Movies to Watch Before Disneyland: Your Ultimate Pre-Vacation Watchlist!
Hey there, movie buffs and Disneyland enthusiasts! Are you planning a trip to the magical kingdom? Before you pack your bags and embark on that enchanting adventure, we've got a fantastic list of movies to watch before Disneyland that'll get you in the spirit and make your vacation even more special. So, grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and let's dive into this magical cinematic journey! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and movies to watch before disneyland.
Why Watch Movies Before Disneyland?
Watch movies before Disneyland? You might be wondering, "Why?" Well, let us tell you, watching movies before Disneyland can enhance your park experience in more ways than one. It's like a sneak peek into the magical world you're about to step into. Here's why it's a fantastic idea:
- Builds Anticipation: Watching these movies before your trip will build excitement and anticipation for the attractions and characters you'll encounter at the park. - Enhances Understanding: Many Disney attractions are based on their animated films. Watching these movies beforehand will give you a better understanding and appreciation of the rides and shows. - Introduces Characters: If you're visiting with kids or even if you're a first-timer, watching these movies will introduce you to beloved Disney characters, making your park experience more enjoyable.
Movies to Watch Before Disneyland: The Ultimate Watchlist
Alright, enough talk! Let's get to the main event. Here's our ultimate list of movies to watch before Disneyland, organized by park area to help you plan your watchlist:
Main Street, U.S.A.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Kicking off our list is the classic Mary Poppins, a film that embodies the spirit of Main Street, U.S.A. This enchanting musical tells the story of the Banks family and their magical nanny, Mary Poppins. The film's charming songs and whimsical story are sure to put you in a Disney mood.
Fun fact: The film features a scene where Mary Poppins and the children visit an early version of Disneyland, making it a perfect fit for our list of movies to watch before Disneyland.
Fantasyland
Cinderella (1950)
No list of movies to watch before Disneyland would be complete without the classic tale of Cinderella. This beloved animated film tells the story of a young woman who dreams of a better life and finds her prince charming with the help of her Fairy Godmother. Cinderella's story comes to life in Fantasyland with attractions like Cinderella Castle and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Peter Pan (1953)
Next up, we have another classic animated film, Peter Pan. Join Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys as they take to the skies and have an adventure in Neverland. This film is a must-watch before visiting Fantasyland, where you can find attractions like Peter Pan's Flight and "it's a small world".
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for the famous "Second Star to the Right" line from the movie as you soar through Peter Pan's Flight.
Adventureland
The Jungle Book (1967)
Venture into Adventureland with The Jungle Book. This classic animated film follows the adventures of Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves, as he journeys through the jungle with his friends Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther. The film's catchy songs and thrilling adventures make it a perfect watch before exploring Adventureland's attractions like Jungle Cruise and Indiana Jones Adventure.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
While not an animated film, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a must-watch before visiting Adventureland. This live-action adventure film stars Johnny Depp as the eccentric pirate Jack Sparrow and features a thrilling pirate adventure that'll have you ready to set sail on the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
Frontierland
Dumbo (1941)
Before heading to Frontierland, watch Dumbo, a heartwarming tale about a young circus elephant with incredibly large ears. Dumbo learns to believe in himself and soars to great heights with the help of his friend, Timothy Q. Mouse. Dumbo's story can be found in Frontierland with the "it's a small world" attraction and the nearby Fantasy Faire, where you can meet Dumbo and his friends.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1979)
Yes, you read that right! There's a film version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This made-for-TV movie tells the story of a young boy who becomes involved in a thrilling adventure aboard the runaway mine train. Watching this film before visiting Frontierland will give you a unique perspective on the attraction and its history.
New Orleans Square
The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Inspired by the charm and culture of New Orleans, The Princess and the Frog is a modern Disney classic that tells the story of Tiana, a hardworking waitress with big dreams of opening her own restaurant. With the help of a frog prince and a little bit of magic, Tiana's dreams come true in this enchanting musical. The film's setting and themes make it a perfect fit for New Orleans Square, where you can find attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion.
Critter Country
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
Before visiting Critter Country, watch The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. This classic animated film follows the beloved honey-loving bear and his friends on a series of adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. The film's charming stories and characters come to life in Critter Country with attractions like The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Splash Mountain.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland (2015)
Last but not least, we have Tomorrowland, a live-action science fiction film that celebrates the wonder and excitement of the future. The film follows a young inventor who teams up with a former boy genius to embark on a thrilling adventure through a mysterious world of scientific wonders. Watching this film before visiting Tomorrowland will give you a fresh perspective on attractions like Space Mountain and Star Tours.
Bonus: Movies to Watch Before Disneyland with Kids
If you're visiting Disneyland with kids, here are some additional movies to watch before Disneyland that'll help get them excited for the park:
- Zootopia (2016) - Moana (2016) - Frozen (2013) - The Lion King (1994) - Aladdin (1992) - The Incredibles (2004) - Toy Story (1995)
Conclusion: Movies to Watch Before Disneyland
There you have it, folks! Our ultimate list of movies to watch before Disneyland. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned Disney veteran, watching these films before your visit is sure to enhance your park experience and make your vacation even more magical.
So, grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and let the enchantment begin. And remember, as Mary Poppins would say, "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and—snap!—the job's a game."
Happy watching, and have a magical time at Disneyland!