Music Review: Walt Disney Takes You to Disneyland

Stars: 3 out of 5
Pros: Great music from 1956
Cons: Wanted more description of the park from back then
The Bottom Line:
The music is fine
But I wanted descriptions
Of the park back then




Lots of Music, but Little Context

Walt Disney Take You to Disneyland is a faithful recreation of a record originally released in 1956. Not only are the tracks the same, but the cardboard packaging is made to look like the album of old. Even the CD has record grooves on the front side.

The key to understanding this release is the sub-title, a musical tour of the Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney starts each track by briefly describing the spirit of each land. From there on out, you get nothing but music. The exception to that is the Tomorrowland track, where there is occasional dialog discussing what is happening on the journey around the moon, still a science fiction concept in 1956.

Since this is the Disneyland of 50 years ago, there aren't as many lands as there are today. We get a track dedicated to Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland (which includes "Ballad of Davy Crockett"), Tomorrowland, and Fantasyland.

Don't get me wrong; the music is great, especially in the Fantasyland track where we are treated to selections from Disney's movies. However, that wasn't what I was looking for. I was hoping for more description of the park from back then and even more pictures. There are some hints in the narration and references to long closed transactions, but it wasn't what I was looking for. As it is, Walt Disney Takes You to Disneyland is a good CD that will mainly appeal to fans who had it on record as a child. Those looking for a historic trip to the Disneyland of 50 years ago should probably look elsewhere.