The Story Behind the Song – Ali Diane’s ‘Magic’ featured on Disney’s Fairytale Weddings

Disney Life

The day is finally here, the release of a new season of Disney’s Fairytale Weddings on Disney+! I have been waiting for this since the first season that aired on Freeform ended back in 2018. This show is the combination of all of my favorite things – shows about weddings (do I have any ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ fans?!) and Disney! The show follows couples as they say I do in some of the happiest places on earth.

I was so excited when I got the chance to speak with someone who got to be a part of one of these magical days – Ali Diane. Ali Diane was a bridesmaid for her friend Ciara and her husband D’Quan’s wedding ceremony at Disneyland. Ali and Ciara are true Disney fans and met during the Disney College Program. In addition to her duties as bridesmaid, Ali Diane also wrote and performed the song ‘Magic‘ for the ceremony. This song is featured in the new season of Disney’s Fairytale Weddings. Read on to hear what Ali Diane had to say about her love of Disney and her brand new song!

What was the experience like being a part of a one of Disney’s Fairytale Weddings?

Being part of a Disney wedding was truly magical.  As a small child, I watched the princess carriage go by with a bride and groom while staying at the Disneyland Hotel.  I decided that this was the kind of wedding I wanted when I grew up.  As an adult cast member, I watched wedding parties touring the parks and thought how magical that would be to have a Disney wedding.  Being at the Disneyland Hotel, surrounded by all of the Magic, and being a part of Ciara’s special day was amazing.  It was a surreal experience.  Everything Disney does is first class, and this was no exception.  We were treated like royalty.  Watching her walk down the aisle while I performed my song that I wrote for her and D’Quan was a once in a lifetime experience.  

Ali Diane Disneyland Filming

What was the inspiration behind your song Magic that you wrote for the wedding?

This song was inspired by the Bride and her love for D’Quan.   Ciara and I kept in touch after our Disney College Program ended and I was able to watch the couples love story develop from afar.  She asked me to sing for her wedding, and at first, I was going to sing “Can’t help falling in love” for her.  We could not use that for the show due to copyright issues, and the bride did not like any of the public domain options.  I decided to write an original that was in the same style as “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, but with a bit of Magic to match the Disney theme of the wedding and my relationship with the bride. 

I tried to imagine how I will feel when I walk down the aisle at my own wedding, and to put myself in Ciara’s shoes.  

Where did your love of Disney begin?

I have been a Disney kid since my first visit at age 18 months  My family and I visited Disneyland every year when I was younger, and every other year once I was in high school and college.  My early life involved Disney Princess movies, costumes and trips to Disneyland.  I performed in musicals such as Cinderella, Shrek the Musical, and Beauty and The Beast here in Washington.  Disney was a big influence in my life.  I went straight to the Disney College Program in Orlando as soon as I completed my Degree.  It was the time of my life. 

What was your favorite part of the Disney College Program?

I really enjoyed meeting people from all over the world, all brought together by our love of Disney.  The relationships I made in the program have turned into some of my best friends.  I was able to spend every day in the parks, my days off, and before and after work meeting with friends and going on rides and exploring all that the parks had to offer.  One of the best parts of the job was making magic for our guests.  As a cast member, we were encouraged to go above and beyond to make each guest feel special.  That was very rewarding. 

Ali Diane Teacups

What are your Disney favorites?

  • Park: Toss up between Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom
  • Ride: Expedition Everest and Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Snack: Ice Cream Sandwich and Churros

What was your experience like performing the post-production recordings and Magic Kingdom?

The recording sessions were amazing.  I was surrounded by a crew of sound engineers, production staff and even security people.  The treated me like a star and the recording equipment was state of the art.  The crew was professional, but also supportive and they kept encouraging and complimenting me.  I was recording at the exact same spot where I saw the wedding carriage go by me when I was a child.  The crew really knew what they were doing, and it made me all the more dedicated to making music my career. 

How did you get into music?

I started out singing in choirs in school, and found comfort singing in my room when I was young.  It was my way of dealing with stress and it made me happy.  I found success in a couple of high school talent shows and started working with a local producer on covers and a few originals while earning my music degree.  While in college, I performed in musicals such as Cinderella, Shrek the Musical, and Beauty and The Beast.  I went straight to the Disney College Program in Orlando as soon as I completed my Degree and enjoyed watching the musical performances in the Disney Parks,  I was a member of the 2016 Candlelight Processional Choir in Epcot. 

My first original was released in early 2018, and I began performing live in the Seattle area at the end of the year.  I am now staying busy with live shows, songwriting and working as much as possible with my producer, Jake Crocker.

Ali Diane Logo

How would you describe your sound?

My genre is Pop/Electro Pop.  I pride myself in having a wide range including gravely low notes  and high into the upper ranges.  Being flexible in my range has opened opportunities to work with several other artists and industry professionals. 

Who would you say is your biggest musical influence?

My biggest influences would include Bebe Rexha, Alessia Cara, Camila Cabello, Sia, Julia Michaels  and AJR. All of these incredible artists have the songwriting styles and sounds that I like to create with my own music.

What is your favorite song you have written so far?

I have written several songs about my life experiences.  When situations in my life happen, regardless of if they are good or bad, my feelings inspire my lyrics.  My favorite Pop song I have written is probably “Tempting”.  Tempting was written about making good decisions in potential relationships and will be released on all platforms in the next few weeks.

However, my very favorite song of all time has to be “Magic”.  Because I grew up a Disney kid, and being totally immersed in the magic during my Disney College program time, the whole experience of writing this song for my Friend’s wedding has been very special to me.  The fact that this was a Disney-themed song, and my relationship with the bride makes this song hold a special place in my heart. The surreal experience of the wedding and the Disney touch made it even more special.

Be sure to check out Ali Diane‘s new song ‘Magic’ on Disney’s Fairytale Weddings Season 2 and now available on all streaming platforms.


Older Post Newer Post


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published