In Depth: The Complexity and Technical Genius Behind Theme Park Music
I love Disney theme park music. In fact it’s most definitely the “genre” of music that fills the most space in my iPod. And the sad part is, it plays constantly all day with little to no recognition.
So here’s a little info about the music geniuses behind it all and a quick showcase of the awesome music itself.
Bruce Broughton
Bruce Broughton is one of the creative minds behind the music heard in the theme parks. More specifically, he was the composer for the following:
- O Canada! Film – 2007 Arrangement (World Showcase, Epcot)
- Spaceship Earth (Future World, Epcot)
- One Man’s Dream (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
- Ellen’s Energy Adventure (Future World, Epcot)
- Honey, I Shrunk the Audience! (Future World, Epcot)
- The Timekeeper (Extinct – Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom)
- The Making of Me (Extinct – Future World, Epcot)
These are arguably some of the best themes in the parks. Spaceship Earth, Ellen’s Energy Adventure, and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience are some of my all-time favorites.
Sherman Brothers
Another theme park legend (among other things) here, Robert and Richard Sherman are responsible for so many catchy themes of the theme parks. There include:
- “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” (Carousel of Progress, MK)
- “It’s a Small World” (it’s a small world, Magic Kingdom)
- “One Little Spark” (Journey Into Imagination, Epcot)
- “Chim Chim Cher-ee” (Great Movie Ride, DHS)
- “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room” (Enchanted Tiki Room, Magic Kingdom)
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (All Songs)
As a matter of fact it was “One Little Spark” that made me realize the complexity of the theme park music. I posted this on #ConfessFriday on Twitter one day. I got back a couple of responses, but one that stood out to me was by @ThemeParkDaily who said this:
“Not nerdy at all, lots of Disney Park music is technically brilliant.”
Very true, I think. Now let’s take a look at our final composers.
Xavier Atencio + Buddy Baker
More commonly known as “X” Atencio, he and Baker composed one of my favorite tunes and rides – “Grim, Grinning Ghosts” in The Haunted Mansion. X also wrote the lyrics to “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)”, while Baker arranged the music for Impressions de France.
Your thoughts?
It’s sometimes hard to recognize and appreciate the Disney theme park music because it is always so well integrated and themed that we don’t consciously notice it. But that’s what makes it work so well, and that’s why it’s so complex.
What are your thoughts? What is your favorite music in the parks? Share your thoughts on all this in the comments.
Caitlin 5:01 pm on June 10, 2010 Permalink |
I have a soft spot for One Little Spark. I love all of Epcot’s music, but my favorite Disney Park music of all time has to be the BGM in Innoventions Plaza. It’s just so catchy that whenever I walk through the plaza, I have to clap along to the music!
Matt 5:03 pm on June 10, 2010 Permalink |
One Little Spark is great. But I do have to agree with you, Innoventions BGM is my all time favorite. I listen to the entire 50 minute loop almost everyday!
Sarah 8:34 am on June 11, 2010 Permalink |
I quadruple-love the theme park music. I love the Epcot entrance music (on one of my many CDs). And let’s not forget the parade music! The Millennium parade at Epcot remains one of my favorite songs.
Matt 11:29 am on June 11, 2010 Permalink |
Parade music is great – I definitely agree! IllumiNations is also a great soundtrack. My favorite parade music is Fantillusion (in Disneyland Paris).
John 11:26 am on June 11, 2010 Permalink |
There are lots of great music throughout the parks, but for me, two were outstanding:
– The music played in the exit of Fantasmic;
– And the Spaceship Earth Finale, that unfortunately doesn’t play anymore.
Matt 11:30 am on June 11, 2010 Permalink |
Hey John the Spaceship Earth finale music was great. But I also like the new version (that plays in the background of your future video) just as much. 🙂
gaylin 3:21 pm on June 11, 2010 Permalink |
I’m walking right down the middle of Main Street USA!!
Everybody sing . . .
Matt 11:09 am on June 12, 2010 Permalink |
Haha well that is a good song, Gaylin. 😉
ekenekensson@gmail.com 7:36 am on June 6, 2013 Permalink |
Perdita And The Seven Dwafs
-CAST-
The Book-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Snow White-Perdita-101 Dalmatians
The Prince-Pongo-101 Dalmatians
Queen Grimhilde-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Wicked Queen-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Magic Mirror-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Huntsman-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Seven Dwafs-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Coming Soon On Youtube in Summer Are 2013.
ekenekensson@gmail.com 7:38 am on June 6, 2013 Permalink |
Nala And The Seven Dwafs
-CAST-
The Book-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Snow White-Nala-The Lion King
The Prince-Simba-The Lion King
Queen Grimhilde-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Wicked Queen-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Magic Mirror-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Huntsman-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Seven Dwafs-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Coming Soon On Youtube in Summer Are 2013.
ekenekensson@gmail.com 7:46 am on June 6, 2013 Permalink
Duchess And The Seven Dwafs
-CAST-
The Book-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Snow White-Duchess-The Aristocats
The Prince-Thomas O’Malley-The Aristocats
Queen Grimhilde-The Cat-(The Cat Cartoon)
The Wicked Queen-The Cat-(The Cat Cartoon)
The Magic Mirror-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Huntsman-The Cat-(The Cat Cartoon)
Seven Dwafs-Charlie Strap And The His Friends-(Charlie Strap And The Froggy Ball Movies)
Seven Dwafs-Kit Cloudkicker-TaleSpin
Coming Soon On Youtube in Summer Are 2013.
ekenekensson@gmail.com 7:49 am on June 6, 2013 Permalink
Kiara And The Seven Dwafs
-CAST-
The Book-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Snow White-Kiara-The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride
The Prince-Kovu-The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride
Queen Grimhilde-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Wicked Queen-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Magic Mirror-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
The Huntsman-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Seven Dwafs-Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Coming Soon On Youtube in Summer Are 2013.
Anonymous 3:20 pm on December 14, 2023 Permalink |
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