Movies You Need to Watch Before Your Next Trip to the Magic Kingdom

Planning your next trip to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World? There are some Disney movies you have to watch (or re-watch) before you go to make the most of some of the best rides and shows that Disney World has to offer.

Use this list to plan a weekly movie night leading up to your trip, or spend a day binge-watching favorite films on Disney+ and you’ll be ready to experience all that the Magic Kingdom has to offer!

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Cinderella (1950)

With Cinderella Castle being the icon of the Magic Kingdom, it is probably no surprise that the 1950 Disney animated version of Cinderella tops this list. From the details inside Cinderella Castle itself, including the breathtaking that lines the breezeway between the hub and Fantasyland, to the fountains and details located around the Castle, seeing Cinderella is a must before visiting the Magic Kingdom.

You can even dine inside Cinderella Castle at Cinderella’s Royal Table, which has its own set of details and immersion to take in based on the film along with a delicious dinner and character greetings.

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Beauty and the Beast (1991)

The next Disney Princess movie you should prioritize ahead of your Magic Kingdom trip is Beauty and the Beast (1991). New Fantasyland, the largest expansion to the Magic Kingdom to date, features two restaurants and a shop inspired by the film, and when it’s open, an interactive storytelling experience with Enchanted Tales With Belle.

Be Our Guest Restaurant is one of the most immersive restaurants at Walt Disney World, placing Guests right in some of the most iconic scenes inside the Beast’s castle. Dining areas include the West Wing, Ballroom, and the Rose Gallery. Nearby, Gaston’s Tavern looks straight out of the film with “antlers in all of his decorating,” (and delicious cinnamon buns), making this one area of the Magic Kingdom that you will certainly get more out of having seen the film.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Disney’s OG princess story is featured in another New Fantasyland attraction with Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This family-friendly roller coaster quickly takes Guests through the mine where the dwarfs work, followed by a brief encounter with Snow White and the dwarfs in their cottage along with the Evil Queen (in her witch disguise!)

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Dumbo (1941)

Moving on to the last area of the Magic Kingdom’s 2012 expansion, the story of Dumbo is presented in Storybook Circus. This land replaced Mickey’s Toontown Fair (though if you miss Toontown, a reimagined version is opening soon at Disneyland).

In addition to Dumbo’s own ride (which doubled its capacity during the New Fantasyland expansion), Storybook Circus is packed with details you might only recognize if you’ve seen the classic animated film. From the enhancements to the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction to the details on the Casey Jr.-inspired splash pad, there is a lot to see in Storybook Circus.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

Disney Parks are known for their dark rides that re-tell stories from beloved films as Guests slowly move by in their ride vehicles. Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid is one such attraction, however, The Little Mermaid is a rather complicated story to fit in such a short attraction. If you have not seen the film in some time, give it a rewatch before your next Disney trip (otherwise the ride will be leaving out a lot of plot points!)

Bonus: Rides That Inspired Movies

The Magic Kingdom has several attractions that had a presence in the theme park first and came to theaters later. As such, seeing the films first is not necessary to make the most of your visit, but it never hurts to have an excuse to watch any of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, along with The Jungle Cruise and The Haunted Mansion!