Disney Movies You Should Watch Before Visiting Disneyland (Hits Different as an Adult)
I didn't do this when I first visited Disneyland. I came in with a lot of energy, coffee, and a lot of false confidence. I thought, "It's a theme park." I'll simply ride things.
Big error. Huge. (In Julia Roberts' voice, of course.)
Disneyland is more than simply a park. It's a scrapbook of films that are still going on. And if you haven't seen such films or haven't seen them in a long time, you miss dozens of emotional landmines that were put there just to make grownups cry in public while clutching a churro.
This is not a list that everyone can use.
This is the list I wish I had before my first trip. I made it after riding rides in the wrong sequence, Googling characters while I was waiting in line, and realising much too late that one movie would have made one ride 10 times better.
Also, I'm not going to use the same dull "plot + why it matters" structure for every movie. That's why AI articles smell like AI articles. We're not going to do that. The way each movie portion is written below is different since that's how actual people recall movies.
These films aren't only for kids if you're an adult going to Disneyland. Each one is linked to rides, lands, and things to do inside the park. Watching them before you go changes how the park feels, what you notice, what hits emotionally, and what suddenly makes sense.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
9
The Little Mermaid (1989)
The journey that catches you off guard emotionally
I didn't give this one enough thought. Difficult.
The Little Mermaid is like Disney that you know and trust, like background noise. But viewing it again as an adult, especially before going to Disneyland, offers more depth.
Ariel isn't only interested. She doesn't care. Even when "more" is hazardous, she wants more. And as you ride Ariel's Undersea Adventure, the songs give off a weird mix of nostalgia and sadness.
Ursula is also still the best villain. Disneyland agrees.
Cars In Disneyland
8
Cars (2006)
Don't skip this. I’m serious.
I used to laugh at cars. Everyone did. "It's the Pixar movie with the toy commercial."
And then I strolled into Cars Land at dusk.
Listen to me: Cars Land is one of the most immersive themed regions ever made.
Radiator Springs isn't based on the movie, it is the movie. Every rock shape. Every symbol that glows. Every sluggish, sad note of Americana.
The terrain looks great if you don't watch Cars again.
It seems like you're breaking the law if you do.
Toys In Disneyland
7
Toy Story (1995)
The movie that makes adults want to win
Watching Toy Story before going to Disneyland doesn't make you remember the past, it makes you want to go.
Because Toy Story Midway Mania makes everyone act like a competitive kid. You don't just play the game. You want to win. And all of a sudden, you see why Buzz and Woody's fight was important.
Tip: You should see at least the first two movies. The emotional arc works in the park.
The Seas In Disneyland
6
Finding Nemo (2003)
Why the submarine ride works in this movie
The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage goes slowly. A lot of people don't like it.
People like that probably haven't seen Finding Nemo in a while.
If you know the movie well, the ride seems like a calm extension of the plot. It's not a thrill trip, it's more like a soothing reunion with characters you care about underwater.
The music alone is also worth seeing again.
5
Up (2009)
You will cry in the park. Just accept it.
Before going to Disneyland, see Up. Two things will happen:
You will cry at home.
When you see Russell stuff, you'll cry again.
Disneyland doesn't even need a whole ride for Up. The harm to your emotions is already there.
4
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Yes, the ride came first. Still, see the movie.
This is a nice twist: the ride is modelled on the movie, but now Jack Sparrow is on the ride.
If you watch this movie before going on Pirates of the Caribbean, it turns into a scavenger hunt. You start to notice callbacks, allusions, and shared humour.
Jack Sparrow is also greatest when you haven't seen him in a long time. Believe me.
3
The Lion King (1994)
Disneyland uses the movie as an emotional weapon
This movie isn't just a ride, it's part of the park's spirit.
There is Lion King excitement all around, from parades and music cues to live shows. If you watch it again before your trip, those moments will hit you more.
Mufasa still aches, too. That wound won't heal with time.
2
Frozen (2013)
It's occurring, like it or not.
You can say no to Frozen. Disneyland won't.
Look at it. Come to terms with it. Let it go (sorry).
When you view the movie again, the character interactions, sing-along parts, and all the cultural references make more sense.
1
Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
You should at least view this
Galaxy’s Edge presumes you already know how things work in this world. You don't have to watch everything in one sitting, but A New Hope will ground you.
After that, Rise of the Resistance ceases being "a ride" and becomes a full-blown movie event.
Last thoughts from someone who learned late
Disneyland rewards those who plan ahead, but not in a geeky manner.
In a way that makes you feel.
You won't get smarter by watching these films before you leave.
It helps you feel better. More open. More inclined to see the small things.
And that's the actual magic.
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