Picture this: it’s a sunny morning in Walt Disney World, and you find yourself transported back to the glory days of slap bracelets, neon windbreakers, and Tamagotchis.
You’ve got your hair scrunchie on point, your Walkman loaded with a mixtape featuring the best of the Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys, and your fanny pack securely fastened—because where else are you going to store your supply of Fruit Roll-Ups and Dunkaroos?
It’s about time that the world of fashion has brought the good ol’ 90s back into the mainframe, so let’s relive the greatest decade in Disney animation and the magical world before cell phones and social media took over the world. It’s time for the ultimate 90s day in the most magical place on Earth!
Start the Day Off Right
Before we get into the Disney movies from the 90s, let’s just jump right into the crazy colors and trends found in the 90s. There is no better place to find that than Disney’s Pop Century Resort in the 90s section!
As you walk into your totally tubular section of the resort, the neon vibes and geometric patterns instantly transport you back to the days when overalls were a fashion statement, and everyone rocked scrunchy socks with their Reebok Pumps. Get ready to explain the cell phone bricks and laptops to the youngin’s!
Stepping outside, you find yourself in a vibrant courtyard adorned with larger-than-life artifacts that define the 90s. A towering Walkman statue captures the essence of portable music before the iPod era, and nearby, a colossal cell phone practically begs for a game of Snake. As you stroll along the pathways, you can’t help but smile at the gigantic floppy disk. Remember, don’t play with the slider or you’ll lose your whole book report!
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Staying in the 90s section of the Pop Century Resort is like stepping into a time machine, where the sights and sounds of the decade are celebrated in every detail. So, lace up your light-up sneakers, grab your pogs, and get ready to relive the raddest era ever in the most magical way possible!
Disney Movies of the 90s
Next, let’s give you a little reminder of all the Disney animated movies released in (or very close to) the 90s. Then we’ll take you on a trip through Walt Disney World to try to find all of them through the parks.
The Little Mermaid (1989) – While technically released in 1989, The Little Mermaid is often associated with the Disney Renaissance of the 1990s, marking a turning point for Disney animated films.
DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp (1990) – Scrooge takes his nephews to Egypt to find a pyramid and magic lamp.
The Rescuers Down Under (1990) – A sequel to the 1977 film The Rescuers, this adventure takes the characters to the Australian outback.
Beauty and the Beast (1991) – A tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast is a timeless classic that became the first animated film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Aladdin (1992) – This film takes audiences on a magic carpet ride through the streets of Agrabah with the charming “diamond in the rough,” Aladdin.
The Lion King (1994) – Simba’s journey from a cub to king of the Pride Lands became an instant classic, featuring unforgettable characters and the iconic soundtrack.
A Goofy Movie (1995) – This animated musical comedy follows the adventures of Goofy and his teenage son Max on a cross-country road trip.
Pocahontas (1995) – Inspired by the life of the Native American woman Pocahontas, this film explores themes of love and understanding.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) – Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, this darker Disney film tells the story of Quasimodo, the bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Hercules (1997) – A comedic take on Greek mythology, Hercules follows the titular hero as he strives to become a true hero and reclaim his place on Mount Olympus.
Mulan (1998) – Mulan tells the story of a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the army, ultimately saving China.
Tarzan (1999) – The last film of the Disney Renaissance, Tarzan follows the adventures of the man raised by gorillas in the African jungle.
These films not only defined a generation but also contributed significantly to the resurgence of Disney animation during the 1990s.
Bonus: If you love Disney TV shows from the ‘90s, you can check out Darkwing Duck, TaleSpin, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Gargoyles, and Disney’s House of Mouse.
Finding Disney 90s Classics in Walt Disney World
The Little Mermaid
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid: You can check out the retelling of this iconic story on a classic Disney dark ride in the Magic Kingdom.
Meet Ariel in her Grotto! The only place you can meet Ariel in her mermaid form is in her Grotto located right next door to her attraction.
Sebastian’s Bistro: This Caribbean Beach Resort restaurant is the perfect place for the Disney adult. It is lightly themed to our favorite crustacean with one of the most delicious (and affordable) all you care to enjoy meals on property!
The Rescuers Down Under
The only reference to this film that we know of in Walt Disney World was painted over in 2018… The World of Disney store had a small section of ceiling that featured the characters from this B-side film, but during the 2018 renovation, they were replaced with the more popular characters from UP!
Beauty and the Beast
Enchanted Tales with Belle: You can actually get involved with the dramatic retelling of how Beast and Belle fell in love in this magical attraction in the Magic Kingdom.
Gaston’s Tavern: Located next door to the previous attraction is the actual tavern where Gaston uses antlers in all of his decorating. You can not only catch a photo op in his overtly masculine chair, you might get the chance to meet the man of muscles himself!
Be Our Guest: Perhaps the most famous Beauty and the Beast attraction is the opportunity to actually dine within Beast’s castle and get suspiciously close to the enchanted rose. Go ahead, try the grey stuff, it’s delicious! Be sure to make a reservation, though, because Be Our Guest is one of the most popular table service restaurants in all of Walt Disney World.
Meet Belle in EPCOT: Plan your visit just right and as you waltz through the French pavilion and you can meet Belle in her village dress.
Beauty and the Beast – Live On Stage: You can enjoy a 20-minute Broadway-level production of Beauty and the Beast in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will fall in love with this story all over again!
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along: For devoted Beauty and the Beast fans, EPCOT’s Palais du Cinema offers a special sing-along film featuring the beloved songs from the movie, but with a whimsical twist. Prepare to be enchanted as the timeless tale is narrated by none other than Le Fou, the bumbling yet endearing sidekick to Gaston.
Aladdin
Magic Carpets of Aladdin: Who didn’t want to explore a whole new world on a magic carpet ride while watching Aladdin? Well, this ride isn’t exactly like that, but it’s an attraction dedicated to the movie, nonetheless.
Meet Jasmine and Aladdin: Be sure to check the times guide in your My Disney Experience so you can meet the famous duo in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom
Meet Jasmine in EPCOT: Explore the mysterious Morocco Pavilion in EPCOT and you might get the chance to see Jasmine, like when she was sneaking out of the palace to Agrabah
Lion King
Festival of the Lion King: The highlight of Animal Kingdom is catching a live production of the Lion King. Be prepared to see talented singers, dancers, and even fire dancers!
Goofy Movie
Meet Max Goof in Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Perhaps the most popular 90s Disney character as of late is the son of Goofy. He made his appearance initially in Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party parade dressed as the greatest pop star of all time, Powerline, and then Disney continued to bring him out as a meet-and-greet character in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Bonus points if you do the “Eye to Eye” dance with him!
Pocahontas
Meet Pocahontas in Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Be sure to check the specifics of your times guide while in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, because you can usually find her and Miko on the fast-moving flotillas gliding through the parks, but sometimes you can get lucky and find her meeting guests behind the Tree of Life!
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
It was a bold move to make a movie that was based on religious influence and genocide. While it was popular in theaters and had an award-winning soundtrack with a star-studded cast, the parks do not have any representation of the film outside of a small musical tidbit in the Happily Ever After fireworks production.
Hercules
Funny enough, despite being a God, Hercules doesn’t really get love in Walt Disney World. Instead, it’s his nemesis, Hades, that gets the show. Literally. Hades has been the host of the After Hours party devoted to Villains. Hades has also had his share of merchandise, as well.
Mulan
Meet Mulan in EPCOT: Dishonor! Dishonor on you! Dishonor on your cow! The only reference to Mulan in the parks is the rare chance to meet Mulan in the China Pavilion in EPCOT, but get this… You meet her in her matchmaker dress! Not her I-am-woman-hear-me-roar borrowed armor, or even her daily dress after the war, her cutesy painted face getup where she literally cried her makeup off.
Wrap Up
If you had fun with this run through the 90s in Walt Disney World and would like us to cover other Ultimate Days in Disney or other decades, comment below and we will make your dreams come true!
Note: This post contains affiliate links for the movies on Amazon!
This Post is Part of Our Ultimate Day Series
Ultimate Disney Days- Ultimate Day Toy Story Fans
- Ultimate Day for Frozen Fans
- Ultimate Beauty and the Beast Day
- Ultimate Day for Fans of the '90s
- Ultimate Little Mermaid Day
- Ultimate Lion King Day
- Ultimate Military Salute Patriotic Day
- Ultimate Sci-Fi Day
|
This MDT Post By: Erin Schreiver Erin is a MilSpouse who loves going to Walt Disney World with her family, pin trading, and collecting Minnie ears and coffee mugs! Check out her bio. Steve is the Military Disney Tips Founder and Editor in Chief. Check out Steve's Bio |
Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See Our Great Disney Discount and Planning Info:
- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start to Finish Guide
- Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
- Dining Overview Page
- Transportation Overview Page
- Technology Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort
 The Mouse Experts is a travel booking company specializing in Disney vacations. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!
|
Leave a Reply