Movies to Watch Before Going to Disney World: Top Picks for Families

Heading to Disney World soon? Watching certain Disney movies beforehand can make your trip even more fun and memorable. By getting to know the stories and characters, you’ll feel more connected and excited when you visit the parks.

This guide highlights the must-see movies to watch before going to Disney World for each park, making your adventure truly unforgettable.

Key Takeaways

• Boost Your Disney World Experience with Movies: Watching Disney movies before your Disney World trip can make the experience more enjoyable. Knowing the stories and characters enhances your connection with the attractions and characters in the parks.
• Movies for Each Disney World Park: Movies to watch include Cinderella, Peter Pan, and The Little Mermaid for Magic Kingdom; Frozen, Ratatouille, and Finding Nemo for EPCOT; Star Wars, Toy Story, and Beauty and the Beast for Hollywood Studios; and The Lion King, Avatar, and Up! for Animal Kingdom.
• Stream on Disney+ to Prepare for Your Trip: Disney+ is the ideal platform to watch these movies, helping you prepare for your trip and ensuring that you and your family have a magical and memorable time at Disney World.

Why Watching Disney Movies Enhances Your Trip

Watching Disney movies before your trip can really boost your Disney World experience. It builds excitement and helps you connect with your favorite characters and stories on a deeper level. Think about how fun it will be to spot small details and references in the parks that others might miss.

Many Disney World attractions, characters, and dining experiences are inspired by Disney films. Knowing these stories makes your connection to the park stronger, making every moment feel more magical. For example, dining at Beast’s Castle from Beauty and the Beast is even more special when you know the story behind it.

Meeting characters becomes more meaningful when you’re familiar with their adventures. Meeting Mickey Mouse or Elsa isn’t just a photo opportunity; it becomes a cherished memory when you’ve watched their beloved stories.

So, get some popcorn and start your Disney movie marathon before your Disney trip!

Movies to Watch for Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom, the heart of Disney World, is filled with attractions based on beloved Disney classics. Watching movies like Cinderella, Peter Pan, and The Little Mermaid before your Disney trip can make your experience even more magical. Knowing these stories adds a layer of familiarity and excitement to your trip.

Let’s dive into the key films for Magic Kingdom and their related attractions. From Cinderella’s Castle to Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid, these movies will enrich your adventure in this enchanting park.

Cinderella and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Make sure you’ve seen Cinderella before visiting Cinderella’s Castle. This classic tale connects with the overall charm of the castle and the whimsical Prince Charming Regal Carrousel. Knowing Cinderella’s story will make your visit to these attractions even more special.

The castle’s grandeur and the carrousel’s charm are best enjoyed when you’re familiar with the beloved characters and their adventures. So, don’t miss this timeless Disney classic before your Disney trip.

Peter Pan and Peter Pan’s Flight

Peter Pan’s Flight is a magical ride that takes you through Neverland. Watching Peter Pan helps you get into the fantasy and fun of this attraction. The detailed storytelling in Peter Pan’s Flight is best enjoyed when you know the story of Peter, Wendy, and Captain Hook.

This classic Disney movie, inspired by Walt Disney’s 1953 animated film, brings the magic of Neverland to life. So, make sure you’ve watched Peter Pan to get the most out of this captivating ride at Magic Kingdom during your Disney trip.

The Little Mermaid and Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

It’s important to watch The Little Mermaid before experiencing Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid. This ride features familiar songs and beloved characters like Ariel, Sebastian, and Ursula. By watching The Little Mermaid, you can make the underwater scenes feel more magical and familiar. The movie helps you appreciate and connect with the underwater world.

The ride’s improved blacklight lighting enhances the immersive experience, making it even more enchanting for fans of the movie. Dive into Ariel’s world by watching The Little Mermaid before your Disney trip to Disney World.

Movies to Watch for EPCOT

EPCOT offers a unique mix of cultural and futuristic attractions. Watching specific Disney movies before your Disney trip can make your experience even better. For example, the Frozen movies make the Norway Pavilion and the Frozen Ever After ride more fun. Similarly, Ratatouille and Finding Nemo movies add extra excitement to their attractions.

Let’s look at the key films for EPCOT and their related attractions. From the culinary delights of Paris with Remy to underwater adventures with Nemo, these films will make your EPCOT visit even more magical.

Frozen and Frozen Ever After

Frozen Ever After at EPCOT is a must-visit for fans of the Frozen movies. Watching Frozen helps you notice the special details of the ride, like the North Mountain and Elsa’s ice palace. The ride features popular songs from the movie, making the experience even more enjoyable if you know the soundtrack.

Scenes with Kristoff’s family, Anna, and Olaf bring the magic of Arendelle to life. So, make sure you’ve watched Frozen before your Disney trip to enjoy this attraction fully.

Ratatouille and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a fun 4D ride that takes you through Gusteau’s restaurant. Watching Ratatouille beforehand helps you appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells of the ride. You’ll feel like you’ve shrunk to the size of Chef Remy as you explore this immersive experience.

The culinary delights of Paris come to life in this charming attraction. So, make sure you’ve watched Ratatouille to fully enjoy Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT during your Disney trip.

Finding Nemo and The Seas with Nemo & Friends

The Seas with Nemo & Friends is an interactive aquarium exhibit featuring characters from Finding Nemo. Watching Finding Nemo before your visit helps you connect with the underwater scenes and colorful marine life. The experience is enhanced by familiar characters like Marlin, Dory, and Nemo.

This attraction offers an underwater adventure that is both educational and fun. So, make sure you’ve seen Finding Nemo to get the most out of The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT during your Disney trip.

Movies to Watch for Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a bunch of attractions inspired by blockbuster films. Watching movies like Star Wars and Toy Story before your Disney trip can help you enjoy these experiences even more. From Galaxy’s Edge to Toy Story Land, knowing the stories behind these attractions makes your visit more fun.

Let’s check out the key films for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and their related attractions. From epic adventures in a galaxy far, far away to playful fun in Andy’s backyard, these movies will make your Hollywood Studios visit awesome.

Star Wars and Galaxy’s Edge

Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a must-visit for Star Wars fans. Watching Star Wars movies, especially Episodes IV-VI, gives you the backstory for the experiences in Galaxy’s Edge. The newer trilogy, including Episode VII – The Force Awakens, is also important for understanding the recent characters and settings in the park.

From piloting the Millennium Falcon to exploring the Black Spire Outpost, knowing the Star Wars stories makes every moment in Galaxy’s Edge more exciting. So, make sure you’ve seen the Star Wars films before your Disney trip.

Toy Story and Toy Story Land

Toy Story Land brings the beloved Toy Story movies to life with attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania. Watching Toy Story films helps you understand the details of these attractions. Characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear are central to the Toy Story Land experience.

The movie series is loved by both kids and adults, making it a special part of the Toy Story Land experience. So, make sure you’ve watched Toy Story to fully enjoy this playful area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during your Disney trip.

Beauty and the Beast and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage

Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage is a vibrant show that follows the plot and songs from the 1991 animated film. Watching Beauty and the Beast before your visit helps you enjoy key songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast” during the live stage show.

This classic film is essential to fully enjoy the magic of the live show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. So, make sure you’ve watched Beauty and the Beast before your Disney trip.

Movies to Watch for Animal Kingdom

A Disney trip has some amazing attractions tied to popular Disney movies. Watching films like The Lion King, Avatar, and Up! can make your visit even more special. These movies give you background stories that make the park’s experiences richer and more fun.

Let’s check out the must-watch movies for Animal Kingdom and their related attractions. From the lively Festival of the Lion King to the stunning world of Pandora, these films will make your time in this park unforgettable.

The Lion King and Festival of the Lion King

Festival of the Lion King is a lively musical show based on The Lion King. Watching The Lion King before your Disney trip helps you enjoy the talented performers, puppetry, and great music of the show.

This classic Disney movie brings the African savanna to life. So, make sure you’ve watched The Lion King to get the most out of the Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom.

Avatar and Pandora – The World of Avatar

Pandora – The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom is all about the movie Avatar. Watching Avatar before you go helps you appreciate the glowing plants, floating mountains, and the Na’vi River Journey ride.

This area has rides like Flight of Passage, which are straight from the movie. So, make sure you’ve seen Avatar to fully enjoy Pandora at Animal Kingdom as part of your Disney trip.

Up! and Wilderness Explorers

The Wilderness Explorers program at Animal Kingdom is inspired by the movie Up! Watching Up! before your visit helps kids earn badges while exploring the park, just like in the movie. The program has fun activities like watching animals and learning new skills.

Kids can collect over 25 badges, making it a fun way to explore Animal Kingdom. So, make sure you’ve seen Up! to enjoy the Wilderness Explorers program to the fullest during your Disney trip.

Where to Watch These Disney Movies

Wondering where you can catch all these Disney films before your Disney trip? Disney+ is the perfect solution. This streaming service has tons of TV shows, movies, and original content, making it easy to watch all your favorite Disney classics and the latest releases. Almost all the movies we’ve mentioned are available on Disney+, so you can easily find and watch them before heading to Disney World.

Disney+ works on many devices, including Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, LG TVs, and Samsung TVs. You can also stream it on computers with Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows PC, as well as on mobile devices like Android phones, iPhones, and iPads. If you’re a gamer, you can watch Disney+ on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.

Plus, you can stream on up to four screens at once and use parental controls, making it easy for the whole family to enjoy these must-watch movies.

Beyond the Movies: Disney+ Original Series

Besides the classic films, Disney+ also has original series that can enhance your Disney trip by giving you a deeper look at Disney Parks. Shows like The Imagineering Story and Behind the Attraction offer behind-the-scenes looks at how famous attractions were made and the magic that keeps them running. These series are only on Disney+ and give you special insights you won’t find anywhere else.

For example, Behind the Attraction shows how Imagineers created rides like the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. It also covers how they turned the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!.

Watching these series can help you appreciate the creativity and hard work that make Disney Parks so special.

Final Thoughts

Watching Disney movies before your Disney trip to Disney World can really make your visit more fun and special. Knowing the stories behind the attractions helps you enjoy them more and makes meeting characters even more exciting.

Whether you’re checking out Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom, exploring The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, or enjoying the Star Wars rides at Hollywood Studios, being familiar with the movies makes everything better.

So, get some popcorn, start your Disney+ marathon, and dive into these amazing stories. By watching these movies, you’ll be all set to have the best time at Disney World. Remember, the magic of Disney isn’t just in the parks, it’s also in the movies that bring these wonderful worlds to life.

FAQs

Why should I watch Disney movies before my Disney World trip?

Watching Disney movies before your trip makes your visit to Disney World more exciting and enjoyable. You’ll recognize the attractions, characters, and themed areas, which makes everything feel more special and fun. It’s like seeing old friends in a magical place!

Where can I watch the recommended Disney movies?

You can watch all the recommended Disney movies on Disney+. This streaming service has tons of Disney classics, new releases, and even original series. It’s a great way to get ready for your trip.

Do I need to watch all the movies to enjoy Disney World?

No, you don’t have to watch all the movies, but knowing a few can make your experience better. It helps you understand the attractions and makes meeting characters more meaningful.

Which Disney+ original series should I watch to learn more about Disney Parks?

Check out “The Imagineering Story” and “Behind the Attraction” on Disney+. These shows give you a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney Parks and attractions are created and maintained. It’s super interesting and adds to the magic!

How can watching movies enhance specific attractions at Disney World?

Watching movies like Cinderella, Peter Pan, and The Little Mermaid can make attractions like Cinderella’s Castle, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid more enjoyable. You’ll know the stories and characters, which makes the rides and experiences even more fun and engaging.