Disneyland: The Ultimate Sing-Along Experience

I grew up in the shadow of Disneyland, and had frequent visits there during childhood. My own children have also been quite affectionately dubbed "Disneyland Babies" as all five of them began their Disney adventures in a stroller.

A music and theatre student growing up, I have also had a true affinity for the music of Disney. Whether it was the many musical films, or the attractions at Disneyland, I have loved all the songs and for me and family, this is one of the great draws for us when we visit the theme park.

The overwhelmingly favorite attraction with a musical score is near the back of Fantasyland at the staple of all Disneyland visits: It's A Small World. Make fun of it if you will, but NO ONE rides that ride without singing the song. It's especially delightful during the Holidays when the soundtrack is interspersed with Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. It's one of those attractions that will leave you in a good mood, as well as rest your feet and cool you off on one of those hot summer days in Orange County.

Pirates of the Caribbean is a fun, creative, adventurous ride through a pirate pillaged town. While fun to look at, the recognizable strain you hear throughout the ride might very well stay with you the entire day. All the "yo ho yo ho"s and "drink up, me 'earties yo ho!" will have you humming along. Sometimes whole boatloads of guests will sing the tune as it winds its way through the pirate laden journey.

A favorite of my five year old daughter is the Enchanted Tiki Room. I had long given up that tropical spectacle of animated birds in my early teens for more exciting and thrilling rides, but learned to appreciate it again through my daughter's eyes. Emily always knows exactly where she wants to sit when we enter the theatre...right underneath Jose the Macaw. We enjoy watching the enchanted water fountain and the singing flowers and the realistic rainstorm at the end is quite an effect! The true pleasure comes from watching the smile on Emily's face and on the other guests during the show.

If you happen to visit New Orleans Square, a must see attraction is the Haunted Mansion. While the allure of the ride are the ghosts and ghouls , the underlying soundtrack is really something. With just one or two journeys you will be harmonizing right along as you jaunt through the graveyard. Grim Grinning Ghosts Come Out To Socialize, and that's the whole idea!!

Splash Mountain is a fast moving water flume ride, set to the music from Song of the South. "Zip a Dee Do Da, Zip a Dee Ay" is sung by animated characters in a forest setting as you whiz along the waterways. Even if you have never seen the film from which this song came from, "Zip a Dee Do Da" is a melody you cant help but sing along to.

The character parades are always a hit with children. Various Disney characters will dance through the parade to familiar tunes and delight the guests, who often join in on the music.

Whatever choices you happen to make when you visit Disneyland, music is abundant. It's the heart and soul of the entire Disney experience. Singing along to the tunes you grew up with and your children are enjoying adds to the whole magical experience of visiting Disneyland. I am quite sure that Walt Disney intended it to be that way, and would be thrilled to know even now, how truly loved the music of Disneyland is.