Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Planning a trip to Disneyland? One of the best ways to prepare for the magic of the park is by diving into some classic Disney movies! Disneyland is packed with attractions, characters, and details inspired by belovsed Disney films. Watching these movies before your visit will enhance the magic, helping you spot fun references and fully enjoy the Disney experience.
From iconic attractions to character meet-and-greets and themed dining, Disneyland is all about bringing the magic of Disney movies to life. So, grab some popcorn and get cozy because here are five classic Disney films you should watch before heading to the Happiest Place on Earth!
1. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Let’s start with the most obvious one—Sleeping Beauty. The heart of Disneyland is its iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, and what better way to set the tone for your trip than watching the movie that inspired it? The beautiful hand-drawn animation tells the tale of Princess Aurora, cursed by the evil Maleficent, to sleep forever until true love’s kiss breaks the spell.
Credit: Disney D23
At Disneyland, Sleeping Beauty Castle is not just for show. Inside, there’s an enchanting Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough that retells the story through stunning dioramas. The castle is also home to countless photo ops and magical moments. Make sure to watch this classic movie and see how many Sleeping Beauty touches you can spot throughout the park.
2. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
As Disney’s first-ever animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs holds a special place in Disney history. Even though Sleeping Beauty got the castle, Snow White has her own attraction—Snow White’s Enchanted Wish—in Fantasyland. The ride, which underwent a magical refurbishment recently, brings to life Snow White’s journey as she encounters the Evil Queen and meets her beloved dwarfs.
Credit: D23
Snow White’s presence is also felt at the Wishing Well next to the castle. Here, you can toss in a coin and make a wish as Snow White’s voice, recorded by her original actress Adriana Caselotti, echoes through the space. Watching Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs before your visit will make these moments even more magical!
3. Pinocchio (1940)
Disney’s second animated feature film, Pinocchio, is a classic tale about a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. The film’s heartwarming story is reflected in the Pinocchio’s Daring Journey attraction in Fantasyland, where you can join Pinocchio on his adventure to find honesty and bravery.
But that’s not all! After you experience Pinocchio’s dark ride, hop on Storybook Land Canal Boats, where you’ll sail through miniature versions of famous Disney scenes, including the whale Monstro from Pinocchio. Watching this film before your Disneyland trip will give you a deeper appreciation for the attraction’s charming details and make your adventure through Storybook Land even more fun.
4. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Wonderland is alive and well at Disneyland! Alice in Wonderland brings whimsy and imagination to life, and this beloved classic is reflected in multiple attractions at the park. Take a spin on the Mad Tea Party (you might even catch Alice herself riding with guests) or hop aboard the Alice in Wonderland dark ride for a curious journey through the rabbit hole.
Credit: Disney
You can also spot Alice in the England section of it’s a small world or join her for meet-and-greets in Fantasyland. Watching this movie before your trip will help you appreciate all the nods to Wonderland scattered throughout Disneyland.
5. Mary Poppins (1964)
Though Mary Poppins doesn’t have her own ride at Disneyland (yet!), the magic of this beloved film is sprinkled throughout the park. After all, who can resist a spoonful of sugar? Be sure to stop by the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café on Main Street, U.S.A., which is named after one of the most iconic scenes from Mary Poppins. Here, you can enjoy a delicious treat and soak up the whimsical atmosphere.
Mary Poppins fans can also catch her in the Magic Happens parade, where she floats through Disneyland with her signature umbrella. Watching Mary Poppins before your visit will help you spot all the magical details that pay tribute to this classic film.
BONUS: Swiss Family Robinson (1960)
While not as well-known as some of Disney’s animated classics, Swiss Family Robinson has a special place in Disneyland history. In Adventureland, you can explore Tarzan’s Treehouse, but fun fact: it was originally themed after Swiss Family Robinson! This iconic live-action film tells the story of a shipwrecked family that builds an elaborate treehouse to survive on a tropical island.
Disney recently announced plans to retheme Tarzan’s Treehouse back to a version similar to the original Swiss Family Robinson, so watching this film before your trip could give you some extra appreciation for the attraction and its historical significance.
Watching these classic Disney movies before your Disneyland vacation will elevate your experience at the park. Each film has left its mark on Disneyland in one way or another, whether through attractions, themed areas, or character appearances. From Fantasyland to Adventureland, these movies help bring the magic of Disneyland to life.
So before you pack your bags for your Disneyland adventure, grab your favorite Disney snacks and start your movie marathon. You’ll feel even more immersed in the magic when you arrive, and who knows—you might even discover a hidden gem or two that connects back to one of these iconic films!
