M-I-C-K-E-Y  M-O-U-S-E

Welcome one and all to this week’s Press Play Friday! I’ve got something super special for you today – something a little different. Tell me, what comes to mind when I say the word Disney? Do you dream of exciting vacation destinations? Or remember the multitude of hours watching those definitive animated movie-musicals? Whichever you think of, there comes a certain feeling – a certain memory – when we hear the word Disney. Some might think of the thrill; the sights of a magical kingdom overwhelming and jaw-dropping. You might remember a sound. A laugh. A song. If you think about it, music plays an intricate part of the Disney experience. It could be a theme from your favorite movie or just a small part of an adventurous departure into a vision fantastic. Music encompasses every part of our Disney memories. This week and the next, we’re going delve into this world of enchantment, of sound. We’ll start by taking a trip south, to the ever-expanding land of make-believe. We’ll visit the home of Mickey Mouse, searching high and low for those unforgettable music moments. After that, we’ll look through the Disney film showcase; picking our favorite melodies. Squee! It’s going to be so much fun! Sorry. I got a little excited there. To kick off this expansive expedition, let’s take a look at a few (or 10) of the most sensational songs from the Disney parks. Warning: We’re about to go into true FanGirl territory here.

{Tip for Today} To complete your musical journey through the Wonderful World of Disney, simply click on your fellow traveler, “Mickey” the Music Note, and he will guide you to your new destination; where you will be able to listen and enjoy each merry melody. Have fun!

Magic Kingdom

1. Main Street USA: A classic, but a rare song, to be sure. This ragtime ditty once welcomed guests as they walked down the iconic boulevard. If you listen closely, you can sometimes hear the joyful and vintage tune playing on an upright piano somewhere in the distance. Fitted specifically for the throwback era for which Main Street was designed, no matter which version you hear, the song will easily put a smile on your face. As a welcomed hug to each visitor, Main Street USA acts as the ultimate gateway melody into a world of wonder. ♫

2. Grim, Grinning Ghosts: “When hinges creek in doorless chambers, and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls. Whenever candle lights flicker; where the air is deathly still. That is the time when ghost are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight.” Yes, I wrote that from memory – without any outside references. What can I say? It’s a gift. If I were you, I would be more afraid of the 999 ghosts that lurk in the Haunted Mansion. The chilling sounds of Grim, Grinning Ghosts bring this eerie attraction to life. Haha. Get it? Life? Ahem. Never-mind. Instantly recognizable, the song voices strange operatic strains and jubilant refrains. A bone-chilling warning from a myriad of silly spooks socializing and harmonizing. Oh, and “there’s a little matter I forgot to mention. Beware of hitchhiking ghosts!” Muahahaha! ♫

3. There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow: A hundred years of progress; one earworm of a song. From one of my all-time favorite rides, Carousel of Progress, this simple tune will setup camp in your brain and will stay there. Forever. Don’t resist, you will be singing along in no time. No complaints here, though. The reoccurring central theme of the famous revolving circle-theatre is an important part of Disney history. The ride originally premiered at the 1964 Worlds Fair and has been in-place at the park ever since its start. The Carousel of Progress has had more performances than any other stage-show in all of American theatre history. Pretty cool, huh? “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow shinning at the end of every day. There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow just a dream a way.” Told you. ♫

4. Splash Mountain Melody: Despite the thrill (or terror) of the famed five-story drop, Splash Mountain carries one of the most well-known ditties of all time: Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah. Even if you have to travel the long journey up the iconic mountain and down the iconic mountain to hear it; and wait in the incredibly long line. Don’t listen to what I say. I really do love the ride. This Splash Mountain Melody follows Brer Rabbit and his friends (that would be you) as he finds his Laughing Place. Complete with realistic water splatters – and a penultimate, dark strain resembling your final decent out of the briar patch – the melody accurately accounts your fun adventure through Splash Mountain. ♫

5. Spectromagic!: Like any parade at the parks, Spectromagic presents the usual gang of characters: Mickey, Goofy, Cinderella, etc. However, this time, there’s a twist. With Spectromagic you are surrounded by a spectacular cavalcade of lights. A world of electric color, set to music, of course. The main theme spins with dominant horns, while transforming into swells of elegant strings. From Once Upon a Dream to Under the Sea, the symphony of melodies flux from timeless classics to the parade’s central strain. Always a highlight, this “symphony in spectromagic”  is not to miss. ♫

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

6. Fantasmic: A show-spectacular, complete with never-before-seen water illusions, extravagant special effects, and your favorite Disney characters. Follow Mickey on a journey through the imagination, where villains lurk, but good always triumphs. This is, without a doubt, an experience in which you have to view live. Combining classic music moments from Disney’s best-loved movies and all-new melodies create a score of epic proportions. Listening to the intense and fun musical composition will make you feel all happy and fuzzy inside. Guaranteed. ♫

Animal Kingdom

7. Finding Nemo the Musical: For those not in the know, I’m sure the knowledge that there is actually a musical based on Pixar’s Finding Nemo will have the few emitting FanGirl-like screams. It’s one of the most beloved movies of the past ten years and it’s now a musical; a fantastic, awe-inspiring musical, in fact. Though one might complain about the short thirty minute performance time. Sing along with Dory as you Just Keep Swimming. Or chill with your favorite sea turtle, Crush, as you Go With the Flow – one of the best songs on the soundtrack. Aerial acrobatics. Vivid color. Spectacular, catchy songs. Puppets. There is so much to love about Finding Nemo. ♫

Epcot

8. One Little Spark: Before Eric Idle and the Imagination Institute took over, Journey Into Imagination was the home of the Dreamfinder. There, this larger than life character and the most-loveable, Figment (figment of your imagination) – who still reigns over the ride today – brought guests into their world with, One Little Spark. The tune is upbeat and full of heart; styled electronic fun. With Figment, let your imagination soar! “One little spark of inspiration is at the heart of all creation, right at the start of everything that’s new. One little spark lights up for you.” ♫

9. Soarin’: If there is one piece of music that can rival the intensity of its namesake ride, it’s Soarin.’ The excitement is palpable in the air right from the moment you enter the attraction space. The musical prologue plays softly in the wings. Light fades, and as your feet slowly lift off the ground, you feel the sensation of flight. The various landscapes of California fly by while the perfectly matched orchestral sounds of Soarin’ take center stage. The eager spirit of the ride is complimented by sprouted points of intensity from prominent voices of collected strings, accelerated only by the paralleled horns. The ride; the passionate ballad it promotes; both accompany each other flawlessly. ♫

10. Reflections of Earth: Over the years, I’ve come to the realization that this is probably my favorite song from the Disney parks. Moving. Epic. There isn’t anything like it; and when you combine the powerful stains of complex melodies with the signature style of Disney’s pyrotechnics displays, Reflections of Earth is one of the most commanding performances. The nightly fireworks display boats this intricate musical composition; a symphony of soft, sweet refrains to energetic, emotional themes. If you have any affinity for classical music, this is absolutely a must download. ♫

Have a magical day! – Kim

What did you think of the songs featured in this week’s Press Play Friday? Are you a Disney fan? Have you ever been to Walt Disney World and/or Disneyland? What’s your favorite ride? Favorite Disney Park song? Tell me in the comments!

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