!

Nostalgia Is Good for You

But smell wasn’t the only thing the LA Times article discussed. “Visiting Disney parks allows people to indulge their nostalgia by immersing themselves in this reliable world filled with familiar colors, characters, smells and music,” says Erica Hepper, a lecturer of psychology at the University of Surrey in England.

Pluto riding Dumbo

The rewards associated with experiencing nostalgia can include “improved mood, feelings of optimism, stronger social bonds and reduced anxiety.” And experiencing nostalgia not only rewards you mentally and emotionally while you’re in Disney World, it also motivates you to return in the future. Whenever you’re home and you see a tearjerker ad for a Disney vacation or watch a classic Disney movie, you’re encouraged to experience that feeling all over again.

Vacations Can Improve Your Brain Health

Outside of just going to Disney World, vacations in and of themselves have a plethora of benefits. According to the Cleveland Health Clinic, the benefits of going on vacation include increasing your focus, reducing stress, and the release of the “happy hormones.”

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

“As a species, we struggle with monotony,” says psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD. “When we do the same thing over and over again, it can make life feel tedious. When we get stuck in a rut like that, it reduces our cognitive performance, focus and ability to be fully present in the moment.”

“Taking time off is one of the best ways to become more creative, make better decisions and increase your focus,” she adds.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

When you step away from your usual cycle, it gives your brain the chance to reset. Craving the serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins? Take a vacation!

Literally Just the Sheer Amount of Walking

And for this last one, we don’t even need a medical study…we’ve proven it ourselves! When you go to Disney World and do a full park day, you’ll likely be walking 20K steps or more. And all that walking? It’s a great way to get in some exercise and sunshine, two things that are great for your health!

Prince Charming Regal Carousel

If the 20,000 steps aren’t enough for you, there are plenty of other ways to incorporate exercise and fitness into your vacation. The Deluxe Resorts have fitness centers where you can work out during your trip (as well as Coronado Springs), there are running and walking trails throughout Disney property, and many fans participate in runDisney races throughout the year.

Running Trail

So you see, it’s totally possible for a Disney World trip to be GOOD for you! Of course, all of this data is irrelevant if your family is the type that argues all vacation long. In that case, maybe consider a solo trip to Disney instead. You know, for your health. 😉

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