Disneyland Paris: My Favorite Ride Music
What draws us to certain parks is a weird thing, really. Because, well, the parks are all pretty similar. For the most part they have the same attractions, and food, and experiences. A Disney park still feels like home even if it’s not your home park. That’s not to say there aren’t very obvious differences but I think there’s a very tight core to what it means to be a Disney park, and how that operates.
And a large part of that core is the music. I’ve already talked about this recently in my post on parade songs but I genuinely think music is one of the things we remember about Disney trips. It’s a soundtrack to our memories and experiences and hearing those songs – even out of context – can bring it all back and evoke some pretty strong emotions. Certain songs will always do that for me because they are so tightly associated with memories or rides.
As such this post is subjective, but then, these things always are. So take my choices with a pinch of salt but if I’m missing something you think is absolutely essential talk to me about it in the comments. And, pre-amble over, lets hit that list. This is in no particular order.
Pirates of the Carribean
I really don’t think I’m alone in that the second that tune kicks in I can almost visualize the ride. It’s such an integral part of how that ride works, and the feelings it evokes, and such an important part of building an atmosphere. It’s almost as important as the smell of water and the heat. It so perfectly orientates you and, I think, I will never be able to hear it without being able to picture the ride. It hits every single beat, storytelling wise, while also carrying you through the ride. As a bit of storytelling it’s insane and incredible.
I love this ride so much so, naturally, I’m going to feel that way about it but I genuinely think it’s one of the best things ever done in the parks. It takes me right back to every trip I’ve been on this ride and all the feelings that build into that.
Tower of Terror
I think the line music for Tower of Terror might be one of my favorite musical notes about the park. It has a pretty large music loop but I think the aesthetic and feeling that loop evokes is crazy. It’s haunting and really lends the idea that this attraction is absolutely something out of time. It also adds to the idea that, well, the hotel is still occupied. It’s a spectacular bit of storytelling that really helps build an experience.
It’s a nice story telling element that adds so much to an already pretty impressive and crazy ride.
Phantom Manor
The tune that carries you through Phantom Manor is something that I have an almost physical response to. The way that Melanie’s wailing in the background weaves in and out with the call and response of the music is something that is just perfect. It’s scary but also, well, melancholy. Which, I think, means it reflects the ride pretty well. It builds perfectly to her confrontation with the Phantom.
The base music that acts as a counterpoint to Melanie is also wonderful. The way it builds and swells feels grandiose and that works so, so, nicely with the ride and with the story. It adds so much to the ride but even independent of that it’s deeply impressive. I think it sets the mood, and tone, of the ride perfectly.
It’s a Small World
I absolutely love It’s A Small World. And, sure, you can argue the song is annoying and repetitive, but you know what? For the ride I think it’s perfectly done. For a ride about unity it’s got to carry a simple message in many different languages with the same tune underneath. As a song writing achievement that’s pretty incredible. There is a reason this song is iconic and I think it’s got a lot to do with that repetitive beat and baseline: it’s an ear-worm, instantly identifiable, and instantly Disney. I will absolutely defend this song, and this ride, as something necessary for the Disney parks. As a song, and as a ride, it speaks to ideas of hope and unity, and, well, it dosen’t get more Disney than that.