Movies to Watch Before Going to Disney World: The Ultimate Pre-Trip Watch List
Planning a trip to Disney World is exciting, and one brilliant way to build anticipation is by watching Disney films before you go. This isn’t just fun, it actually makes your park experience much richer when you understand the stories behind the attractions you’ll visit.
I’ve put together this complete guide to help you know exactly which movies to watch before going to Disney World. From Magic Kingdom classics to the newest additions at Hollywood Studios, this watch list will ensure you get the most from your Disney holiday!
Key Takeaways
- Essential Magic Kingdom Films: Learn which classic Disney animated films will enhance your experience at Disney’s most iconic park, including the stories behind Cinderella Castle and other beloved attractions.
- Park-Specific Movie Recommendations: Discover the best movies to watch before going to Disney World for each park, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
- Where to Find These Films: Find out the easiest ways to access all these Disney movies to watch before going to Disney World so you can start your pre-trip movie marathon right away.
Why Watching Disney Films Makes Your Trip Better
There’s something truly special about walking into a Disney park when you’re familiar with the Disney movies that inspired it. The experience becomes so much more than just riding attractions or seeing shows, it becomes about stepping into stories you already love.
When you watch Disney movies to watch before going to Disney World, you’re setting yourself up for countless “aha!” moments throughout your Disney World trip. You’ll notice small details in the queues, understand inside jokes during shows, and feel a deeper connection to the characters you meet.
For children (and let’s be honest, adults too!), meeting a character from a film they’ve just watched is pure magic. That moment when they see Mickey Mouse or Elsa in person after watching their adventures on screen creates memories that last forever.
Think about how much more special it feels to ride Peter Pan’s Flight when you know the story, or how dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant becomes a truly immersive experience when you’ve recently watched Beauty and the Beast.
Let’s look at the best Disney movies to watch before going to Disney World for each park!
Magic Kingdom Movies to Watch
Magic Kingdom is where most of the classic Disney movie attractions are found. This park is the heart of Walt Disney World, and watching these films before your visit will help you appreciate the incredible attention to detail throughout the park.
Here are the must watch movies before going to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom:
Cinderella
The iconic Cinderella Castle serves as the centrepiece of Magic Kingdom, making this 1950 animated classic essential viewing before your trip. When you’ve watched Cinderella, you’ll have a greater appreciation for:
- Cinderella’s Castle: The magnificent structure at the heart of the park
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel: This beautiful carousel takes on new meaning when you know the story
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: Where young princesses can get magical makeovers
- Cinderella’s Royal Table: The character dining experience inside the castle
Bonus tip: Look for the beautiful mosaic murals telling Cinderella’s story inside the castle walkthrough.
Peter Pan
Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the most popular attractions at Magic Kingdom, and watching Disney movies like this 1953 classic will make the experience even more magical. After watching Peter Pan, you’ll better appreciate:
- Peter Pan’s Flight: This suspended dark ride takes you over London and through Neverland
- Tinker Bell’s appearances: During parades and night-time shows
- Captain Hook: When you see him during character meet-and-greets or the Festival of Fantasy parade
The ride follows the film quite closely, and it’s much more enjoyable when you can recognise all the characters and scenes you’re flying past!
The Little Mermaid
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid ride brings Ariel’s underwater world to life. What movies should you watch before going to Disney World to appreciate this area? Definitely include this 1989 favourite! After watching, you’ll love:
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid: A delightful dark ride through Ariel’s story
- Ariel’s Grotto: Where you can meet the mermaid princess herself
- Voyage of The Little Mermaid: The live show at Hollywood Studios
The songs from this film are classics, and you’ll find yourself humming along during the attractions if you’ve recently watched the movie.
Aladdin
While there isn’t a major Aladdin attraction at Magic Kingdom, this 1992 film is still worth watching before your visit because:
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride in Adventureland
- Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, and Jafar character appearances
- The Arabian-themed architecture in Adventureland
Beauty and the Beast
This 1991 classic animated movie is essential viewing before visiting Magic Kingdom because:
- Enchanted Tales with Belle: An interactive storytelling experience
- Be Our Guest Restaurant: Dine inside Beast’s Castle in a setting straight from the film
- Gaston’s Tavern: Grab a snack at this quick-service location themed to the villain’s hangout
The Beast’s Castle area in Fantasyland is one of the most detailed environments in the park, and you’ll appreciate it so much more if you’ve watched the film recently.
EPCOT Movies to Watch
EPCOT combines futuristic attractions with global culture, and several newer Disney films have inspired attractions here. Here are the best movies to watch before going to Disney World’s EPCOT park:
EPCOT has evolved over the years to include more character-based attractions alongside its educational offerings. Watching these films will enhance your experience at what many consider Disney’s most unique park.
Frozen and Frozen 2
The Norway pavilion in World Showcase is now home to a major Frozen attraction, making these films essential movies to watch before going to Disney World. After watching Frozen, you’ll appreciate:
- Frozen Ever After: A boat ride through Arendelle featuring Anna, Elsa, Olaf and more
- Royal Sommerhus: A meet-and-greet location where you can meet Anna and Elsa
- Norway Pavilion: The real-world inspiration for the film’s setting
Ratatouille
The France pavilion expanded to include a Ratatouille attraction, making this 2007 Pixar film one of the must watch Disney movies before going to Disney World. After watching, you’ll better enjoy:
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: A 4D trackless dark ride through Gusteau’s restaurant
- France Pavilion: The film’s Parisian setting comes to life here
- Chefs de France: The restaurant takes on new meaning when you’ve seen the film
Finding Nemo
This beloved Pixar film from 2003 is well represented at EPCOT, making it one of the movies to watch before going to Disney World. After watching, you’ll appreciate:
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends: A ride that combines real marine life with animated characters
- Turtle Talk with Crush: An interactive show where you can chat with the laid-back turtle
- SeaBase: The marine life exhibits throughout the pavilion
Guardians of the Galaxy
With the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, this Marvel film series has become one of the best movies to watch before going to Disney World. After watching, you’ll enjoy:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: EPCOT’s first roller coaster and a thrilling adventure
- The music: The ride features songs from the films’ iconic soundtracks
- The humour: You’ll catch more of the jokes if you’re familiar with the characters
Hollywood Studios Movies to Watch
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the park most directly tied to films, making it essential to know what Disney movies should I watch before going to Disney World’s movie-themed park. These films will prepare you for the best experience:
This park has transformed in recent years to feature more immersive lands based on popular film franchises. A good movie marathon will definitely enhance your visit here!
Star Wars (All Films)
With the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars movies have become some of the most important films to watch before going to Disney World. After watching, you’ll better appreciate:
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: The immersive land set on the planet Batuu
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: A flight simulator ride where you pilot the famous ship
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: One of Disney’s most advanced attractions
- Star Tours: The original Star Wars ride that takes you to various planets from the films
You don’t need to watch every film, but familiarity with the original trilogy and the newer films will definitely enhance your experience in this incredibly detailed land.
Toy Story (All Films)
Toy Story Land is one of the highlights of Hollywood Studios, making the Toy Story movies essential viewing before your trip. After watching, you’ll appreciate:
- Toy Story Land: An immersive area where you’re “shrunk” to toy size in Andy’s backyard
- Slinky Dog Dash: A family-friendly roller coaster themed to the beloved character
- Toy Story Mania: An interactive 4D shooting game featuring characters from the films
- Alien Swirling Saucers: A spinning ride based on the claw machine aliens
The Toy Story films appeal to all ages, making them perfect movies to watch for the whole family before your trip.
Animal Kingdom Movies to Watch
Disney’s Animal Kingdom blends real animal encounters with fictional stories. Here are the best movies to watch before going to Disney World’s nature-themed park:
This park is unique in that it combines Disney storytelling with the natural world, creating a hybrid experience unlike any other Disney park.
The Lion King
This 1994 classic Disney movie is essential viewing before visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom. After watching, you’ll better appreciate:
- Festival of the Lion King: A spectacular live show featuring songs and characters from the film
- Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Where conservation messages from the film come to life
- The Tree of Life: Look for the Lion King characters carved into the iconic tree
Avatar
Though not a Disney original, Avatar became part of the Disney family when they acquired Fox, and it’s now one of the most important movies to watch before going to Disney World. After watching, you’ll appreciate:
- Pandora – The World of Avatar: The immersive land based on the film
- Avatar Flight of Passage: One of Disney’s most impressive simulator rides
- Na’vi River Journey: A beautiful boat ride through the bioluminescent forest
Even if you watch no other film before your trip, Avatar is worth seeing to appreciate the stunning land in Animal Kingdom.
Where to Watch Disney Films Before Your Trip
Now that you know what movies should you watch before going to Disney World, you might be wondering how to access them all. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to find these films.
Disney+
The simplest way to watch almost all of these movies to watch before going to Disney World is through Disney+. This streaming service includes:
- Nearly all Disney movies ever made
- The complete Star Wars film collection
- All Pixar films
- Most Marvel films
- National Geographic content
- The Simpsons and other Fox content
A Disney+ subscription gives you access to virtually every film mentioned in this guide, making it the easiest way to prepare for your Disney World trip.
The service works on most devices including:
- Smart TVs
- Mobile phones and tablets
- Game consoles
- Streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV
- Computers
Other Options
If you don’t have Disney+, you can also find many of these films through:
- DVD and Blu-ray purchases
- Digital rentals from Amazon, Apple, or Google
- Your local library (many libraries have extensive DVD collections)
Starting a few months before your trip, try to watch one Disney film each week as a family. It’s a brilliant way to build excitement for your upcoming holiday!
Overall
Movies to watch before going to Disney World aren’t just entertainment, they’re part of the preparation that makes your holiday truly special. By familiarising yourself with the stories behind the attractions, you’ll notice details others miss and form deeper connections to the experiences.
From the classic Disney movie characters in Magic Kingdom to the immersive worlds of Star Wars at Hollywood Studios, every film you watch adds another layer of meaning to your park visit. Children will be thrilled to meet characters they recognise, and adults will appreciate the craftsmanship that went into bringing these stories to life.
Remember, your Disney World trip isn’t just about rides and shows, it’s about immersing yourself in the magic of storytelling that has made Disney beloved for generations. Starting your journey with a Disney movie marathon is the perfect way to begin the adventure.
So grab some popcorn, gather the family, and start watching! Your magical holiday experience is already beginning, right in your living room.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Disney movies should we watch before our trip?
There’s no magic number, but aim for at least one film related to each park you’ll be visiting. If you have time, 8-10 films will give you a good foundation for appreciating the major attractions.
Which movies are absolutely essential if we only have time for a few?
If you’re limited on time, prioritise watching The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, and Avatar, as these connect to some of the most immersive areas and popular attractions.
Should we watch the original animated films or the new live-action remakes?
Both have their merits! The animated classics are timeless and directly inspired many attractions, while the live-action remakes might be more engaging for older children. If possible, watch both versions of your favourites.
Are there any films that aren’t necessary to watch?
Some films have minimal presence in the parks or only relate to smaller attractions. Films like Bolt, Meet the Robinsons, or Treasure Planet aren’t as essential for park preparation.
What’s the best way to schedule our movie marathon before the trip?
Try watching one film each weekend for the two months leading up to your trip, focusing on the most relevant films during the final weeks to keep them fresh in your mind.
