I’m going to Disneyland!! When those words are on your horizon and you find yourself planning a trip to the happiest place on Earth, you are in for one of the most magical weeks of your life. Disneyland is a place unlike any other.
It’s no surprise to me that Disneyland is THE leader in the amusement park industry. However, I do not believe Disney is king because of the rides. Some may argue that Disney wins because of service – and yes, “the Disney way” is a great business model. Personally, I believe Disney wins because of STORY. Every time I walk down Main Street USA or stroll through New Orleans Square, I am reminded that story matters.
I tear up as my racer drives by the waterfall in Radiator Springs, because I am reminded of how Lightning McQueen felt when he saw a waterfall for the first time. I find myself trying with all my might to defeat the evil Emperor Zurg because I want to be on Woody and Buzz’s team. I get as giddy as my kids while we wait in line to meet Mickey Mouse -because he has become a part of my story. The Disney characters are a part of us. Their stories matter to us. They remind us of our own feelings and take us back to our childhood. Even simple dark rides become magical because of STORY. And really -no one tells a story better than Disney.
To best capture and experience the magic of Disneyland, you need to be familiar with the stories represented in the parks. The park will come alive for you once you know and understand the stories represented in the attractions. Once you’ve seen the films, you’re no longer just floating in a boat through a whale; you’re swimming into Monstro!! When you know the movies, you aren’t just interacting with a talking turtle – you are joking around with Crush- the coolest turtle in the ocean! Knowing the stories behind the films that inspired the attractions can and WILL take your Disneyland experience to the next level.
Here are a list of Disney films you need to watch to more fully enjoy and appreciate the attractions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Happy watching!
Disneyland
Fantasyland:
Alice in Wonderland, Mad Tea Party: Alice in Wonderland
The Mad Hatter at Disneyland is absolutely AMAZING!!! He was so great with the kids!
Dumbo, Casey Jr. Circus Train: Dumbo
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
Peter Pan’s Flight: Peter Pan
Snow White’s Scary Adventure: Snow White
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Storybook Land Canal Boats: Pinocchio
*The Storybook Land Canal Boats feature MANY different Disney movies, but the iconic Monstro the Whale is how many identify this attraction.
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough: Sleeping Beauty
Character Sightings: Tinkerbell
*You can visit with Tinkerbell and a variety of fairies in Pixie Hollow!
Park Experience: The Sword in the Stone
*King Arthur’s Carousel is technically linked to this film as well, although you certainly don’t need to watch the movie to enjoy the carousel. However, knowing the story of young Arthur (aka Wart) may help make the idea of attempting to pull the sword from the stone (located right by the carousel) more enjoyable for your kids!
Tomorrowland:
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: Toy Story
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage: Finding Nemo
Star Tours: Star Wars franchise of films
Main Street USA:
Main Street Cinema: Steamboat Willie
Character Sightings: Mary Poppins
*You can often spot Mary Poppins and Bert on Main Street!
Adventureland:
Indiana Jones Adventure: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Tarzan’s Treehouse: Tarzan
Critter Country:
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Splash Mountain: Song of the South
*Song of the South is considered fairly racist by many, so I personally recommend checking out a book about Brer Rabbit.
Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes: Davy Crockett
*This is really not necessary, but I just love exposing kids to the old live-action Disney movies!
New Orleans Square:
Pirates of the Caribbean: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
*I am personally NOT a fan of the Pirates refurbishment, and don’t love the changes to this ride that incorporate the movie – however, your kids may enjoy knowing who Jack Sparrow and Barbossa are prior to riding this attraction.
Character Sightings: The Princess and the Frog
*You can often see Princess Tiana in New Orleans Square!
Toontown:
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Chip ‘N Dale Treehouse: Chip ‘n Dale Classic Cartoons
Donald’s Boat, Goofy’s Playhouse, Mickey’s House, Minnie’s House: Classic Cartoon Favorites
*Most kids will already be familiar with Mickey and his friends via Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, but I love introducing kids to the older Mickey Mouse cartoons. It should be noted that Mickey’s house in Toontown does not really resemble the clubhouse kids may be familiar with.
A collage of pics – but a handful from Toontown! I loved watching my little boy meet Mickey Mouse for the first time!
Disney California Adventure
“a bug’s land”:
Flik’s Flyers, Francis’ Ladybug Boogie, Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train, Princess Dot Puddle Park, It’s Tough to be a Bug, Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies: A Bug’s Life
My husband and oldest son on Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies
Paradise Pier:
King Triton’s Carousel: Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure: Little Mermaid
Toy Story Midway Mania: Toy Story
Taking a ride on King Triton’s Carousel – they LOVE riding on the fish and sea creatures! (They also really love the little fountain next to the ride!)
Cars Land:
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, Radiator Springs Racers: Cars
Cars Land is one of my FAVORITE spots to be! It truly feels like you are walking around Radiator Springs!
Hollywood Land:
Monster’s Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!: Monsters Inc.
Sorcerer’s Workshop: Fantasia, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid
Turtle Talk with Crush: Finding Nemo
Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular: Aladdin
*Not a ride, but had to include this as this is a MUST-DO for your visit!!!
Grizzly Peak:
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail: Up
I hope you have a wonderful and magical trip exploring Disneyland and Disney California Adventure with your family! As you watch these Disney/Pixar films before your trip, you will only be that much more carried away by the stories inside the park.
Want even more Disney related posts? Check these out!
Top Ten Things for Adults to do at Disneyland
10 Must-See Live Action Disney Films You’ve Likely Forgotten About
DIY Disney Halloween Costume Round-Up (EASY Disney Costumes You Can Make Yourself!)
Hello Bekki, looks like you guys had great fun in disneyland. Thanks to your post as i am planning to visit disneyland next month. Will watch couple of movies you suggested here with kids. Hope to have great trip.