The music behind Disney magic

The music behind Disney magic

From Research and Reason by Faculty of Arts and Education, University of Auckland

March 10, 2026 · 27 min · Season 6 · Episode 1

About this episode

Dr Gregory Camp discusses how Disney theme parks use music to create immersive experiences.

Why does it feel like you are starring in a movie when you enter a Disney theme park? In this episode, Dr Gregory Camp, Senior Lecturer in Music, explains how Disney theme parks use movie music to create immersive and magical experiences. He joins our media adviser Julianne Evans to share his favourite Disney songs, what makes them good, and how Disney blends classic and new songs to appeal to multiple generations. Interested in more? Come along to our Research Seminar Series with Gregory on Wednesday 1 April, Mickey’s Magical Musicals: The Disney Parks as Glocalised Soundscapes. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/aed-research-seminar-series-1-tickets-1983564507839 Read more: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2026/02/02/disney-works-musical-magic-at-its-theme-parks.html

People in this episode

Host: Julianne Evans

Guest: Dr Gregory Camp

Topics covered

  • Disney theme parks
  • movie music
  • immersive experiences
  • generational appeal
  • Disney songs

Keywords

  • Disney
  • theme parks
  • music
  • immersive experiences
  • songs
  • Dr Gregory Camp
  • Julianne Evans

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Auckland

Books & works: Mickey’s Magical Musicals: The Disney Parks as Glocalised Soundscapes

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