Disney in a Minute: What is a 4D attraction?

We’re here with a series of quick posts, “Disney in a Minute,” bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic. Enjoy!

“4D” is a term used to describe movies that are synchronized with physical effects in a theater. They go beyond traditional 2D films (moving images on a flat screen) and even beyond 3D films (which use special glasses to give the view the illusion of image depth), to include other sensory elements such as motion or vibration, scent, rain, mist, or other tangible elements.

At Walt Disney World, current 4D attractions include Mickey’s PhilharMagic, It’s Tough to Be a Bug, and Muppet*Vision 3D.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic at the Magic Kingdom, incorporates piped-in smells, water sprays, a gentle breeze, and a transformation of the theater itself when Donald Duck appears to crash land at the back of the auditorium. At Muppet*Vision, there are animatronic and live characters in the theater, water effects, and fog effects.

At It’s Tough to Be a Bug, there are water squirts, brief pokes on your back and legs, piped in scent and fog, and spiders that pop down from the ceiling. This attraction is expected to be converted to a Zootopia theme in the not too distant future.

Disney World 4D attractions that are no longer operational include Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Captain EO, and Body Wars.

Star Tours (Disney’s Hollywood Studios), Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (DHS), Toy Story Midway Mania (DHS), Avatar Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom), and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (EPCOT) are arguably 4D experiences, but the addition more substantial motion or motion simulation usually leads guests to classify them as dark rides or motion similators rather then pure 4D movies.