Favorite Sounds of Walt Disney World (Part 1)

Walt Disney World is filled with memorable sights and scents, but let’s not forget the sounds! We’re not talking about music (that’s a whole other list!) but rather the ambient sounds that help create the magical atmosphere we all love. Some of these may surprise you – falling into the category of “I never noticed that before” – but we’re sure that as you imagine them, you will instantly be transported to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Let’s get started!

1. The Monorail

We’ll start our list with perhaps the most iconic sound bite in all of Walt Disney World, the moment when you board the monorail, the doors close, and you hear the famous safety spiel, “Please stand clear of the doors, por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas.” If you were to ask a random sampling of Guests when that moment occurred when they felt like they had arrived at Disney, this is the answer you’ll likely get. That famous phrase was voiced by the legendary Jack Wagner, who coincidentally provided the longstanding narration for the shuttle at the Orlando International Airport. Speaking of those monorail doors, there’s also something about the sound of them opening and closing that makes you feel like you’re truly home. This is a door like no other, and that one-of-a-kind “whoosh clunk thunk” never fails to fill your heart with the anticipation of all the magic that’s about to come your way.

2. The Contemporary Resort Elevators

The Contemporary Resort is one of the most iconic structures in Walt Disney World. Its distinctive A-frame with the monorail track winding its way through the atrium positively screams Disney. But one of our favorite Disney moments can be found on the elevator in the form of the floor announcements you hear as you make your way up to your room or down to the Grand Canyon Concourse for breakfast at Chef Mickeys or to hop on the monorail. You’ll hear your favorite Disney characters, such as Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy, telling you which floor you’re on. It’s a great little touch that will put a bit of whimsy into your day and will leave you doing your best Disney character impression for the rest of the afternoon.

3. The Walt Disney World Railroad Whistle

Speaking of the Contemporary, there’s nothing quite like sitting on your balcony and gazing out over Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain in the distance, particularly at night. But it’s not just the views that are spectacular. Every so often, you’ll hear the distinctive whistle of the Walt Disney World Railroad echo in the distance, and in that brief moment, you feel a mixture of nostalgia and magic all rolled up into one. In fact, the train whistle can be heard from many locations inside and outside the park. You may be cruising on a launch boat on Bay Lake or the Seven Seas Lagoon or walking along the pathways to the Grand Floridian or Contemporary. No matter where you are, especially when the air is perfectly still, you’ll hear that whistle tooting over the treetops. And you’ll know your home.

4. The Howling of the Haunted Mansion

That being said, the Walt Disney World Railroad whistle isn’t the only sound you’ll hear echoing from the heart of the Magic Kingdom. However, this sound will fill your heart with a sense of foreboding instead of nostalgia. This is the bone-chilling howling you hear emanating from the Haunted Mansion. Much like the train whistle, you can hear it from many locations throughout the park and the surrounding waterways and footpaths. For fans of the Haunted Mansion (and aren’t we all), this is one of the greatest sounds in Walt Disney World. Combine it with a spooky October night when the full moon bathes the landscape in an eerie glow, and you’ll have the perfect setting for a ghoulish evening when spooks will come out to play.

5. The Chime on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Quick, what’s your favorite Disney attraction? For many Disney Guests, the surprising answer is the TTA. That peaceful ride around Tomorrowland totally immerses you in that nostalgic Disney magic, and you can almost feel Walt Disney’s presence as you glide by the Carousel of Progress and the Astro Orbiter. One of the best things about the TTA is the narration. Although it’s changed many times over the years, the overall premise is that you’re taking a tour of Tomorrowland with your announcer highlighting important stops along the way. From the Metro Retro Historical Society to Rockettower Plaza, It genuinely feels as if you’re touring a city of the future. But perhaps the most memorable part of your journey is the distinctive chime you’ll hear as you approach each station. Whether riding on the TTA or wandering about Tomorrowland, you’re transported to this amazing world where aliens, robots, and humans come together to live, play, and work whenever you hear that bell.

Do you have a favorite sound at Walt Disney World? Be sure to check out our blog next week as we continue our audio tour to see if your choice made our list! (And if not, send us an email to let us know YOUR pick for Favorite Sound in Walt Disney World!!)