Disney Movie Lovers Checklist for Walt Disney World
Some people go to Disney World because they are adrenaline junkies and want to fly through such rides as Space Mountain and Test Track and flip upside down on the Rock N Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith. Others bring the kiddies and just want to see the look on their little faces when they see Mickey Mouse or Winnie the Pooh live in person for the first time.
Me? I love Disney movie magic. The first time I went to Disney World, way back in the late 1980s, the number one item on my list to see was the Great Movie Ride, a 22-minute excursion that gave you a behind-the-scenes peek at how movies come together. I loved, loved, loved it and was so sad when it closed.
As a movie and television fanatic, my reason for going to Disney World is now and always will be to see anything that has some sort of connection to a Disney movie. So, if you’re like me, here are some must-sees for anyone who’s favorite thing to do is to pop a big tub of popcorn and sit back to enjoy a movie (if you haven’t seen any of these movies, make sure you do so before you head to Disney World):
Toy Story
This has to be one of my favorite Disney (Pixar) movies ever, by far. From watching it with my children to enjoying it on my own even after they’ve grown up because it’s such a fabulous story, I can’t get enough. So it makes sense that Toy Story fans must do Toy Story Mania, a 4-D shoot ‘em game that’s fun and makes you feel like you’re one of the gang.
Then there’s Toy Story Land, an entire land devoted to this incredible movie. From Slinky Dog Dash to the Alien Swirling Saucers, this park puts you right in the action — exactly where you want to be when you watch the movie. To infinity and beyond!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Can you just not get enough of Captain Jack? Have you seen Pirates of the Caribbean more times than you want to admit? Then you have to take a swashbuckling adventure on the boat ride in the Magic Kingdom. How many times will you sing Yo Ho, Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me) after the ride is over? That’s anyone’s guess, but I’ll say a lot.
Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Tours is perfect for those who have watched every Star Wars movie in or even out of order since the first one debuted in 1977. On this 3D, motion-simulated space flight tour you’ll feel just like you’re fighting like Han Solo and Rey did and you will leave feeling like a Jedi Knight. It’s too cool.
Peter Pan and Other Disney Classics
If you prefer (or you also like) the Disney classics, such as Peter Pan, Cinderella and The LIttle Mermaid, make sure you enjoy their rides and shows too. Fly like Peter on Peter Pan’s Flight at Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland and enjoy Ariel’s Undersea Adventure in Fantasyland too. And you wouldn’t be a classic Disney movie fan if you didn’t get the obligatory photo standing in front of Cinderella’s castle at Magic Kingdom in Disney World!
Photo Credit: Undercover Tourist
And of course, do I even have to mention Pandora — The World of Avatar, a ride based on the 2009 super mega hit movie by director James Cameron? The movie grossed $2.7 billion dollars and the ride is absolutely worth it, so if you haven’t seen the movie yet, make sure you do before you go.
Sad that the great movie ride closed also, I loved it. We get Fl. Resident weekday passes.