Getting ready to go to Walt Disney World? Does your trip feel like (Buzz) lightyears away and you need a Disney fix to hold you over until then? Here are 33 Disney Movies to Watch Before Your Next Disney World Trip! 

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Best Disney Movies to Watch Before Going to Disney World

Watching Disney movies to gear up for your vacation is one of the best things you can do before your trip. The waiting game is always the hardest part when you’re planning a Disney vacation. So, let’s cure that by watching some great Disney movies.  Plus it’s a great way to get you and your family even more excited for your vacation. 

If you have Disney+ or have a collection of Disney movies, you know that this list could potentially be extensive. This is especially true if you’re leaving on your Disney vacation in under a month. But, if you have some time, this list will come in handy to bring you all the Disney magic from home while you prepare for your trip.

I thought it would be fun to break down movies by the different theme parks, so we have several different categories:

• Magic Kingdom 
• Epcot
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Within each of the Disney parks, I’ll give you the movie and the accompanying restaurant, attraction, or show that is associated with that classic Disney movie.  All of these favorite Disney movies will make for a great family movie night before your Disney World trip. You should watch my Lilo and Stitch Themed Movie Night I had with my family where we ate Hawaiian-inspired foods, decorated, and watched Lilo & Stitch.

Here are the 33 best Disney movies you should watch before going to Disney World.

Disney Movies to Watch at the Magic Kingdom:

Main Street USA

Pollyanna –  While there is no specific, Main Street USA ride or attraction to our first movie, the town of Beldsinville, where the movie takes place, is very reminiscent of Main Street USA. From the Victorian-style architecture to the street lined with shops and streetlights. There is a definite correlation between Pollyanna and Main Street USA.  Disney’s Pollyanna is about an orphan girl who goes to live with her very strict aunt. She introduces the town-goers and her aunt to a game she calls, “The Glad Game”. The game is where you find something to be glad about, regardless of the situation.  Her positive outlook and joy begin to infect everyone she talks to, teaching the valuable lessons of happiness and forgiveness. 

Lady and the Tramp – This classic animated movie from 1955, makes its not-so-subtle appearance right on Main Street USA. When entering Magic Kingdom, on the right-hand side is a restaurant called, Tony’s Town Square.  An Italian restaurant serving up pizza, salads, and the famous, Spaghetti and Meatballs, for both lunch and dinner. Keep your eyes open for paw prints just outside the restaurant. Also check out the large fountain of the well-known canine duo, right in the middle of the restaurant.

Tomorrowland

Monsters, Inc. – Monsters, Inc. is about two characters, Mike and Sulley, who live in Monstropolis and work at the Monster’s Inc. Factory, stealing children’s screams in the middle of the night to power their city. Everything turns upside down, when a little girl named Boo, enters the world of Monsters, and Mike & Sulley go on a journey to get her back to her room.  Along the way, they discover that laughter is the most powerful source of energy.

Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, is an interactive comedy show starring Monster’s Inc. and company. They invite guests to submit their own jokes to be featured on the show. But watch out!  You may be featured as one of their very own ‘monsters’!  

Meet the Robinsons – While there is no dedicated attraction for this film, this is a must-see movie!  Meet the Robinsons, is about the main character, Lewis, who gets the opportunity to see what the future looks like.  He runs into a family named the Robinsons, where he learns that failure is part of the journey toward success. The motto for this movie is to “Keep Moving Forward”, a quote from Walt Disney himself.  Looking around you while in the middle of Tomorrowland, you can’t help but feel that Lewis would be awe-struck.

Tomorrowland cont.

Tron –  This story follows a computer programmer, who gets transported into a digital world known as “The Grid”. Inside “The Grid”, the programmer becomes allies with a program named Tron. They must work together to overthrow the Master Control Program, which leads programs to engage in gladiator-like games. On April 4, 2023, Magic Kingdom’s new ride, Tron Lightcycle/Run, where you board your own lightcycle and enter, “The Grid”. You can hit speeds of up to 60 mph, in a combined indoor/outdoor track.  

Fantasyland

Peter Pan – Peter Pan is a classic film has been adapted many times over. But the park attraction Peter Pan’s Flight is based on the 1953 classic animated movie. Fly in a magic ship that will take you through various scenes of the film, including the mermaid’s lagoon and the ship of Captain Hook.

Cinderella – The iconic, Cinderella’s Caste, is the very first thing you see when you’re walking down Main Street.  So why not watch Cinderella! A movie about a young girl who lives a life of hardship, but in the end finds her prince charming.  If you have small girls, you might want to look into booking a dining reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Meet Cindy and her other Princess friends!

Dumbo – This iconic movie (and ride!) is a favorite amongst all Disney fans! Dumbo is a heartwarming tale that teaches valuable lessons about embracing individuality and finding one’s inner strength. Take a ride on your very own elephant, and fly high in the sky on Dumbo the Flying Elephant!

The Little Mermaid – The Little Mermaid follows Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of exploring the human world. Ursula, our villian, offers her a compromise. To become a human to be with her love, Prince Eric, she must sacrifice something extremely special to her: her voice.  The attraction, Journey of the Little Mermaid, follows this story as you climb aboard a clamshell and travel through various scenes of The Little Mermaid.

Fantastyland cont.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves – Released in 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs revolves around a young princess named Snow White, who is forced into hiding from her wicked stepmother, the Queen. As she goes deeper into the forest, she comes upon a small cottage and befriends 7 dwarves. The queen eventually finds where Snow White has been hiding and turns into a witch that convinces Snow White to eat a poisoned apple.  The apple doesn’t kill her but puts her into a deep sleep, where she can only awaken, by true love’s kiss.

If you love this movie, you’ll love Seven Dwarfs Mine Train! A fast, but fun, roller coaster that goes through the dwarfs mine filled with shiny diamonds and takes you past the cottage where you see Snow White dancing with her friends!

Beauty and the Beast – Beauty and the Beast is a story that centers around Belle, a young woman who finds herself trapped in a castle with a Beast.  In the castle, she meets new friends that are under a curse, where they may have to live as enchanted objects forever. To break the curse of the Beast and the enchanted objects, someone must learn to love the Beast for who he truly is. However, a hunter named Gaston is determined to win Belle’s affection and hunts down the Beast. I won’t give away the ending, but I can bet, you know what happens.

Head over to Gaston’s Tavern for the largest cinnamon roll you’ll ever have.  Also, check out Enchanted Tales with Belle, an interactive experience where you walk through different scenes of Beauty and the Beast and get to meet Belle herself!  

Frontierland

Davy Crocket King of the Wild Frontier – This movie follows Davy along his journey from being a farmer in Tennessee to a hero of the Texas Revolution. It also shows his battles against Native Americans and his participation in the Battle of the Alamo.  

While there is no dedicated attraction at Magic Kingdom to Davy Crockett, if you look all around you in Frontierland, you can turn yourself into a modern-day Davy Crocket yourself! Head over to Tom Sawyer’s Island and explore winding tunnels, a suspension bridge, and secret passageways. Learn to shoot a replica rifle over at the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade and ‘hit’ targets like barrels, lanterns, and old-western items. Look the part of Davy Crockett and head over to the Frontier Trading Post for a coonskin hat!

The Princess and the Frog – This animated film set in New Orleans, tells the story of Tiana, a hardworking young woman, who dreams of opening up her own restaurant to sell her famous gumbo and beignets. Through a series of magical events, Tiana is transformed into a frog after kissing a prince who has been cursed. Together, Tiana and the prince must travel through the bayou to break the curse. Set to open in 2024, is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, where you take a musical boat ride through the bayou filled with fireflies and meet some adorable friends along the way. 

Liberty Square

Haunted Mansion – The Haunted Mansion, released in 2003, follows a family that gets invited to stay at this mysterious mansion.  But the rumor is, that it’s haunted!  As the Evers family explores the mansion, they encounter ghostly characters, including the singing head of Madame Leota and the infamous Hitchhiking Ghosts. Board your “Doom-Buggy” at The Haunted Mansion and find some familiar scenes that you just watched in the movie!

Adventureland

Pirates of the Caribbean – Drink up me hearties, yo ho! There are 5 films in the Pirates franchise, but if you only have time for one, start with, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Follow the swashbuckling adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow and his crazy interactions with other pirates,  Ready to set sail and become one of Jack Sparrow’s pirates? Take a harrowing boat ride through pirate-infested waters on The Pirates of the Caribbean.  Dodge cannons, take plunges, watch pirates pillage, and sing along to, “A Pirate’s Life For Me!”

Swiss Family Robinson – This 1960 movie, follows the Robinson family who gets shipwrecked on a deserted island.  To survive and create a new life while they await being rescued, they pull together whatever resources they can find on this island and begin to build a massive tree house to protect them from the elements. They encounter many adventures and challenges, but they learn valuable lessons about family, resilience, and the importance of appreciating nature.

Step into the world of what the Robinsons built in The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. Explore the various rooms and see the resourcefulness of the Robinsons through the various items they collected to create their home. 

Adventureland cont.

Aladdin –  The story of Aladdin follows a young street orphan that by circumstance befriends a witty, wisecracking genie that grants him three wishes. The genie helps him transform into a prince to win the heart of Princess Jasmine of Agrabah, who is being forced to marry the sultan’s conniving advisor Jafar.  Aladdin must win Jasmine’s heart and save the Kingdom of Agrabah before using his final wish, which he promised his Genie friend to use for his freedom. Soar through the sky on a magic carpet on The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, located in Adventureland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Disney Movies to Watch at Epcot

World Celebration

Wreck-it Ralph – “I’m Bad, And That’s Good. I Will Never Be Good, And That’s Not Bad. There’s No One I’d Rather Be Than Me.” Wreck-It Ralph is about a guy named Ralph, the villain of an arcade game called “Fix-It Felix Jr.,” who no longer wants to be the bad guy in his game. But rather, wants to be known as a hero.  Ralph ventures out of his game and into a game called “Sugar Rush”, where he meets Vanellope, a glitchy racer in her game, who longs to be a real racer. Together they team up and face different obstacles and encounter various characters from different video games. While no attraction or restaurant pertains to, Wreck-It Ralph, there is a really fun character meet where you can Meet Vanellope Inside ImageWorks, and get a picture with the most famous princess racer!

World Discovery

Guardians of the Galaxy – This 2014 superhero flick combines humor, adventure, and a fantastic 1980’s soundtrack to create an exciting story!  Meet Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, who’s a charming and witty space adventurer. He forms a team of unlikely outcasts; together, they must navigate to different planets and fight enemies to protect an orb that holds immense power.  The attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, is dedicated to thrill seekers!  This indoor coaster, loaded with Star-Lord’s favorite songs, will transport you into the world of the Guardians.  This one can be a doozy for those that are prone to motion sickness, so be prepared!

World Nature

Finding Nemo – One of the greatest Pixar movies, Finding Nemo, is about a clownfish named Marlin, who embarks on a journey across the ocean to find his adventurous son, Nemo. Nemo, who longs to not have to live under the fins of his dad his entire life, ventures out into the big blue world and gets captured by a diver and placed into a fish tank at a dentist’s office. Marlin has to leave the comforts of his home behind to find his son.  Along the way, he meets a lovable, yet forgetful, fish named Dory, who decides to travel with him, since she can’t remember where she was going!

Want to see how Nemo, Marlin, and Dory live?  Head to The Seas with Nemo & Friends, where you glide in your own personal clamobile, and watch the characters interact with real life fish!  After your 5-minute journey, you can continue your ocean exploration by heading into the SeaBase, a 5.7 million gallon aquarium that holds thousands of sea animals!

Moana – Moana tells the story of a young Polynesian girl named Moana, who embarks on a daring adventure to save her island and discover her true identity.  On her journey to save her island from a terrible curse, Moana faces various challenges, encounters mythical creatures, and learns to navigate the vast ocean. Along the way, she finds Maui, a demigod who holds the power to help save her people from destruction. Together, they rely on each other’s strengths to restore the heart of “Te Fiti” to save Moana’s people.

In late 2023, the attraction Journey of Water will open as a self-guided outdoor trail where you can interact with water and discover its playful personality. 

World Showcase

France Pavilion

Ratatouille – Ratatouille is a story about a rat named Remy, who has a passion for cooking and dreams of becoming a great chef, like that of the late Chef Gusteau. He finds himself in Paris where he meets a human friend named Linguine, a young and awkward garbage boy, working in the late Chef Custeau’s failing restaurant.  Remy and Linguine form a strong bond and work together to create delicious dishes. The ride Remy’s Ratatouille’s Adventure, allows you to shrink down to the size of a rat and go on a journey through Gusteau’s kitchen. You’ll ‘scurry’ through the dining room, the kitchen, and don’t forget to take in the amazing smells of yummy food!

Japan Pavilion

My Neighbor Totoro – Follow Satsuki and Mei, two sisters, who move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their sick mother who is getting treatment.  Satsuki and Mei encounter magical creatures known as “Totoros.” These friendly forest spirits become their friends and guide them on epic adventures!  

While there isn’t a dedicated restaurant or attraction to My Neighbor Totoro, you can find lots of fun-related merchandise and other Studio Ghibli-related souvenirs inside the Mitsokoshi Department Store. Here you will find a large range of Japanese merchandise, including traditional clothing, accessories, toys, artwork, and authentic Japanese snacks. You can even participate in “Pick-a-Pearl,” where you pick your very own oyster to reveal a pearl, which ranges in size and color! Mitsokoshi is an attraction in and of itself!

Norway Pavilion

Frozen – “Let it go!” I’m sure you’re all familiar with the extremely popular movie, Frozen, that was released in 2013, but in case you aren’t, this story is set in the kingdom of Arendelle and revolves around two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna.  Elsa contains magical powers that she tries desperately to hide from everyone, including her sister.  Elsa accidentally puts Arendelle into an eternal winter with her powers, and to prevent further damage, she flees to the mountains. Anna embarks on a journey to find her sister and save the kingdom and finds friends along the way.

 The Frozen Ever After attraction, allows you to sail through Arendelle and through various scenes that you’ve seen in Frozen.  The scenes are brought to life through amazing animatronics, special effects, and captivating music.

Disney Movies to Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Pandora: World of Avatar

Avatar – The story is set in the mid-22nd century on the lush, alient planet of Pandora. The movie, Avatar, follows the journey of Jake Sully, a disabled Marine who is given the opportunity to participate in the Avatar Program. Using a genetically engineered body called an “Avatar,” Jake can remotely control it and interact with the species on Pandora known as the Na’vi. As Jake becomes involved more in the Na’vi culture, he forms a bond with Neytiri, a Na’vi warrior, and begins falling in love with her and her people. Lots of movie-goers compare this film to a modern-day Pochanotos.

Want to be immersed in the world of Pandora? Avatar: Flight of Passage is possibly one of the most popular rides in all of Walt Disney World.  Hop on the back of your very own banshee and embark on a breathtaking journey through forests, stunning waterfalls, and inspiring landscapes of Pandora.  

Africa

The Lion King – The Lion King, follows the journey of a young lion cub named Simba as he navigates the circle of life in the African savannah. Scar, Simba’s wicked uncle, is jealous of Simba’s father, Mufasa, who is the king of the Pride Lands. Scar’s jealousy of his brother fuels him to kill Mufasa, while manipulating Simba into believing he’s the reason for his death.  Due to this, Simba flees the Pride Lands.   During his departure, Simba befriends the charismatic duo, Timon and Pumbaa. They teach him to embrace a “Hakuna Matata” (worry-free) lifestyle. However, his past catches up to him (literally), as he must search his soul in order to determine a return to the Pride Lands and reclaim his rightful place as king.

Festival of the Lion King is an energetic and vibrant musical. You can see tumble monkeys, stilt walkers, singers and dancers that all bring the essence of The Lion King to life. 

DinoLand USA

Disney’s Dinosaur – Disney’s Dinosaur is an adventure film, that takes place during the Late Cretaceous period. The story follows the journey of an Iguanodon named Aladar. Aladar is an orphaned dinosaur who is raised by a family of lemurs after hatching from his egg. As he grows up, Aladar becomes friends with other dinosaurs, including the courageous Neera. When a meteor shower hits their home, Aladar and his new friends must journey to find a safe haven called the Nesting Grounds. DINOSAUR is a thrilling dark ride that takes guests on a time-travel adventure to the age of the dinosaurs.  Your mission: bring back the Iguanodon before the meteor hits! On your mission, you’ll board your Time Rover and journey through various scenes, where you’ll run into sweet, and not-so-sweet dinosaurs.  

Discovery Island

A Bug’s Life – A Bug’s Life, Pixar’s second movie to be released, is about an ant named Flik, who loves inventing and being helpful but is slightly clumsy in his efforts. Every year, a group of greedy grasshoppers comes to take some of the harvests that the ants have gathered.  Flik decides that enough is enough, and ventures out to find ‘bigger bugs’ in the world of bugs. On his ventures, he runs into a group of traveling circus bugs, mistaking their acts for warrior bugs. He invites his new warrior friends to follow him back to his home to take a stand against the grasshoppers.  

It’s Tough To Be A Bug is a 3D show located in the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom that is an immersive experience.  Put your bug eyes on, and get ready to learn about insects from a bug’s perspective. You’ll encounter a variety of insect characters, including spiders, bees, and even a surprise visit from Hopper, the villainous grasshopper.

Disney Movies to Watch at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars: A New Hope – “In a galaxy far, far away….”  I think we’re all familiar with that line.  While there are 12 Star Wars movies, I would highly recommend watching the first film that was released in 1977, Star Wars: A New Hope.  The story follows a young boy named Luke Skywalker who discovers his destiny as a Jedi. When Luke’s home is attacked by Imperial forces, he goes on a journey to join the Rebellion and becomes involved in a war against the Empire. He fights alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, and Princess Leia. Luke sets out to deliver the stolen plans for the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star. With the help of his new allies, Luke must learn confront Darth Vader and attempt to destroy the Death Star and restore freedom to the galaxy.  

Things to Do in Star Wars Land

There are many things to do that are Star Wars themed in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In fact, there’s an entire land (plus more!) dedicated to all things Star Wars. First up, is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Board  the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” and navigate the millennium falcon with 5 other allies.  Two are dedicated to piloting, two will engineer, and two will be your gunners. Work together to become the greatest smugglers in the galaxy. Star Tours, not actually located inside of Galaxy’s Edge, is an oldie, but a goodie.  Hop aboard your Starspeeder 1000 and blast off into space and travel to various planets. You’ll even run into some familiar characters. 

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is an immersive attraction that puts guests in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. This ride includes a trackless system, along with stunning visuals and audio effects to create an epic experience. Star Wars Launch Bay, located in the Animation Courtyard, is your opportunity to meet your favorite Star Wars characters. Meet characters like Chewbacca and BB-8 up close and personal.  Don’t miss  Oga’s Cantina for some delicious out-of-this-galaxy drinks and build your very own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop.

Toy Story Land

Pixar’s Toy Story – Ever wonder what toys do when we’re not looking? Toy Story follows Woody, a cowboy doll, as he and his other toy friends, navigate the challenges of being toys. Enter, Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure. Buzz quickly becomes the favorite toy of their owner, Andy, and Woody feels threatened. Woody tries various tactics to get rid of Buzz so he can become Andy’s favorite again. However, as the story progresses, Woody realizes the value of friendship and learns to appreciate Buzz as a friend. I recommend watching all 4 of the Toy Story Movies if you have time! All of them are so great and work well together.

For you Toy Story lovers, you have an entire land to play in! Toy Story Mania is a 3D shooting game where each car is equipped with spring-action shooters. Using your shoot, you hit targets on the screen.  Your ride vehicle moves you to various scenes with all of your favorite Toy Story characters at the helm.  Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly roller coaster inspired by the loveable Slinky Dog.  Hop on his back, and take a ride through Andy’s backyard. The newest restaurant addition to Toy Story Land is Roundup Rodeo BBQ. This restaurant  offers western-themed BBQ fare that includes smoked ribs, chicken, potato barrels, mac and cheese, and much more!

Echo Lake

Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark – Famed archeologist, Dr. Indiana Jones, sets out to discover the location of the Ark of the Covenant before a rival archeologist with the backing of the Nazi military finds it first.  Indiana Jones must use his knowledge, trusted whip, the help of his old flame, and an Egyptian accomplice to out-maneuver his counterparts in order to keep them from unleashing the destructive potential that is possibly held within the Ark.  The live-action show of Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, transports guests to the world of Indian Jones, getting the opportunity to watch him live as he combats his enemies and performs high-flying stunts.  You even get to see Indy out-run the large boulder that is a famous scene in the film! 

Grand Avenue

The Muppet Movie – Ever wanted to know how Kermit the Frog got his start in show-biz?  The Muppet Movie follows Kermit as he embarks on a cross-country journey to Hollywood. He wants to fulfill his dream of becoming a movie star. Along the way, Kermit encounters a variety of characters including Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo. As Kermit and his friends travel towards Hollywood, they face various hurdles and obstacles. One of them including a corrupt fast-food tycoon named Doc Hopper. Doc wants Kermit to become the face of his frog legs restaurant chain, “Doc Hopper’s Frog Legs”. This delightful movie celebrates the spirit of friendship and dreams. Catch MuppetVision 3D on your next Disney trip!  This is actually a 4D show that combines the classic humor of the Muppets, along with special effects.  Fun for kids of all ages!

Hollywood Boulevard

Mickey Mouse – One of the more popular shows in recent years, Mickey Mouse, is a series of short 4-7 minute long videos. These shorts showcase The Fab 5 and their friends, in different storylines. You can find these Mickey Mouse shorts on Disney+ or The Disney Channel. Hop on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway! With Goofy as your train engineer, you’re about to take you a relaxing ride around the park. However, a switch was hit, and the train is now going off the tracks! Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who were on their way to have a perfect picnic, are now trying to save you. You’ll be whisked away to different scenes like a carnival, a tropical island, and the bustling city streets.  Will Mickey and Minnie ever get their perfect picnic?

Best Disney Movies to Watch Before Going to Disney World

I really hope that this list of best Disney movies to watch before going to Disney World is helpful! Hopefully you’re able to find some new favorites for you and your family to watch. Watching Disney movies before our Disney World vacation has become one of our favorite family traditions. Maybe this will become your new family tradition too!

Was there any that I missed that I should include on this list? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to chat with you!

Looking for Disney World Resort Recommendations?

Check out my Walt Disney World hotel room tours!

• Disney’s Copper Creek Deluxe Studio Villa Room Tour
• Disney’s Riviera Resort: Preferred One Bedroom Villa Review
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Value View Room Tour
• Disney’s Bay Lake Tower Full Room Tour
• Disney’s All-Star Movies Full Room Tour
• Disney’s Beach Club Room Tour

Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.