Guests visiting Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have raised concerns about a strange, unpleasant odor reported during recent visits. Some park-goers have taken to social media to describe the smell as “moldy cheese” and “foul”, and there is growing speculation that it could be tied to the recently introduced food options at the cantina.
What’s That Smell?
According to one guest’s recent post, they noticed the strange scent during a visit to Oga’s Cantina in early March 2025, after experiencing the same smell on two separate occasions that week. They reported the smell as being strong and unpleasant, with a particular mention that it wasn’t the typical sour or bar-like odor associated with some theme park bars. The guest described it as something more “foul” and described it as a major turn-off during their visit.
“I’ve been many times before, but this was the first time I noticed it,” the guest wrote. “We went twice that week and the smell was there both times, and it was just not pleasant.”
Other visitors who visited around the same time echoed the sentiment, and some suggested that the recent new food offerings at the cantina might be responsible for the odor. Although Disney has not confirmed any link between the new menu items and the smell, many fans are speculating that a change in the menu could be the cause of the unexpected issue.
The Cantina Experience at Risk?
Since opening in 2019, Oga’s Cantina has become a popular spot for fans of the Star Wars franchise. The cantina offers a unique atmosphere with themed cocktails, mocktails, and snacks that transport visitors right into the world of Star Wars. With its immersive environment and distinctive drinks, it has been a top choice for visitors looking to enjoy a fun, themed experience.
However, with these recent complaints about the strange smell, some are wondering whether the cantina’s overall experience has been compromised. One guest mentioned:
“Yes, we love it there and as soon as they brought the new food items in my wife was like yoooooooo wtf happened here? It REEKS! We have gone twice since the food arrived and the smell is there. It hasn’t been before.”
Many fans are curious if the recent menu additions have had an unintended side effect, as new items could have affected the cantina’s environment in ways that were not anticipated.
Could It Be a Maintenance or System Issue?
It is possible that the strange smell is not related to food at all. High-traffic restaurants in theme parks often deal with environmental challenges such as air circulation, cleaning systems, or even the kitchen equipment used to prepare meals. Some have speculated that the odor could be a result of a maintenance issue related to these systems rather than the food itself.
While no official explanation has been provided by Disney, it is clear that this new problem is starting to affect the guest experience. Whether it’s related to the menu items, air quality, or some other factor, it appears Disney may need to investigate and address the issue to ensure it doesn’t tarnish the magic of Oga’s Cantina.
