Weddings are often described as a fairy tale, and your first dance should make you feel like a princess, too.
Whether you want to dance like Cinderella or Rapunzel on the ballroom floor, we’ve picked our top 10 favorite Disney first dance songs:
1. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – Elton John
“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” is a romantic song from Disney’s 1994 animated film “The Lion King.” The song was composed by Elton John with lyrics by Tim Rice. In the movie, Simba and Nala sing it when they are finally reunited. The song was very popular, reaching No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
2. “Love Is an Open Door” – Kristen Bell and Santino Fontana
In Disney’s 2013 hit “Frozen,” Anna and Prince Hans sing “Love Is an Open Door” when they meet during the reception of Elsa’s coronation. The song talks about everything they have in common when meeting for the first time: “Our mental synchronization can have but one explanation/ You and I were just meant to be!”
3. “Kiss the Girl”- Samuel Wright
This classic song from “The Little Mermaid” was nominated for both an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. Written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman for the 1989 movie, Sebastian the crab sings this song encouraging Eric to kiss Ariel.
4. “Beauty and the Beast” – Angela Lansbury
“Beauty and the Beast” is a romantic song written by lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken for 1991’s “Beauty and the Beast” movie. (Not that we’re saying your soon-to-be husband is a beast.) The song won both a Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song, as well as Grammy Awards for Best Song Written for Visual Media and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
5. “A Whole New World” – Brad Kane and Lea Salonga
“A Whole New World” is the romantic duet from 1992’s “Aladdin” between Aladdin and Jasmine as they ride the flying carpet. The song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and Grammy Award for Song of the Year.
6. “You’ll Be in My Heart” – Phil Collins
Phil Collins wrote and performed this song for the 1999 Disney animated feature “Tarzan.” In the movie, Tarzan’s adoptive gorilla mother, Kala, sings this song to Tarzan. However, it can also be a romantic song: “‘Cause you’ll be in my heart/Yes, you’ll be in my heart/From this day on/Now and forever more/You’ll be in my heart/No matter what they say/You’ll be here in my heart/Always.”
7. “I See the Light” – Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi
From the 2010 movie “Tangled,” “I See the Light” is a sung by Rapunzel and Flynn about their burgeoning romantic relationship: “And at last I see the light/And it’s like the fog has lifted/And at last I see the light/And it’s like the sky is new/And it’s warm and real and bright/And the world has somehow shifted/All at once everything looks different/Now that I see you.”
8. “When You Wish Upon a Star” – Cliff Edwards
“When You Wish Upon a Star” is not only the representative song of The Walt Disney Company, but it was also featured in the 1940 Disney classic “Pinocchio.” It won the 1940 Academy Award for Best Original Song and was the first Disney song to win an Oscar. This beautiful and classic song is perfect for the first dance with your beau!
9. “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” – Ilene Woods
If your wedding is fairy-tale themed, this may be the perfect first dance song. From the 1950 movie “Cinderella,” this song is a classic that talks about dreams coming true. If you want a more modern version, try the Lily James cover from the 2015 live-action remake of the film.
10. “Bella Notte” – George Givot
“Bella notte” is Italian for “beautiful night.” This song from the 1955 animated classic “Lady and the Tramp” is a romantic first dance song: “Side by side with your loved one/You’ll find enchantment here/
The night will weave its magic spell/When the one you love is near.” Now share a piece of spaghetti with your new spouse!
To discuss the songs you’d like to hear at your wedding, contact Sound Precision Entertainment at (216) 870-4513 or scott@spedj.com.
