Music is an integral part of every Disney theme park. And like any good soundtrack, the songs don’t stand out when you hear them in the parks – they’re just part of the entire immersive experience. For example, island drums let you know that you’re in Adventureland, while folksy ditties put you in Frontierland.
Many of the parks’ attractions have their own soundtracks too – and the rides feature more songs that just the familiar favorites like “It’s a Small World” and “Grim, Grinning Ghosts.” Hearing the instrumental songs from the following attractions can trick your mind into thinking you’re really on these rides. And best of all, each of the following songs are available on iTunes for $1.29 each, so they’re an inexpensive way to take a little “mental vacation.”
1. Soarin’
By Jerry Goldsmith
From the Walt Disney World Official Album
If you listen to this song, it’s hard not to imagine that your legs are dangling in the air and the scent of fresh oranges is wafting by. The song starts with an epically deep bass, then floats into a lighter-than-air melody, with some more epic notes. It’s amazing to hear this song and picture the scene changes on the ride.
2. Test Track (Instrumental)
By Paul Leonard-Morgan
From the Walt Disney World Official Album
This futuristic music from the Epcot ride’s queue gets you in the spirit to board your car for the ultimate test drive. The song is very driven and determined itself, with sounds that soar before reaching its final destination.
3. Midway Mania
By Don Rickles
From the Disneyland Official Album
“You know your life will never be mundane-ia, when you play Midway Mania!” Mr. Potato Head himself, Don Rickles, sings in this jaunty carnival-inspired tune for the Toy Story Midway Mania! ride. “How can I make it any plain-ia? So come on, pal, and step right up!”
4. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue
By Jonathan Sacks
From the Disneyland Official Album
This song from Disneyland’s dark ride Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! is a fun, light version of the movie’s main theme. The horns and the piano are pretty much impossible not to dance to at the beginning, but before too long, terror sets in on “the most terrifying day” of Mike Wazowski’s life. Some more light sounds are followed by more suspense before the sweet conclusion.
5. Wabash Cannonball (Disney World Attraction Version)
By Various Artists
From Country Bear Jamboree (Original Soundtrack)
This banjo-pickin’ tune with a “good old country rhythm” is just one of the many great songs on the attraction’s soundtrack from 1971. All of the instrumental songs on the album make you feel like you’re hanging out in Frontierland on a warm summer day.
So what are you waiting for? Go check these songs out and enjoy!
