It is another sad day in the Disney community. Dick Dale, who performed the iconic music for the original score of Space Mountain (1996-2003) has passed away at age 81. We want to celebrate his legacy through the lens of Disneyland and attraction scores!
Before there was Michael Giacchino‘s soundtrack to our favorite adventure through space, there was a much more rockin’ score. All of the music written for this version of the attraction was based on “Le Carnival Des Animaux: Aquarium” written by Camille Saint-Saëns. The beginning of the soundtrack started with synthesized music and was entirely devoted to the sci-fi aspect as the rockets left the station to begin their slow climb to the top of the mountain.
As gravity started to pull guests through space, Dick Dale’s iconic surf sound came through the speakers. The surf guitar riffs helped play up all the twists and turns through the dark rollercoaster in space. It is so easy to listen to this version of the music and get lost in the idea of hearing it in the mountain. If you want to hear it for yourself, look up the Disney Classics album and find it there!
In 2005, the soundtrack was replaced by an original score by Michael Giacchino. The beginning still riffs of the synthesized sci-fi feeling and accelerates as the attraction does. It is synchronized to the track to build on the excitement of the attraction.
We will always appreciate the contributions that Dick Dale made to the Disneyland Resort and our hearts are with his family and friends during this time.
Do you have any fond memories of the Dick Dale version of the Space Mountain soundtrack? Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook to let us know!
