There are few feelings more thrilling than knowing you’re going on a trip to the Disney Parks. Easily the most magical places on the planet, Disneyland and the Walt Disney World Resort are some of the most beloved theme parks on the planet, but there’s nothing wrong with a little pre-trip fun to boost the hype.
There’s no better way to get you in the Disney mood than by binging your favorite flicks from the studio, but which ones truly capture the magic of the parks? Fortunately, we have a list of ten films you should see before slapping on that Magic Band. Here are our picks for your pre-park binge-fest.
The Princess Films
When it comes to castles, magic, and that fairytale feeling, you can’t go wrong with any of the princess films. Whether you’re venturing to Anaheim’s Disneyland or Orlando’s Magic Kingdom, it might be a good idea to spend an hour or two with some Disney royalty before meeting the leading ladies in the flesh.
We recommend either Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty or Beauty and the Beast for those just wanting the basics, but if they’ve got a castle and a crown, you can’t really go wrong. So whether it’s Ariel, Tiana, Jasmine, or Elsa, any one of the princess flicks will start things right.
Avatar
If you’re going to Disney’s Animal Kingdom during your visit to Walt Disney World, and chances are you will, James Cameron’s Avatar is one of the two required films we recommend you view before trekking through the jungle. Especially if you plan on taking a trip to Pandora.
We highly suggest you familiarize yourself with the customs of the Na’vi, the moon of Pandora, and the predatory habits of the Banshees before you visit The World of Avatar. Disney goes a long way in their immersion tactics, so it’s probably a good idea to familiarize yourself with something of this magnitude.
Star Wars
Speaking of highly immersive experiences, why visit a moon when you can visit a galaxy far, far away? If you’re a Jedi-junkie like we are, then you must make a pilgrimage to Galaxy’s Edge. Though the prequels are not required viewing, the original trilogy and the new Disney trilogy are certainly some recommended study.
If you want to rub elbows with Chewie and Rey as you take up arms against the Sith and the First Order, you might want to get familiar with the planets and people first. Become one with the Force and familiarize yourself with this incredible universe.
The Avengers
With the new Avengers Campus coming soon to Disney’s California Adventure, it might be good to assemble Earth’s Mightiest Heroes once more. Since you might have a run-in with the likes of Captain America, Black Panther, or your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, feel free to brush up on your Marvel.
Though we could have easily recommended a number of MCU titles, we feel that you get the best of everything with The Avengers. Especially with their new attraction opening the summer of 2020. Assemble your favorite team and prepare yourself for a super time.
Monsters Inc.
Definitely not the only Pixar property we recommend watching on this list, but one we highly suggest putting on before venturing to Tomorrowland for the Laugh Floor. Mike and Sulley are definitely a favorite pair of Disney pals, and Monsters Inc. is one of the essential Disney buddy flicks.
If you’re planning on a trip with friends, this movie is definitely one we recommend for getting chummy before hitting the parks, especially if you’ve been packed in a car or a hotel room together for a period of time. Nothing like a little Disney magic to take the edge off a long ride.
The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh
Disney is responsible for creating some of the most wonderful animal characters the world has ever known, and none are quite so cherished as Winnie the Pooh. If you can’t wait to climb aboard a honey pot and take a trip into the Hundred Acre Wood at the Magic Kingdom, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh might be just for you.
This charmingly mellow movie is perfect for unwinding or just getting in a warm and fuzzy mood before and after visiting the park. Take our advice and make time for a trip to that wonderfully whimsical world of make-believe.
Finding Nemo
If you plan on visiting Epcot during your time at Walt Disney World, Finding Nemo is one of the most perfect films to get you in the mood to expand your horizons and explore the depths of the ocean. The creatures and characters Marlin and Dory encounter can all be found in the Seas pavilion in Epcot’s Future World, just mind the current renovations.
Exploration is the keyword in this film. If you or any of your party have even the slightest craving for adventure, this is perfect to get you riled up for trekking through the parks at the crack of dawn.
Lilo And Stitch
If you’re looking for a little extra fun to get you in the mood for a trip to Tomorrowland, spend some time with everyone’s favorite little blue troublemaker, Stitch. Though his attraction went out with the dodo in recent years, Experiment 626 is definitely a top-tier Disney character, so why not put him on before going to the park?
With aliens, spaceships, and more than a little humor thrown in for good measure, Lilo and Stitch is easily one of the most underrated family films of all time. If you’re wanting something to put you in the mood for fun, you can’t go wrong here.
The Lion King
We could make several lists of Disney movies that are practically mandatory viewing, but The Lion King is one of those films you absolutely must see, regardless of your Disney trip status. Easily one of the biggest and most-beautiful projects Disney has ever created, The Lion King is definitely a movie perfect for a Disney trip.
It’s mandatory for a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, having heavily inspired the park, and it’s just a good rule of thumb to be familiar with it for most Disney attractions. Various characters, scenes, and songs appear all throughout the parks, so it’s probably good practice to be familiar.
Fantasia
Though probably not one the younger park-goers would suggest, if you’re a hardcore Disnerd like we are, you’ll understand why this is the top of our list. Fantasia isn’t just the highlight of Mickey Mouse’s career, but Disney magic in it’s rawest form. The concept of color, sound, music, animation, and emotion all coming together is practically the base element of Disney itself.
The magic of Disney is what keeps us coming back for more, and few films capture that better than Fantasia. Whether it’s Mickey putting on that famous hat or the swelling of the magnificent score, this film is one of the best to truly represent the Disney name.
