As a mom of two and a Disney travel agent, I can tell you that one of the most fun ways to get your family excited about your Disney World trip is to have a Disney Movie Marathon. 

I will give you my recommended list of movies to watch before visiting Disney World! 

In this article, I will discuss what movies to watch before going to Disney World and where to see the characters, attractions, food, and more when you visit the parks.

Grab some popcorn and get ready for some Disney magic right at home!

Top 15 Movies to Watch Before Going to Disney World 

1. Toy Story

If your kids love Woody, Buzz, and all their Toy Story friends, then they will lose their minds at Toy Story Land.

Toy Story Land is a colorful, playful area that makes you feel like you’ve shrunk to the size of a toy. Watching the Toy Story movies before your trip will help your kids recognize the characters and enjoy the attractions even more.

• Park: You’ll find Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios, one of the four main parks at Disney World.
  
• Attractions:
  
  • Slinky Dog Dash is a fun roller coaster that zips and zooms around just like Slinky would in Andy’s backyard.
    
  • Toy Story Mania is a 4D shooting game where you compete with your family to hit the most targets.
    
  • Alien Swirling Saucers lets you spin around with the little green aliens as they try to get picked by “The Claw!”
    
• Dining:
  
  • Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a sit-down restaurant where you can eat like a cowboy.  You get bbq with all the fixens.
    
• Character Meet & Greets:
  
  • You can meet Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Jessie in Toy Story Land. They’re great for hugs, autographs, and family photos!
    
• Shows/Extras:
  
  • Keep an eye out for Toy Story-themed characters in the parades. We have seen the gang strolling down Main Street at Magic Kingdom

2. Frozen

If your kids can’t stop singing “Let It Go”, then Frozen should definitely be on your pre-trip movie list. 

• Park: You’ll find most of the Frozen fun in EPCOT, right inside the Norway Pavilion in World Showcase.
  
• Attractions:
  
  • Frozen Ever After:  Take a boat ride through Arendelle, where you’ll see Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and friends. There are songs from the movie, cool effects, and a little surprise drop at the end—nothing too scary, just fun.
    
• Dining:
  
  • Unfortunately, at this time, there is nowhere to dine with Anna and Elsa, but throughout the year, different dining locations will have cute snacks and meals with a little touch of Frozen theming.
    
• Character Meet & Greets:
  
  • You can meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus, which is also in the Norway Pavilion.  The atmosphere here resembles visiting Elsa and Anna in their very own summer house.  The space is beautifully themed, and the meet-and-greet feels relaxed and personal.
    
• Shows/Extras:
  
  • At Hollywood Studios, don’t miss the “For the First Time in Forever” sing-along. It’s indoors, air-conditioned (bonus!), and really entertaining.  Don’t forget to have your cameras ready at the end of the show.  SNOWSTORM INCOMING!

3. The Little Mermaid

Watching The Little Mermaid before your Disney trip is a must because Ariel’s story is all over Walt Disney World. 

• Park: You can find Ariel’s world in Fantasy Land at  Magic Kingdom, with some additional touches at Hollywood Studios.
  
• Attractions:
  
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid is a gentle ride that takes you through the story of Ariel and her adventures with Prince Eric, Ursula, and Sebastian. It’s great for all ages and is my daughter’s favorite. 

• Dining:
  
  • While there isn’t a Little Mermaid-themed restaurant at Disney World, some character dining experiences include Ariel—especially meals with multiple princesses, like at Akershus or Cinderella’s Royal Table. You might also spot Little Mermaid-themed décor or treats during seasonal events.
    
• Character Meet & Greets:
  
  • Ariel has her own grotto at Magic Kingdom, where you can meet her in her mermaid form. The setting feels like you’re under the sea, and the photos turn out great!
    
• Shows/Extras:
  
  • Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a stage show at Hollywood Studios featuring live performers, puppets, and songs from the film. It has been closed since 2020 due to COVID-19, but will reopen on May 27, 2025.

4. Star Wars (Any movie in the saga)

If your family includes any Jedi hopefuls, droid lovers, or future Resistance fighters, Star Wars is an excellent set of movies to watch before heading to Disney World.

Hollywood Studios is home to Galaxy’s Edge, a fully immersive land that feels like you’ve stepped onto another planet—complete with stormtroopers, starships, and the smell of space food (in a good way).

• Park: Everything Star Wars is found in Hollywood Studios
  
• Attractions:
  
  • Rise of the Resistance is one of the most impressive rides Disney has ever built. It’s part ride, part walk-through, and part escape mission—perfect for older kids and adults
    
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run lets you actually fly the Millennium Falcon. You get to be either a pilot, gunner, or engineer.
    
• Dining:
  
  • Docking Bay 7 is a quick-service spot with creative dishes that look and taste like they’re from another galaxy (but don’t worry—they’re all familiar flavors).
    
  • Oga’s Cantina is a Star Wars-style lounge with space drinks, cool music, and an alien DJ. You’ll need a reservation.  Tip:  Try the fuzzy tan tan.  It will make your lips tingle.
    
• Character Meet & Greets:
  
  • Instead of traditional meet-and-greets, Star Wars characters roam the land. You might bump into Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, Rey, or a squad of stormtroopers at any moment. 

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

If your family loves music, action, and a little bit of weird space humor, Guardians of the Galaxy is a must-watch before your trip.

• Park: You’ll find the Guardians over at EPCOT, right near the front of the park in the World Discovery area.
  
• Attractions:
  
  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a unique roller coaster that launches you backwards and spins 360 degrees. While zooming around, you will hear awesome music from Star-Lord’s playlist while you help save the galaxy.  This may be my favorite ride at Disney World.
    
• Dining:
  
  • There’s no official Guardians restaurant (yet!), but Connections Eatery is nearby and offers solid breakfast and lunch/dinner options.
    
• Character Meet & Greets:
  
  • You might spot Star-Lord and Gamora during special events like EPCOT festivals or holiday parties. They’re not out every day, so it’s a bit of a bonus when you do catch them!

6. The Princess and the Frog

The Princess and the Frog is one of my family’s favorites and for good reason.  Tiana’s story is full of music, adventure, and heart—and now, she has her very own ride at Magic Kingdom.

• Park: You’ll find Tiana primarily in Magic Kingdom although she has some featured spots in other areas around Disney World too.
  
• Attractions:
  
  • Tiana’s Bayou Adventure:  It is the rethemed Splash mountain.  The theming picks up after the movie’s ending and follows Tiana on a musical adventure through the bayou. Expect lively music, beautiful scenery, and a fun drop at the end!
    
• Dining:
  
  • You can eat with Tiana at 1900 Park Fare over at the Grand Floridian.   Be sure to bring your autograph book.  Pro Tip:  Try the strawberry soup at this restaurant.  You won’t regret it!
    
• Character Meet & Greets:
  
  • You can meet Princess Tiana at Fairytale hall as a special guest princess.  My kids were star struck when they met her and the whole experience was really personable.
    
• Shows/Extras:
  
  • Tiana is often featured in Magic Kingdom parades and cavalcades, especially during daytime celebrations or seasonal events. She’s hard to miss in her sparkling green dress!
    

7. Cinderella

Cinderella is one of Disney’s most classic stories, and at Magic Kingdom, her presence is everywhere, starting with the most famous castle in the world. 

• Park: I mean…….Cinderella pretty much lives at Magic Kingdom.  That castle(you know, the one) is Cinderella’s castle and is the centerpiece of the entire park.
  
• Attractions:
  
  • While there’s no ride dedicated to Cinderella, the castle itself is one of the most iconic Disney landmarks. You can walk through it, dine inside, or just admire it from every angle—it’s the backdrop for parades, photos, and fireworks.
    
• Dining:
  
  • Want to eat inside the castle?  You can! You can eat at Cinderella’s Royal Table, where you will get a royal meet and greet from Cinderella herself and a visit from several other princesses while you eat. It’s a magical experience, especially for kids who love dressing up.
    
• Character Meet & Greets:
  
  • You can meet Cinderella at Princess Fairytale Hall, a beautiful indoor space with other princesses. She also greets guests at her dining experience in the castle.
    
• Shows/Extras:
  
  • Cinderella is often featured in Magic Kingdom’s parades.  The castle lights up and sparkles at night—just like her glass slippers.

8. Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo is featured in some of the most entertaining shows in all of Disney World so it is a great movie to watch to prepare your kids for whats to come. 

• Park: You’ll find Nemo and friends in both EPCOT and Animal Kingdom, with different kinds of experiences at each park.
  
• Attractions:
  
  • At EPCOT, The Seas with Nemo & Friends is a gentle ride that takes you through animated scenes and into a real aquarium—kids love spotting the characters swimming alongside real fish.
    
  • Turtle Talk with Crush is also in EPCOT and features an interactive screen where kids can chat live with Crush the sea turtle. It’s funny, unpredictable, and great for all ages.
    
  • At Animal Kingdom, Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! is a stage show with live performers, puppets, and music. It’s indoors and has fabulous air conditioning.  

• Dining:
  
  • Coral Reef Restaurant in EPCOT is right next to The Seas pavilion and has big windows into the aquarium. It’s not Nemo-themed, but if your kids are into sea life, they’ll love watching the fish and maybe spotting a shark or stingray while they eat.
    .
    
• Shows/Extras:
  
  • The aquarium area in EPCOT is one of the largest aquariums in the world.  You will see manatees, sea turtles, and even diver demonstrations. My kids love to run around in here, and it’s a good spot to take a break from the afternoon heat. 

9. Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast is a quintessential Disney movie.  It has everything:  good music, magical castles, a beautiful heroin (and as a ’90s baby, I think Belle is so cool).

• Park: You’ll find most of the Beauty and the Beast magic at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
  
• Attractions:
  
  • At Magic Kingdom, Enchanted Tales with Belle:  This one is cool.  Your kids actually get to participate in an interactive story.  Everyone plays a part.  My niece was Mrs. Pots, and my son was a dinner plate.  It was hilarious.  You also get to meet Belle.  It is super special. 
  • At Hollywood Studios, Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage is a Broadway-style musical with costumes, dancing, and all the songs you know from the movie.
    
• Dining:
  
  • Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom is a must for fans of the movie. Themed like Beast’s castle. Dining rooms are  inspired by the movie, like the ballroom, the West Wing.  
  • The Beast makes an appearance during dinner, walking through the dining room for a quick wave or photo from your table.
    
• Character Meet & Greets:
  
  • You can meet Belle in a few different spots—often near the France Pavilion in EPCOT or at the end of Enchanted Tales with Belle. She’s usually in her golden gown and always happy to chat about books or adventures.
    
• Shows/Extras:
  
  • Belle and Beast are often featured in Magic Kingdom’s “Festival of the Fantasy” Parade. 

10. Moana

Can I just say, I LOVE Moanna.  She might be my favorite “modern princess.”  Make sure you brush up on the movie before heading to The World. 

• Park: You’ll find Moana over at EPCOT and Animal Kingdom.
  
• Attractions:
  
  • Journey of Water—Inspired by Moana is an interactive and surprisingly fun walk-through experience that teaches about the water cycle through playful fountains and misty paths. Warning: You might get wet.
    
• Dining:
  
  • There’s no Moana-themed restaurant (yet), but if you visit during an EPCOT festival, you’ll probably spot some island-inspired treats. Think tropical flavors like pineapple and coconut—very on brand for Motunui.
    
• Character Meet & Greets:
  
  • Moana meets guests near Journey of Water in Epcot.  You can also find her in Animal Kingdom at Character Landing.  Don’t forget your autograph books.
    
• Shows/Extras:
  
  • You might also catch her in the Festival of Fantasy parade at Magic Kingdom. 

11. Avatar

I will be honest. Before my first trip to Disney World, I had never seen Avatar, and I was still in awe of the World of Pandora in Animal Kingdom.

It’s one of the most immersive areas in any Disney park. Watching the movie before your trip can help kids understand the story behind the floating mountains and glowing plants, but even without it, this land is pure magic.

• Park: You’ll find Pandora – The World of Avatar in Animal Kingdom, and it honestly feels like stepping onto another planet.
  
• Attractions:
  
  • Flight of Passage is a 3D flying simulator where you ride a banshee through Pandora’s landscapes. It’s one of the most popular rides at Disney World—and for good reason. It’s thrilling but beautiful, and older kids and teens especially love it.
    
  • Na’vi River Journey is a calm boat ride through a bioluminescent forest. It’s slower-paced and great for younger kids who might not be ready for Flight of Passage yet.
    
• Dining
  
  • Satu’li Canteen is the main restaurant in Pandora and a great quick-service option.   It is my personal favorite for quick-service food in Animal Kingdom.  You will find customizable protein bowls and kid-friendly cheeseburger pods that fit the theme of Avatar.
    
    
• Shows/Extras:
  
  • Pandora is especially stunning at night, when the pathways and plants glow with bioluminescent colors. It’s worth circling back in the evening to walk through—it feels completely different than during the day.

12. The Lion King

The Lion King is one of those movies that spans generations.  My mom loves it, I love it, and now my kids love it. 

• Park: Everything Lion King is centered in Animal Kingdom, which makes perfect sense given the connection to nature and wildlife.
  
• Attractions:
  
  • The main event is the Festival of the Lion King.  This show has everything: acrobatics, live singing, bold costumes, and all our favorite Lion King characters.  Also, it’s air-conditioned.  What’s not to like?
    
• Dining:
  
  • Tusker House is a great character dining spot nearby. While it’s not Lion King–themed, it fits the African-inspired vibe of the movie, and you’ll meet characters like Mickey, Donald, and Goofy in safari gear.
    
• Character Meet & Greets:
  
  • Timon and Rafiki make occasional appearances, especially during special events.
    
• Shows/Extras:
  
  • Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Animal Kingdom includes educational exhibits and a small petting zoo. Who doesn’t love a petting zoo?  I know my kids do. 

13. Snow White

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is where it all began—the very first full-length animated Disney movie.  It’s a must before heading to Disney World. 

• Park: Most of the Snow White experiences are at Magic Kingdom,but there are other touches of the “first princess of Disney”.
  
• Attractions:
  
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a family-friendly coaster that takes you into the dwarfs’ gem-filled mine. It’s a smooth ride with just enough thrill to keep it exciting for both kids and adults. Be on the lookout for Snow White towards the end of the ride.
    
• Dining:
  
  • Storybook Dining at Artist Point (in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge) is a u character dinner with Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and even the Evil Queen. The food is some of the most creative of any character meal.
    
• Character Meet & Greets:
  
  • You can usually meet Snow White in Magic Kingdom, often near the Town Square or at Princess Fairytale Hall.
    
• Shows/Extras:
  
  • Look closely during Magic Kingdom’s nighttime fireworks—Snow White and the dwarfs often appear in the castle projections.  You can also see her dancing around during the parades.

14. Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones might not be the first character that comes to mind when you think “Disney,” but his presence at Hollywood Studios is a fun nod to action-adventure fans, especially parents who grew up watching the movies.

If your kids haven’t seen Raiders of the Lost Ark (or any of the series), watching one before your trip can be a great way to get them excited about what they’ll see at the park.

• Park: You’ll find Indiana Jones at Hollywood Studios.
• Attractions:
  
  • The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! is a live show that feels like stepping onto a movie set. It walks you through how big action scenes are filmed, with explosions, stunts, and a few surprises. 
  • Animal Kingdom:  Coming soon:  In the future, Imagineers are retheming the Dinosaur ride into an Indiana Jones ride (They already have one at Disneyland, and it is so fun.  I am a witness).

• Dining:
  
  • There’s no Indy-themed restaurant, but nearby dining areas (like Backlot Express) have props and artifacts tucked into the décor that nod to Indiana Jones. Spotting the little Easter eggs is fun if you’ve just watched the movie.
    
    
• Shows/Extras:
  
  • There’s plenty of themed merchandise around the stunt show’s exit and nearby shops.
    

15. Ratatouille

This movie is one of the sweetest Pixar films to share with kids before a Disney trip. It is constantly on repeat at my house. Watch it before heading to the parks, especially Epcot.

• Park: Head to the France Pavilion in EPCOT to step into Remy’s world, shrunk down to the size of a rat!
  
• Attractions:
  
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a family-friendly 4D ride where you scurry through Gusteau’s kitchen from Remy’s perspective. It’s fun, fast-moving (but not scary), and filled with sights and smells straight out of the movie. It’s especially great for younger kids or anyone new to Disney rides.
    
• Dining:
  
  • Les Chefs de France at Epcot is a sit-down spot where you can enjoy classic French cuisine in an elegant but family-welcoming atmosphere.
    
  • La Crêperie de Paris, right next to the ride, is a quicker and more casual option—perfect for grabbing sweet or savory crepes as a snack or light meal.
    
• Shows/Extras:
  
  • During the Food and Wine Festival, you can do a scavenger hunt called “Remi’s Hide and Squeek.”  You look throughout the themed lands for hidden remi statues.  Find them all?  You get a prize.  Purchase your scavenger hunt maps from
    • Creations Shop
    • Disney Traders
    • Festival Merchandise Kiosks
    • World Traveler

Runner-Up Movies to Watch Before Disney World

These movies didn’t quite make the top 15, but they’re still worth watching before your trip!

These beloved characters and themes are scattered throughout the parks, from fun attractions to character meet-and-greets.

Tangled

• Park: Magic Kingdom – Look for the beautifully themed Tangled bathrooms near Fantasyland (great spot for photos!).  I know it sounds weird to have a photo spot near the bathrooms but just trust me on this.
  
• Dining: Tangled-inspired snacks and merch pop up during special events.
  
• Characters: Meet Rapunzel at Princess Fairytale Hall.
  
• Extras: Tangled shows up in the castle projections during nighttime fireworks and the Festival of Fantasy Parade.
  

Monsters, Inc.

• Park: Magic Kingdom – The main presence is Tomorrowland.
  
• Attractions: Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is an interactive comedy show where monsters joke with the audience.
  • Coming soon is a Monsters Inc themed area in Hollywood studios, complete with a new roller coaster.
    
• Dining: Themed snacks may show up during Halloween and other parties.
  
• Characters: Meet Mike and Sulley at Hollywood Studios.
  
• Extras: Occasional parade or special event appearances.
  

Lilo & Stitch

• Park: Magic Kingdom and nearby resorts.
  
  
• Dining: ‘Ohana at the Polynesian Resort offers a fun character breakfast with Lilo and Stitch.
  
• Characters: Stitch appears in Magic Kingdom and at seasonal events.
  
• Extras: Often part of holiday parades or themed dance parties.
  

Pirates of the Caribbean

• Park: Magic Kingdom – A classic ride in Adventureland.
  
• Attractions: The Pirates of the Caribbean ride is a must-do for fans of the films.
  
• Dining: Grab quick bites at Tortuga Tavern, right across from the ride (will soon be rethemed to a pirate-themed lounge).
  
• Characters: Meet Captain Jack Sparrow, who occasionally roams the area near the attraction.
  
• Extras: Look out for pirate-themed events, especially during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween parties and seasonal offerings.

Tips for Hosting a Disney Movie Marathon with Your Family

1. Make It a Countdown:
   Build the excitement by watching one Disney movie each night in the weeks leading up to your trip. You could start with a classic, then move into the more specific films related to the parks you’ll visit.
   
2. Themed Snacks:
   Bring the movies to life with creative snacks that match each film. For example, for Finding Nemo, serve blue Jello or Frozen could be paired with snow cone treats. Let each movie inspire a fun, themed snack, whether it’s orange cupcakes for Tangled (because of the lanterns) or pirate-shaped cookies for Pirates of the Caribbean.
   
3. Dress Up or Wear Ears:
   Have the kids wear their favorite Disney gear—Mickey ears, princess dresses, or superhero costumes—during movie night. You can even match the outfit to the movie you’re watching for extra fun, like a Frozen night with Elsa costumes or a Star Wars night with Jedi robes.
   
4. Create a Bingo Card:
   Make a bingo card for your family to mark off things as they appear during the movies, like characters, songs, or iconic quotes. For example, for The Lion King, you could mark off “Hakuna Matata,” Simba, and the elephant graveyard. This keeps kids engaged and adds a little friendly competition to movie night.
   
5. Use Disney+ Playlists:
   Take advantage of Disney+ playlists—official or fan-curated- that include all the movies you want to watch. This makes it super easy to organize your marathon and ensures you’ve got the right movies lined up for the countdown.
   
6. Involve the Kids:
   Let the kids help create the movie lineup or pick which snacks to make. Not only will this make them feel more involved, but it also ensures you’ll be watching movies they’re excited about. You can even ask them to vote on movies for certain nights if you can’t decide!
   
   
7. Printable Movie List:
   Check out my FREE printable checklist so you can track your progress through the marathon.  I hope you enjoy. 

Need More Help Planning Your Disney Trip? I Can Help

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—movies to watch before visiting Disney World that will get your family in the Disney spirit and counting down the days to your big adventure! 

From princesses to pirates and everything in between, these Disney movies are the perfect way to spark some magic before you even set foot in the parks. 

Pop some popcorn, snuggle up, and let the movie marathon begin—your Disney World dream trip is just around the corner!

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