By Angela Lamarque, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
Heading to Universal Orlando soon? The excitement starts before you step into the park—and there’s no better way to set the mood than with the perfect playlist. Whether you’re cruising down I-4, flying in from afar, or packing your Hogwarts robes, these songs will boost your energy and get you in that Universal spirit!
My name is Angela Lamarque and I am a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels. While I have always loved theme parks and grew up in a Disney family, it was really my love of Universal that inspired me to dive into the world of vacation planning. I have always loved telling others about our family’s love for Universal Orlando. We do a lot of movie-watching leading up to our family trips to theme parks, but we have also put a lot of miles on our family car driving from New Orleans to Orlando (about 10+ hours in the car)! A playlist is essential to keep the excitement building leading up to our arrival.
I'm sharing my playlist that captures the fun, nostalgia, thrills, and movie magic of Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the brand-new Epic Universe theme park. From Minions and Men in Black to Harry Potter and the Grinch, it’s all here!
Main Playlist Highlights
- Harry Potter Prologue – John Williams
Cue the chills. This magical opening number sets the tone for a stroll through Diagon Alley in Universal Studios or Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure.
- The Simpsons Theme – Danny Elfman
It’s Springfield in a song. A must-hear before riding The Simpsons Ride (or grabbing a giant pink donut).
- Men in Black – Will Smith
Flashy, fun, and full of alien-busting swagger. Now go ride Alien Attack, don’t let go of that trigger, and be sure to press the RED BUTTON!
- Peaches – Jack Black
The hilarious (and oddly heartfelt) tune from The Super Mario Bros. Movie. If this isn’t running through your head while you are riding through Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, you must not have kids who were obsessed with the song during the summer of ’23.
- Happy – Pharrell Williams
Just like the Minions themselves—sunny, silly, and impossible not to love.
- Kung Fu Fighting – CeeLo Green and Jack Black
A nod to Kung Fu Panda and the DreamWorks area in Universal Studios. Go ahead—throw in a high kick.
- O Children – Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
A moody, magical piece for Harry Potter fans who appreciate the deep cuts.
- The Power of Love – Huey Lewis & The News
A nostalgic ride back to Back to the Future glory. Missing that ride…
- I Like to Move It – Reel 2 Real
If King Julien had a playlist, this would be Track 1.
- All Star – Smash Mouth
Shrek fans know—this is the anthem of the swamp (and every millennial’s road trip).
- Think – Aretha Franklin
Channel your inner Blues Brother and prepare to bust a move on the streets of Universal Studios. Don’t miss The Blues Brothers Show across the street from The Revenge of the Mummy ride!
- You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch – Thurl Ravenscroft
Holiday or not, this one’s a Seuss Landing staple.
- Ghostbusters – Ray Parker Jr.
Paranormal fun and spooky nostalgia in one perfect track. You may catch a glimpse of these heroes during your visit!
Honorable Mentions
- Come With Me Now – Kongos
Bold and primal. You’ll feel like you’re entering Skull Island or you will just have flashbacks to the fun Universal commercial from a few years ago.
- Kickstart My Heart – Mötley Crüe
According to my husband, this was the perfect song to select for the Hollywood Rip Ride RockIt coaster but has since been taken off the playlist. Sadly, this coaster is set to shut down in September of 2025.
- Ghostbusters – (Yes, again!)
Because you really can’t hear it too many times.
Listen Now on Spotify
Your hype playlist is ready to roll!
Click here to stream it:
Universal Orlando Hype Playlist on Spotify
Use this playlist to:
- Build excitement during your countdown
- Blast in the car on your way to the parks
- Wake up with energy in your hotel room
- Share with your travel crew and get everyone in the spirit
Universal is calling… and now you have the perfect soundtrack for the adventure. So tell me, what would you add to this playlist for your Universal Orlando travels?
And if you are looking for assistance with your next family trip, I would love to help! My services are always free, and I promise to get you and your family super excited for your getaway. Reach out at angela.lamarque@marvelousmousetravels.com or to Marvelous Mouse Travels to get started on your complimentary quote.
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