Movies to Watch Before Disneyland

Enjoy your next Disneyland trip even more by brushing up on the must-see Disney movies to watch before Disneyland. 

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• Anything Mickey Mouse

  The main character deserves a viewing and review of who he is! Any Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse movie or show will do. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is an excellent choice, and Fantasia is too!
  Where You’ll See Elements of It: Let me say there are few places you won’t see the most famous mouse in the world! There are hidden Mickeys, Mickey-themed treats, he’s in the parades, you can meet Minnie and Mickey characters, and there’s Mickey merch galore! But you’ll particularly love the Fantasmic show if you love Mickey and you’ve seen at least part of Fantasia.
  
  

• Sleeping Beauty

  Where you’ll see elements of it: The castle is Sleep Beauty’s castle! You can tour the castle, take all the quintessential photos, and appreciate the dragon in the Fantasmic show thanks to the movie.
  
  

• Cars

  Where you’ll see elements of it: Cars Land is patterned after the first movie! You’ll literally step into the movie for about 1/8th of your day at California Adventure. Get to know the characters and the town of Radiator Springs to really enjoy it! It will make Radiator Springs Racers (one of the most popular rides), Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree ride, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters all the more fun! Oh, and don’t forget to walk through the shops and Dine at Flo’s Diner! 
  *If you’re only doing a day at Disneyland and not California Adventure, you can skip this one if you’re short on time. 
  
  

• Toy Story

  Toy Story was the first Disney/Pixar movie that really brought them into the 21st century, and Disneyland and Disney California Adventure both show it!
  
  Where you’ll see elements of it: In Disneyland, you’ll see Buzz Lightyear Astro Orbiters when you enter Tomorrowland. The Pizza Planet restaurant is themed after Toy Story. But even more than that, many of the Toy Story characters appear in parades and character experiences.
  
  In California Adventure you’ll find the Toy Story Mania ride, Jesse’s Critter Carousel (from Toy Story 2), and Toy Story characters throughout Pixar Pier. Not to mention lots of Toy Story food stops like Senor Buzz Churros and the Poultry Palace. And if you love suveniers, there’s the Midway Mercantile in Pixar Pier full of fun Toy Story merchandise. 
  There’s also a very good chance you’ll hear several songs for Toy Story while you’re in the park.
  
  

• Star Wars: The Force Awakens

  Where you’ll see elements of it: Star Wars Land was originally built to be set during this movie on the planet of Tatooine. The rides Rise of the Resistance and Smuggler’s Run both give nods to and revolve around the characters from this movie.
  
  Even Star Tours updates and includes plots from the newer Star Wars movies.
  Disney Parks recently announced they’ll have other character greetings take place in Star Wars Land. However, if you see The Force Awakens, you’re set with an understanding and appreciation of the original premise and main attractions in one of Disneyland’s most popular locations: Star Wars Land. You’ll walk right into a Star Wars movie with food and tons of shops with merchandise and souvenirs. 
  
  *If you have little ones, I’d look up a Star Wars Lego movie on Disney+ to preview so they have a concept of Star Wars before you go. 

• Pirates of the Caribbean 

  
  Let’s start with our favorite family ride. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride inspired the Johnny Deep movie. The movie was such a hit and became such a classic, the ride went through refurbishments to incorporate characters and scenes from the movie. 
  It’s a fantastic film to help you love and appreciate the ride even more! 
  
  You’ll also see Pirates of the Caribbean and Captain Jack Sparrow in Fantasmic, and also in World of Color nighttime spectaculars. Jack Sparrow’s character encounters are known to happen frequently outside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. 
  
  

• The Jungle Cruise 

  
  The Jungle Cruise is a newer movie, and it’s loosely based on the classic Jungle Cruise ride. But it’s fun and entertaining. This is a particularly good one to watch if you have older kids or teens. 
  
  

• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom 

  
  I remember being a young kid when the Indiana Jones Adventure ride opened, and people waited for hours to get it! It’s stayed a classic and beloved ride for decades! Any Indiana Jones movie will help kids get excited about the ride. But the Temple of Doom is a great place to start with a lot of tie-ins to the ride. 
  
  

• Haunted Mansion/ The Muppet Haunted Mansion 

  
  There’s an excellent live-action Haunted Mansion that came out in 2023 I adore. However, it’s a little spooky for younger kids who can still ride The Haunted Mansion.
  But the Muppet Haunted Mansion is excellent for the whole family! It helps tell some of the stories behind the characters in The Haunted Mansion ride with the same sense of humor and style!
  
  

• Star Wars Return of the Jedi 

  
  Yes, Episodes 7-9 of the Star Wars Saga will prep you for Star Wars Land, but don’t forget the original movies! There are plenty of Disneyland references and characters from the original movies. You’ll see moments and characters from The Return of the Jedi (and other Star Wars movies) at Star Tours, and the Stars Wars Launch Bay. Also, Space Mountain turns into Hyperspace Moutain seasonally, which incorporates Star Wars in a very fun way! 
  
• The Princess and The Frog 
  Up in past Adventureland, you’ll find Bayou Country, recently rethemed and rebuilt in late 2024! The ride formerly known as Splash Mountain was rethemed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, based on The Princess and the Frog. It’s a cute ride, and a great way to cool off on a hot day! A viewing of this movie brings this ride to life!

• Winnie the Pooh 

  
  Up in past Adventureland, across from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you’ll find the Many Adventure of Winnie the Pooh. It’s a cute ride, and a great way to cool off on a hot day! If you have a little one who can’t ride (or is scared to ride) Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, I can almost promise you’ll end up on the Winnie the Pooh ride! It’s helpful to watch at least one movie or tv show. 
  
  Also, our favorite bakery is Pooh’s Corner, right next to the ride. And there is Winnie the Pooh character meet and greets right outside the bakery and ride. They’re extra sweet to little kids and kids with disabilities! So if you can encourage a little extra love for Pooh bear, I definitely would! 
  
  

• Alice in Wonderland 

  
  In Story Book Land, you’ll find an entire area dedicated to Alice in Wonderland! There’s the title Alice in Wonderland ride, as well as the Mad Tea Party ride (also known as the teacups). There’s also The Mad Hatter shop and a really great teacup picture photo stop location. Not to mention the characters make regular appearances for meet and greets.
  
  This is one animated movie you’ll get a lot of Disneyland bang for your buck and almost made the top five must-see movies to watch before Disneyland! 
  
  

• Peter Pan 

  
  The Peter Pan ride is known for its long lines, but also for its fun whimsy whisking through the movie in minutes. It’s a favorite for many, hence longer lines. 
  
  

• Snow White

  
  Disneyland recently updated Snow White’s Enchanted Wish ride, and it’s a lot more magical! This is a favorite for any Disney classic movie lover! 
  
  

• Pinocchio 

  
  Pinocchio’s Daring Journey is a ride through the movie plot. If you think you may ride it, you may want some reference to what it’s all about! 
  
  

• The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

  
  Fantasyland is known for classic animated movies cast as a ride. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride happened to be an opening day attraction at Disneyland. The ride is based on the Wind in the Willows scenes from the animated Disney classic.
  
  

• Dumbo

  
  One of the most iconic Disneyland rides is Dumbo the Flying Elephant (also know as The Dumbo Ride). You guessed it, you’re going to take a ride on Dumbo and fly through the air!
  
  Also, the Casey Jr. Circus Train ride is based on a minor Dumbo character with plenty of elements and details from the movie. 
  Even a few-minute glimpse into the movie will suffice to help Disneyland Park attendees appreciate the rides! 
  
  

• The Sword and the Stone 

  
  A classic centerpiece of Fantasyland is the King Arthur Carrousel ride! And between the carrousel and the Sleeping Beauty Castle is the quintessential photo spot with the famous scene from the Sword and the Stone. Go try your luck at removing the sword, and be sure to snap a picture! 
  
  

• Who Framed Rodger Rabbit 

  
  The Rodger Rabbit ride is the first ride in Toon Town. It’s a ride through the movie with all the silly ways and adventures of Rodger Rabbit.
  
  

• Finding Nemo 

  
  Be sure to watch Finding Nemo so you can enjoy the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage ride! You’ll also see Dori in The World of Color at California Adventure. And Turtle Talk with Crush is a must-do at California Adventure as well! 
  
  

  
  Disney California Adventure Rides Based on Movies
  

• Cars

  Disneyland California is the only place that has a full Cars Land patterned after the Cars movie franchise. You can literally walk through Radiator Springs and enjoy a few rides while you feel fully immersed in the movie!
  Radiator Spring Racers, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters are all part of Cars Land! This is a must stop location! Radiator Springs Racers is by far the most popular ride in the parks with the longest wait times.
  Do yourself a favorite and watch the first Cars movie before you go so you’re full prepped to enjoy one of the best themed areas Disney Parks has ever made!

• The Little Mermaid 

  
  The Little Mermaid- Ariel’s Undersea Adventure ride is a favorite indoor ride on a hot day or a rainy day. You’ll ride through the plot of The Little Mermaid with scenes and characters from the movie included throughout the entire ride. Also, Ariel and her friends appear in The World of Color and also play a role in Fantasmic at Disneyland. 
  
  

• Monster’s Inc. 

  
  Get ready for another ride through a movie plot! Monster, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue ride is a fun ride through the movie, and a favorite indoor ride of younger kids! You’ll also seeing Mike and Sulley make regular appearances at Pixar Pier, and they’re a really fun addition to the Paint The Night parade when it’s running. 
  
  And don’t forget to stop by the Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats stand on Pixar Pier. The It’s Lemon is not only a delicious soft serve, it’s also a quote and scene from the movie.
  
  

  Big Hero 6

  
  San Fransokyo Square- is a popular place to stop and eat with many fast-service food options. It’s patterned at Big Hero 6! You’ll even find Hiro and Baymax available for character meet and greets.
  
• Incredibles/Incredibles 2 
  
• One of the most popular rides in California Adventure is the Incredicoster. It’s a really fast, fun roller coaster for those who are 48″ and taller. It’s themed from the Incredibles movie, with lots of elements from Incredibles 2. You could easily watch either (or both) 
  Don’t miss out on a park treat favorite: grab a cookie from Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums right outside the Incredicoster. 
  
  You’ll also see many Incredibles characters walking around Pixar Pier, usually just outside the Incredicoster. 
  

• Inside Out 

  
  Down in Pixar Pier, you’ll find the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind ride featuring the characters and sounds of Inside Out. There’s also a lot of Inside Out-themed food right around the ride! The Bing Bong Sweet Stuff Shop is a favorite for extra fun sweets and drinks. And the Angry Dogs hot dog cart is full of fun flavored hot dogs for a quick and easy lunch! 
  
  

• Toy Story 2 

  
  Little kids will likely enjoy this ride whether they’ve seen Toy Story 2 or not. But it’s a helpful movie to help them love Jessie’s Critter Carousel, particularly when they’re too small to ride the Incredicoster and would really like to! 
  
  

• Goofy’s Glider 

  
  This short vintage film is the premise for Goofy’s Sky School ride. If you want to appreciate the turns and thrills, it’s a fun and quick watch! 
  
  

• Spider-Man Homecoming 

  
  You’ll enjoy WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure all the more if you’ve seen at least one Tom Holland Spider-Man movie. I’d make it the first so you have reference to his spidey origins.
  
  You’ll also see a really incredible show called The Amazing Spider-Man! that blends animatronics and actor appearances. It’s right as you enter Avenger’s Campus, and showtimes can be found in the Disneyland app. 
  
  

• The Guardians of the Galaxy 

  
  This is where I out my favorite park ride and admit I was so skeptical about the Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout ride retheme. I loved the original Tower of Terror ride. However, the Guardians of the Galaxy movie and characters fit perfectly with the ride. The Guardians soundtrack sets the stage to convert the ride into more of a party than just a thrill ride. It’s worth seeing the movie to understand the characters and premise of (in my opinion) the most fun ride at the park! 

If you want to feel fully prepped, watch the full list for family movie nights the year before your trip!
While all of these are great, even a few will help to make your Disneyland vacation feel even more magical!

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