Top Ten Movies to Watch Before a Disney World Trip

One of the best ways to get excited about a Disney World trip is to watch Disney movies. Any Disney movie will do the trick, but there are some films with special ties to the parks. After watching these films, you’ll then be able to meet the characters, ride the attractions, and perhaps even visit the lands inspired by the film. Whether you watch these movies for the first time, to re-familiarize yourself and your family with the characters, or simply to get excited about your trip, these are the ones you should play first.

10 – Avatar

This isn’t technically a Disney movie- but If you’re planning on visiting Animal Kingdom at all, chances are you’ll be exploring their newest land, Pandora: World of Avatar. With attractions, restaurants, and shops inspired by James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster, stepping into this land really feels like you’ve stepped into a different world. And while you don’t need to have seen this film to enjoy the land, familiarizing yourself with the movie characters and environments will definitely help you better appreciate all the storytelling that went into Pandora. Though the story of the land is set years into the future, after the events of the movie occurred, you’ll still recognize familiar elements (such as the Na’vi, the Banshees, the bioluminescent plants, the music, and much more).

9 – Finding Nemo

There may not be a whole land devoted to Finding Nemo at the parks, but if you love that little clownfish from the reef, you definitely need to visit the Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion! Located at Epcot, this pavilion not only contains a dark ride themed to the movie, but it also has an interactive show (Turtle Talk with Crush) and huge aquariums with real-life sharks, stingrays, starfish, and yes, even clownfish. It’s fun watching kids point to fish, such as blue tangs, and shout, “Look, it’s Dory!”

Also, if you find yourself at Animal Kingdom, you’ll need to check out Finding Nemo the Musical. The original song featured in this musical, titled “In the Big Blue World,” is super catchy, and can also be heard over at Epcot. I really recommended watching Finding Nemo before visiting The Seas, and before watching the musical- it will help young kids get excited over the characters, and will help adults remember the touching themes that inspired the film’s theme park attractions.

8 – Fantasia

Sitting down to watch a classic Disney movie is a great way to kick off any Disney vacation! I know a lot of kids who don’t even know what Fantasia is, and a few adults who could use a reminder as well (myself included). However, Fantasia is featured all over the parks and resorts, especially the scenes from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice segment.

First off, guests can meet Sorcerer Mickey in Hollywood Studios, where I’m sure he’ll be keen to show off his magic skills. You can also see Sorcerer Mickey featured in Fantasmic! Music and scenes from the film play a small part in Mickey’s Philharmagic attraction over at the Magic Kingdom. If you like exploring the resorts, you can see larger-than-life figures from Fantasia (2000) at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Even if you don’t care for the film, the music from Fantasia will transport any Disney fan directly to their happy place- why not give it a watch (or listen) before you travel?

7 – Frozen and Frozen 2

Okay, so chances are, you’ve probably seen Frozen (and if you have kids, you’ve probably seen it hundreds of times). However, this film is especially fun to watch before a Disney trip. Frozen Ever After takes you through the story of Anna and Elsa, and there is a whole original story behind the attraction. Guests are made to feel as though they are visiting the kingdom of Arendelle on a summer “snow” day, and Elsa is inviting everyone to her ice palace. The lyrics of the songs are changed slightly to fit the theming of the ride, but the magic from the original movie is definitely there!

Watching Frozen 2 before your trip will also get you hyped if you meet the sisters in Norway next door to their attraction. They are now greeting guests in outfits inspired by Frozen 2. If you find yourself in the Magic Kingdom, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the two in the Festival of Fantasy parade or see them sing and dance during Mickey’s Friendship Faire, the daytime castle show.

6 – Meet The Robinsons

Moving on from a well-known film to an (in my opinion) underappreciated film, the 2007 Disney movie Meet the Robinsons is perfect if you plan to spend time in Tomorrowland or Epcot’s World Discovery and World Celebration. The film’s major themes are centered around family, inventions, and innovation, and how life could be in the future if we continue to “keep moving forward.” These are also the themes present in the two aforementioned parks (the movie even has a funny little nod to Tomorrowland and Space Mountain, with a scene that features a place called “Todayland”). If you appreciate new ideas, visions of the future, and progress, then this is the perfect movie to watch- make sure to keep an eye out for Walt Disney’s quote at the end!

5 – The Lion King

Aside from Avatar, this is probably the most important film to watch before visiting Animal Kingdom. What better way to get excited about seeing real-life animals than watching Simba and the gang at home? The music is sure to get you excited for The Festival of the Lion King show, and scenes of the savannah can’t prepare you more for a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris (especially since you will be aboard the “Simba One” ride vehicle). On the safari, you’ll be able to see lions, warthogs, giraffes, and tons of other African animals, and you’ll able to see meercats (like Timon) up close while strolling the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.

If you’re a major Lion King fan, you can even explore the Art of Animation Resort’s Lion King section, where they have a whole block of rooms dedicated to the film. You’ll get to see life-size versions of all the characters; it makes for an amazing photoshoot! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort also features its own savannah, where you can view African animals in a more relaxed setting and learn about them from Cast Members at the Resort.

4 – Guardians of the Galaxy

The new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction in Epcot is a hit with fans! Whether or not you’re a fan of Marvel or if you’re still grieving over the loss of Ellen’s Energy Adventure (like I am), you’ll want to watch the film and be prepared before riding this new attraction. If you visit Disney California Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout is an amazing ride to experience- even if it did replace their Tower of Terror! You can also meet the characters over on that coast.

3 – Peter Pan

When thinking of movies that have a big presence in the Magic Kingdom, it’s hard to choose just one. The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast are both big contenders, as well as Dumbo, Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean, and well…a dozen others. However, if I had to pick one movie to watch before visiting Magic Kingdom, it would be Peter Pan.

There’s just something magical about that film, something that brings back all the wonder and excitement of childhood (which is what Disney is all about). First is the classic attraction Peter Pan’s Flight, which always has long waits and yet never ceases to amaze me. I love boarding my pirate ship, flying over London, heading toward the second star to the right, and then gliding over Neverland. I often feel like Wendy- I want to escape to Neverland and never live in the grown-up world again.

You can also see Tink, as well as Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, the Lost Boys, and the Crocodile in the Festival of Fantasy parade.

However, my favorite Peter Pan moment is watching Tinkerbell fly at the finale to Happily Ever After. The chorus bursts into a rendition of “You Can Fly!” as fireworks burst overhead and Tinkerbell soars. My heart swells every time, and I wouldn’t feel as much emotion if I didn’t remember watching Peter Pan. What other movie insists that you believe in fairies?

2 – Star Wars Movies

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has arrived at Walt Disney World. At this point, watching the Star Wars movies (yes, all of them, but especially movies 7-9) is pretty much essential in order to fully immerse yourself in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and other areas of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

I’ll admit- I haven’t even seen all the films (I know, I need to get on that). I do, however, have a general understanding of Star Wars, and that’s all you need in order to have a great experience in this universe. Before you hop on the Millennium Falcon or unleash your lightsaber, there are a few other Star Wars experiences that you can experience at the parks. Take a ride on Star Tours to experience multiple adventures from the movies, or catch a showing of Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple at Hollywood Studios. In fact, it’s hard to pay a visit to Hollywood Studios without seeing at least some Star Wars elements- Stormtroopers walk around and interact with guests. Star Wars Launch Bay is a pavilion offering many Star Wars character interactions. Finally, you’ll enter the Star Wars universe while enjoying Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

1 – Toy Story Movies

Not that anyone needs a reason to watch Toy Story (it’s one of the best movies ever), but now that Toy Story Land is open at Hollywood Studios- what are you waiting for? Go watch it! You’ll get to familiarize yourself with Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and all the others before seeing them in the parks, riding the attractions, and getting their autographs! Watching all four films will give you the utmost appreciation for all the detail that lies within Toy Story Land, as well as attractions like Toy Story Mania and Slinky Dog Dash.