Movies Kids Should Watch Before Heading to Walt Disney World – Fantasyland Edition!
One of the questions I get frequently from guests as I’m planning their Disney vacation is where kids can see characters from their favorite movies. Usually parents ask about recent movies like Frozen or Moana. As I answer their questions, I also provide a different perspective. Instead of finding the characters they already love, before you take a trip to Walt Disney World, you should introduce your kids to the movies that are part of the park experience! In this series, I will share a list of Disney movies your kids should watch before they visit Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom!
Dumbo
One of the most iconic attractions at Walt Disney World is Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Unfortunately, many kids today have never watched the original Disney film. While this movie was released in 1941, the story of the sweet little elephant who only needed to believe in himself is timeless.
Disney also released a live action remake of Dumbo in 2019 and while the storyline is different, kids who watch either film will have some context for the Fantasyland attraction!
Alice in Wonderland
The Mad Tea Party is another ride that immediately evokes memories of the Magic Kingdom. Everyone who has ever visited Walt Disney World remembers taking a spin on the teacups. This attraction is obviously based on Disney’s Alice in Wonderland.
Another older movie in the Disney archives, this film is also a great choice that will spark the imaginations of young children! While Disney has a few remakes of this movie, including a new Disney Junior series Alice’s Wonderland Bakery, I still love the original the best!
The Little Mermaid
While we’re working through our list of Disney movies you should watch before heading to Fantasyland, we need to include some more recent films as well. While parents would consider The Little Mermaid to be a “new” Disney movie, it was released over thirty years ago and many times has been overlooked by today’s kids!
The Fantasyland attraction “Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid” is a classic dark ride that takes you through this Disney movie. Be sure that your kids have seen the movie before riding!
Beauty and the Beast
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast movie is another film that is heavily referenced in Fantasyland. In fact, one of the most popular restaurants, Be Our Guest, is based on this movie!
There is also an attraction Enchanted Tales with Belle that has not reopened yet but is one of our family favorites! It allows everyone to play a part in the retelling of this classic love story – and you even get to meet Belle all ready for the ball! Disney also released a live action of this film, although I suggest the original especially for little ones!
Peter Pan
Peter Pan’s Flight is arguably the most popular attraction at the Magic Kingdom, often boasting the highest wait times in all of Fantasyland! Kids and adults love the feeling of flying high over London and following the story of this 1953 Disney film.
In addition to this attraction, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell appear frequently in parades and cavalcades around the Magic Kingdom. Your kids will love spotting their familar faces!
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
When Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opened to the public in 2014 as party of the Fantasyland expansion, it was an instant hit. This rollercoaster is gentle enough to be a great first coaster for kids but fun enough to be enjoyable for adults.
Of course, this Fantasyland attraction is based on the Disney movie called “The Greatest Animated Film of All Time.” Your visit to Fantasyland won’t be complete without riding Seven Dwarves Mine Train and you absolutely must watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs before you ride it!
Fantasia
I’ll be honest, I’m not sure that my kids have ever made it through the entire movie! Fantasia is actually a film consisting of eight different sequences. For the purposes of visiting Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, the most important part of the Disney movie is “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.”
In this segment, Mickey appears in his classic red robe and blue sorcerer’s hat. The Fantasyland attraction Philharmagic evokes this scene, as well as scenes from The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin as well as recently added scene from Coco.
Watch these Disney Movies Before Heading to Fantasyland!
Be sure to check back as we share other Disney films related to attractions across Walt Disney World and Disneyland! What movies would you add to our list?
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