Top 10 Films To Watch Before Your Next Walt Disney World Trip

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Cinderella Castle Magic Kingdom 50th Anniversary Celebration

Walt Disney World is the most magical place on earth, and it features tributes to dozens if not hundreds of films throughout the four theme parks, as well as the hotels, water parks, shopping district, and more. If you are not already familiar with Disney it can seem daunting to catch up before your trip so you can better enjoy the parks.

So here are 10 of the films that you should make an effort to watch above all others before your next trip to Walt Disney World. They are presented in no specific order, and all of these films are available to watch on Disney Plus.


1. Cinderella

As the film that inspired the icon of the Magic Kingdom, Cinderella is easily one of the most essential films to watch before venturing to Walt Disney World. It will give you a feel for some of the magic of the classic Disney Princesses, and introduce you to some of the most famous characters from the film who are among the most popular characters at Walt Disney World. If you watch one of the classic princess films before going to Walt Disney World, make it this one.

2. Ratatouille

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is one of the newest rides at Walt Disney World, and should certainly be a film you make an effort to watch before going to the parks. This film is a wonderful tribute to France, and it is a perfect way to gain a better appreciation for not only the ride, but some of the food you can find in the France Pavilion in Epcot.

3. Star Wars The Force Awakens

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge is the first ever theme park land themed based on the iconic Star Wars franchise. If you have never seen a Star Wars film, or have only watched the classic films, you should make an effort to watch The Force Awakens before venturing to Disney's Hollywood Studios. The land is based on the sequel trilogy, so this film will give you a feel for the franchise, and introduce you to characters like Rey and Kylo Ren who are featured in the attractions.

4. Avatar

Floating Mountains Pandora World of Avatar Disney's Animal Kingdom

Avatar may not be a Disney film, but it has inspired the most popular land at Disney's Animal Kingdom. While the land can certainly be enjoyed by anyone, even if you have not seen this film, watching it before visiting Walt Disney World should help you better understand the attractions and pick up on many of the hidden details and easter eggs.

5. Beauty and the Beast

Beast's Death Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage Disney's Hollywood Studios

Beauty and the Beast is a Disney Classic and one of the best Disney Princess films, and it is prominently featured in multiple Disney Parks. From Be Our Guest and a scene in Mickey's Philharmagic in the Magic Kingdom, to the singalong in Epcot, to the live stage show in Disney's Hollywood Studios, Beauty and the Beast is everywhere in Walt Disney World.

6. Frozen

Frozen is one of the most popular Disney films in recent memory, and you need to make sure you are familiar with this film before visiting Walt Disney World. From its popular attraction at Epcot to character appearances throughout Walt Disney World, and prominent use of the songs throughout the resort, understanding the hype behind this film is essential to a Walt Disney World trip. Also, be sure to check out the Frozen Fever short, which is used in the Frozen Ever After ride, and consider checking out Frozen II which is used in the Magi Kingdom fireworks show Disney Enchantment.

7. Toy Story

Weezy Squeaky Bath Toy Box Toy Story Land Disney's Hollywood Studios

Toy Story is the film that launched Pixar, and one of the most iconic franchises in all of animation. In Walt Disney World, you can find an entire land based on this film series in Disney's Hollywood Studios and an additional ride based on it in the Magic Kingdom. To enjoy these rides you should have at least a basic understanding of the characters, and the first film is the best way to do that.

8. The Lion King

Simba Puppet Festival of the Lion King Disney's Animal Kingdom

The Lion King is one of the most popular Disney films of all time, and there is a lot in Walt Disney World based on The Lion King. One of the best shows in all of the parks, Festival of the Lion King in Disney's Animal Kingdom, is based on this film. Beyond this attraction there are tributes to The Lion King all through the parks, including as a part of Mickey's Philharmagic.

9. Finding Nemo

Crush The Turtle Puppet Go With The Flow Finding Nemo The Musical Disney's Animal Kingdom

Finding Nemo is one of the most popular Pixar films of all time and it has a huge presence in Walt Disney World. Epcot features an entire pavilion themed based on this film called The Seas With Nemo and Friends which includes a ride, show, and an actual aquarium. Disney's Animal Kingdom also features Finding Nemo The Musical, a stage show based on this film with music by the composers of Frozen. This is definitely a film worth watching before you come to Walt Disney World.

10. The Muppet Movie

Muppet Vision Building Disney's Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World

The Muppets have a growing presence in Walt Disney World, and watching their first movie is probably the best way to be introduced to the characters. The biggest attraction based on the characters is MuppetVision 3D, a 4D show that was one of the last Muppet projects worked on by Jim Henson, but there are also two restaurants based on the characters in Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot. This movie will give you a feel for Muppets humor and make sure you know all the main characters.

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