Park Atmosphere Music About This Page:

[YoHoTales40]

We recently returned from the DCL Mexican Riviera cruise and then 3 days at DL. My DH, having grown up in LA, noticed a lack of park atmosphere music both at DL and DCA compared to his early years visiting DL, as well as our last trip there in May 2005.

During the '05 trip, in fact, we recall lots of music from the Barber Shop Quartet to some New Orleans style musicians near PotC to the Main Street Marching Band. We also seem to recall music in DCA near Grizzly Rapids from a kinda old style country group, you know, with musical instruments like jugs, banjos, fiddles, and washbasins.

We are wondering if anyone else has noticed a decline in the atmosphere music at DL or DCA? Maybe we were just missing the performances while waiting in line at Nemo? The 3 days we were there were quite busy. Maybe they don't do as much on crowded days? Or is it possible there has been a intentional reduction of the live music performers because of $$ or whatever??

My DH really was curious if anyone else had had the same experience. Quite frankly, being in the crowds, standing in long lines and getting quite warm in the sun, we would have appreciated some background music/entertainment to help pass the time.

[LauraBelle V. Hime]

The Enterteinment Times Guide that you pick up at the turnstile or in the park gives you the times for Shows & Live Music.
For example: I have one dated Fri, February 22 - Sun, February 24, 2008.
In DL: "Dapper Dans - Main St. USA - Our world-famous barbershop quartet performs timeless tunes in their own inimitable style!" Fri & Sat 10:30, 11:30 am, 12:30. 2:55, 4:30, 5:30 pm."
"Tomorrowland Terrace Bands - Tomorrowland -Tomorrowland Terrace - Nightly: Reunion: 7:00, 7:45, 8:35, 10:00, 11:00 pm."

We thoroughly enjoyed listening to this group while waiting in line for Nemo.

Within the last year we've encounted a Dixieland band and a pirate band in New Orleans Square.

In DCA: "The Miner's 49'ers - An eccentric band of musical prospectors performing some of your favorite Disney songs." Performing @ "a bug's land" Entrance - Daily: 10:30, 11:30 am, 12:30, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 pm." ( Originally outside Grizzly)

"Mariachi Divas - Hear your favorite Mariachi music, played by the best of the best!
@ Golden State -Pacific Wharf District - Sat & Sun 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, 5:30 pm."

When DCA first opened they had some great entertainers performing nightly in Golden State Park next to the Golden Zephyr. I wish they would bring this back. I believe it would boost attendance here.

It seems there's always piped in music in Sunshine Plaza...Beach Boys, etc.

I think you probably weren't in the right places at the right times. It's tough on crowded days.

[Dave Marx]

I think it may have to do with being in the right place at the right time. That's even easier when you're sitting around instead of hitting attractions. Part of our current last day ritual (at either DLR or WDW) is to get a hot dog at Refreshment Corner/Casey's and enjoy the Main St. atmosphere. In February we had a great time with the pianist and the Dapper Dans. (At DLR, the Dapper Dans now have wireless mics, and the sound system does a very nice job as they make their way up and down the street on one of the vehicles, or just walking about).

[tdandboys]

I remember seeing a ton of entertainment. I think it is all timing.

[YoHoTales40]

I believe ya'll are right...we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Guess we better go back!!

[Tricia Davids]

Yes - I think you better go back -- we have experienced all of music you are talking about at one point or another during our last few trips over the last 4 months.

[LauraBelle V. Hime]

DD, Stacie, & I went to DL last night just to enjoy the atmosphere (as we quite often do). We were able to park in Timon parking (our preference until expansion takes it). We like to walk in instead of taking the tram. As soon as you enter the main gate, Disney music surrounds you.
We strolled the plaza, Downtown Disney, then took the monorail into Tommorland. We exited in time to catch the beginning of the first evening show @ Tommorland Terrace. This wasn't in our plans, but Scot Bruce (appearing Wed & Thurs nights) put on a great show! Wow, you would think it was Elvis himself!
We had dinner @ Rancho del Zocalo. The lighting and background music here makes for a relaxing meal.
When we left, we didn't hurry down Main Street, but enjoyed the walk and the background music which was with us through the turnstiles, across the plaza, and out the main gate.
It was Disney at its best!

[Lilianna]

The only music performers we saw in April were in Tomorrow land. A smaller version of Stomp. Actually came across them twice. We were there for only a day, so didn't pay much attention to street performers. Just wanted to ride the rides.

[Simba's Mom]

Originally Posted by YoHoTales40

We recently returned from the DCL Mexican Riviera cruise and then 3 days at DL. My DH, having grown up in LA, noticed a lack of park atmosphere music both at DL and DCA compared to his early years visiting DL, as well as our last trip there in May 2005.

During the '05 trip, in fact, we recall lots of music from the Barber Shop Quartet to some New Orleans style musicians near PotC to the Main Street Marching Band. We also seem to recall music in DCA near Grizzly Rapids from a kinda old style country group, you know, with musical instruments like jugs, banjos, fiddles, and washbasins.

We are wondering if anyone else has noticed a decline in the atmosphere music at DL or DCA? Maybe we were just missing the performances while waiting in line at Nemo? The 3 days we were there were quite busy. Maybe they don't do as much on crowded days? Or is it possible there has been a intentional reduction of the live music performers because of $$ or whatever??

My DH really was curious if anyone else had had the same experience. Quite frankly, being in the crowds, standing in long lines and getting quite warm in the sun, we would have appreciated some background music/entertainment to help pass the time.

DS was in one of those bands in 2005. However, unfortunately, shortly after that summer, several of the bands were let go, including, if I remember, the one in New Orleans square and one by the river. So it wasn't entirely your imagination-there are fewer.