Most people pay very little attention to the music being played in the background while visiting a Disney theme park. Our eyes are much too busy taking in all of the sights to consciously pay any attention to the melodies filling the air. The songs are simply there. But if the music wasn’t surrounding us at every turn, we’d notice. Our stroll down Main Street would seem flat and wanting.
Disney puts a lot of thought into the music they select for each land or area of their parks. First, it has to be appropriate. Obviously, they’re not going to play German music at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot. But you will find 1930’s and 40’s big band music on Sunset Blvd. at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Next, the music is usually somewhat upbeat. Disney wants their guests to be happy and a jaunty melody can affect our mood. I’m not saying that every tune played is a toe-tapper, but you won’t find many dirges, either.
Disney also wants the music to be recognizable when possible. If we can hum along with a tune, we’ll feel at home and comfortable.
But have you ever paid any attention as to where this music comes from? I mean, when you walk through a Disney park, the tunes are just there, as if by magic. The sounds don’t come from any one direction, they surround you.
In this article, I’m going to show you how this magic happens. In reality, I’m not going to provide you with any information you couldn’t garner for yourself if you were so inclined. In this blog I’ll cover the Magic Kingdom and leave the other parks to your own discoveries.
Let’s start with Main Street. The most commonly used technique along this thoroughfare is to hide speakers behind vents. Since many structures have openings to allow for air circulation, this is the perfect spot to place a speaker.
Another common practice is to design the speaker into the structure.
Out on The Hub we see the vent method used again as well as hiding a speaker in a lamp pole.
Many of the melodies played on Main Street are old standards that hearken back to a simpler time. A number of these songs, like “In the Hills of Old Kentucky” and “Kentucky Home” are performed by the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and are available for sale on Amazon. Disney’s 1963 movie “Summer Magic” and his 1967 film “The Happiest Millionaire” both provide music for Main Street. The stories in both of these movies took place around the turn of the 19th to the 20th century so the theming is correct. The same can be said for the three Broadway musicals represented. Oklahoma, The Music Man, and Hello Dolly were all set in this same era.
Tomorrowland doesn’t bother with trying to hide their speakers. Here the Imagineers placed them in plain site. They just disguised them to look like futuristic objects. See for yourself.
The music of Tomorrowland was performed with the use of synthesizers. Very few (if any) “traditional” instruments were used in the making of these recordings. The music also has a strong beat to emphasize energy. A sharp ear can make out “Strange Things” from the Disney/Pixar 1995 movie Toy Story. “A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and “Now is the Time,” both from the Carousel of Progress, can also be heard. And for you old timers, “If You Had Wings” is also played.
I have to say, I was disappointed with the speakers in Mickey’s Toontown Fair. All of them that I could find were out in the open. Many times, outdoor speakers are hidden beneath bushes, but not here. The Imagineers didn’t even bother. Take a look.
Most of the songs played in Mickey’s Toontown Fair are from the cartoons Disney produced during the ‘30’s to the ‘50’s. “Minnie’s Yoo Hoo,” “The Country Cousin,” and “The Three Little Pigs” are just a few of the selections in store for you here.
In Fantasyland the Imagineers did a fine job of hiding the speakers.
As you might expect, the music played in Fantasyland is from the many animated movies Disney produced over the years. These are the songs that we all know by heart and we could probably even sing the words. However, near Pinocchio Village Haus the music has a different theme and is Bavarian in nature.
Many of the speakers in Liberty Square are hidden in vents (like Main Street) so I didn’t take many pictures in this area. However, I do like the bird house disguise.
The music in Liberty Square is patriotic and homespun. Violins, the fife, and the dulcimer are the instruments of choice for most of these renditions. A Disney connection is also present. The song “The Sons of Liberty” from the 1957 movie Johnny Tremain is played.
Where Main Street uses vents to hide speakers, Frontierland uses boxes. On many of the balconies and porch tops, rustic crates that blend into their surroundings can be seen.
A variation on the box theme is the barrel.
And on Splash Mountain speakers are encased in make-believe rocks.
“Oh My Darling Clementine,” “Home on the Range,” and “Happy Trails,” among a dozen other western favorites, are all on tap. Fiddles, banjos, guitars, and harmonicas make up the orchestra in Frontierland. The Disney song heard in this area is “Davy Crockett” from the 1950's TV series.
Last, but not least we come to Adventureland. Next to the entrance sign is a drum. But upon closer examination we find that it’s actually a piece of metal normally used as a vent or filter. Its multiple holes allow sound to pass right through.
On a balcony we find a lovely wicker planter. Once again, this “open” material provides the perfect place to hide a speaker. Music can easily flow through its openings.
This final picture is of the Pirate’s Stage near Pirates of the Caribbean. In this case a speaker is hidden in a birdcage.
When entering Adventureland, much of the music heard is played on the marimba with a tribal African beat. In many ways, it sounds similar to the music heard in the Animal Kingdom.
As you move further into Adventureland the music takes on a Middle Eastern theme.
And finally, the music from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies can be heard in Caribbean Plaza.
I didn’t want to take away all of your fun, so I’ve only covered the Magic Kingdom in this blog. I’ll let you discover your own musical moments in the other parks. But before I go, I’d like to share one of my favorite bits of Disney trivia.
In the attraction “it’s a small world” we all know that there are two counter melodies that play against each other. But in reality, there is a third melody heard on this ride. As you pass the Switzerland section, a young boy, perched high and to the right, yodels this other tune. But there’s more to the story. Let’s travel to Blizzard Beach. Among the many songs played here is this same young boy yodeling the third part to “it’s a small world.”
Posted by Jack Spence on August 17, 2009 5:00 AM | 
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Comments (51)
Jack - another excellent blog. Thank you for making the magic come alive again. I really enjoy reading your in-depth blog; I always come away learning something new...I am glad your blogs are so much more than just pictures, they are really knowledge and substance filled. Thanks again!
Posted by Randall | August 17, 2009 7:58 AM
Posted on August 17, 2009 07:58
Thanks again Jack for another insiteful blog. I love the music at the world, and can't wait to go back next month to see the Imagineers efforts first hand!
Posted by Kirsty Butler | August 17, 2009 8:20 AM
Posted on August 17, 2009 08:20
Very awesome article! This answered a lot of questions that I've always had. Thanks.
Posted by Nick | August 17, 2009 8:41 AM
Posted on August 17, 2009 08:41
Jack -- You are exactly right about the music...it wouldn't be Disney without it!!! I am embarrassed to admit it, but when I am craving a little Disney when I can't go, I go on the website and just listen to the music from the different parks and it makes me feel like I am almost there :). You were a good detective on those speakers -- those imagineers are so unbelievably clever. I never noticed most of them!
Posted by Kimberly | August 17, 2009 8:53 AM
Posted on August 17, 2009 08:53
Great post Jack.
Disney has done an interesting job over the years of hiding speakers, but they are always around if you know where to find them or where to look...not only in the parks, but at the resorts as well.
I hope you will continue with this; as there are some intereting music gems throughout all the parks (although I'm thinking primarily of Epcot and my favorite "seagull"
Posted by Beth | August 17, 2009 9:32 AM
Posted on August 17, 2009 09:32
I love you music blog...we just get a certain feeling when we set foot in the park. We love Disney at Christmas...and for our family, whenever we hear(It's the Most Wonderful time of the Year)we think of Disney.
We will look around for the speakers on our next vacation.
Thanks for always bring a new interest in Disney.
Posted by Judy | August 17, 2009 9:44 AM
Posted on August 17, 2009 09:44
I love your article as much as I love the park's music.
Once upon a time, when I was visiting the World, I found myself singing a song and I didn't know why, but I learned to "listen" and I discover the music on Main Street, the Calypso style music in Adventureland or Animal Kingdom, the movie themes in Hollywood Studio (specially in Indiana Jones or Star Wars) and a lot of other music...but I never found the speakers!!!! jejeje
Thanks for this tip...I would start my own search of speakers in my next visit...that means in December yipi!!!
Posted by Marianela | August 17, 2009 9:55 AM
Posted on August 17, 2009 09:55
Great, great blog as always. I've always loved the details, and have never noticed most of these hidden speakers. I guess that means Disney is doing what it intended to do - hide them.
Posted by Jimmy | August 17, 2009 10:02 AM
Posted on August 17, 2009 10:02
Thanks again for such an interesting and informative blog. I always look foward to your unique perspective and extensive background information. We often take for granted the small details that make our trips to the World so entertaining...and this is certainly one of those details. Great information and keep up the great work!
Posted by Josh | August 17, 2009 10:45 AM
Posted on August 17, 2009 10:45
Yet more wonderful Disney facts. Thanks Jack!!
Posted by Erin | August 17, 2009 11:14 AM
Posted on August 17, 2009 11:14
Awesome blog! I had never even thought about the speakers and where they were. Now I'll be looking. I had never even thought about the music either until a few years ago when I went to the Nights of Joy held in Magic Kingdom. They played all Contemporary Christian music as the ambient music in the park. It was so weird to hear! It didn't seem as much like Disney without the traditional music.
Posted by Suzie | August 17, 2009 11:16 AM
Posted on August 17, 2009 11:16
Thank You Jack for another interesting and informative blog! I always noticed the music, but I've honestly never taken the time to look where it's coming from. Next time I visit the World, I will definitely do some investigating of my own! Thanks again!
Posted by Misty | August 17, 2009 11:30 AM
Posted on August 17, 2009 11:30
Hi Jack,
Yes I do notice the music and that's what I love about DW. When I visited DL I didn't hear any music while walking down Mainstreet.
Thanks again for another interesting blog.
Posted by cathy mullen | August 17, 2009 2:01 PM
Posted on August 17, 2009 14:01
Thanks Jack! Another great article, filled with Disney trivia! Now on our trip, I'm going to have to look for the speakers in the other parks. I bet I could make it into a contest with my husband :) Thanks again!!
Posted by Amy | August 17, 2009 2:41 PM
Posted on August 17, 2009 14:41
Thank you Jack!
Once again I have sat and read your blog and couldn't help smiling. Your knowledge of 'all things Disney' is very impressive and you pass on the information in a fun and interesting way.
Keep the blogs coming my family and love to read them.
Posted by Heather Young | August 17, 2009 4:02 PM
Posted on August 17, 2009 16:02
Jack,
I have always loved the music at WDW. There are times that I am elsewhere and hear certain songs in the background and think of Disney. The music at WDW always helps keep me in a festive mood. It has never even crossed my mind that there had to be speakers somewhere. Thank you for this very interesting entry in your blog (as are all your entries).
Posted by Reagan | August 17, 2009 4:20 PM
Posted on August 17, 2009 16:20
Thanks Jack!
We are leaving for the World tomorrow morning! Our two year old daughter always asks "where is the music coming from?", whenever we are someplace where their is music playing in the background, like the mall, etc. Now, when we are in MK on this trip I will know where to tell her to "look" for the music! Thanks!! P.S. Your blog entry on the France Pavillion in Epcot was the inspiration for us to book this trip. We have a "special table" outside the Patisserie, where we ate on our honeymoon and your pictures brought back wonderful memories, so we just had to go! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Posted by Betsy | August 17, 2009 4:25 PM
Posted on August 17, 2009 16:25
Good stuff Jack. I'm one of those weirdos that actually DOES pay attention. As a matter of fact, I collect as much Disney theme park audio as I can get my hands on, and I'm listening to it right now (Epcot Innoventions theme now actually).
Good stuff, and please keep it up!
Posted by Jeremy Hunt | August 17, 2009 4:37 PM
Posted on August 17, 2009 16:37
Hi Jack: Thanks for the great blog! The music surrounding you is one of the major things I noticed and pointed out to all my friends when I ranted and raved about my first trip to Epcot (which was my second trip to WDW back in the 80's. Trivia to look for. Where can you find the same tune in AK and Epcot???
Posted by TeeeOC | August 17, 2009 6:20 PM
Posted on August 17, 2009 18:20
I love how the music all blends in and out of each land as you leave/enter them. We have a CD of the park music, and as is our tradition, we start it in Ocala, and it takes us to the Disney World entrance. Our kids get excited whenever they hear the "All Aboard" at the beginning. It makes that last leg of our long drive a little more bearable.
Now, I have added something new to my checklist for our next visit - spot the hidden speakers. :)
Thanks, Jack!
Posted by Roger | August 17, 2009 6:58 PM
Posted on August 17, 2009 18:58
My family and I got back from the World a few months ago. I enjoyed reading your article(as I do all of them!)because I remember seeing all the sights you presented in your pictures -funny how it's the little things one remembers most : ) I just never had any idea there were hidden speakers. How clever!
Posted by ucanfly53 | August 17, 2009 8:21 PM
Posted on August 17, 2009 20:21
I love this blog! It's great how you really appreciate all the detail that Disney puts into the parks. I have always felt that the music is essential to the "show" and makes it feel more like you are completely immersed. And great photos as always.
Posted by Julia | August 17, 2009 10:20 PM
Posted on August 17, 2009 22:20
Jack you never let me down! You always have a fantastic and interesting blog, and this is one of the very many! I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who pays attention to the songs played in the parks. More obvious than all the parksis Downtown Disney I think where they play tunes from many of the well-known movies. I always sing along out loud. :) I can't wait to hit tomorrowland again because I've never heard the music that plays in that land, probably because I'm too busy rushing to Space Mountain.
Jack's Comment:
You're right. Disney standards are played in the Marketplace section of Downtown Disney. But what separates this area from the parks is that the lyrics are sung here, whereas in the parks, you usually only hear instrumentals.
Posted by Sabrina | August 17, 2009 11:51 PM
Posted on August 17, 2009 23:51
Thanks for the nice blog entry Jack. All of your blogs are excellent and are a must read. I agree with you that the speakers are not hid well in Mickey's Toon Town. However, wasn't Mickey's Toon Town supposed to be temporary? I don't think they envisioned it being around this long. So, when they installed it, I suppose they thought we don't need to go to the effort of hiding the speakers here. That would be my guess of why it's different from everywhere else.
Jack's Comment:
I think you're 100% correct in your assumption. This land was supposed to be temporary so there was not reason to hide the speakers within the structures. But after all these years, you'd think the landscapers could have planted some bushes around the ones in the flowerbed.
Posted by Eric | August 18, 2009 1:39 AM
Posted on August 18, 2009 01:39
I LOVE the Disney music. I especially love the tunes played at Epcot around World Showcase. (It may help that this is also my favorite park.) My fiancee and I are able to recognize "Mr. Holland's Opus" as you cross the bridge to France. But, my favorite background music is played at the Japan pavillion. It seems to be traditional Japanese music, played on traditionaly Japanese instruments.
Do you have any idea what music is played at the Japan pavillion? I would love to have a CD with this music.
Posted by Scott Ernest | August 18, 2009 10:02 AM
Posted on August 18, 2009 10:02
Another great blog. Very well researched and documented! Thanks!
Posted by David L | August 18, 2009 11:51 AM
Posted on August 18, 2009 11:51
Jack,
Thanks for the wondrful insight.......Have been to both the World and the Land close to 20 times and NEVER noticed this.
Thanks again!
Posted by bob baker | August 18, 2009 1:22 PM
Posted on August 18, 2009 13:22
While on a Keys to the Kingdom Tour, my tour guide said that some of the upper-level windows on Main Street open up to reveal speakers during parade times. Does anyone know if there is truth to this? I have never taken the time to check.
Posted by David Davies | August 18, 2009 9:07 PM
Posted on August 18, 2009 21:07
Thanks so much for the great article. My question has nothing to do with this article but with one of your previous ones. Where will Mickey's Twas the Night Before Christmas be held during the Christmas Party during 2009? Thanks so much! Alisha
Jack's Answer:
I have heard rumors. Let me repeat that: I have heard RUMORS, that the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" show will be presented at the Disney's Hollywood Studios this year in conjunction with the Osborne Family Lights. As you may know, the Tomorrowland stage was torn out earlier this year and is now a cast member parking lot.
I personally think that Disney is short changing the guests attending "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas" party if they don't come up with some other big show. The "Twas the Night Before Christmas" show was extremely popular at these events and always played to packed houses.
Posted by Alisha | August 18, 2009 9:15 PM
Posted on August 18, 2009 21:15
Great article! I love the music in the parks, but never really noticed the music in Adventureland except for some drum beats. The music from the Swiss Family Treehouse can really be heard in most areas anyway, and I think that's just from one speaker!
It can actually be a challenging game to relax and try to guess what song is being played. Almost everyone can pick out "Yankee Doodle" and the Disney animated songs, but try to guess something like (I think it is, at least) "British Grenadiers" in Liberty Square.
The best Disney background music was not even in the parks; it was at Old Key West. They used to play calypso versions of classic Disney songs before they changed to a light rock/Jimmy Buffett type soundtrack with an emphasis on boating songs. Nothing like hearing "A Spoon Full of Sugar" in calypso, though hearing "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" at Disney always makes me laugh.
Jack's Comment:
The calypso music once played at OKW is from the CD titled "Beauty and the Beat" and is available on Amazon.
Posted by Walter Sobchak | August 18, 2009 9:52 PM
Posted on August 18, 2009 21:52
Thank you so much for this, I love the background music in the parks, one of our favourite things to do in WDW is stroll around in the evening with a cup of tea and soak up the atmosphere, and the music is such a crucial part of that atmosphere. I must admit while we had worked out where some of the music came from, I hadn't realised how clever some of those hiding spots were!
Posted by Half Pint Pixie | August 19, 2009 9:55 AM
Posted on August 19, 2009 09:55
Jack, thanks again for a great blog. Your pictures make me yearn for October when we next go to Disney. I agree with the previous blogger that when I am feeling "homesick" for Disney I go to their site just to listen. Once again great job.
Posted by Robin | August 19, 2009 4:14 PM
Posted on August 19, 2009 16:14
Thanks again for an excellent blog. I learn so mamy great Disney info by reading your blog. I went to different theme parks, but only Disney World is sucessful to make my family come back again and again. We are heading to the World next week for the 4 th in 3 years. Let see if I could discover any speaker at other parks next week :)
Thanks
Chi
Posted by Chi Tran | August 20, 2009 1:36 PM
Posted on August 20, 2009 13:36
Jack!
Thanks so much for this interesting blog. You're right, much like a movie, Disney World wouldn't be the same without music. The only "hidden" speakers I've ever noticed are the ones in rocks and such, so thank you for enlightening us all that they're everywhere! I'll have fun exloring the other parks in search of speakers. You should make a Hidden Speakers book a la the Hidden Mickey book. ;)
I also cannot thank you enough for mentioning the song "A Cowboy Needs a Horse." Literally for months, I have been searching for that song/sing-a-long video and did not know the name. I had a great collection of the classic Disney Sing-A-Longs as a kid and that one was always a favorite. I found it on YouTube. So, thanks a million!
-Kirstin
Posted by Kirstin | August 20, 2009 3:42 PM
Posted on August 20, 2009 15:42
Jack, this blog is amazing. Like others, I knew about park music but had no idea that the speakers were hidden in plain sight. Thanks for giving me more hidden gems to look for at the World in a few weeks!
Posted by Deanna | August 20, 2009 3:48 PM
Posted on August 20, 2009 15:48
You did it again i love reading your blogs. I can't wait to look for all the speakers, the next time i am in the WORLD. I personally love the EPCOT enterance music.
Posted by Chuck T. (Brusly La.) | August 20, 2009 5:16 PM
Posted on August 20, 2009 17:16
I suppose those Toontown speakers aren't hidden but maybe they're not supposed to be...
Those seem to be the kind of outdoor speakers anyone can by for his or her own home and install them in the backyard. Obviously, Mickey picked them up at Home Depot and installed them in his yard himself! :)
Posted by Ethan Shuster | August 20, 2009 9:26 PM
Posted on August 20, 2009 21:26
Hey Jack,
I have not had this much appreciation for speakers since I installed my Alpine Stereo in my 1976 Thunderbird back in High School in 1978.
Thanks again Jack for all your interesting blogs on all thats Disney.
Posted by Todd Burnidge | August 21, 2009 1:54 AM
Posted on August 21, 2009 01:54
Wow, what an amazing article! I, too, adore the ambient music at the parks, and have especially loved the music in the "freakin" bushes. But I've never before noticed the locations of the other speakers! Jack, this is on par with a Hidden Mickey's guide. Thanks so much!
Posted by Jan | August 22, 2009 10:29 AM
Posted on August 22, 2009 10:29
Jack,
Do you or anyone you know have any idea where people such as myself who really enjoy the music of DW could find CDs with the artists? Particularly the music of World Showcase?
Posted by Jeffrey Lodriguss | August 22, 2009 11:57 AM
Posted on August 22, 2009 11:57
Jack, just perfect. I love how in-depth and well-researched this all is, like all your blogs. Yours are absolutely my favorite on here. That said: SPOIL US! I want more music blogs that cover all the parks! Whee!
Posted by Kevin | August 22, 2009 2:27 PM
Posted on August 22, 2009 14:27
You're like my Disney hero!! You know SO much about the parks. I want to meet you so you can just tell me EVERYTHING that you know!
I like the speakers hidden in the music lessons building on Main Street. It's on the right hand side as you're walking in, in that little alcove. It sounds like someone is actually playing the piano :)
Awesome blog!
Posted by Meagan | August 22, 2009 9:59 PM
Posted on August 22, 2009 21:59
What a great blog! Really interesting. We're going to Disneyland next week and I'm going to check out "where the music comes from there". I know I can't wait to get back to the World in January to ck these out and where the music comes from in the other parks. Thanks, Jack, for bringing the magic home to me.
Posted by Joy | August 23, 2009 4:15 PM
Posted on August 23, 2009 16:15
Some more Disney Hidden magic
Love Love Love Disney!!!!!
Posted by Pete | August 25, 2009 12:25 PM
Posted on August 25, 2009 12:25
Hi Jack - thanks once again for a great article! You're awesome.
I've noticed how pleasant the boat ride from Port Orleans to Downtown Disney is because of the music that is played. Do you know if that is available anywhere?
Thanks.
Kristi, Rochester, NY
Posted by Kristi Z. | August 25, 2009 1:04 PM
Posted on August 25, 2009 13:04
Jack, you've done it again!
What a great blog! I've just returned from a 10 day trip and have a bad case of the Disney blues right now!
I've always loved the music and am soooo happy that other people have looked for the Epcot music as well. This trip I did stop at Guest Services and was told the music was on the Epcot park CD, but all that's available is Illuminations. I even asked a "Disney suit" but got the same answer. The music I'm looking for is what's played around the promenade near the fountain of nations. No one seems to know what I'm talking about, but at least now, thanks to you I'm not alone!
Posted by Karen | August 25, 2009 4:05 PM
Posted on August 25, 2009 16:05
thanks so much for the article. i was watching a walk through of MK just the other day and trying to figure out where the speakers were. i started looking after noticing the obvious speaker in tommorowland.
i am always looking forward to your blogs. they make the break between disney trips bearable. :)
Posted by Christopher Musslin | August 27, 2009 7:16 AM
Posted on August 27, 2009 07:16
This was a fascinating & informative article. I would never have thought (although I should have realized) of the genious of this idea.
I remember in 1994, while @Disney World for the holidays, EPCOT was playing this wonderful soundtrack of music & it had that specific Disney touch. I of course could not get it on tape/CD. But I can still remember the wonderful feeling I had listening to it. Christmas music (my favorite holiday) while enjoying my favorite vacation place (WDW).
Posted by Connie La Tempa | August 28, 2009 3:21 PM
Posted on August 28, 2009 15:21
Jack, I loved your music blog. My daughter and I have always loved WDW music and never gave it a thought as to where it came from. We are going in October and will be on the lookout for speakers. Thanks!
Posted by J. Leicher | September 4, 2009 12:45 PM
Posted on September 4, 2009 12:45
Jack,
Is there any way I can get a list of the music being played around the World Showcase? I have asked the cast members about it, but to no avail. There's one song that I am especially interested in that has a clarinet solo, but I don't know the name of it.
Thank you!
Jack's Answer:
My only suggestion would be to stop at Epcot Guest Relations and ask. They have a lot of information available not normally disseminated to the guests. It's worth a try.
Posted by Debra | September 4, 2009 1:14 PM
Posted on September 4, 2009 13:14
hey you gave some good ideas. im real big into music and hiding speakers.
Posted by justin bacon | November 20, 2009 3:58 PM
Posted on November 20, 2009 15:58