Gold Standard: Oscar-Winning Films at Disneyland and Disney World

Get ready to roll out the red carpet – The Oscars are almost here, airing LIVE on Sunday, March 15, at 7e/4p on ABC and Hulu.

Live from the famed Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, The Oscars celebrate excellence in filmmaking, and Disney has long been a major part of that legacy. With an impressive portfolio of 151 total Academy Awards as of 2025 (with 32 wins from Walt Disney himself!), Disney’s storytelling has helped shape cinematic history and pop culture as a whole.

For many fans, these stories live beyond the screen, brought to life through classic attractions, delicious dining, outstanding entertainment, and so much more across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

Maura and Peyton from Disney Parks Blog have tracked down some of the must-see spots where Oscar-winning Disney films come to life in the parks. Trust us, you’ll want to add these to your next visit. Let’s dive into their picks for the most magical silver-screen-to-theme-park transformations.

With phenomenal effects, an incredible cast, gorgeous costumes, and a soaring score by the Sherman Brothers, Mary Poppins remains one of the most joyous and impressive works in the Disney catalogue.

A can’t-miss spot to grab a bite at Disneyland park is Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, a quick-service restaurant inspired by the film. Here on Main Street U.S.A., you’ll find charming nods to the movie like colorful stained-glass windows depicting playful penguins, objects such as a tea set and miniature carousel, and lyrics from some of the most classic songs. You can also enjoy plenty of practically perfect sweets and snacks such as the Raspberry Rose Mickey Macaron, croissants, cinnamon rolls, and the Beef Birria Toasted Cheese (a beloved item for good reason).

You don’t have to journey far under the sea to feel like part of Ariel’s world – this princess is popping up in different places across Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, allowing you to dive right into her colorful, cheerful story.

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World, be dazzled and delighted by the new stage show “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or you can venture to Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park for a relaxing ride on Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid.

At Disney California Adventure Park, board your clam-mobile and set off on an adventure full of magical moments with a soundtrack of music we all know and love on The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Beauty and the Beast is Maura’s favorite Disney movie, and the film feels present in so many ways throughout Disney Parks. Belle, the Beast, and those iconic enchanted objects grace everything from food and beverage spots to entertainment offerings.

At Disneyland park, enjoy a quick meal at Red Rose Taverne, snack on a Garlic Cheesy Pretzel Bread (also Maura’s favorite snack, how fitting) from the Maurice’s Treats cart, and sit for a showing of silly scenes onstage during Storytelling at Royal Theatre.

Across the country at Walt Disney World, enter the enchanted castle for an elegant dining experience at Be Our Guest Restaurant or grab a bite from Gaston’s Tavern (we suggest the Crème Brûlée Croissant and LeFou’s Brew) at Magic Kingdom Park. You can even see this timeless story come to life in “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

An instant classic full of legendary quotes and iconic scenes, Pixar Animation Studios’ Finding Nemo has had a major profile at Disney Parks since the original film was released in 2003. At Disneyland park, climb down into a yellow research submarine on an adventure to find the beloved clown fish on Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, or have a totally awesome conversation with Crush the sea turtle at Turtle Talk with Crush at Disney California Adventure park.

In our itinerary, no trip to Disney World is quite complete without going under the sea (and no, you will not get wet) and descending slowly below the waves on The Seas with Nemo and Friends in World Nature at EPCOT. Once you have helped Marlin and Dory find Nemo, you’ll step out of your ride vehicle right into an ocean of fun at SeaBase Aquarium. Here, you can view ocean life — including clown fish, manatees, and sharks — in a massive 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium.

For a sit-down show filled with puppets, singers, and other performers on your next trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, see “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” This live show is set in the underwater world of the film and includes fan favorite songs such as “In the Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow.”

Pixar’s The Incredibles is a thrill-ride from start to finish, and there’s a reason that Brad Bird’s original film was able to take home two Oscars at the 77th Academy Awards, inspire a sequel, and kick off over two decades of fandom.

The heroic family is featured in the Incredicoaster at the Disneyland Resort. At this Disney California Adventure park attraction, you join the Incredibles in a mad dash to catch Jack-Jack as he wreaks havoc during an exhilarating ride around Pixar Pier. With enclosed tunnels, special effects, and a musical score by composer Michael Giacchino, this high-speed roller coaster features familiar faces and Disneyland’s only “loop.”

If you’re ready to cool down after a sunny day at California Adventure, you may also book a stay at the new Incredibles Suite at Pixar Place Hotel for a perfect family getaway. The suite includes a hand-scanning prop at the entryway, a spy phone, hidden messages, a secret door, and other surprises that surround you in the “spy-fi” suspense of the film.

From the moment it hit theaters in 2007, Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille became a film beloved particularly by foodies and culinary enthusiasts, with all the ingredients for a truly delicious movie. Remy’s dreams of moving to Paris and proving his skills in the kitchen made for a heartwarming and relatable story, and the way food is depicted onscreen is truly mouthwatering.

For the cherry on top of your day at Walt Disney World, visit the France pavilion at EPCOT, home to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This attraction makes you feel Remy-sized as you dart and dash through the chaotic kitchen of Gusteau’s famous Paris restaurant – so keep your eyes peeled for danger! It’s basically like being immersed in an episode of FX’s The Bear.

The world of Toy Story has been a staple at Disney Parks since the original film debuted in 1995 (and yes, it’s still Peyton’s favorite Pixar movie). Over the years, you may recall family photos with Buzz Lightyear, marching green army soldiers, or special snacks ready to be devoured (like the new Pizza Planet spring rolls in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios). Yet Toy Story 3 remains the most decorated film of the franchise at the Oscars, taking home two trophies and even a nomination for Best Picture at the 83rd Academy Awards.

So, how can I find my favorite Toy Story pals at Disney Parks? Disneyland Resort features three attractions inspired by the fan-favorite franchise: a thrilling, competitive space battle on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters at Disneyland park, a midway-style game on Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure park, and a rootin’, tootin’ ride around a giant toy carousel on Jessie’s Critter Carousel, also at California Adventure.

Meanwhile, Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios shrinks you to the size of a toy and surrounds you with dynamic options to eat (Woody’s Lunch Box and Roundup Rodeo BBQ) and play. Slinky Dog Dash is a great pick for many thrill-seeking families as you twist and turn past giant toys in Andy’s oversized backyard, while Toy Story Mania! and Alien Swirling Saucers are both great for little ones looking to spot beloved characters.

Disney Animation’s Frozen created quite the flurry when the film first released in 2013, with unforgettable songs, stunning animation, and a special sisterly bond at the center of the story. Since its release, the film received a sequel (with two more movies on the way), a stage show on Broadway, and eventually settled in Disney Parks around the world.

At EPCOT’s Norway pavilion in Walt Disney World, embark on a daring voyage aboard an ancient Nordic vessel on Frozen Ever After, where you’ll take in the scenic sights throughout Troll Valley, the North Mountain, and the kingdom of Arendelle. Along the way, you’ll spot familiar friends Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff in the form of breathtaking newly-updated Audio-Animatronics figures.

And at California Adventure park, Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome is the perfect place to greet these snow-loving sisters, straight from their enchanted kingdom of Arendelle.

Set inside the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo, Disney Animation’s Big Hero 6 immediately wowed audiences around the world with its heart, humor, and comic-book-style action when it first hit theaters in November 2014.

At San Fransokyo Square in Disney California Adventure park, you can discover a vibrant neighborhood of eateries and businesses. You may also encounter Baymax here!

Looking to snack on a delicious Baymax macaron? Lucky Fortune Cookery has you covered. Ready to enjoy a savory soup inside a freshly baked bread bowl? Check out some hearty options at Aunt Cass Café. With delightful beverages and bites, sprinkled throughout San Fransokyo Square, it’s a must stop on your next California Adventure itinerary.

Inspired by Pixar’s Inside Out, the Best Animated Feature winner from the 88th Academy Awards, step into the workplace of Riley’s Emotions at California Adventure with Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind.

This sense-sational, family-friendly spin in the sky will have you filled with joy as you ascend in unison in one of eight Memory Movers. Right after, keep moving throughout Pixar Pier to pick up a spicy, all-beef hot dog from Angry Dogs and a Rainbow Unicorn frozen refresher from Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff.

And speaking of Bing Bong, where might you find your beloved friend who likes to play? The part-cat, part-elephant, part-dolphin imaginary friend from Inside Out may be found greeting guests and making more core memories at Pixar Place Hotel, so be sure to swing by and take a picture that will last a lifetime.

As we roll out the red carpet for Hollywood’s biggest night, it’s the perfect time to celebrate so many beloved worlds and characters that have journeyed from the silver screen to Disney Parks. These show-stopping bites, attractions, and entertainment offerings are a reminder that the magic and power of great storytelling don’t end when the credits roll – it takes on new life in a distinctly Disney way.

Any visit to Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort allows you to step into your favorite films, with even more Academy Award-winning titles like Coco (2017) and Encanto (2021) serving as inspiration for new attractions as we prepare for exciting upcoming developments across our parks and resorts.

The 98^th Oscars will take place at the renowned Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 15. You can watch the ceremony on ABC and streaming on Hulu beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT – see you at the show!