John Williams music is as iconic for theme parks as it is for movies – DePaoli on DeParks
John Williams, often referred to as “the maestro of the movies,” has had a seven-decade long career writing some of the world’s most iconic film scores. But I believe just as it’s hard to imagine the films he’s scored without his music; I can’t imagine theme parks without his memorable melodies either.
If you’re not familiar with the name John Williams, you’re certainly familiar with his music. I recently attended a concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall called “Celebrating John Williams” with someone who wasn’t too familiar with the maestro. But throughout the concert, my guest kept nodding in recognition of the music. John Williams wrote the scores to films including “Jaws,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jurassic Park,” as well as numerous “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter” films.
As I sat there listening to the spectacular Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Gustavo Dudamel playing these scores, it certainly brought images of the movies to mind — sometimes quite literally, as film clips were sporadically projected — but I also found myself thinking about the theme park worlds that have been brought to life thanks to John Williams.
I remember visiting the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Islands of Adventure shortly after it opened in 2010. I’m not personally the biggest “Harry Potter” fan. At that point, I hadn’t even seen all the movies. However, as I entered the gates of Hogsmeade and saw Hogwarts in the distance with the swelling music of John Williams in the background that combination sent literal chills throughout my body. Without that music score playing, I’m not sure it would have made the same impact for me.
Without going on too much of a tangent, I believe the lack of music is one of the reasons the emotional connection isn’t as strong in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the Disney parks. Sure, the land has top-notch visuals in a completely believable and immersive atmosphere, but I don’t feel like I’m in a “Star Wars” movie without the John Williams music subliminally playing in the background. I understand why Disney decided to keep the music out of the land (even though it’s in the rides, which makes no sense of continuity), but I’m hoping someday we’ll get John Williams’ music throughout Galaxy’s Edge.
In a lot of cases, we’ll hear Williams’ scores just as they’re heard in the movies. Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland, Jurassic Park: The Ride at Universal parks plus various “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars” rides are perfect examples of taking the film scores and repurposing them in a way that accompanies the attraction’s story and heightens emotions.
In some cases, John Williams’ recognizable melodies are used in a new way throughout a ride. On E.T. Adventure at Universal Studios Florida, we hear the score of the film in a more digital style once we get to The Green Planet. On the “Jaws” rides around the world, we similarly hear the recognizable music but in a hokier fashion similar to what might be heard on a real tourism boat ride. Even when we’re hearing the music not in the typical full orchestra fashion, the Williams melodies immediately bring us to a sense of place and comfort (even when in a manufactured stress-filled scenario).
When one thinks of John Williams and theme parks, it’s easy to remember his work heard in Disney and Universal parks — but it goes even further, as his “Superman” main theme fanfare can be heard as background music for various Six Flags Superman coasters. These are typically just selections from the film played in the queue, but hearing the Williams score is just as iconic as seeing the Superman shield on attraction signage.
I’ve always loved a John Williams score. “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” was quite literally the first cassette I ever purchased with my own money. Whether it’s hearing his music in a movie theater, in a theme park, or in a concert venue like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, it always brings me to a place of nostalgia and awe.
There truly is nothing like hearing John Williams music performed live with an orchestra. More recently, there have been a lot more opportunities around the country with live-to-film offerings and overall film score concerts. You can hear the LA Phil play “Jaws in Concert” on July 5, 2025, at the Hollywood Bowl as well as “Jurassic Park in Concert” on Aug. 8 & 9, 2025, and “Maestro of the Movies: Celebrating John Williams” from Aug. 22-24, 2025.
Do you have a favorite John Williams score? Is there a moment in a theme park where you hear his music, and it adds greatly to the experience for you? Leave a comment and let me know.
Jeff DePaoli is an event producer and voiceover artist living in Los Angeles. He can be heard as the voice of Disney Trivia on Alexa as well as the host of “Dizney Coast to Coast” podcast, where he and his special guests share honest opinions on all things Disney at DizneyCoastToCoast.com. DePaoli’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily represent Attractions Magazine.
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