Tom’s Top 7: Background Music at Disney World
Background music is one of the things that gives atmosphere to each land at Walt Disney World, yet is often overlooked. Disney’s best background music does a great job of setting the mood, and most guests would notice if it was not there, but it’s not something ordinary guests actively give much attention.
For better or worse, I am no ordinary guest. I am obsessed with the background music (BGM) of Walt Disney World, and have been collecting it for over a decade. I have hundreds of hours of this area music, and play it regularly while working or trying to unwind. Its transportive, uplifting, and one of the ways we experience Disney at home.
After a few of you suggested a Top 7 about background music, I’ve decided to oblige. Full disclosure: music appreciation is not my forte. While I enjoy music, and have a huge library of background music loops and non-Disney albums, I could not even begin to explain why I like some of what I like in proper terminology. Basically, I know what I like when I hear it, but couldn’t tell you why beyond how it resonates with me on an emotional level.
Back in the day when I started collecting background loops, the process of acquiring loops via trade or torrent was sometimes difficult. (Mousebits was–and is still–the easiest way of downloading a lot of these.)
The good news is that, thanks to YouTube, it’s easier than ever to listen to Walt Disney World background music at home. Click on the name of each loop to open its full audio in a new tab…
Hollywood Tower Hotel – To be honest, I almost always skip over the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror background loop when it comes up in my iTunes. It’s actually too good at being transportive, and the Jazz Era music that would be enjoyable and relaxing in isolation is ominous and creepy in its arrangement and the association it has in my memory.
This is one of many ways Disney’s Imagineers paid extreme attention to detail when designing and bringing to life the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and one of the reasons Tower of Terror is my #2 attraction (arguably the best) at Walt Disney World. (Note: more BGMs from Disney’s Hollywood Studios would’ve made this list, but almost every major loop in the park was recently replaced, and I don’t have enough in-park exposure to the new ones to have formed any attachment to them.)
Japan Pavilion – If Hollywood Tower Hotel makes the list despite me not listening to it because it’s so well-done, you could say Japan makes my list pretty much exclusively because I listen to it so much. This is my reading music, a mix that I use to drown out distracting noise. It also transports me to evenings spent waiting for IllumiNations to start, or relaxing with food from Katsura Grill in the outdoor seating area.
The loop consists primarily of traditional Japanese folk music, with a lot of pieces featuring the koto (a stringed instrument). This is actually one of several World Showcase loops I really like, with Norway and France being two other big favorites. For me at least, those do not translate nearly as well for home listening as they do in the park.
Wilderness Lodge Christmas – This music can transport me to a snowy Christmas warming up by the fireplace in the North while its 80 degrees outside in sunny Florida, and it can transport me right back to Christmas in sunny Florida while sitting at my computer up North.
This is my favorite winter music to fall asleep to, and I can accomplish that feat whether I’m in the crowded lobby of Wilderness Lodge or at home with it playing over the top of a yule log channel.
Journey into Imagination – I covered this in our Top 10 Toilets at Walt Disney World post, but for those of you who sat that one out, I need to stress that this loop can only be heard inside the restrooms to the back right of Journey into Imagination. It’s the original, 1983 background music from the attraction, which was changed everywhere else in the pavilion. How it has survived in the restrooms for so long is anyone’s guess, but I’d like to think it’s some rogue Imagineer who also shares a fondness for Figment…and these toilets, I suppose.
This BGM features instrumentals of the original attraction themes, and is an energetic mix that just makes you happy…to be in the restroom. I’d love for this to be used elsewhere in around Imagination, and I really don’t see why it’s not restored. Not like it’d do any damage to the “integrity” of the pavilion.
Epcot Entrance – From my EPCOT Center purist perspective, there have been very few changes in Future World at Epcot that have been positive or at least lateral moves. I view just about every pavilion as being a downgrade of its predecessor, and while I still love Epcot, it’s a bittersweet relationship.
The one regard in which Epcot has not been downgraded is its background music. This is most noticeable at the park entrance, which has had three beautiful loops over the years. While I still prefer the original 1982 EPCOT Center Entrance BGM that features orchestral attraction themes, I think both the 2000 and 2006 updates have been in keeping with the optimistic spirit of Epcot. Both the original and current loops could make this list, but I’m lumping them together here.
Tomorrowland – If you read Tom’s Top 7: Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom post, you got a preview of this. For me, it’s tough to top the current Tomorrowland background music, which is very similar to the 1994 loop. It reminds me of nights spent riding the TTA PeopleMover while gazing at the neon marquees. There’s also the original 1972 loop and the pre-1994 loop, which many fans prefer over the current loop. (I like it, but I wouldn’t go that far and definitely wouldn’t want it back in the park.)
A big part of its strength comes from the fact that its self-referential, but in a way that’s on-theme. This background music contains music from Carousel of Progress, Adventures through Inner Space, Alien Encounter, and other attractions. Rather than presenting these as a generic medley like is done at the park entrance, these versions have a billowy sound evoking a sci fi vibe. The only thing that would make Tomorrowland’s BGM better? If we got a Christmas version of the music and accompanying light show on Space Mountain, a la Tokyo Disneyland.
Innoventions – The scariest thing to me about Epcot’s re-imagining is not whether the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster will be a good thematic fit for Future World (I already know the answer: it won’t), but whether the Innoventions Background Music will bite the dust. We’ve already lost the wonderful IllumiNations pre and post-show music, hopefully nothing else on this list bites the dust!
More than any other background music loop at Walt Disney World, this reminds me of the way Epcot used to be with its 1990s synthesizer goodness that establishes an upbeat tone for your adventures in Future World. Created by background music extraordinaire Russell Brower (read more about him in this interesting article) using the David Arkenstone piece “Papillon Day – On the Wings of a Butterfly” there are actually a few cuts of this loop, two different versions of which (to my knowledge) still play in Future World.
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Your Thoughts
Which Walt Disney World background music loops do you like the most? Any of these that you dislike? Do you agree or disagree with my picks? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Tom, I love how you pour over all features of the parks. Your love for them, and opinions on them, make us readers feel like part of a group who really “get” WDW.
I’ve been listening to ride music loops (ex: Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc) as I scrapbook our recent vacation. Thanks for this list, as I can tell these will quickly become my new favorites.
Do you have suggestions on how to find authentic BGM outside of YouTube?
Sometimes in the parks, I just sit and listen to a background music loop until it comes back around to the song I started with. I’ve done this with the Canada pavilion music, the big band/swing music of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Sunset Street, and out at Universal, with the Springfield/Simpsons loop (I have the songs they use there on Simpsons albums at home.) I love how Tomorrowland’s music pays tribute to past rides (“If You Had Wings…”) and former versions of current attractions (Carousel of Progress’ “Best Time of Your Life”/”Now Is the Time” song, which I like better than “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”. )
I surf to your site every day. I truly enjoy it, and hope you forgive me that my first post a year or two ago was a negative one. Ah, you probably don’t remember it anyway! 😉
Stayed at Wilderness Lodge a few years ago and almost fell over when Gina Lola Breakdown by The Dixie Dregs came on as BGM music. We were outside near the pool…I don’t know if it was resort-side. Anyway, I’ve always loved that song and it fit perfectly. Look it up…I bet you’ll recognize it!
*…resort-wide, not side.
I’m glad there are other BGM geeks out there! It’s one of my favorite things about WDW. I love any part of the Soarin’ music and that will always be a favorite. However, I also like to listen to parade soundtracks while working…maybe a list of those next?
Your first paragraph is very true. MSUSA is about the only MK BGM that stand out to me in the Magic Kingdom (and woudl be inmy top 7), but when we visited a few years ago on Dec. 30th and they were playing “New Years Eve Music”, the lack of the BGM in the park was very noticeable.
Illuminations Pre/Post is my clear #1 in such a list. The “regular” world showcase music is less familiar to me. I’ll have to spend some time with your links. Thanks for the post!
I loved that you included the Wilderness Lodge Christmas loop in your Top 7! It’s one of my favorites as well. However, when I stayed there in Dec. 2016/Jan. 2017, it seems like it had changed a little (one of the tracks I heard was “Christmastime is Here,” which I don’t recall hearing before).
I really dislike the constant introduction of “dance parties” to the parks and resorts (hate is putting it lightly). The background music contributes to the overall feeling of the space, and introducing such loud and jarring music “cheapens” the look and feel of the area. When I’m at the Wilderness Lodge pool, I just want to listen to John Barry and Ennio Morricone, is that too much to ask?
I am so grateful for your earlier posts about background music. You really helped me to build my library, so thank you!
In Tomorrowland the non verbal digitized sound of the original carousel of progress “now is the tome” gives a nod to us 40+ years olds that remember that catchy tune. It gets me every time and reminds me of fast walking to space mountain when the rope dropped with my dad (pre fast passes). Even at 80 years old we brought him last year and he Still made a fast pace to space mountain. Yes he went on it at 80 years old….twice
Great post Tom. Its tough to limit the list to 7. Wilderness Lodge Xmas plus original Journey played in the bathroom are solid. Some of my other favorites: Frontierland, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Main Street, and Main Street Xmas.
I love Epcot area music! I listen to it all the time at work. I also love the music in the Soarin’ queue and I worked at the Boardwalk, so I’m partial to that loop as well.
I like walking from one area to another and the music overlaps and changes. It reminds me of playing video games and entering a new area or something. It’s most obvious in Epcot, going from one country to another.
Most memorable, I mean the most, was at the Studios back in the day. I remember closing the Park and being almost the last family there and the music was INCREDIBLE. I particularly remember walking down the palm tree covered boulevard at night and listening to the theme from LA. LAW ( don’t know how many can remember that one) but it made me feel as if I was in California. With out the noise of the crowd the whole soundtrack will never be forgotten.
Great list! I think at of all the 6 US parks, Epcot has the best BGM. The old Living Seas Pavilion music is my “go to” when I am stressed. Listening to Innoventions BGM is akin to a religious experience. So, yes, the EPCOT reimagining is scary indeed. I don’t want to hear superhero music!!!!!!!!
Tom, I know you’ve been to Shanghai Disneyland, but have you listened to its Tomorrowland music loop in its entirety? It’s become one of my favorites! It really reminds me of the Innoventions Plaza music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcVGsG-ODN4
(The best part is from 15:00 to 22:00)
Like Vern, I suspect that many people never notice Disney’s background music. I think if is one of the most significant gems of Walt Disney World. The music is wonderful at setting the scene or continuing the mood for the area it covers or event it follows.
While I agree with your list, Tom, there is one BGM I truly miss. The exit/background music for Wishes. I can listen to that all day long.
Totally agree Patricia about the BGM being a significant gem, well I mean now that I’m aware, ha ha.
I would also add to the list, the living seas and oh, let’s not forget Pirates of the Caribbean 🙂
Another favorite of by-gone days is the Horizons exit music. I’ve been known to sit at the exit just to listen to the music!
Thanks for the great article! I love the innoventions area music as well. I hope that the music stays. I also love the mainstreet BGM and the Tree of Life BGM. I can’t wait for your Disneyland BGM post. I have never been but I hope to go next summer.
Full Soarin’ Queue Loop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm5fcLgN9r0
and
Grand Californian Hotel Loop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vji4isw2Ngo
You will not be disappointed!
I was tempted to flag your comment as spam (not really) because you just spoiled 2 of the top 7 for Disneyland. Hopefully people have short memories and/or don’t read the comments! 😉
I’m so sorry Tom! I just had ‘Disney Background Music’ in my mind and didn’t realize it was specific…..hope you still make a ‘Disneyland’ list and these are on it! Love your blog and your photography! I live my travel/photography life vicariously through you and your wife!
Lol, no need to apologize–it’s not a big deal and not like your comment was an intentional spoiler or anything!
Great article – Disney BGM is my absolute favorite “genre” of music
I don’t go to Disney for Christmas anymore solely because they play Christmas music instead of the usual BGM (love Christmas music, but I can listen to it at home). The Innoventions loop is my absolute favorite, but I also love Tree of Life BGM, Adventureland BGM (also played in DAK), Tomorrowland, and of course ToT queue music. I am always listening to on-ride music as well like the Splash Mountain medley and my recent favorite has been the entire ride through of Horizons. I wasn’t old enough to appreciate Horizons before it closed but thank goodness we have YouTube, right?!
If you really want to go down the extinct attractions video rabbit hole, check this out: http://www.martinsvids.net/
Martin does amazing work.
Thanks Tom. Been looking for a Land video for a long time.
“Veggie, Veggie, Fruit, Fruit” was one of our favorites. First saw it in 1988. In our haste, we mistakenly went into “Symbiosis”. I fell down the stairs going to my seat. Twice. (low rise stairs, it was dark). A cast member (on mic) asked if I was okay. I was embarrassed, but fine. The show begins, and the announcer says in that deep voice, “SYMBIOSIS”. We said, “what?!” And laughed so hard, the woman sitting behind us told us to hush up. We tried, but failed.
Thanks for the ride down memory lane Tom. I do miss many of the older attractions. Wish they’d revive some of them. I know, not cost effective or for today’s type of guests. Well, at least I have my memories. Which is more than I can say for families who cannot afford to make Disney memories due to the many price increases, of which the latest insult is those pesky parking fees (as evidenced by the significant amount of comments your article generated).
I am loving the Top 7 series. But THIS one is my favourite!
I almost held off on this one for a little longer since I suspect it’ll be the high water mark in this series, but after a couple negative posts that have blown up (and gone off the rails in the comments), I figured maybe a solidly-fun article was due. 🙂
Honestly I didn’t even know these existed, nor have I ever paid much attention to them at the parks. However, since reading your Top 7 at Tomorrowland I have been totally hooked. I absolutely LOVE listening to these!
Thanks so much.
Pretty much your list aligns with mine! I only know the Animal Kingdom Lodge Christmas loop, though. One of only things I dislike about Christmas at DW is losing the Innoventions music to the standard holiday loop. I will mourn the loss of it if they replace it in the future with something different.
I just wish Future World didn’t play Christmas music, period. Or, if they’re going to do it, get loops that fit better (like the Tokyo Disneyland Tomorrowland Christmas loop, or the one they used to use during MVMCP in Tomorrowland).
The current Christmas loops in Future World are so generic and blah that they don’t really add anything. The worst is when it’s mid-January, and those loops are still playing.