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The sad truth is you can’t always be at Walt Disney World. Eventually the park closes and the vacation ends. Luckily, there’s plenty of Disney content out there to keep you in the spirit when you can’t actually be there. Here’s a land by land look at a few movies that keep us in that Magic Kingdom mood. 

Main Street U.S.A.
Pollyanna

Main Street, U.S.A. was designed to represent an idealized picture of small town America, its warmth and friendliness. Stepping onto Main Street is a bit like taking a bite of warm apple pie. If you’re looking for that in movie form, look no further than the 1960 Disney classic Pollyanna. Starring perennial Disney favorite Hayley Mills, the movie tells the story of the orphan girl Pollyanna, whose sunny disposition betters the life of everyone in town. When a tragic accident threatens Pollyanna’s happiness, the town must come together to give her a taste of the joy and happiness that she has given them.

Adventureland
Treasure Island

Treasure Island is the ultimate adventure story. The movie roils with dastardly villains like the pirate Long John Silver, hidden treasure, and daring heroes like Jim Hawkins and Captain Smollett. Based on the beloved Robert Louis Stevenson novel, Disney’s 1950 movie was the studio’s first full length live action film, and the first film version of the book released in color. Robert Newton as Long John Silver is a particular delight. 

The Swiss Family Robinson

First published in 1812, Johann David Weiss’s “The Swiss Family Robinson” tells the story of the Robinson family who have been stranded on an island after a shipwreck. The novel, and the 1960 film starring Disney stalwarts like John Mills and Tommy Kirk, follows the adventures of the Robinson family as they learn how to survive and thrive on the island. This film is a perfect watch away from the parks because it ties directly to an attraction. After watching the movie you’ll be ready to go explore the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House.

Frontierland
Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier

Originally released as a three part mini-series, Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier became something of a phenomenon. Fess Parker was perfectly cast as the adventurous Davy Crockett, complete in coonskin cap (which would become a popular Disney souvenir) and accompanied by one of the catchiest Disney songs ever written: The Ballad of Davy Crockett. The film tells the story of his time in the Creek Indian Wars, his time in Congress, and his final stand at the Alamo.

The Apple Dumpling Gang

The Apple Dumpling Gang is one of my favorite live action Disney movies. The film debuted in 1975, and stars the inimitable Don Knotts and Tim Conway. That should be reason enough to see the film,  as both are at the height of their comedic powers in the movie. The duo play a pair of inept criminals. Beyond their delightful tomfoolery, the movie has a heartwarming plot about a pair of orphans, a gambler named Russell Donovan, and a heaping helping of gold.

Liberty Square
Johnny Tremain

Walt Disney loved and respected American history, and he wanted everyone else to share his love for it. His passion is on full display in the 1957 film Johnny Tremain starring Hal Stalmaster in the titular role. The movie tells the story of the American Revolution and Johnny’ role in it, featuring iconic moments like the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s Ride, and the Battle of Lexington and Concord. The movie also features The Liberty Tree, an elm that stood near Boston which became a rallying point for American colonists. Guests can visit the Liberty Tree in Liberty Square.

The Swamp Fox

Technically, this is a television mini-series and not a movie. It’s also a bit difficult to get your hands on to watch, though full episodes can be found on YouTube. Released between 1959 and 1961, the series celebrates the life and adventures of oft forgotten Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, also known as the Swamp Fox. Marion is played by a young Leslie Nielsen. As a fun side note, the actual Marion was known to wear an old pot on his head as he rode into battle. However, Disney opted to go with a tri-corner hat, believing those would be easier to market to children as tie-in merchandise than an old pot. 

Fantasyland
Peter Pan

An animated masterpiece, Disney’s 1953 film is based on the 1904 J.M. Barrie play Peter Pan, or the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up. The classic children’s story about Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, Wendy, and the Darling children is also one of the most beloved attractions inside the Magic Kingdom. Of course, the movie also features one of the greatest Disney villains ever created: Captain Hook. The movie was also the final Disney film released by RKO Radio Pictures before Walt Disney founded his own distribution company.

Beauty and the Beast

Like Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast really needs no introduction. This tale as old as time was released in 1991 and became the first animated film ever nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The story is based on a 1756 French fairy tale, and tells the story of the beautiful Belle and her unlikely love story with the cursed Beast. Gaston, the film’s antagonist, is one of Disney’s best, and the musical score may be unparalleled in the long Disney canon of song.

Tomorrowland
Tron

Soon, Guests will be able to experience a Tron attraction in the Magic Kingdom when the long awaited Tron Lightcycle Run opens. While we wait, there’s plenty of time to watch and re-watch the groundbreaking sci-fi classic Tron, released in 1982. Jeff Bridges is the star of the film, but it’s most long lasting impact comes through the movie’s visual effects, particularly in its use of computer-generated imagery. In fact, Pixar’s John Lasseter once stated that, “without Tron, there would be no Toy Story.”

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