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SweetBabyJames

"Verso l'alto!"
Sep 27, 2024
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Lake George, NY
jamesmarraart.etsy.com
🎺 What are your thoughts on the past, present and future Great Adventure music playlists? 🎼

I for one remember when I first started going to the park back in 2003 that each section of the park including the entrance had distinct instrumental music playing. Ragtime music would play on the boardwalk by the 4 big tents and games, movie scores and classic "early American revolution hymns" would play at the park entrance, Frontier Adventures would play instrumental country bluegrass style music... I believe the only areas that still play music in line with the theme are Movie town/metropolis, Plaza Del Carnivale, Frontier adventures (pop country) and Bugs Bunny National park (if you want to count the looney tunes soundtracks).

To me, music really completes a park experience as it evokes memories, feelings and fuels the overall vibe felt. An area that is themed to the nines but plays music unrelated to the area typically takes away from the overall experience in that section as it leaves a sort of subtle but palpable confusion in the minds of guests. When I go to a theme park I want to be transported somewhere else, not necessarily on the level of Universal or Disney, but at the very least put into a relaxed, carefree state of mind.

Regarding Great Adventure's current music choices, I am not completely knocking its recent choice to play pop music in the majority of the park. Some pop songs can add an element of excitement and relevance to a guest's experience. However if a park plays the same music everywhere without a change the style can get in the way and old fast. A vibe will always be felt regardless of the song choice. Likewise, if a park is really trying to go for an all around immersion into a themed land, choosing the proper music is a must.

Any thoughts on this subject? Comments and questions are welcome! 🎶
 
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I don't think anything will surpass the Kingda Ka soundtrack for me. I have amazing memories associated with every song that was part of it. Each selection was perfect and made me excited, whether I heard it from the queue line, the station, or the launch platform. During the brief time that the Safari Off Road Adventure loading station operated for all park guests last year, that same music was played.

I like the ambiance and foreboding that the Fright Fest soundtrack brings to the park, even if it's short and gets reused a lot.

While I don't mind the pop music for the most part (it's equal parts upbeat and relaxing for me), there's one area in particular where it really doesn't fit in, that being near The Flash. In the line leading up to the area with the lockers, you'll hear Justice League and superhero theme music - after passing the lockers, the speakers go back to playing pop music for the rest of the wait. It kind of takes you out of the moment, especially when you're that much closer to riding!

I also firmly believe each ride should have its own station music. There have been times in recent years where the pop music has invaded station soundtracks, which definitely detracts a bit from the uniqueness of the experience.
 
Their choices have been odd at times— at one point they were using “Call to Adventure” which was written specifically for Islands of Adventure in the Mall area.

Music is something that they pay the same royalties for no matter what. Choose music that fits the area rather than a generic pop music loop supplied by iHeart Media.
 
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please tell me y’all know about this playlist. it has basically the park’s entire soundtrack from so many different eras

Yes, I found that playlist on spotify about a year ago!! I love it. It even has Kingda Ka's soundtrack on it (Baya Baya). I play it on days I am feeling nostalgic or want a pick me up. 😀

It never fails to catch me off guard that they play Raiders March in RMT’s station and the Mortal Kombat theme in Nitro’s station. Odd choices yet they absolutely work.
If I remember correctly, didn't the Great American Scream Machine have its own distinct station music as well?
 
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It did, and I can not for the life of me recall what it was. One of those things that I’ve been trying to figure out on and off for years.

Well, let me know if you ever figure it out :) I've been watching POV's on youtube trying to listen for it when the train leaves the station.
here it is! it’s palladio by silent nick

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here it is! it’s palladio by silent nick

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@candelamour for the win! This is great.
 
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