Planning a trip to Disney World isn’t just about booking tickets, selecting your resort, or making dining reservations. It is about immersing yourself in the magic, the stories, and the wonder of Disney! But if you’ve never seen the movie, how can you fully appreciate the attraction?
To make the most of your upcoming trip, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 movies that will get you excited for Disney World!
1. Toy Story
Watching the Toy Story movies will help you become completely immersed in the details of Toy Story Land, which is in Hollywood Studios. In Toy Story land, you will feel as if you are a toy in Andy’s backyard. You have a chance to meet Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and even see the Green Army Men! You can ride Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania. You can also head over to Magic Kingdom and ride Buzz Lightyear’s Ranger Spin.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy is the newest ride at EPCOT and it is by far one of the best and immersive rides at Disney World! On this ride you will join the Guardians of the Galaxy on an intergalactic mission. This attraction features the first ever reverse-launch on a Disney coaster and it is one of the largest fully-enclosed coasters in the world!
3. Avatar
An entire section of Animal Kingdom is themed after this movie, Pandora: World of Avatar. This land is full of attractions, restaurants, and shops that are inspired by Avatar. You will truly become immersed when you enter this land and will have a deeper appreciation for the details after watching the movie. At night, this land really comes to life!
4. Finding Nemo
While there isn’t an entire land devoted to Finding Nemo at the parks, you will still want to watch this movie to prepare for your days at Animal Kingdom & Epcot! The Seas with Nemo and Friends is located in Epcot, as well as a show called Turtle Talk with Crush. You can also explore the huge aquarium with sharks, stingrays, and even clownfish. At Animal Kingdom, you will find the show Finding Nemo the Musical. For the biggest Nemo fans, you can stay at Disney’s Art of Animation in the Nemo Family Suite!
5. The Little Mermaid
Magic Kingdom has a lot to offer for Little Mermaid fans! Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid is an attraction at Magic Kingdom that tells the story of the Little Mermaid from start to finish-perfect for the whole family to enjoy! You can also enjoy the whimsical float in the Festival of Fantasy Parade where you can see Ariel and all her friends. You can even meet Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto!
6. Snow White
One of the most popular attractions in Magic Kingdom is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. From the moment you enter the queue, to the moment the ride ends, you will be immersed in the story of Snow White. You also have the chance to meet Snow White in Magic Kingdom! Other places to meet Snow White are in Epcot and at Story Book Dining at Artist Point, where you can also meet the Evil Queen, Dopey and Grumpy!
7. Beauty and the Beast
This is one of my favorite Disney movies and there are several places in the parks where this movie comes to life. In Magic Kingdom, you can dine at Beast’s castle! This is not only a great dining experience, but an attraction within itself. You can also meet Belle at Enchanted Tales with Belle. Gaston’s Tavern is just a few steps away where you can indulge in the most amazing cinnamon rolls. Belle can also be found in Epcot, and you can watch the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along. In Hollywood Studios, you can view the Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage show!
8. Frozen
I am sure you have seen Frozen 100 times, but there is something so magical about watching Frozen before a Disney trip! In Magic Kingdom, you can find Elsa & Anna in the Castle Show & Festival of Fantasy Parade. In Epcot, you can meet Elsa and Anna, and ride their family-friendly boat ride, Frozen Ever After. Over at Hollywood Studios, you can sing along with your favorite songs from the movie in the Frozen Sing-Along show.
9. The Lion King
If you plan to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, this is a movie you must watch! At Animal Kingdom, The Festival of the Lion King is a larger-than-life show full of dancing, acrobatics, and music! Guests are encouraged to sing along to familiar songs like "Circle of Life" and "Hakuna Matata". Over at Disney's Art of Animation, if you stay in a Lion King Suite you will be immersed in life-size versions of all the characters!
10. Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Ok, so technically this is at least 9 movies. But if you only have time for one, I recommend Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Knowing at least something about Star Wars will help you enjoy Galaxy's Edge to the fullest. In Galaxy’s Edge, you can see Stormtroopers, Rey, and Chewbacca. You can ride the Millennium Falcon and join the Resistance on Rise of the Resistance. Outside of Galaxy’s Edge you can ride Star Tours, and you can even meet BB-8, Chewbacca, and Darth Vader.
While there are only 10 movies on this list, there are dozens more that you can watch when preparing for your trip! Watching Disney movies will help build anticipation, and enhance your appreciation for the characters and stories you will encounter at the park. It will truly make your Disney World trip even more magical.
