You can make your trip to the most magical place on earth even better with these best Disney movies to watch before going to Disney World! They are sure to get your family excited and ready for the themed-rides!
Disney World is full of magic and adventure – and that’s because it’s filled with characters from a variety of classic movies. That means before you head out on your Disney vacation, you have some homework to do!
Get your family ready for your trip with the help of this list of the best movies to watch before going to Disney World.
Why should you watch Disney Movies before going to Disney World?
From meet and greets with your favorite Disney characters to movie-based rides, there are tons of depictions of classic Disney movies throughout the parks. And that means there are several movies you can watch to get ready!
Whether you’re checking out Magic Kingdom or heading to Hollywood Studios, there are plenty of great movies to get everyone in your family excited about your trip.
Disney Tip: Many of the rides and attractions are across different Disney parks. If you want to see all of the most popular attractions, you’ll want a Hopper Pass and plenty of time to explore each of the Disney World parks.
Best Disney Movies to Watch Before Going to Disney World
Check out these movies so you’re ready to go when you ride the rides and meet the characters associated with each film:
1. Beauty and the Beast
Since there are several different places to see depictions of scenes and characters from Beauty and the Beast throughout Disney World, this animated movie can’t be missed.
From checking out Beast’s castle, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage at Hollywood Studios, or enjoying Enchanted Tales with Belle at Magic Kingdom, there are plenty of live-action activities to enjoy.
And don’t forget to get a taste of France when you eat at the Be Our Guest Restaurant or Gaston’s Tavern at Magic Kingdom.
2. Aladdin
When you’re in Magic Kingdom, you can’t miss riding on The Magic Carpets of Aladdin! And that means you’ll need to watch this classic Disney movie about a man who wishes to become a prince in order to win the love of Princess Jasmine.
3. Peter Pan
Peter Pan’s Flight in Magic Kingdom is another classic ride that can’t be missed. Get your kids ready for the fun flight by watching this classic Disney movie before your trip.
4. Cinderella
Cinderella’s Castle is the centerpiece of Magic Kingdom, so this classic movie can’t be missed! After you watch Cinderella, meet her Prince Charming. Make sure you book your seat at Cinderella’s Royal Table while you’re on your trip.
5. Frozen
When it comes to character meet and greets, Frozen has plenty of options to choose from! Your kids can meet Olaf in Hollywood Studios or Anna and Elsa at Royal Summerhus at Epcot.
6. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
If you have young kids joining you on your trip, riding The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at Magic Kingdom is a must! Don’t forget to watch this classic animated movie so your little once can point out all their favorite characters on the ride.
7. Cars
Introduce your kids to your favorite animated race car before heading to Disney so they’re ready to enjoy Lightning McQueen Racing Academy at Hollywood Studios!
8. Dumbo
Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Magic Kingdom is one of the most popular rides and a must-see on your Disney World trip. That’s because it’s a classic ride that’s perfect for kids of any age. Introduce your family to the character behind the ride before the trip so they’re excited to take flight while on vacation.
9. Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo is one of our favorite Disney movies, and there is also a The Seas with Nemo & Friends which is a gentle enough ride that all ages can ride it in Epcot!
10. The Incredibles
The characters on the Incredibles are part of the Pixar crew that travels around Hollywood Studios each day in the character parade. Make sure your kids can recognize these fun superheroes before you head out on your trip!
11. The Lion King
If you’re planning a trip to Animal Kingdom, watching The Lion King should be on your list. On top of being able to see most of the animals in the film as you walk through the park or take a ride on Kilimanjaro Safari, you can also catch a live show featuring Lion King characters – Festival of the Lion King.
12. Monster’s Inc. and Monsters University
Monster’s Inc. and Monsters University fans will have a chance to check out their favorite monsters at both Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Watch Monsters Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom for a family-friendly audience participation show. Or visit Hollywood Studios to meet your favorite monsters in person.
13. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Is your family a fan of rollercoasters? Get ready for one of the best rides at Disney — Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – by watching this classic animated movie that inspired the rollercoaster.
14. Toy Story 1, 2, 3 & 4
With the introduction of Toy Story World in Hollywood Studios, fans of Andy and his toys have an entire section of the park to enjoy! In this area of the park, your kids can have a blast riding on Alien Swirling Saucers, Slinky Dog Dash, and Toy Story Mania.
And in Magic Kingdom, check out Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. But before you ride the rides, you need to check out all four Toy Story movies!
15. The Haunted Mansion
Check out the ride that inspired this fun Eddy Murphy movie while you’re at Disney. But before you head out on your trip, get prepared for all the spooky surprises by watching Haunted Mansion on Disney Plus.16.
16. Avatar
Before checking out the new Pandora, the World of Avatar, at Animal Kingdom, you have to watch Avatar! It’s the movie it’s based on.
Then you’ll be ready to enjoy rides like Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey on your trip.
17. Guardians of the Galaxy
Epcot’s rollercoaster, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, features all the characters (and music) from this fun superhero movie. That means you need to catch up on these alien heroes before you head out on your trip!
Looking for more Disney movies that teens will love? Check out the 30 Best Movies for Teens on Disney Plus Right Now.
18. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
You’ll be happy you took the time to watch this classic adventure movie before your trip while you’re enjoying the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Hollywood Studios!
19. Jungle Cruise
Before you take a trip on the Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom, why not watch the movie based on the ride? You’ll have a chance to enjoy a fun adventure before you head out on your trip!
20. Alice in Wonderland
Join Alice in a madcap world in this classic animated movie. Then, take a ride on the Mad Tea Party at Magic Kingdom during your trip to Disney!
21. Star Wars A New Hope and Star Wars: The Force Awakens
While it’s a good idea to catch up on the entire Star Wars series if you plan on enjoying Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios, watching these two Star Wars movies is a good start! There are so many ways to enjoy scenes from the movies as you walk around this new addition to the park, which recreates Batuu with immersive dining, like Oga’s Cantina, and action-packed rides, including Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Star Tours, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
We also have some fun Star Wars movie night food and activities you may like!
22. The Little Mermaid
When you visit Magic Kingdom, you have to take a ride on the Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid! And since this ride features the story of Ariel, why not watch the movie before you head out on your trip?
We also have a full list of fun desserts for a Little Mermaid movie night you might like!
23. Pirates of the Caribbean
Take a trip with your favorite pirates on the big screen before your trip, then ride the Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom to enjoy a trip on the high seas in real life!
Keep your eyes peeled for Captain Jack Sparrow during the Pirates of Caribbean Ride. The first one to spot him should get a Dole Whip!
24. A Bug’s Life
This Pixar movie makes for a great movie night at home because you can make all kinds of themed “bug recipes”! Then, when you’re at Walt Disney World, you can visit the “It’s Tough to be a Bug” attraction in Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
25. Fantasia
It doesn’t get much better than classic Mickey Mouse as you’re preparing for a Disney vacation. That’s why watching Fantasia should be on your to-do list as you’re getting ready for your trip. Watch Mickey and his friends on a variety of short movies paired with a classic orchestral soundtrack.
This list of best Disney movies to watch before going to Disney World is a great way to build excitement before the trip! It’s also a fun way to prepare for the rides and attractions at each of the Disney World parks.
We love to pair any of these favorite movies with one of these easy Disney movie night dinner or dessert ideas. It makes for a perfect movie night!
We hope you have so much fun on your trip! If you love this list, you can also save it for later on Pinterest!
