It’s time for another edition of “Disney Notes” – a look at the music and sounds of Disney.
There are many reasons for people to be obsessed with Walt Disney World. A common diagnosis is that there were visits as a child and going back conjures up great memories of childhood. Others say the food is a big draw. Still others love the fact that so many fun things can be done in one place.
Have you ever considered the sounds?
It occurred to me that there is a hidden magnetism in the sounds of WDW – sounds that stir the soul and calm the mind. I came to this realization just the other day when I exited the monorail at the Contemporary Resort.
Down the narrow escalator I went – all the time trying to find the hidden Mickey(s) in the great mosaic on the walls of the elevator shaft. After a quick stop to look at souvenirs I made my way to where I was headed – the monorail level exterior deck. It is to this location that all monorail lovers sneak for a glimpse of the beautiful beasts as they enter and exit the Contemporary concourse. At this coveted spot, the distance between human and machine is only a few feet. A glance overhead presents a glorious spectacle of rubber tires spinning in a synchronized dance to the quiet rhythm of the engines.
Perhaps the most amazing discovery of Disney Imagineering here is the ridiculously low volume level. It is as if each car is whispering to another – reminding them to use their “inside” voice. This giant conveyor of thousands makes almost no noise – quiet enough to be placed inside a hotel without any disturbance to sleeping guests. I am told that the track itself touches the building in only one small location – thus assuring no vibrations or hums. Whatever the case, that familiar whirring of the fans and the wheels as they sneak through the concourse struck me as strangely appealing – an almost eerie reminder from the monorail that everything is OK with the world.
As I headed back up the escalator to board the next train I tried to justify my strange obsession with the sound of the monorail without actually admitting any psychotic tendencies. Let’s just say I am a fan of fine engineering and this machine represents the finest – especially in an audio sense. It is on that deck where one can get a mechanic’s ear of each car and gain an even greater appreciation for its design.
Oh – and by the way – I’m told you can also get a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom from there.