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4. Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah

Image: DisneyHere's the other Splash Mountain song, the one that serves as a kind of reward for surviving the watery journey down the mountain. Post-splash, you'll enter a cave where all of the animal residents are participating in a group singalong of Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah. Some of them even have musical instruments, while others are dancing (with the skirts raised!) onboard the Zip-a-Dee-Lady. I simply cannot imagine anyone sailing through this scene without smiling.

3. It’s a Small World

Image: DisneyAny discussion of Disney ride songs will end with everyone settling on the same top three. The only debate is the order of precedence. It's a Small World is undeniably the most influential of the trio, as it's an iconic piece of music. This stubbornly upbeat message of world peace is the most significant work of the Sherman Brothers and indelibly linked to Disney theme parks. I'd rank it higher if the relentless repetition of the thing didn’t induce nightmares.

2. Grim Grinning Ghosts

Image: DisneyI’ve mentioned the dichotomy of Haunted Mansion on many occasions. Some Imagineers wanted to build a terrifying attraction, while others wanted to imbue the ride with Disney’s trademark sense of humor. Ultimately, both sides won, as Haunted Mansion combines mirth with the macabre.

The theme song to the attraction requires a blend of both. And Grim Grinning Ghosts somehow walks that trick path between scary and silly. Even the title reflects both mental images. For that matter, the lyrics are pretty darned twisted. You’re supposed to bring your death certificate when you return! That's an exceedingly odd party request…but you'll do it since you want to socialize with the Grim Grinning Ghosts. 

1. Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)

Image: DisneyWhile all of the songs in the top five are universally recognized, one differentiates itself from the rest. You Ho embodies the best parts of Disney’s marriage of ride and song. Without the musical accompaniment, some of the set pieces on the dark ride would be kind of…dark.

The song sets the tone that everything that happens on Pirates of the Caribbean is all in silly fun, not meant to be taken seriously at all. You’re just supposed to enjoy the drunken shenanigans of some thoroughly mediocre pirates.

 
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