[Played in the Parks] A Special Feature on Iconic and Popular Songs from Disney Halloween

A Whole New WorldAlan Menken

Aladdin ~ A Whole New World (Japanese Version)

A duet from the 1992 Disney film Aladdin.

As they soar through the sky on a magic carpet, a door opens to a new world full of freedom and hope—an exhilarating love song that truly moves the heart.

Its sweeping melody and dreamy orchestration beautifully express a longing for unseen vistas and the bond between the two.

It’s perfect for scenes that call for a romantic touch at Halloween, or for moments at the end of a party when you want to share your dreams.

Grim Grinning GhostsBare Naked Ladies

Kris Bowers – Grim Grinning Ghosts (Dance Party) (From “Haunted Mansion”/Audio Only)

This song, performed by the Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies, is the theme for the essential Disney Parks horror attraction, the Haunted Mansion.

With its low key suited for Halloween and the inclusion of screams and monster sounds, it vividly captures the terror of a Halloween night.

Let's go, villains!

Let's go, villains!

This is a song where the classic Disney villains take over Mickey and friends’ Halloween parade! In this track, the villains get to be the stars, so the music has a slightly dark, cool vibe.

With rock-style drums and a fast-paced feel, it’s super cool.

Even though they’re villains, many of them are really popular characters! Some people might even be bigger fans of the villains than of Mickey and the gang.

For those fans, this track is especially irresistible.

It’s not overly dark or scary, yet it still delivers plenty of Halloween atmosphere—just the right balance—so I highly recommend it!

Night High Halloween

Knight High Halloween audio source

“Night High Halloween,” the 2019 Halloween song at Tokyo Disney Resort.

This track was performed as the Halloween version of the fireworks show “Disney Light the Night,” which is held at the end of the day in both parks.

Instead of the usual fireworks music, it features Halloween-themed tunes, including The Haunted Mansion’s “Grim Grinning Ghosts”! It’s perfect as background music for Halloween parties.

The first half evokes a spooky Halloween atmosphere, while the latter half shifts into a ballad that feels like Disney’s dreamlike world.

You could even play the first and second halves separately depending on the party’s theme or time of day!

Remains of the Day

Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride main song – Remains of the Day

This is a song from the 2005 film “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride,” directed by Tim Burton, who also directed “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” In the film, this song addresses death, and while it’s mysterious, it’s surprisingly catchy.

It’s perfect for setting a Halloween mood.

Arabian NightsAlan Menken

Aladdin – Arabian Nights [Japanese]

The song sung at the beginning of Disney’s Aladdin.

Just hearing its exotic, mysterious melody draws you right into the world of the story, doesn’t it? Since the original One Thousand and One Nights is said to have been passed down by traveling merchants, this film also begins with a merchant singing.

This clip is the dubbed version, but I recommend comparing it with the English version as well!

Poor People

Rinko Urashima – Poor Unfortunate Souls (From “The Little Mermaid” / Japanese Version)

The villain Ursula from the Disney film The Little Mermaid, which was adapted into a live-action movie and became a hot topic in 2023, is known for the song Poor Unfortunate Souls.

It was composed by Alan Menken, who has created numerous pieces for Disney.

It’s a number that subtly reveals her malice as she tempts the protagonist Ariel, hoping to turn her into a servant if possible.

How about dressing up as the villain Ursula and heading to a Halloween party? It’s sure to be a hit and really liven things up!