What to Watch Before Disney World
While it’s entirely possible to plan a last-minute fantasy vacation to the Disney World Resort in Orlando, most families spend months or even years planning and saving for their Disney World trips. Last year I started planning my September honeymoon visit in April, and the six months of waiting I had to endure was agonizing.
One idea I had to while away the weeks was to watch all of the films and TV shows which inspired – or were inspired by – attractions at the four major Disney World theme parks. I didn’t end up committing to this last year as I was too busy planning my wedding, but I think it’s a great way to get amped for a Disney visit, and it’s the perfect excuse for a marathon of Disney’s best!
Depending on how long you have until your trip, try watching one or two films per week. Movies that aren’t already in your home video collection can be rented through Netflix.com or purchased on Amazon.com. Films that are currently in the Disney Vault may be tricky to get your hands on without paying premium prices from online dealers selling used copies. If you’ve been to the parks before and have a soft-spot for attractions that have previously closed (Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, etc.), challenge yourself by watching those films too, in homage to the rides that once were.
New and old rides at the Disney World Resort are included in the chart below! Rides that have closed are designated with an asterisk(*), rides that have yet to open are designated with an up caret(^), and rides that are scheduled to close are designated with a number sign(#).
DISNEY’S EPCOT | |
Attraction | Film/TV Show |
Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable | The Lion King (1994) |
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros | The Three Caballeros (1944) |
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience* (2010) | Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) |
Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure | Kim Possible (TV – 2002) |
The Seas with Nemo & Friends | Finding Nemo (2003) |
Turtle Talk with Crush | Finding Nemo (2003) |
DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM | |
Attraction | Film/TV Show |
DINOSAUR | Dinosaur (2000) |
Festival of the Lion King | The Lion King (1994) |
Finding Nemo – The Musical | Finding Nemo (2003) |
It’s Tough to be a Bug | A Bug’s Life (1998) |
Rafiki’s Planet Watch | The Lion King (1994) |
I love the films on this list! I think I’ve seen all of them. I can’t wait for my trip to Disney world this summer. I found this great article featuring the top ten animated Disney films of all. Check it out and see if they match yours. http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/top-10-disney-animated-features-07-25-2011