Best Movies to Watch Before A Disney Trip For Every Age

There is so much planning that goes into a Disney trip. Trying to figure out what you need to pack, what dining reservations to make, and what FastPasses you need to get, it can be overwhelming! Getting excited for a Disney trip by watching movies is one of my favorite things to do before we leave. Even though they are movies I have seen hundreds of times, I always catch something new. For some kids, they still haven’t been introduced to a lot of films. Disney owns the rights to a lot of movies and some are represented more heavily than others in the theme parks. Watching movies together is a great way to introduce kids to what they are about to experience. Of course, a 4-year-old probably won’t get as excited as a 14-year-old watching the same movie. Below I list the top 3 movies to watch before a Disney Trip for every age!

Disney Movies for Toddlers

Cinderella

The iconic castle is based off this movie! It may seem like a given but Cinderella is very represented throughout the parks. You can meet her at Cinderella’s Royal Table, Princess Fairytale Hall, 1900 Park Fare dinners, and at Akershus. Not to mention any parades that might be happening during your trip! The magic of the fairy godmother and the music so something that can bring life to Disney before you get there. Plus the mice are precious.

Peter Pan

I might be biased here because I love Peter Pan’s Flight. It is my favorite ride at Disney World because I love flying. The entire concept of never growing up, which Peter Pan repeatedly preaches, is something that Walt Disney himself loved. It is an idea that Disney Parks were based on, that you never have to grow up. Fly through Neverland with your kids, meet the lost boys, defeat captain hook, and even see a mermaid! Of course, like most Disney movies, the music is legendary, and so is everyone’s favorite fairy. Tinker Bell is one of the biggest reasons I recommend watching Peter Pan before a trip. It is a lot more exciting when kids know who can fly out of Cinderella’s castle!

Toy Story

The addition of Toy Story Land makes this movie a definite must see before a trip. At Hollywood Studios you are shrunk down to the size of a toy and get to explore Andy’s backyard! While all three of the movies are great, at least watching the first movie will introduce your kids to the characters before the blast off to infinity and beyond!

Disney Movies for Elementary School Age

Finding Nemo

Yes, this movie CAN be seen by younger children, but I stand by my top three choices for toddlers. Finding Nemo can be a bit scary for kids who are too young at parts, which is why I would suggest it for when they are a little older. At Epcot, you get to talk with Crush! And at Animal Kingdom you can relive the story with Finding Nemo The Musical!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

If your kid likes Star Wars, or you think they would love Star Wars, definitely look into Jedi Training Academy. Kids between the ages of 4-12 can learn how to use the Force and even how to use a lightsaber! Since Kylo Ren often makes an appearance, make sure they watch The Force Awakens so they know who they are dealing with.

Alice In Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland is one of the rides you should watch before a Disneyland trip as well, but even though it doesn’t have as dedicated of a presence in Walt Disney World, I still recommend watching it before. It is a different story than the typical “Princess meets Prince” tale a lot of the movies can be. The characters are unique and fascinating. You can meet a few of them in the parks and some dining as well! Personally, I always loved seeing the Mad Hatter. You can say your trip is celebrating someone’s unbirthday too!

Disney Movies for Teenagers

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

How can we skip over the movie based off such a beloved Disney attraction? Battle alongside Captain Jack Sparrow to win back his ship. The soundtrack alone will get you excited and ready for a sword fight. You can meet Captain Jack Sparrow in the parks or even become a pirate yourself! Happily Ever After fireworks also added a nod to the movies as well.

Fantasia

While this movie can be seen by kids of a young age, most will not sit through it. As a child, I did not understand what was going on and wanted people to start talking. It wasn’t until I got older that I appreciated the movie and thoroughly enjoyed it. The movie is well represented in different areas of the park, and clearly had an inspiration for the nighttime spectacular Fantasmic in Hollywood Studios!

Avatar

The recent opening of Pandora in Animal Kingdom is clearly why this is now a must watch movie before a trip. Imagineers worked directly with the film staff to add hidden treasures throughout the land of Pandora from the first movie. They also added details from the new movies that will be released over the coming years. Learn what about the N’avi and what it means to be part of Pandora.

Honorable Mentions

Frozen

You can meet Anna and Elsa in the Norway pavilion at Epcot, not to mention Frozen Ever After. My reasoning for not making it one of the top 3 in any age group is simply because they others are more highly represented and chances are your child has seen Frozen already. There are only some many times a parent can listen to “Let It Go” before wanting to through the movie out the window. I still love that you get to meet Olaf!

The Lion King

This hurt me not to list in a top 3 category because it is my favorite movie, however, I think the other movies bring the parks to life a little more. The Festival of the Lion King is still exciting even if you haven’t watched the movie, whereas, Peter Pan’s Flight, might not be as special if you haven’t seen Peter Pan.

The Little Mermaid

You will find Ariel at attractions and shows in multiple parks. You can even meet her and Prince Eric multiple places as well! The only reason it isn’t higher on the list is that I feel like the story itself doesn’t need to be known to still understand the different rides or shows.

Disney Halloween Movies

Hocus Pocus

If you are visiting during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party you have to watch Hocus Pocus before you go. If you ask me you have to watch Hocus Pocus every October, but that is just my opinion. The Sanderson Sisters are a staple of the party, so what better way to prepare for the party than to watch such a classic?

Nightmare Before Christmas

Jack Skellington hosts the fireworks show at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year. You can also have a special meet and greet with him and Sally at the party, or at the Christmas party! If you are going to Disneyland, this is especially recommended because the Haunted Mansion gets a special overlay for the holidays.

Disney Christmas Movies

Mickey’s Christmas Carol

Holiday movies are always part of the festivities in my family, so why not combine Disney into the mix? Mickey’s Christmas Carol brings to life a classic Christmas movie with Disney characters you know and love. What better way to get excited about the holidays in Disney World?