Esencia Family Travel, LLC

For every Disney Cruise, I have two key recommendations when it comes to movies:

First, make sure your kids are familiar with movies that are heavily featured on the ship before your trip. Some films play a much bigger role in Disney Cruise Line experiences than you might expect, and having that prior knowledge can enhance their enjoyment.

Second, resist the temptation to watch the latest Disney releases before you set sail. Save them for your time on board, where you can watch them for free in the ship’s theaters. Not only does this provide a fun activity during your cruise, but it also lets you take advantage of your refillable popcorn buckets. The onboard theaters are spacious and comfortable, and even for first-run movies, they tend to be much less crowded than traditional cinemas.

In this series of posts, I’ll be covering the must-watch movies for each Disney cruise ship in chronological order. We’ll start with the Disney Magic, the first ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Here’s a list of background movies to watch, ranked from most essential to least essential:

Must-Watch Movies for the Disney Magic

1. Tangled (Rapunzel) – This is the number one must-watch movie. The ship features an entire dining experience themed around Rapunzel and Flynn celebrating her birthday at Rapunzel’s Royal Table. There’s also an evening stage show, Tangled: The Musical, which is a major highlight of the cruise. Since most kids enjoy watching Tangled, it’s an easy and fun way to prepare for the cruise.
2. Cinderella – If you’re planning to see Twice Charmed, the exclusive Broadway-style show on the Disney Magic, it’s essential to watch Cinderella first. The plot of Twice Charmed is heavily inspired by Cinderella III: A Twist in Time, but watching the original film provides all the background you need.
3. Peter Pan – Peter Pan and Tinker Bell play key roles in Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic, one of the ship’s most beloved shows. Watching Peter Pan ahead of time will make their appearances even more magical for your kids.
4. Pinocchio – Pinocchio plays a significant role in the dining experience at Animator’s Palate. A major plot point in the restaurant’s interactive show will resonate more if your kids are familiar with the film’s characters. Plus, the ship’s pizza station, Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, is a fun reference to the movie.
5. Beauty and the Beast – While you won’t necessarily see characters from Beauty and the Beast during the meal, many of the intricate details at Lumiere’s, one of the ship’s main restaurants, are inspired by the movie. The enchanted rose chandeliers and elegant decor are best appreciated with some background knowledge.
6. Fantasia – Sorcerer Mickey is a recurring theme across Disney Cruise Line, and Fantasia references appear in various parts of the ship, including artwork in the hallways. Sorcerer Mickey also makes an appearance during your Animator’s Palate meal While not a must-watch, knowing Sorcerer Mickey in advance is a nice bonus.
7. Aladdin – Aladdin is referenced throughout the Animator’s Palate dinner experience, and scenes from the movie often appear during the show. The film is also tied into Disney Dreams in a fun way.
8. Hercules – Hercules makes several appearances in the visual displays at Animator’s Palate, so watching the movie beforehand makes spotting these references more enjoyable. This movie, in particular seems to be a favorite of the Disney Cruise Line team and is heavily represented on most ships.
9. Soul – The Soul Cat Lounge on the Disney Magic is inspired by Pixar’s Soul. If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll appreciate all the little details and hidden nods to the film’s characters and themes.
10. Monsters, Inc. – There are a few fun nods to Monsters, Inc. on the ship, including the cleverly named Eye Scream Treats, which serves up delicious soft-serve ice cream. While this isn’t a must-watch, it’s a fun extra that makes the references more meaningful.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to watch (or rewatch) these Disney classics before your cruise can make your experience aboard the Disney Magic even more immersive and enjoyable. Whether it’s recognizing a plot point in a stage show, appreciating themed dining experiences, or spotting hidden references, these Must-Watch Movies for the Disney Magic add an extra layer of magic to your voyage.

Stay tuned for more movie recommendations for the other Disney Cruise Line ships in future posts!

If you’re ready to book your own Disney Cruise Line Vacation, please be sure to contact me for more information, including the many perks my agency offers those sailing Disney Cruise Line.

Check out our Disney Cruise Line page or just contact me know to start the process.

Contact us now, and let’s start planning your next chapter of memories together!