To continue our series of which films to watch before a Disney Parks vacation, here is a list of live action films. It includes a priority scale of which ones to watch from 1 – 5 with 1 being low priority and 5 being of high priority. The films are ranked separately for Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Though there are many older live action films that I would love to recommend checking out, this list only features the ones that have representation in Disneyland or Walt Disney World.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Disneyland = 5
Walt Disney World = 5
The attraction may have come first, but many references from the film have since been added to Pirates of the Caribbean at both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom. There are also references from the ride in the other Pirates of the Caribbean movies, but watching at least the first film is a must to be introduced to the characters and setting.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Disneyland = 5
Walt Disney World = 5
Similar to Pirates of the Caribbean, watching A New Hope is a priority to be introduced to the characters of the Star Wars Galaxy, but if there is extra time before your trip, I would recommend watching more than just one Star Wars film. Another great film to watch before a Disneyland or Walt Disney World trip would be The Force Awakens. This was the first film to be released by Disney and the new characters introduced in this film are very popular in the Parks. There are too many Star Wars references in the Parks to mention, just know that Star Wars is going to be everywhere!
Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Disneyland = 4
Walt Disney World = 4
The Indiana Jones Adventure attraction is my absolute favourite ride at any Disney Park! The storyline is original but characters like Indy and Sallah are first introduced in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
At Walt Disney World in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular features some scenes straight out of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar in Disney Springs is also inspired by a character from the film.
The Avengers (2012)
Disneyland = 4
Walt Disney World = 2
It is difficult to narrow down which Marvel Cinematic Universe films to watch because there are so many lead superheroes who only appear in certain films. The first Avengers film is a great place to start to be introduced to a few of the main characters. Currently the only MCU attraction at Disneyland is based on Guardians of the Galaxy (see below), but many of the other superheroes from The Avengers meet and greet guests in Disney California Adventure.
Due to Comcast’s territorial rights to having the majority of Marvel superheroes only allowed in Universal Studios on the east coast, Walt Disney World will not be seeing these characters in the Parks anytime soon, aside from Guardians of the Galaxy.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Disneyland = 4
Walt Disney World = 3
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout replaced the Hollywood Tower of Terror in Disney California Adventure in 2017. It is a very popular ride and so much fun! The characters also host the Awesome Dance Off and Groot is a meet and greet character as well.
There is a Guardians of the Galaxy themed attraction coming to Epcot in 2021, but in the meantime, there is a live show called Awesome Mix Live in Epcot.
Mary Poppins (1964)
Disneyland = 3
Walt Disney World = 3
Mary Poppins is such a classic Disney film! Mary Poppins and Bert meet and greet guests in Disneyland where there is also the Jolly Holiday Bakery on Main Street, U.S.A. (which is super cute!)
Mary Poppins meets guests in the United Kingdom pavilion in Epcot. She also hosts the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian Resort.
Davy Crockett and the River Pirates (1956)
Disneyland = 3
Walt Disney World = 3
Even though Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes is a minor attraction in Critter Country at Disneyland, Frontierland has some strong Davy Crockett vibes. When Disneyland first opened, Frontierland was basically Davy Crockett Land. I recommend The River Pirates over Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier because I find the storyline more interesting and the ending is not nearly as sad as the first one.
Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom still has the similar feel of a Davy Crockett film but there really is nothing dedicated to the character there. At Fort Wilderness, there is a lounge called Crockett’s Tavern.
Swiss Family Robinson (1960)
Disneyland = 2
Walt Disney World = 3
Swiss Family Robinson is a favourite among many Disney fans. If Frontierland has Davy Crockett vibes, Adventureland definitely has Swiss Family Robinson vibes! The Swiss Family Treehouse was a Disneyland attraction but was made into Tarzan’s Treehouse in 1999. The Swiss Family Treehouse still stands proud at the Magic Kingdom and was an opening day attraction.
Avatar (2009)
Disneyland = 1
Walt Disney World = 4
I have a bit of a hard time recommending this film because it is far from one of my favourites, but it is important to at least understand the general storyline of Avatar when visiting Pandora -The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Watch it at least and have some good snacks with you.
A Muppet Movie
Disneyland = 2
Walt Disney World = 3
Whether it is The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), The Muppets (2011) or any of the other Muppet films. The Muppets seem to come and go in popularity but they are currently represented at both the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. The Muppets Present…Great Moments In American History is a popular short show in Liberty Square. Muppet Vision 3D is a show on Grand Avenue that is still well-loved, though it could use an update. Nearby is PizzeRizzo, a quick service restaurant.
The Muppets are currently not in Disneyland, but there is still always hope that Muppet Vision 3D will return to Disney California Adventure with an updated show.
Walt: The Man Behind the Myth (2001)
Disneyland = 4
Walt Disney World = 4
I am popping in a documentary because I strongly believe it is important to appreciate Walt Disney and his story behind dreaming up Disneyland. There are many touches throughout the Parks that honor Walt and learning about his life might make those details more meaningful to guests.
Planning Video
Disneyland = 5
Walt Disney World = 5
This one may seem obvious, but make sure to watch the Planning Video! Though no longer an actual DVD, the Disneyland and Walt Disney World websites have videos that you can stream that help cover any vacation planning basics as well as an introduction to the Parks and hotels.
Check out the other Disney films to watch before heading to Disneyland or Walt Disney World.
Pixar Films
Classic Disney Animated Films
This was a neat list to consider. I would even rate Swiss Family Robinson higher because the whole experience would mean more if children knew why the tree house is how it is.
Watch them all