Something educational, so his brain rot is limited only to the days he's at Disney.

Just kidding. I don't think you need to watch any movies at all beforehand. It will be fun no matter what.

I agree with the Cars recommendation. Cars Land is amazing and they will really appreciate the scenery if they've seen the movie.

Also, we took this book with us to DL and found it really helpful:
https://smile.amazon.com/Unofficial-Guide-Disneyland-2017/dp/1628090588/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483546184&sr=8-1&keywords=disneyland+book

California Adventure has a lot of Pixar rides. There is a Monsters Inc ride, Cars land, Toy Story ride, a whole land of kids rides based on a Bug's Life, and a play place based on the movie UP.

Disneyland is more of the classic Disney stuff. Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Mickey/Donald/Minnie/Goofy type stuff.

Anonymous wrote:Your a mother and you need help with Disney movies? Did you not watch Disney movies as a kid?

You watched Cars as a kid?

Anonymous wrote:We are unexpectedly, but happily, going to Disneyland next week. My five year old hasn't watched much Disney or Pixar (for no reason except his interests were other shows).

I am just starting my Disney research and somewhat overwhelmed while trying to finish a big project at work.

What movie would you suggest for 5 yr old that would be most familiar at Disneyland? Will watch on plane.

Thanks.

Do you mean like films about the park or are you trying to familiarize him/her with Disney characters?

Cars for sure. Maybe Toy Story 1 & 2. Maybe some old Mickey cartoons (they are on Netflix.)

Your a mother and you need help with Disney movies? Did you not watch Disney movies as a kid?

We did a whole Disney film fest before our trip!

If you are going to California Adventure, definitely watch Cars (the first one only) so Cars Land will be a destination worth going to. It's amazing. The Little Mermaid ride is good for a 5 year old as well.

I also recommend some of the classics - Peter Pan (the Peter Pan ride is the best of the kiddie rides, IMO), Dumbo (classic ride),

Many of the good rides for 5 year olds can be lots of fun without the movies -- the Jungle Tour is a big hit with my kids, Splash Mountain (has zip-a-dee-doo-dah from Song of the South, which you definitely DON'T want to see....) is fun, Star Tours is really fun too, etc.

You could also go Old School and see some Mickey & Minnie cartoons.

Try watching some Mickey Mouse classic shorts on YouTube or on the Mickey Video iPhone app. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is a good way too.That way they will be familiar with the classic characters that are all over. You could pick movies based on rides. There is an awesome Cars ride so you could try the first one in that series. There is also a Little Mermaid Ride as well. My son who is younger likes both. Any of the princess movies are good too since princesses are all over. There is probably a fair amount of Moana things out since it is the new movie so you could take a trip before you leave to try that. Still my first choice would be to get to know the classic characters since they are all over and a kid can enjoy a ride without knowing the movie since it is a ride.

Another thing you may want to do is to watch YouTube videos of the characters...as in the people in the character costumes...to get your child used to seeing characters that way without being scared. That and you being overly friendly to characters unpon meeting helps kids adjust.

We are unexpectedly, but happily, going to Disneyland next week. My five year old hasn't watched much Disney or Pixar (for no reason except his interests were other shows).

I am just starting my Disney research and somewhat overwhelmed while trying to finish a big project at work.

What movie would you suggest for 5 yr old that would be most familiar at Disneyland? Will watch on plane.

Thanks.