Many families wonder which Disney movies to watch before their cruise so their kids recognize the characters onboard. This can make character meet and greets more exciting, especially if your children are still getting familiar with the Disney universe.
On most Disney Cruise Line sailings, you will see a wide range of classic characters. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Chip, and Dale appear throughout the ship. Pirate Night often includes Captain Jack Sparrow, which is especially fun if your kids have seen at least one Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Princess meet and greets commonly feature Cinderella, Ariel, Tiana, Rapunzel, and others depending on the ship and itinerary.
If your ship has Animator’s Palate, watching Finding Nemo ahead of time is a great idea. Elements of the movie appear during dinner, and kids love recognizing the characters as the restaurant comes to life.
Some specialty sailings feature additional characters. Certain cruises include Marvel characters, and select Disney Dream sailings starting in February 2026 feature Bluey and Bingo, which is a big hit for younger kids who love the show.
The Broadway style shows onboard also pull scenes and music from well known Disney films. Watching these ahead of time helps kids connect the dots during the performances. Movies commonly referenced include:
- Mary Poppins
- Tarzan
- The Jungle Book
- Beauty and the Beast
That said, not every family feels the need to prep with movies. Some parents prefer the opposite approach. If kids are not invested in character meet and greets, there is less pressure to stand in line and more flexibility to enjoy pools, shows, and other onboard activities. There is no wrong way to do it.
Whether you binge a few Disney classics or skip the prep entirely, the cruise experience is designed to be magical either way.
