Movies to watch before going to Disney World

Stuck at home and looking for something to do before your next Disney World trip?

Lots of families (ours included!) turn to Disney movies and TV shows on Disney+ as a way to pass the time.

So put on your favorite snuggle clothes, grab a cozy blanket, and join us as we list off all the movies to watch before going to Walt Disney World!

In this article

Disney Movies and Shows to Watch (By Park)

First, we are going to give you 4 lists (one for each park) of the movies and shows that are most prominently represented in the parks.

Then, below that, we will cover all those movies PLUS all the ones that play a more minor role in the parks and resorts, and we’ll tell you exactly what the Walt Disney World connections are.

Keep in mind that you could go to Disney World right now without ever having seen any Disney movies and still have a fantastic time, but we think it is a little bit more fun if your group knows the backstory to some of the things you’ll see when you’re there.

Note: For more info on what characters you can find in the parks, make sure you check out our Character Guide for info on where you can find all your favorites!

Magic Kingdom

Heading to Magic Kingdom? Consider watching these Disney movies:

Epcot

Planning to visit Epcot? These are great Disney movies and TV shows to watch first:

Hollywood Studios

Spending some time at Hollywood Studios? Watch these Disney movies and TV shows first:

Animal Kingdom

Have a day (or more!) planned for Animal Kingdom? Add these Disney movies and shows to your watch list:

Movies and Shows Represented at Walt Disney World (Parks, Resorts, & Restaurants)

We are sure there are some that we missed (and if so, please let us know in the comments below!) but to get you started, here are some of our favorites.

Keep in mind that when it comes to dining experiences, sometimes the characters can vary, but we listed the ones that typically have the character connected to the movie below.

Also, if a movie is represented only by a single character meet, we didn’t list it below unless there is an elaborate set-up for the meet.

A Bug’s Life

Connected attraction(s):
- It’s Tough to be a Bug! (Animal Kingdom)

Connected character meets: N/A
Connected dining: N/A

A Goofy Movie
and An Extremely Goofy Movie

Connected attraction(s): The Barnstormer (Magic Kingdom) Note: A Goofy Movie isn’t a direct tie-in to The Barnstormer, but it is a fun one to represent the antics of Goofy

Connected character meets:
- Pete’s Silly Side Show (Magic Kingdom)
- Disney Visa Character Meet (Epcot)
- Donald’s Dino-Bash (Animal Kingdom)
Connected dining:
- Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort)
- Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood and Vine (Hollywood Studios)
- Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast (Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club)
- Ravello (Four Seasons Resort)
- Tusker House (Animal Kingdom)

Aladdin
(& related movies)

Connected attraction(s):
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (Magic Kingdom)
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets:
- Aladdin and Jasmine meet separately in Adventureland (Magic Kingdom)
- Princess Jasmine in Morocco (Epcot)
- Exclusive character meets with Aladdin characters at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Magic Kingdom)

Connected dining:
- Cinderella’s Royal Table^* (Magic Kingdom)

^*Note: Although Cinderella’s Royal Table is open, the only princess that is there currently is Cinderella. We do expect the other characters to return at some point in the future.

Alice in Wonderland

Connected attraction(s):
- Mad Tea Party (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Alice in the United Kingdom pavilion in the World Showcase section of Epcot
- Alice in Wonderland characters also meet at Mad Tea Party at Magic Kingdom
- Exclusive Alice in Wonderland character meets also available at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Connected dining:
- Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare^* (Grand Floridian)
Connected resort:
- Grand Floridian (Alice in Wonderland-themed pool)

^*Note: 1900 Park Fare is not currently open.

Avatar

Connected land & attractions:
- Pandora (land in Animal Kingdom)
- Avatar Flight of Passage (attraction in Animal Kingdom)
- Na’vi River Journey (attraction in Animal Kingdom)

Connected character meets: N/A
Connected dining:
- Satu’li Canteen (Animal Kingdom; no characters, but this is a very well-themed restaurant)

Beauty and the Beast
(& related movies)

Connected attraction(s):
- Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage (Hollywood Studios)
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along (France Pavilion in Epcot)
- Enchanted Tales with Belle^* (Magic Kingdom)
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Magic Kingdom)

^*Note: Enchanted Tales with Belle is not currently open.

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Belle at Maurice’s Cottage (Magic Kingdom)
- You can meet Belle in the France Pavilion in Epcot
- There are also exclusive character meet opportunities at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Connected dining:
- Gaston’s Tavern (Magic Kingdom)
- Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom)
- Akershus (Epcot)
- Enchanted Rose Lounge (Grand Floridian)

Brave

Connected attraction(s): N/A

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Merida in the Magic Kingdom
Connected dining: N/A

Cars
(& related movies)

Connected attraction(s):
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (Hollywood Studios)

Connected character meets:
- No real meet & greet, but you can see Lightning McQueen at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Connected dining: N/A
Connected resort:
- Art of Animation (Cars section and Cars Family Suites)

Cinderella
(& related movies)

Connected attraction(s):
- Cinderella Castle (Magic Kingdom)
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Anastasia & Drizella in Magic Kingdom
- Meet Cinderella at Princess Fairytale Hall (Magic Kingdom)

Connected dining:
- Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
- Akershus (Epcot)
- Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare^* (Grand Floridian)

^*Note: 1900 Park Fare are not currently open

The Country Bears

Connected attraction(s):
- Country Bear Jamboree (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets:
- You can often see the Country Bears (Big Al, Liverlips, Shaker, and Wendell) on the balcony above the Country Bear Jamboree
- There are also exclusive character meet opportunities at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Connected dining: N/A

Disney Junior Shows

Connected attraction(s):
- Disney Junior Play and Dance! (Hollywood Studios)
- You can get a mini Fancy Nancy makeover^* at “In Character” (which is a little shop directly across from Disney Junior Play and Dance!)

*Note: The Fancy Nancy makeover is currently unavailable and In Character is closed.

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, and Vampirina outside the Disney Junior Play and Dance! (Hollywood Studios)
- You can see Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, and Timon at dance parties at both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Connected dining: Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine (Hollywood Studios – note, the typical characters here are: Vampirina, Fancy Nancy, and Doc Mc Stuffins)

DuckTales
(& related TV shows and movies)

Connected attraction(s):
- DuckTales World Showcase Adventure (Epcot; coming soon)

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Chip ‘n’ Dale at Donald’s Dino-Bash in Animal Kingdom
Connected dining: N/A

Dumbo

Connected attraction(s):
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Magic Kingdom)
- Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets: N/A
Connected dining: N/A

Elena of Avalor

Connected attraction(s): Princess Fairytale Hall (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Elena at Princess Fairytale Hall in the Magic Kingdom
Connected dining: N/A

Fantasia & Fantasia 2000

Connected attraction(s):
- Fantasmic! (Hollywood Studios)
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets: You can meet Sorcerer Mickey at Hollywood Studios

Connected dining: N/A
Connected resort:
- All Star Movies (Fantasia! themed section)

Finding Nemo & Finding Dory

Connected attraction(s):
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue….and Beyond (Animal Kingdom)
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends (Epcot)
- Turtle Talk with Crush (Epcot)

Connected character meets: N/A
Connected dining:
- You can eat seafood at Coral Reef at Epcot while gazing upon the fish inside the aquarium, which is pretty creepy now that we write it down
Connected resort:
- Art of Animation (Finding Nemo Family Suites)

Frozen, Frozen 2
(& related movies)

Connected attraction(s):
- For the First Time in Forever Sing-Along Celebration (Hollywood Studios)
- Frozen Ever After (Epcot)

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Olaf (Hollywood Studios)
- You can meet Anna and Elsa (separately) (Norway Pavilion in Epcot)

Connected dining: N/A

Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
(& related movies)

Connected attraction(s):
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Connected character meets: N/A
Connected dining: N/A

Haunted Mansion

Connected attraction(s):
- Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets: N/A
Connected dining: N/A

Incredibles & Incredibles 2

Connected attraction(s): N/A
Connected resort:
- Contemporary Resort (rooms are Incredibles themed)

Connected dining: N/A

Lady and the Tramp
(& related movies)

Connected attraction(s): N/A
Connected character meets: N/A

Connected dining:
- Tony’s Town Square (Magic Kingdom – no character meets, but it is heavily themed after Lady and the Tramp)

Lilo & Stitch
(& related movies)

Connected attraction(s):
- At one time, Magic Kingdom had “Stitch’s Great Escape” but that has been closed for some time now
Connected character meets:
- Available to meet in Tomorrowland, Elvis Stitch is available at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and you can see Stitch perform at an exclusive show at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Connected dining:
- Best Friend’s Breakfast at ‘Ohana (Polynesian Resort)

The Lion King & The Lion Guard
(& related movies)

Connected attraction(s):
- Festival of the Lion King (Animal Kingdom)
- Disney Junior Play and Dance! (Hollywood Studios)
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets:
- You can also catch Timon at dance parties at both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Connected dining: N/A
Connected resort:
- Art of Animation (Lion King section, and Lion King Family Suites)
- Animal Kingdom Lodge (some Lion King elements can be found scattered in the rooms)

The Little Mermaid
(& related movies)

Connected attraction(s):
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid^* (Hollywood Studios)
- Under the Sea~Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Magic Kingdom)

^*Note: Voyage of the Little Mermaid is not currently open.

Connected character meets:
- *You can meet Ariel with her mermaid tail in Magic Kingdom
- You can meet both Ariel and Eric at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

*Note: The Ariel meet and greet is not currently available.

Connected dining:
- Akershus (Epcot)
- Cinderella’s Royal Table^* (Magic Kingdom)
- Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast at Trattoria Al Forno^* (Boardwalk)
- Sebastian’s Bistro (Caribbean Beach Resort No characters, just decor with Sebastian on it)

^*Note: Tattoria Al Forno does not currently have characters. Although Cinderella’s Royal Table is open, the only princess that is there currently is Cinderella. We do expect the other characters to return at some point in the future.

Connected resort:
- Art of Animation (Little Mermaid section and rooms)

Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Connected attraction(s):
- Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park

Connected character meets: N/A

Connected dining: N/A

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
(& related movies)

Connected attraction(s):
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Tigger and Winnie the Pooh (Magic Kingdom)
- You can also meet Winnie the Pooh (Imagination Pavilion at Epcot)
- There are also exclusive Pooh character meets (in costumes) at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Winnie the Pooh and friend character meet

Connected dining:
- Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare* (Grand Floridian)
- Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom)

^*Note: 1900 Park Fare is not currently open

Mary Poppins & Mary Poppins Returns

Connected attraction(s):
- Disney had announced a Mary Poppins attraction for the U.K. Pavilion in Epcot, but that appears to have been scrapped.

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Mary Poppins in Epcot
- You can also meet Mary and Bert at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Connected dining:
- Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare^* (Grand Floridian)
- Citricos (Grand Floridian – no characters, but the restaurant’s decor is inspired by Mary Poppins Returns)

^*Note: 1900 Park Fare is not currently open

All Mickey Mouse related content

Connected attraction(s):
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Hollywood Studios)
- Mickey’s Shorts Theater, Disney Junior Play and Dance! (Hollywood Studios)
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Magic Kingdom)

mickey and minnie runaways railway entrance

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Mickey in every park
- Mickey is also available to meet at both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Connected dining:
- Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort)
- Garden Grill (Epcot)
- Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood and Vine (Hollywood Studios)
- Best Friend’s Breakfast at ‘Ohana (Polynesian)
- Tusker House (Animal Kingdom)
- Topolino’s Terrace (Riviera Resort)

Moana

Connected attraction(s):
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana (coming late 2023! – Epcot)

Connected character meets: N/A
Connected dining: N/A

Monsters Inc & Monsters University

Connected attraction(s): Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets: You can meet Sulley in Hollywood Studios
Connected dining: N/A

Muppets
(& related movies)

Connected attraction(s): Muppet*Vision 3D (Hollywood Studios)

Connected character meets: N/A
Connected dining: N/A

Peter Pan
(& related movies)

Connected attraction(s):
- Peter Pan’s Flight (Magic Kingdom)
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets:
- Peter Pan (Magic Kingdom
- Tinker Bell^* (Magic Kingdom)
Connected dining: N/A

*Note: The Tinker Bell Meet and Greet at Town Square Theater is currently closed

Pinocchio

Connected attraction(s): N/A
Connected character meets: N/A
Connected dining:
- Pinocchio Village Haus (Magic Kingdom – No characters, but the restaurant is inspired by the movie)

Pirates of the Caribbean
(all related movies)

Connected attraction(s):
- Pirates of the Caribbean (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Captain Jack Sparrow at Magic Kingdom
- Captain Jack is also available at both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Connected dining: N/A
Connected resort:
- Caribbean Beach used to have Pirate Rooms but they are being re-themed

Princess and the Frog

Connected attraction(s):
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (re-theming of Splash Mountain opening in 2024)

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall
- You can meet Tiana and Prince Naveen together during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Connected resort:
- Port Orleans Riverside (Royal Rooms)

Ratatouille

Connected attraction(s):
- Remy’s Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt (Epcot – only during the Food and Wine Festival)
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Epcot)

Connected character meets: N/A
Connected dining: N/A

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Connected attraction(s):
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Snow White in Epcot
- You can meet Snow White at Magic Kingdom
- You can also meet Snow White and her Prince at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Connected dining:
- Storybook Dining at Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge)
- Akershus (Epcot)
- Cinderella’s Royal Table* (Magic Kingdom)

^*Note: Although Cinderella’s Royal Table is open, the only princess that is there currently is Cinderella. We do expect the other characters to return at some point in the future.

Star Wars
(all related movies & shows)

Connected attraction(s) & lands:
- Galaxy’s Edge (land at Hollywood Studios)
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios)
- Star Tours (Hollywood Studios)
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Hollywood Studios)
- Star Wars Launch Bay (Hollywood Studios)

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Chewbacca, BB-8, and Darth Vader at Star Wars Launch Bay (Hollywood Studios)
- Other characters like Rey, Vi Moradi, Kylo Ren, and Chewbacca are in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, however, they do not host traditional meet and greets (Hollywood Studios)
Connected dining: N/A

Swiss Family Robinson

Connected attraction(s):
- Swiss Family Treehouse (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets: N/A
Connected dining: N/A

Tangled
(& related movies and shows)

Connected attraction(s):
- While not really a typical attraction, there are very well-themed Tangled bathrooms in Magic Kingdom

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Rapunzel at Princess Fairytale Hall (Magic Kingdom)
Connected dining:
- Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno^* (Boardwalk)

^*Note: Trattoria al Forno does not currently have characters

The Three Caballeros

Connected attraction(s):
- Gran Fiesta Tour (Epcot)

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Donald dressed in his costume from the Three Caballeros (Mexico Pavilion in Epcot)

Connected dining: N/A

Tom and Huck

Connected attraction(s):
- Tom Sawyer’s Island (Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets: N/A
Connected dining:
- Aunt Polly’s (Magic Kingdom – operates seasonally)

Toy Story
(& all related movies)

Connected attraction(s) & lands:
- Toy Story Land (Hollywood Studios)
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom)
- Alien Swirling Saucers (Hollywood Studios)
- Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios)
- Toy Story Mania (Hollywood Studios)

Connected character meets:
- You can meet Buzz (Magic Kingdom)
- Buzz, Woody, & Jessie* (Hollywood Studios)

Connected dining:
- Woody’s Lunchbox (Hollywood Studios)
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ (opening 2022! Hollywood Studios)
Connected resort:
- All-Star Movies (Toy Story section)

TRON & TRON: Legacy

Connected attraction(s):
- TRON Lightcycle Power Run (opening spring 2023 at Magic Kingdom)

Connected character meets: N/A
Connected dining: N/A

UP!

Connected attraction(s):
- *UP! A Great Bird Adventure (Animal Kingdom)

*Note: The UP! themed bird show has been on hiatus for some time and is now called “Feathered Friends in Flight”

Connected character meets:
- Kevin can often be spotted wandering around (Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom)

Connected dining: N/A

What to Watch Checklist

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Heather Thomas

With 15+ years planning Disney World trips, Heather joined WDW Prep in 2014 to help others plan for their own families. As the WDW Prep Editor, she travels monthly to stay current and has helped propel the site to millions of views per year. Email Heather

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