Ten Movies to Watch Before Visiting Disneyland®

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Today marks an important date for a second reason—it was sixty-nine years ago today, on July 17, 1955, that Walt Disney first opened the gates of Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, California. In honour of that momentous occasion, which revolutionised the quintessential vacation experience, we're going to use our first blog post to discuss Disneyland®. Continue reading below for the top ten films that we recommend travellers watch to get the most out of the attractions and experiences at Disneyland® Resort. Let's get started!

1. Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Although Who Framed Roger Rabbit? was a groundbreaking film back in 1988, blending classic animation with live-action, it seems to have unfortunately faded into cinematic obscurity as we write in mid-2024. The movie follows detective Eddie Valiant as he investigates a murder in Toontown, where animated characters live alongside humans. This film's influence is unmistakable in Mickey's Toontown® at Disneyland® Park, where guests can experience the silly and whimsical world of animated characters. One of the three major attractions in this themed land is Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, a dark ride that immerses guests in Roger Rabbit's wacky misadventures! Be sure to watch this movie to make the most of your visit to Mickey's Toontown®.

2. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

This classic Disney film is an anthology of two stories: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and The Wind in the Willows. The latter follows Mr. Toad, a capricious character who develops a mania for motor cars, inspiring Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in Fantasyland®. This beloved dark ride has been unique to Disneyland® Resort since the Floridian version of the attraction closed back in 1998. Check out the film on Disney+ to familiarise yourself with the characters in the ride!

3. The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

guest visiting Disneyland® Resort. Consisting of The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker, these films represent the final instalment of the Skywalker Saga. The heroes, villains, and even droids from these films are omnipresent in Disneyland® Park's newest themed land, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge®, which brings the rough-and-tumble atmosphere of the Star Wars universe to life with two new attractions—Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Fans of the trilogy will also enjoy the new sequel scenes added to Star Tours - The Adventure Continues in Tomorrowland®.

4. Raiders of the Lost Ark

Another classic title from Lucasfilm, Raiders of the Lost Ark is essential for guests visiting Disneyland® Park, where Indiana Jones, the iconic archaeologist, has his own thrilling dark-ride attraction in Adventureland®. The ride, Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye, launches guests into a daring expedition through a perilous temple filled with booby traps—and snakes!

5. Big Hero 6

Big Hero 6 follows the story of Hiro Hamada and his robot companion, Baymax, as they form a superhero team to combat a mysterious villain. The film's futuristic setting, San Fransokyo—a blend of Northern Californian and Japanese cultures—is reflected in San Fransokyo Square, one of the themed areas at Disney California Adventure® Park. Although this land has no rides, guests can meet Baymax, the lovable robot from the film.

6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl

Taking its inspiration from Walt Disney's original Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland® Park, the Pirates film series has become a huge name in its own right—so much so that the versions of this attraction in California and Florida were updated several years ago to include key characters from the movie, such as the unlikely hero Jack Sparrow. Guests can enjoy a fuller appreciation of the Pirates universe by watching at least the first film before their Disneyland® Resort vacation.

7. Alice in Wonderland

Walt Disney's 1951 film Alice in Wonderland tells the whimsical tale of a young girl who falls into a fantastical world filled with eccentric characters. Disneyland® Park's Alice in Wonderland and Mad Tea Party attractions in Fantasyland® are based on this film, with the former offering a delightful ride through the film's key moments. Guests can hop aboard a caterpillar and join Alice as she encounters the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts, and other memorable characters.

8. Pinocchio 

Another classic Disney film represented with a dark ride in Fantasyland® at Disneyland® Park is Pinocchio, which tells the story of an animated Italian puppet on a quest to become a real boy. Theme park guests can experience this timeless story from Pinocchio's perspective, so definitely make sure to catch this movie on Disney+ before heading to the parks!

9. Toy Story

Toy Story, a Disney Pixar film, follows the adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their band of toys, inspiring two separate interactive attractions. Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters in Tomorrowland® at Disneyland® Park gives guests the opportunity to board a spaceship and protect the galaxy by blasting away at the Evil Emperor Zurg and his minions. Meanwhile, on the other side of the resort in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure® Park, guests can try their hand at classic fair games on Toy Story Midway Mania!

10. Guardians of the Galaxy

The 2014 Marvel film Guardians of the Galaxy follows a group of intergalactic misfits who become unexpected heroes after saving the earth-like planet Xandar. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure® Park is a thrilling drop-tower attraction that takes guests on a high-speed adventure with the Guardians. The ride features impressive visuals, exhilarating drops, and a rocking soundtrack.

Well, that's the official MouseMapper™ Travel list of must-see movies for the perfect Disneyland® Resort vacation in Southern California. If you don't have an upcoming visit to Walt Disney's original Magic Kingdom®, click here to get a free travel quote for your perfect fairytale getaway. Remember - all our planning services are completely free to clients who book through our agency! We hope to hear from you soon!