Ultimate List of Movies to Watch Before Going to Disney World
The following is my personal opinion and my opinion alone.
Planning a trip to Disney World soon? Are you looking for a fun way to prep for your trip? Look no further than my ultimate List of Movies to Watch Before Going to Disney World right here.
Whether you have a few weeks, a few months, or a whole year before your trip, my guide will help you have all that magical fun to get you excited to go!
I have started with the 7 most important ones below. These are the movies that characters, movies, and scenes are very apparent in all 4 of the Disney World Parks, so knowing them will help you get the most out of your trip!
All of these movies are available to watch on Disney+ You don’t need to watch every Disney ever made to have a great time at Disney World. Follow my list and you will be plenty prepared for your trip.
If you are anything like me, your first trip to Disney is an exciting one. Especially with your kids! Whether you need a list to reference for yourself or you want to introduce your kids and family to certain movies so that they know the characters, this is the guide for you!
Check out my downloadable guide here to help get you ready!
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Don’t forget I can help you plan a Disney Movie Night party with any of these movies! Check out My Disney Movie Night Party list here for ideas!
List of Movies to Watch Before Going to Disney World
1. Steamboat Willie
This movie is the Classic Disney movie that started it all! There are a lot of references to the older version of Mickey Mouse at Disney World including but not limited to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Hollywood Studios. It is a great way to get associated with the very beginning of Mickey Mouse himself! At the very least, get yourself acquainted with the original gang: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto! They are EVERYWHERE in the parks!
2. Cinderella
When someone thinks of Disney World they think of the iconic Cinderella’s Castle! If for no other reason, you should watch this movie before going! There are some amazing details about Cinderella surrounding the castle, as well as Cinderella’s Royal Table Restaurant above the castle that you can eat at. Everyone who goes should know the Cinderella story before they go.
3. Star Wars: Episodes 7-9
I know, I said this list had 7 movies but this is one movie but split into three movies. While you can watch all 9 movies (and more!) if you want to, but there is no need. Disney has an entire land dedicated to the Star Wars Movies; Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge. If you are not a Star Wars Fan, at least try to catch up on the newest ones (Episodes 7-9) as they are most prominent in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park. Rey and BB8 are on the Rise of the Resistance and Rey walks around the park. There is also a giant space dedicated to Kylo Ren and his ship. All the important characters are in these movies so you will meet all the characters you need to with these 3 movies.
4. Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast is a great one to watch because there is something from this movie in 3 out of the 4 parks. Be Our Guest restaurant is in Magic Kingdom, where you can dine in the Beast castle (and even with the beast if you prefer!) as well as Enchanted Tales with Belle attraction and Gaston’s Tavern where you can grab my favorite Cinnamon roll for breakfast. There is a Beauty and the Beast Show at Hollywood studios as well as a meet and greet with Gaston and Belle in Epcot.
5. Toy Story 4
This is another one where there are 4 movies to technically watch but to get in all the characters you will need, just watch Toy Story 4. Jessie, Forky, Buzz, Bo Peep, and Aliens are all in this movie. There is an entire land devoted to Toy Story, so get caught up and watch this movie to get yourself reacquainted with all the important characters!
6. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is present in a few of the parks. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one of the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom, as well as Snow White, has her own restaurant at the Wilderness Lodge, Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. (Currently unavailable still as of writing this post, August, 2021) Snow White also is a Princess that is seen at many other places in Walt Disney World, making this a must-see movie before visiting.
7. Avatar
Avatar has its own land at Animal Kingdom with two rides, a quick-service restaurant (Satu’li Canteen), live entertainment, and gorgeous scenery. You can enjoy this land without seeing the movie, but you’ll appreciate it more having seen Pandora in the movie.
Are you ready to start watching Disney Movies?
Don’t forget to grab your free download that has a checklist of all the movies you need listed by parks and also by the date you are leaving.
It’s a great cheat sheet to get you ready to go!
What do you think?
Do you agree or disagree with my movie selections? What movie would you add to this list if it was just one? Let me know in the comments below!
