Six of Our Favorite Disney Music Moments

There is an undeniable power to music. Just a few notes can conjure up a swell of emotions and memories. Both the world of Disney films and the parks utilize the magic of song with expert skill. Who doesn’t tear up when they hear the first few notes of “Married Life” from Pixar’s Up? Or the words, “Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight” from the Wishes firework spectacular?

In the next episode of the Celebrations Magazine podcast, our usual gang of merrymakers gathers to discuss their favorite musical moments in Disney movies, attractions, and throughout the parks. You’ll have to tune in to hear what everyone has to say, but let’s take our own tour of some of Disney’s melodious gems.

Nobody Else But You (A Goofy Movie, 1995)

The list of stunning musical numbers produced by Disney in the 90s is impressive. Songs like “A Whole New World,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “Be Our Guest” immediately spring to mind. They’re so well known that they’ve essentially become a part of our collective memory and culture.

That said, I’ve got to admit a soft spot for this simple duet from A Goofy Movie. Sung by Max and Goofy, it’s a tender and entirely relatable depiction of the father/son relationship. The music was composed by Tom Snow, with lyrics by Jack Feldman. 

Once upon a time, I’m sure that I primarily sympathized with the youngster’s point of view, but these days I find myself identifying with Max’s awkward, well-intentioned father.

Portobello Road (Bedknobs and Broomsticks, 1971)

If we tried to make a list of classics composed by the Sherman Brothers, we’d be here all night. Their work can be found in every corner of the Disney universe, and the pair are responsible for Walt Disney’s favorite song (“Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins). 

One of the most charming, though oft-overlooked, pieces of their catalog is Portobello Road from Bedknobs and Broomsticks. The number is primarily sung by David Tomlison (best known as Mr. Banks from Mary Poppins). It utilizes a minor key, a bit like Chim Chim Cheree, and evokes a wonderful sense of mystery and wonder as the characters explore the various street vendors found on Portobello Road.

The Great Outdoors (Country Bear Vacation Hoedown, 1986-1992)

Once upon a time, the Country Bear Jamboree contained a seasonal overlay known as the Country Bear Vacation Hoedown. The show featured all of the classic characters but dressed in a variety of outfits best suited to outdoor life in the summer.

“The Great Outdoors” was the opening number and was performed by Henry, the Five Bear Rugs, Melvin, Buff, and Max. The lyrics are all about the joys of things like fishing, camping, and tramping through the woods. To add a little menace (they are bears, after all) they finish out the song by saying, “if y’all won’t join us, we’ll chase you up a tree.” 

George Wilkins, the man responsible for the song, created numerous pieces for Disney, including the music for Horizons, The Living Seas, and Test Track.

Fish Are Friends, Not Food (Finding Nemo the Musical, 2007-2020)

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez are best known for writing music for Disney films like Frozen and 2011’s Winnie-The-Pooh, as well as Pixar’s Coco, but they are also the pair who wrote all of the show tunes for Animal Kingdom’s Finding Nemo the Musical. 

The song “Fish Are Friends, Not Food” is performed by Bruce, Anchor, and Chum. It’s a catchy little ditty that almost makes you wish that the singing sharks were sporting straw hats and canes as they harmonize. 

Halfway through the song, Bruce is sent into a feeding frenzy, and the music shifts into a driving rock and roll, as he chases Marlin and Dory around the stage.

Listen to it once, and the tune will be stuck in your head for days. 

Good Morning (Magic Kingdom Rope Drop)

Though I’d be hard-pressed to tell you the number of years it was performed, the 1939 classic Good Morning used to be an essential part of the opening ceremonies each day at the Magic Kingdom. 

Guests who arrived before the park gates were open would gather in front of the train station, and the performers from the Main Street Trolley Show would appear and sing this chipper melody.

Unlike the other songs on this list, it is not a Disney original. Composed by Nacio Herb Brown, with lyrics by Herb Brown, it was performed by Judy Garland and Mickie Rooney in the movie Babes in Arms. It was later performed by Betty Noyes (dubbing for Debbie Reynolds), Gene Kelly, and Donald O’Connor in the perennial favorite Singin’ In the Rain. 

Just listening to the song today makes me think of early mornings, after stepping off one of the ferryboats, waiting to take those first steps onto Main Street U.S.A.

The Music of Frontierland

As you wander through the Magic Kingdom’s various lands, you might be forgiven for not noticing that each area has its own unique music loop. It’s okay. That’s kind of the point of ambient music. It sets a mood, without you even realizing it is there, but you would be sure to notice if it was gone.

Frontierland has some of the best-themed music in the park, mixing well-known favorites like “The Ballad of Davey Crocket,” along with songs like “Home On the Range,” “On Top of Old Smokey,” “Buffalo Gals,” and “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” 

The instrumentation and arrangements are pitch-perfect. They make it feel as though you’ve truly stepped back in time, like a tumbleweed and covered wagon might go rolling past you at any moment. 

Of course, we’ve only scratched the surface with this short little list. We could go on and on, but what do you think? What are some of your favorite Disney music memories?