There have been four movies set in the world of "Mad Max," a postapocalyptic future where the entire planet looks like a desert and society has almost completely broken down — and we can't get enough.

The 2015 installment, "Mad Max: Fury Road," introduced audiences to Imperator Furiosa (played by Charlize Theron), a general who fights against the tyrannical Immortan Joe (played by Hugh Keays-Byrne) to free his enslaved wives.

As "Fury Road" is technically a "Mad Max" movie, we spend more time with Max (played by Tom Hardy in "Fury Road" and originally played by Mel Gibson in the first three), but everyone left the theater wanting more Furiosa.

While "Furiosa" may not have been a hit at the box office, it was still so great to be back in the world created by director George Miller. Anya Taylor-Joy did a solid job as Furiosa, but it was Chris Hemsworth's performance as Dementus that we couldn't stop thinking about.

"The Godfather Part II," released in 1974, is both a sequel and a prequel to 1972's "The Godfather." The film simultaneously follows Al Pacino's Michael Corleone as he assumes the role of don in the Corleone crime family after the death of his father Vito, and tells viewers the origin story of a young Vito (played by Robert De Niro) as he immigrates to New York City from Italy.

Comparing and contrasting Vito and Michael at similar ages is a fascinating look into each of their personalities, and the film keeps viewers equally invested in both as they rise to power.

The less we say about "The Godfather Part III," the better.

In our opinion, "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again," released in 2018, is far superior to the 2008 original film. Why? Because it somehow follows "The Godfather Part II's" playbook and is both a sequel and a prequel.

While we watch a grown-up Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) struggle to finally open her mother Donna's hotel in the present, we also get to look back at how a young Donna (played by the effervescent Lily James) met the three very handsome men, any one of whom could be Sophie's father.

It shouldn't work, but it does. All we know is that — even if it doesn't make sense — we need both James and Meryl Streep back for the rumored third film.

"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," released in 1966, was the third and final film of director Sergio Leone's "Dollars Trilogy," which began with 1964's "A Fistful of Dollars."

But "The Good..." is actually a prequel, as it depicts Clint Eastwood's character (known simply as The Man with No Name) gaining the iconic items of clothing he wears in the other two films, and it explicitly takes place during the Civil War, while the others seem a bit more modern.

However, you don't need to see "Fistful" or its 1965 sequel to understand why "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" rules. It's a staple of the spaghetti Western genre, Eastwood is as good as he's ever been, and the film's theme is still iconic almost 60 years later.

Yes, "Temple of Doom," released in 1984, takes place before 1981's "Raiders of the Lost Ark," even though characters from "Temple of Doom" (e.g. Ke Huy Quan's Short Round or Kate Capshaw's Willie Scott) are not mentioned in "Raiders" or "Last Crusade."

Instead, "Temple of Doom" is a rip-roaring adventure following archaeologist/treasure hunter Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) as he goes up against a religious sect that uses enslaved children and rips out human hearts while trying to save a rural village that's been cursed.

"Temple of Doom" has not aged well in all aspects (its depiction of Indian food and culture is abysmal), and it doesn't really provide any context about Indy's early life — you'd have to watch the prologue of "Last Crusade" to see River Phoenix playing a younger version of the character — it's still worth the watch for the mine car chase, Ford's delivery of "We are going to die," and the ludicrous plane-crash scene. 

"Rogue One" is a prequel that explains exactly one plot point from the first "Star Wars" movie, originally released in 1977. Almost 40 years later, in 2016, fans finally got the answer to this question: How did the Rebels get access to the schematics of the Death Star?

Now we know: The daughter of an Empire engineer, Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), teamed up with a ragtag crew comprised of a spy named Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), a reprogrammed Imperial droid named K-2SO (Alan Tudyk), a blind believer in the Force and his best friend (Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen), and a former Imperial pilot who turned good (Riz Ahmed), to steal the plans from an Imperial base on a suicide mission.

"Rogue One" is such an effective prequel because it almost immediately gets you invested in these characters, and you already know the stakes because of the original trilogy — the fate of the galaxy is at stake.

If that wasn't enough prequel action for you, don't fret. The Disney+ series "Andor" is itself a prequel to "Rogue One."

It all led to this: "Revenge of the Sith," released in 2005, finally showed "Star Wars" fans how exactly Jedi prodigy Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) turned into one of the most terrifying villains of all time, Darth Vader.

The final confrontation between Anakin and his erstwhile mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), has basically become a meme at this point, but when you rewatch the movie, it still hits. These two actors are both operating at the top of their game, and you really feel the heartbreak coming from both of them.

This film almost makes the mediocre first two films in the prequel trilogy (more on them later) worth it.

After the truly mind-boggling events of 2017's "Transformers: The Last Knight," which introduced the Knights of the Round Table and Merlin to the mythology, it was time to take the franchise back to basics.

And one year later, they did by releasing "Bumblebee," which takes the story back to 1987 and focuses on 18-year-old Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld). Charlie, who has just lost her father, finds Bumblebee in a scrapyard and begins to bond with him.

The stakes are a little lower, the lore is a lot more digestible, and Steinfeld is easily the best protagonist the franchise has ever seen.

In 2023, "Rise of the Beasts" was released. It's a bigger story than "Bumblebee" but not as incoherent as "Last Knight" or "Dark Side of the Moon." It also has a way more compelling cast of characters, led by Anthony Ramos as Noah Diaz, Dominique Fishback as Elena Wallace, and Pete Davidson as Mirage.

Again, this movie is a prequel to the original films, taking place mainly in 1994 and largely ignoring the events of both "Bumblebee" and the later films.

It's a fun time at the movies for anyone who simply likes to turn off their brain and watch giant robots beat each other up.

In 2024, audiences were treated to yet another movie focusing on the Transformers; this time it was an animated prequel about the origins of Optimus Prime, voiced by Chris Hemsworth, his best-friend-turned-archnemesis Megatron, voiced by Brian Tyree Henry, and Bumblebee, voiced by Keegan-Michael Key.

To put it plainly: This movie rocks. The voice casting is impeccable, the animation is beautiful, and the story is genuinely compelling.

The "X-Men" franchise has one of the most complicated chronologies in movie history — and much of that is made even more confusing with the events of 2014's "Days of Future Past," which sees characters from the original "X-Men" film go back in time to link up with the characters introduced in 2011's "X-Men: First Class" to change the future and hopefully save all of mutant-kind.

But even with that complicated setup, this movie is a lot of fun.

Seeing Hugh Jackman's Wolverine interact with the younger version of his mentor Professor X (played by James McAvoy) and his arch-enemy Magneto (Michael Fassbender) is entertaining, and the happy ending they manage to pull off for almost everyone feels earned.

"Monsters University" was released in 2013, 12 years after we last saw Sulley and Mike, our resident scarers (and later comedians).

The ending of "Monsters, Inc." should never be touched — it's perfect — so when it was announced that another film in this universe was coming, fans were a bit nervous. But the filmmakers managed to avoid ruining the end of "Monsters, Inc." by instead showing us how best friends Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) met while they were attending Monsters University.

Fans get some genuine insight into how this world works, how Mike and Sulley were able to bond even though they're total opposites, and even how their beef with Randall (Steve Buscemi) started.

And before you ask: No, "Lightyear" isn't a prequel.

The world of "Alien" is a big one — that's why there have been seven movies, with a TV show on the way next year.

While 2012's "Prometheus" takes place in the same universe as "Alien," its 2017 sequel "Alien: Covenant" directly ties into the events of the earlier films by essentially retelling the events of 1979's "Alien." But this time, it explains how the horrifying xenomorphs were actually created by the evil Weyland-Yutani Corporation and how learning to control these creatures has always been their plan.

Also, we have to shout out Michael Fassbender, whose dual performance as Walter and David is the highlight of this movie. Creepy androids are an important part of the "Alien" franchise, and he knocked it out of the park.

"The Wizard of Oz" remains one of the greatest films of all time, even though it was released 85 years ago. That's probably enough of a reason to leave this story alone, but instead, there have been many attempts to create a worthy sequel of the film — none of them have lived up to the original.

Sadly, neither does 2013's prequel "Oz the Great and Powerful," starring James Franco as the titular Oz. Part of the fun of "The Wizard of Oz" is that you don't really know how the Wizard got to Oz, and that mystery adds to the fantastical vibes of the land of Oz.

But if you watch "Oz," you'll learn all about Oscar's career as a scam artist, how he manipulated everyone around him, and how he inadvertently created the Wicked Witch of the East.

It's not a horrible movie, but it kind of diminishes the magic of the original film, and for that, it's unnecessary.

We know that anti-heroes are all the rage, but did Disney really expect us to start siding with a woman who wanted to skin 101 Dalmatian puppies for a coat? This 2021 film gives Cruella de Vil, the villain of the 1961 animated film, a convoluted back story in which she clashes with a legendary fashion designer known only as the Baroness (Emma Thompson).

It is fun to watch Stone and Thompson face off, the fashion is to die for, and it's overall a solid movie ... but there's no reason for it to exist. We didn't need to know any more about Cruella — and we definitely don't need a sequel.

Simply put: "The Hobbit" films (2012's "An Unexpected Journey," 2013's "The Desolation of Smaug," and 2014's "The Battle of the Five Armies") are slow. While the first three "Lord of the Rings" movies are based on a 1,200-page tome, "The Hobbit" films are based on a 300-page novel (that's downright cute in comparison).

Maybe "The Hobbit," which starred Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, would've worked as a single film, but there was no reason for the story to be stretched out across three films — especially when we know exactly how it ends thanks to Bilbo's appearances in "Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Return of the King," as played by Ian Holm.

We'll see if "The Hunt for Gollum" is a more worthy prequel — the jury's still out on "The War of the Rohirrim."

"300," the 2006 historical epic, isn't exactly a work of cinematic art, but it is entertaining, and spawned many a meme and much interest in ancient Sparta.

However, "Rise of an Empire," released in 2014, is both a prequel and a sequel and also takes place during the events of "300." You could argue it bites off more than it can chew. Plus, in our opinion, Sullivan Stapleton does not hold the screen the same way Gerard Butler does.

As The New York Times' Nicolas Rapold put it, "Rise of an Empire" "[lacks] the momentum and bombastic je ne sais quoi of '300.'"

The 1982 John Carpenter classic "The Thing" was negatively reviewed upon its release, but it has since been reappraised as one of the best sci-fi/horror films of all time. The special effects alone remain horrifying 42 years later.

The 2011 prequel, also called "The Thing," leads viewers right up to the first moments of the 1982 film, which completely removes the stakes — you know that everyone in the film is toast.

As many critics noted, the 2011 version also didn't really deviate from the source material. NME's Owen Nicholls wrote, "The real mess lies in the fact that from Plot Point One until Act III we're treading over all-too-familiar snow prints."

Just watch the original.

Think back to 1999 — the first "Star Wars" movie in 16 years is about to be released. You can't wait to see how director George Lucas is going to show fans how the Jedi chosen one, Anakin Skywalker, became the space fascist known as Darth Vader.

You sit down with popcorn to view "The Phantom Menace" ... and you watch a movie that's about track blockades, contains a scientific explanation for the Force, and portrays the future Darth Vader as a whiny kid.

Three years later, in 2002, you sit down once again to see "Attack of the Clones." Maybe they've course-corrected — but no. Now you have a whiny teenage Anakin Skywalker, the Jedi acting even more incompetently than they did in "Phantom Menace," and a movie that's just as boring. There's not a Han Solo-level character to be found.

Skipping to "Revenge of the Sith" is the best way to view "Star Wars," trust us.

"The Scorpion King" is just a bad movie. The CGI is bad, the Rock hasn't mastered his on-screen persona yet (read: he does not have a personality in this movie), and there's really no reason we needed to see the Scorpion King's origin story: There's a scene dedicated to his origin story in "The Mummy Returns," and that tells us everything we need to know.

It's a testament to Johnson's charisma because if this had been anyone else's first leading role, their career would've been over.

Prequels like this are tricky to pull off — we know that Taka will turn into the villainous Scar, who will one day push his brother off a cliff to his death, an act that traumatized so many '90s and 2000s kids. So, it's hard to get invested in him as a cute cub when we know what his future holds.

Similarly, it's hard to get invested in the action when we know that basically every character on screen will be fine. There are so many scenes where Mufasa almost falls off a cliff, which is supposed to be foreshadowing but also has no dramatic tension since we know he will be OK (for now).

The animation is better than in 2019's "Lion King" remake. However, it's still somewhat in the uncanny valley zone, and it's always going to be easier animating a cartoon lion to have expressions than a photorealistic one. If you're really in need of a "Lion King" sequel, check out "The Lion King II: Simba's Pride."

Disney is working on a live-action version of its first animated classic, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Marc Webb ("The Amazing Spider-Man") directs the upcoming adaptation with "West Side Story" star Rachel Zegler playing the iconic Disney princess. Gal Gadot assumes the role of her stepmother, the Evil Queen.

"Snow White is the girl you remember, but she's definitely made for the modern age," Zegler told the D23 crowd in 2022. "There's such an emphasis on what it really means to be the fairest of them all. For Snow White, it's coming to terms with finding herself and finding her inner voice and finding a sense of agency so that she can be a just ruler and a wonderful queen."

The fairy tale will have new music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who wrote the songs for "The Greatest Showman" and "La La Land." 

Emmy winner Courtney B. Vance will play Cobra Bubbles in the film, according to Deadline. Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen will also star. Maia Kealoha will play Lilo. Dean Fleischer Camp ("Marcel the Shell With Shoes On") will direct.

The director of the original movie, Chris Sanders ("The Wild Robot"), will return to once more voice Stitch.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson announced Disney's working on a live-action "Moana" during a pre-recorded video for a Disney shareholders meeting in early April 2023.

Johnson will reprise his role from the hit 2016 movie as Maui.

"I'm deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of 'Moana' to the live-action big screen," Johnson said in a statement released by Disney.

"This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people's grace and warrior strength," he added. "I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me."

Auli'i Cravalho announced on Instagram she won't reprise her role as the Disney princess. Instead, she'll serve as an executive producer.

This follows the animated box office hit "Moana 2" released at the end of 2024, which has become the studio's "hottest IP."

The DisInsider first reported the 1997 animated film about the son of Zeus will get a live-action remake.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Avengers: Endgame" directors Anthony and Joe Russo will produce, but not direct, the film. Guy Ritichie, who directed "Aladdin," will direct.

Joe Russo described the film in November 2022 as a musical that will be "a little bit more experimental in tone."

Danny DeVito and James Woods lent their voices in the animated film. Ariana Grande performed a solo six-part harmony of the movie's "I Won't Say I'm In Love" in 2020, prompting many fans to suggest she'd be the perfect Meg. It's unclear at this time whether music will be a part of the film.

Deadline reported in 2019 that a live-action version of Disney's 1996 movie about an orphaned Quasimodo living in the bell tower of Notre Dame was in the works. Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, who teamed up on "Pocahontas," will write the music, while Josh Gad ("Frozen") is producing.

Deadline reports the live-action film will adapt both the 1996 Disney film and the Victor Hugo novel. It's not clear whether or not the remake will be for Disney's streaming service or a theatrical release. 

Gad has said the script is "one of the best" he has read and expressed his hope that Disney will let them make the live-action adaptation.

In May 2023, Menken gave ComicBook.com an update: "It's a tough one, because the Hunchback movie, Hunchback story involves a lot of real, real issues that are important issues and should be explored to be discussed. And there has to be an agreement about how we deal with those issues... It sits in this limbo right now."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the remake will be directed by Carlos Lopez Estrada and will head to Disney+.

In June 2022, Chris Evans said he'd love "a crack" at playing the character since he's a big fan of the animated film.

Variety reported that John Gatins and Andrea Berloff are writing a sequel to the 2019 film with producers Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich returning.

Lin told Business Insider in August 2019 they were discussing a sequel.

"I can't talk too much about the sequel just yet, but know that we are hearing fans' desires to see another 'Aladdin' movie and feel like there's more story to tell," Lin told BI after the film crossed $1 billion at the box office.

Director Guy Ritchie told Collider in February 2023 he "would very much like to" return for a sequel, adding they've "been kicking some ideas around."

However, in March, star Mena Massoud sounded less hopeful, telling fans on Twitter a sequel was "very unlikely at this point."

Disney released two popular direct-to-video sequels for "Aladdin" in the '90s, including "The Return of Jafar" and "Aladdin and the King of Thieves." Variety reported the sequel will be completely original and not based on the straight-to-video films.

Disney has not officially announced the sequel.

In 2019, THR reported that Billy Magnussen's "Aladdin" character would get his own spin-off movie on Disney Plus. The film is not supposed to be a sequel.

Anders is a prince who unsuccessfully sought Princess Jasmine's hand in marriage in the 2019 film.

In May 2022, Magnussen told Screen Rant the film was still moving forward and in the process of rewrites.

The remake will be written by "Game of Thrones" writer and producer Bryan Cogman. Juan Carlos Fresnadillo was named as the director in January 2018.

In 2024, Fresnadillo, who directed the Netflix movie "Damsel," gave an update to Collider on the project: "I was attached a long time ago, and I prepped a lot for Disney for that movie. I don't know exactly what happened, but the studio decided to hold the project. So right now it's in a holding situation, and I don't know what's going to happen, to be honest. But I think it's a great story. I would be so keen to make it if they decided to greenlight the project."

According to Variety, the remake of the 1942 film won't be live-action with a real deer, rabbit, and skunk. Disney will utilize the technology that helped bring "The Lion King" remake to life to look photorealistic.

In 2023, Deadline reported that Sarah Polley ("Women Talking") was on board to direct, but a year later The Wrap reported that she had exited the project.

Before the release of Disney's remake of 1961's "The Jungle Book," the studio already started planning a sequel. The movie was a huge success, grossing nearly $1 billion at the box office.

According to The Hollywood Reporter in 2016, Jon Favreau was expected to return to the director's chair for "The Jungle Book 2" along with Justin Marks to return for the sequel. There is no set release date for the movie.

The Hollywood Reporter wrote about a movie in 2015 that would star Reese Witherspoon. 

No new information has been released since 2016. 

One great thing about living so close to Disney World is that I can go to the parks whenever I want, as long as reservations are available for annual passholders.

I usually visit three or four times a week because the parks bring me so much happiness.

I enjoy meeting the characters, so if I'm having a hard day and want to see Mickey Mouse or a princess, I don't have to commute very far.

Most of the friends I made during my time in the Disney College Program in 2018 now live in Florida.

Since moving, I've met with them to watch the parades, visit characters, and eat snacks in the parks.

It's nice to go to the parks, enjoy each other's company, and not feel rushed during every experience.

The creative snacks are one of my favorite parts of visiting Disney World.

I love trying the different cupcakes, brownies, and Mickey crisped-rice treats that celebrate holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Father's Day.

I often enjoy the Mickey ice-cream sandwiches and bars, especially when the heat is unbearable.

I was born and raised in New York City, so I was taught not to make eye contact or say hello to most people when walking on the street.

One of the first things I noticed when I moved to Florida was how friendly many people were, especially the staff at Disney World.

Whenever I pass by people at my apartment complex or in the parks, a wave or a "hello" is often involved.

Though this initially felt strange, I've become more comfortable interacting with strangers.

I never thought I'd be able to see Magic Kingdom's fireworks from my apartment, but now I can.

Though I don't have a complete view of the shows, I see at least a couple of magical fireworks each night.

I thought I knew what heavy rain was like living in New York, but I didn't realize how extreme tropical storms and hurricanes could be until I moved to Florida.

Although New York has been hit directly by a handful of hurricanes in the past few years, Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the US.

The storms in Florida can get pretty extreme. When I had to evacuate my apartment complex and ride out Hurricane Ian, my first big Florida storm, I chose to stay at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

It was a frightening experience, but I thought the park employees did a great job ensuring guests were as comfortable as possible.

Still, I try to stay on top of extreme weather warnings and upcoming storms more than ever now that I'm in Florida.

Florida is known for its high temperatures and strong sun rays, so I apply sunscreen much more often than I did in New York.

Many of the attractions and shows at the theme parks are outdoors, so if I forget my sunscreen, I get a harsh sunburn that lasts for several days.

After living in New York for about 20 years, I grew accustomed to the taste of tap water.

Since I made drinking tap water a habit, I usually bring my reusable water bottles with me when I visit the theme parks.

However, I find that Florida's tap water doesn't taste as great.

I moved to Florida with my sister but often miss my parents and family back in New York.

It's hard knowing I can't take a 40-minute train ride to see my parents on the weekends like I did in college.

It's nice when my parents do come to visit, though.

This story was originally published on January 16, 2024, and most recently updated on December 23, 2024.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 37%

After the success of the studio's 1999 movie "Tarzan" and its soundtrack, which featured Phil Collins, Disney attempted to recapture that magic with "Brother Bear," a story of brotherly love that also included Collins' music.

However, Nell Minow of Common Sense Media called this film a "lackluster story only for kindergarteners."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 37%

Based on the folk tale of the same name, "Chicken Little" is about a fearful little chicken who becomes convinced the sky is falling. While the adults in his life dismiss him, it becomes clear that something is certainly afoot in his small town.

"When Disney can't hit a tried-and-true fairy-tale adaptation out of the park, maybe it's time to give up the ghost and get Pixar back on the phone," wrote the Orlando Sentinel's Roger Moore.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 48%

"Wish" is filled to the brim with Easter eggs referring to Disney's 100 years of magic, but the studio seems to have forgotten to add a compelling story, lovable characters, or well-written songs.

Asha had the potential to be an all-time Disney princess, but the rules of this universe are confusing, and Magnifico's heel turn seemingly comes out of nowhere.

"This fairy tale feels more like a corporate product than a magical event; it's a limp dissertation on Disney's motto that, 'When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true,'" wrote The Boston Globe's Odie Henderson.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 48%

There's not a cute animal sidekick or a show tune to be found in "Atlantis." Instead, Milo, a passionate archaeologist, unwittingly exposes the people of Atlantis to the corporate greed of the surface world in this slightly depressing story.

"It's so oppressively tedious at times that you almost wish the cast would break into a chorus of 'Under the Sea,'" wrote Lou Lumenick for The New York Post.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 52%

"Home on the Range" is a simple story of three cows who decide to take matters into their own hands (hooves?) to save their farm by collecting a bounty put on the head of Alameda Slim, a cattle rustler and thief.

Richard Roeper called it "a serviceable time-killer" on "At the Movies."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 53%

This cartoon is a loose adaptation of the Charles Dickens story "Oliver Twist," but instead of a down-on-his-luck orphan, Oliver is an adorable stray kitten.

For most people, this is remembered as the Disney movie with songs by Billy Joel.

"With its captivating characters, sprightly songs and zap-happy animation, 'Oliver & Company' adds up to a tip-top frolic," wrote Peter Travers for People.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 53%

Pocahontas was a real Native American woman. but her life did not follow the fairy tale story put forth by Disney. No matter how good "Colors of the Wind" is, this film is flawed and best left in the past.

"All Disney has really done in its disappointing 33rd animated feature is revive the stereotype of the Noble Savage," wrote Rita Kempley for The Washington Post.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 56%

"The Black Cauldron" is based on Welsh mythology — hence why characters have names like Princess Eilonwy and Fflewddur Fflam. It tells the story of a teenager named Taran who longs to become a hero. He gets his chance when he sets out to prevent the Horned King from using the Black Cauldron to raise an evil army.

"This is the 25th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney studios, and professionally put together as it is, many of the ingredients may seem programmed to those who have seen some of the others," wrote Walter Goodman of The New York Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 58%

In this version of the classic tale, Robin Hood and Maid Marian are foxes, his best friend Little John is a bear — who looks suspiciously like Baloo from "The Jungle Book" — and the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham is a wolf.

"The washed-out, muted colors are a mistake, and if Robin Hood is sometimes hilarious, it has little memorable magic," wrote Alan R. Howard of The Hollywood Reporter.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 62%

You'll find "Moana 2's" predecessor much higher on this list.

"Moana 2" sees the return of Moana, a newly minted wayfinder, as she tries to reconnect the people of her island, Motunui, with their ancestors from other islands. To do this, she reunites with demigod Maui on a new adventure across the sea.

"Much like the hermit crab who kicks things off by attempting to trade in his new shell for an ill-fitting larger one, there's simply not enough to fill out 'Moana 2,'" wrote Andrea Thompson for Chicago Reader.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 64%

"The Aristocats" is essentially the tale of "Lady and the Tramp," but this time with cats. Duchess, a pristine cat and mom of three precocious kittens, meets the alley cat Thomas O'Malley and falls in love.

"Before the disastrous aughts, was there a worse decade for Disney animated features than the 1970s?" asked Matt Brunson of View From the Couch.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 65%

"Dinosaur" is the story of Aladar, a dinosaur who was orphaned and then raised by lemurs. Aladar and his adopted family join up with other dinosaurs to find a safe place after a natural disaster devastates their home.

If this sounds just like the other animated dinosaur film, "The Land Before Time," to you, you're not alone.

Michael Sragow of Salon wrote, "Well, Bambi meets Godzilla again in the new computer-cartoon epic 'Dinosaur,' but the results aren't so witty."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 66%

Notably, this was the last Disney film to be released before Walt Disney's death in 1966.

"The Sword in the Stone" is King Arthur's origin story — he meets legendary sorcerer Merlin and pulls out Excalibur, the sword lodged inside the stone.

'There is still some life in the characterizations, though the animation is turning stiff and flat," wrote Chicago Reader's Dave Kehr.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 68%

In "Meet the Robinsons," Lewis is desperate to find his birth mother, who gave him up for adoption. Instead, he's brought to the future by the mysterious Wilbur, who claims he's a time cop.

"Charming as all these surface layers are — and even in 2D, it's more than passable family fare — 'Meet The Robinsons' really flowers with the extra dimension, which makes an already neato cinematic universe feel palpably inhabitable," wrote Scott Tobias for the AV Club.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 69%

"Treasure Planet" updates the setting of the famed pirate story "Treasure Island" to the future. Instead of hitching a ride on a pirate ship, Jim Hawkins hops on a spaceship — and instead of looking for buried treasure, Jim and his friends are searching for a missing planet made entirely of treasure.

"Akin to an extremely well-made Saturday morning cartoon — great for hyperactive four-year-olds or hungover students, not worth a trip to the pictures," wrote Nev Pierce for the BBC.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

At the time, "The Rescuers" was one of Disney's most popular films (even if its reputation has been somewhat diminished since its release in 1977), which is why our two favorite mice, Bernard and Bianca, returned for this film — the first sequel ever theatrically released by Disney.

This time, Bernard and Bianca are sent to Australia by the Rescue Aid Society to help a young boy who's been kidnapped.

"A gorgeously drawn myth made for plucky children and very brave mice," wrote The Washington Post's Rita Kempley.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

Based on the 1831 Victor Hugo novel of the same name, "Hunchback" centers on sweet Quasimodo, a physically deformed man who is orphaned after the villainous Judge Frollo murders his mother.

To atone for his sins, Frollo adopts Quasimodo but keeps him hidden atop Notre Dame's bell tower. But when Quasimodo catches sight of Esmerelda, he vows to enter the world below.

"You're quickly won over by the movie's subversive wit, swept along by its narrative bravado and its enormous visual energy. This new 'Hunchback' is a triumph on its own terms, and on any other terms that might come to mind." wrote Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

Not even the A-list voice talent of Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union, and Lucy Liu could save this movie — which isn't bad! — from flopping.

"Strange Worlds" is about the Clades, a family of legendary explorers who must venture into space to see if they can save their planet.

"So much of 'Strange World's' audaciousness is front-loaded into its concept, and so little of it comes through in the execution," wrote Alison Willmore for Vulture.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%

"The Fox and the Hound" is one of the rare Disney movies that doesn't have a totally happy ending. Tod, a fox, and Copper, a bloodhound, meet when they're young and become best friends. But when they grow up, they learn they're natural enemies.

It ends on a bittersweet note, as the two friends acknowledge that they probably won't see each other again, but are at peace in the forest.

"All charmingness aside, this cute but rather thinly plotted yarn exposes the cracks that were present in the pre-renaissance Disney empire," wrote William Thomas of Empire.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

"Frozen II" picks up soon after where "Frozen" left off — Elsa is now queen and in control of her ice powers, Anna and Kristoff are in love, and Olaf is just happy he's not melting.

But when Elsa begins to hear a mysterious voice calling out to her, our characters leave Arendelle behind to discover the source of Elsa's power.

"The songs, perhaps not as compelling as in the original, still make the heart beat faster now and then," wrote Stephen Romei for The Australian.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

"Peter Pan" is based on the 1904 play of the same name by JM Barrie.

In it, the Darling children are whisked away to Neverland, a magical world where children never grow up, fairy dust lets you fly, and an evil captain with a hook for a hand terrorizes the seas.

But Neverland is also home to Tiger Lily and her tribe, who are drawn in the most stereotypical way possible — so much so that Disney has added an apology before the film plays on Disney+.

"It is still a lush, bright feature that happily clicks along with rollicking songs by Sammy Cahn, Sammy Fain, and others," wrote Dolores Barclay for the Associated Press.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

In this story, Basil and Dawson are the mice stand-ins for Sherlock and Watson, while Professor Ratigan (a rat) is based on Sherlock's arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty.

"'The Great Mouse Detective' reflects the energy and enthusiasm of a talented group of young artists stretching their wings for the first time," wrote Charles Solomon for the Los Angeles Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

"The Rescuers" focuses on Bernard and Bianca, two mice who are sent to help Penny, a young orphan who has been kidnapped by the evil Madame Medusa, who plans to use her to steal a precious jewel.

"Although not one of the studio's classics, it has warmth, humor and delightful characterization," wrote Victoria Mather for The Daily Telegraph.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 82%

"Hercules" is a loose re-telling of the Greek myth of the hero Heracles. After getting kidnapped and turned (almost) mortal by Hades' henchmen, Hercules goes on a quest to prove to his father, Zeus, and the rest of the gods that he's worthy of immortality and godhood.

"Jumps into the ancient legends feet-first, cheerfully tossing out what won't fit and combining what's left into a new look and a lighthearted style," wrote Roger Ebert.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

Based on Lewis Carroll's 1865 novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," this adaptation follows Alice as she falls down the rabbit hole and meets unforgettable characters like the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and the Queen of Hearts.

"If you are not too particular about the images of Carroll and [illustrator John] Tenniel, if you are high on Disney whimsy, and if you'll take a somewhat slow, uneven pace, you should find this picture entertaining," wrote Bosley Crowther for The New York Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

"The Princess and the Frog" updates the setting of the Brothers Grimm fairytale "The Frog Prince" to 1920s New Orleans. Tiana is a determined young woman who wants more than anything to open her own restaurant.

When she kisses prince-turned-frog Naveen to revert him back to humanity, the opposite happens: Tiana turns into a frog, too.

"This has a lot to commend it, and it isn't just nostalgia for the Disney past. It's a visual treat," wrote The London Evening Standard's Derek Malcolm.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

After years of criticism regarding its Disney princesses and their lack of agency, audiences were given Mulan, a young woman who secretly takes her father's place in the Chinese Imperial Army by disguising herself as a boy.

Mulan is a warrior through and through. No one could ever call her a typical damsel in distress.

"Overall, this is a lovely film, ranking with the best of Disney's animated features while taking on rather serious issues of war, honor, gender roles and family pride," wrote Moira MacDonald for The Seattle Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

In "The Emperor's New Groove," David Spade stars as Kuzco, the self-absorbed, clueless Incan emperor, who is turned into a llama by his evil advisor Yzma, who wants to steal the throne for herself. To get his throne back, Kuzco must team up with the kindly peasant Pacha, whose house he has marked for destruction.

CNN's Paul Tatara called Kuzco's tale "a silly little movie that's smarter than most of the self-important features that came out this year."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

Newly orphaned sisters Lilo and Nani are struggling to adjust to their new normal when Lilo adopts Stitch, a rambunctious alien who she thinks is just a weird dog. When two agents of the Galactic Federation come looking for Stitch, chaos erupts on Kauai.

"It's one of the most charming feature-length cartoons of recent years — funny, sassy, startling, original, and with six songs by Elvis," wrote Roger Ebert.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

"Wreck-It Ralph" is the story of Wreck-It Ralph, the villain in the classic arcade game "Fix-It Felix Jr." But when Ralph is sick of being the bad guy in everyone's story, he goes on an epic journey visiting other video games to become a hero.

"'Wreck-It Ralph' is a must-see for anyone who grew up playing 1980s arcade games — and their kids will love it too," wrote Larushka Ivan-Zadeh for Metro UK.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

Running at just 68 minutes long, this is an anthology film. First up is "The Wind in the Willows," which is the story of J. Thaddeus Toad, who is trying to save his home from bankruptcy.

The second story is "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," in which Ichabod Crane arrives in Sleepy Hollow and is stalked by the terrifying Headless Horseman.

Chicago Reader's Jonathan Rosenbaum called this film "engaging and lively."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

This film is based on the Rudyard Kipling book of the same name, published in 1894 — and was the last film Walt Disney himself worked on. He died during its production.

It's the simple story of Mowgli, an orphaned human raised by wolves. But when it becomes clear that the evil tiger Shere Khan will stop at nothing to kill Mowgli, a panther named Bagheera and a bear Baloo agree to take Mowgli back to the human village he came from.

"It's a slight tale, of course, and incredibly short, but the characters and songs are pretty much perfect viewing time and again," wrote Empire's Ian Nathan.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

Six years after "Wreck-It Ralph," in which Ralph discovers that even though he's a villain in his game, he doesn't have to be a bad guy; he's on another adventure with his friend Vanellope. This time, our duo heads to the internet to find a part that's needed to fix Vanellope's game, "Sugar Rush."

"'Ralph Breaks the Internet' works because it doesn't pander, and it doesn't simplify," wrote Brian Tallerico for RogerEbert.com.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

Based on the 1912 novel "Tarzan of the Apes" by Edgar Rice Burroughs, "Tarzan" tells the story of the titular character being raised by apes after his parents are killed. Although he feels out of place, he doesn't know any different until Jane and her crew of explorers arrive at Tarzan's jungle and begin to show him a different way.

"Tarzan" is a fun time at the movies, but its lasting legacy is the multiple songs on the soundtrack written and performed by Phil Collins.

In June 1999, Peter Stack of The San Francisco Chronicle called it "so far, the most entertaining film of the year."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

"Tangled" is a classic Disney princess film, but made with modern 3D animation, a first for the studio. It tells the tale of Rapunzel, a teenager with magical hair who longs to see the world outside her tower — and when the charming thief Flynn Rider happens upon her home, she seizes the chance to break free.

"If this is what old-fashioned means, then bring it on," wrote Derek Malcolm of The London Evening Standard.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

While it doesn't seem like it now, a Disney princess story where the true love story is between two sisters was groundbreaking. Add in some of the catchiest songs ever written by the House of Mouse and a lovable (if somewhat grating) snowman, and you have one of the studio's biggest and most beloved films, raking in more than $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office.

"'Frozen' feels like it's breaking new ground in telling a story where the women are actually in control, and where the clichés of their narratives are turned inside out, almost as a sly commentary on what has come before," wrote Jason Bailey for Flavorwire.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

For all the talk about how poorly this relationship has aged — sure, it's true love's kiss, but can someone under a sleeping curse really consent? — this movie is a wonder to look at. Maleficent, the evil witch, remains a high point of Disney's character designs.

"'Sleeping Beauty' is a masterpiece. In my opinion, it's not just the best animated film to ever come out of Walt Disney Studios, but it is also the finest animated motion picture I've ever seen, period," wrote Sara Michelle Fetters for MovieFreak.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

In the 16 years since its release, it seems like "Bolt" has been somewhat forgotten. But it's fun! It stars John Travolta as the voice of Bolt, the star of a hit TV series who doesn't realize his superpowers on the show aren't real. When he believes his owner is kidnapped — but really, it's just a cliffhanger in the show — he embarks on a cross-country journey to rescue her.

"While it may lack a certain amount of bite, there's plenty of bark to recommend this winning animated adventure," wrote The Sydney Morning Herald's Eddie Cockrell.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Everyone's favorite honey-loving bear, who starred in 1977's "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh," returned to the big screen in "Winnie the Pooh."

This time, Pooh and the rest of the Hundred Acre Wood crew team up to save Christopher Robin from a monster they're calling the Backson — in reality, Christopher Robin is just at school and will be "back soon."

"It's a pleasure to sink into an animated family movie from Disney that radiates charm with a gentleness that seems damn near revolutionary," wrote Peter Travers for Rolling Stone.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

"Bambi" is a straightforward story about a young deer growing up in the forest and learning how to protect the forest creatures from hunters known only as Man.

But this film's lasting legacy is the death of Bambi's mother, which remains tear-inducing to this day, even 82 years later.

The New York Times' Theodore Strauss wrote, "In colors that would surprise even the spectrum itself, Disney's cartoon craftsmen have re-created a woodland that shimmers and glows and darkens altogether magically."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Disney went through a rough period in the '70 and '80s — when "The Little Mermaid" was released in 1989, it was a return to form for the studio. It's a classic love story with beloved songs like "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea," and "Kiss the Girl."

"'The Little Mermaid' — impudent, grandiose, a multilevel crowd-pleaser — almost returns the Disney animated features to their glory traditions of the '30s and '40s," wrote the Los Angeles Times' Michael Wilmington.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

"Encanto" is about the Madrigal family, who each receives a magical power when they turn 5 — all except Mirabel, who was mysteriously skipped over. When the magic in their home starts failing, Mirabel makes it her mission to save her family, powers or not.

"You will be humming 'Welcome to the Family Madrigal' — expositional but infectious — all the way home. The characters are infectious, too, and well-drawn, enriching 'Encanto's' world with gifts that extend far beyond their bestowed powers," wrote Time Out's Whelan Barzey.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

"The Lion King" combined breathtaking visuals, amazing songs composed by Elton John, Tim Rice, and Hans Zimmer, and an epic coming-of-age story to cruise to $978 million at the box office.

Jay Carr wrote in The Boston Globe, "Make no mistake, the magnitude of the achievement here far outweighs any shortcomings. 'The Lion King' is both populist blockbuster and royal treat."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

"Lady and the Tramp" is another Disney film that now comes with a disclaimer due to the problematic nature of its two Siamese cats, Si and Am.

If you're able to move past that, though, "Lady and the Tramp" is simple and sweet. Lady is a dog who's barely left her house, but due to a misunderstanding, she ends up on the street and meets the stray Tramp.

Their spaghetti kiss is still being referenced to this day.

"The quintessential American love story — the one between the spoiled heiress and the spontaneous, fun-loving guy from the wrong side of the tracks — has seldom been more elegantly and entertainingly told," wrote The Chicago Tribune's Dave Kehr.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

Kelly Marie Tran stars as Raya, a young woman who goes on a quest to find the last dragon to reunite her fractured country, Kumandra.

"As an overall throwback, and as a return to the streamlined storytelling upon which Disney built its supremacy, 'Raya and the Last Dragon' is a welcome expansion of the Disney universe," wrote Pajiba's Roxana Hadadi.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

"Beauty and the Beast" is based on, well, a tale as old as time: a French fairy tale from the 1700s. In it, Belle is taken hostage by a prince-turned-beast who lives in a castle filled with talking furniture.

When you take it out of context, as with many animated films, it's … weird. But songs like "Be Our Guest," "Beauty and the Beast," "Gaston," and "Belle" are all-time favorites. And the Academy agreed — it was the first animated movie to ever be nominated for best picture.

"The set pieces are narcotically pleasing, especially the Busby Berkeley-style dancing-kitchenware spectacular, 'Be Our Guest,' and the romantic ballroom centerpiece that brings Beauty and her Beast together," wrote Lisa Schwarzbaum for Entertainment Weekly.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

"Dumbo" has some problematic elements, including a flock of stereotypical crows — one of whom was originally named Jim Crow — a drunk baby elephant, and "Song of the Roustabouts."

But Dumbo's design makes him one of the cutest characters in the Disney canon, and "Baby Mine" is a tearjerker.

"Perfection, thy name is Dumbo," wrote Slant Magazine's Rob Humanick.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

"Aladdin" is anchored by the iconic voiceover performance by Robin Williams as the Genie. But there's lots of other stuff to love, like Princess Jasmine and her pet tiger Rajah, the bumbling Sultan, and the sweet "street rat" Aladdin.

While its depiction of the Middle East has been criticized, as the BBC noted, "Aladdin" remains one of the most loved Disney films of the last 40 years.

"The magical, the mystical, the mysterious — all those powers that lurk within movies but are rarely tapped are unleashed in Disney's latest magnificent animation, 'Aladdin,'" wrote Duane Byrge for The Hollywood Reporter.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

"Moana" is another modern Disney princess film that eschews a love story for a story of personal growth. Moana ventures out to the sea to save her island and, along the way, learns that she's capable of leading her people and exploring the open ocean.

Victoria Luxford called "Moana" "great fun" and "a traditional Disney Princess film but with a little more depth to it, being about personal discovery and bravery" for BBC CWR.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

Almost 90 years later, the tale of Snow White, her seven dwarf friends, the Evil Queen, the Huntsman, and her handsome (unnamed) prince, remains the blueprint — it was the first Disney movie, after all.

"It was the dearest picture I have ever seen. The characters were so sweet that I just wanted to hug them," wrote the Miami Herald's Elizabeth Hemphill.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

"Cinderella" is one of the most frequently adapted fairy tales of all time, but Disney's animated version of the rags-to-riches story is the most beloved. And it's been said that Cinderella's transformation was one of Walt Disney's favorite pieces of animation.

"The musical numbers woven into the fantasy are generally solid, with at least two or three likely hit tunes standing out in the half-dozen songs," Variety wrote in 1949.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

This movie did more for Dalmatians than any best-in-show title could — and its villain, the puppy-napping, fur-obsessed Cruella de Vil, is still one of Disney's best-known villains.

"Among the many contributions of Disney and his team to the cinema, this is perhaps the strangest: they have made us watch with heart in mouth the adventures of beings who exist only as the projection of photographs and colored drawings," wrote Dilys Powell for the Sunday Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

"Zootopia" takes place in a world without humans, where anthropomorphic mammals have built their own society, complete with laws, organized crime, and tax evaders like Nick Wilde (a fox voiced by Jason Bateman).

"The fictional universe it presents — a human-free world where mammals have evolved into a bustling, civilized society — is vividly realized, richly detailed, and very funny," wrote John Nugent for Empire.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

"The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" is three shorts starring Pooh as he combats a blustery day, bees, Heffalumps, and Tigger's inability to stop bouncing.

"You'll enjoy reuniting with childhood friends, and for the next-generation fans of The Book of Pooh, this batch of honey couldn't be sweeter," wrote Entertainment Weekly's Dalton Ross.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

"Pinocchio" is based on an Italian children's story from 1883. It's a heartwarming (if a bit creepy) story of a wooden puppet who comes to life after its creator, Gepetto, wishes upon a star.

Why has "Pinocchio" remained at the top of the pack? Well, "When You Wish Upon a Star" is Disney's official theme, distilling everything we love about Disney movies into a 3-minute and 15-second song.

Otis Ferguson wrote in The New Republic that "Pinocchio" is "a delight and at times will take your breath away, for the limits of the animated cartoon have been blown so wide open that some of the original wonder of pictures — wonder and terror too, as when that train roared up into the camera — is restored."

You can see Mickey Mouse at all four theme parks, and when I visit, I stop in and say hi.

I especially love seeing Mickey at Hollywood Studios because he's in his sorcerer outfit from "Fantasia."

You can also catch Mickey at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom, Adventurers Outpost at Animal Kingdom, and CommuniCore Hall at Epcot.

Epcot is known for its incredible annual festivals.

The first part of the year brings the International Festival of the Arts, which happens to be my favorite. You can also experience the International Flower and Garden Festival in spring, the International Food and Wine Festival in summer and fall, and the Festival of the Holidays in winter.

I love that the festivals all have food booths where I can try unique items. I also make a point to see the incredible entertainment at the America Gardens Theater, like the celebrity-narrated Candlelight Processional during the Festival of the Holidays.

Disney Springs is filled to the brim with restaurants. Most of them are great, but I tend to find myself dining at celebrity-chef-owned spots more often than not.

A few of my favorites are Chicken Guy by Guy Fieri for a quick meal, Masaharu Morimoto's Morimoto Asia for a snack at the bar, and Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' for incredible fried chicken.

I've planned some visits around chefs' special events and have been lucky enough to accidentally run into other chefs at their restaurants.

In fact, my birthday treat this year was dining at eet by Maneet Chauhan. She and her team curated a special menu of dishes, and she did an open question-and-answer session for the group of diners.

No matter what time of year I go to Disney World, I have a Mickey-shaped ice-cream sandwich.

The cookies-and-cream ice cream is a refreshing treat, and I've found that the sandwiches don't melt nearly as quickly as the equally popular Mickey premium ice-cream bars.

There are hundreds of hotels around Orlando, but I like to stay at a Disney resort when I visit Disney World.

I love the theming of the hotels, how easy it is to get to the parks with complimentary transportation, and that I'm not bursting that Disney-bubble feel.

My favorite budget-friendly hotel is Disney's All-Star Movies, and my favorite splurge option is Disney's Riviera Resort.

The All-Star Resorts are a little farther from the theme parks, but the rooms are well-appointed, and I love the nostalgia. This is where I often stayed as a kid.

Riviera Resort is ultra-luxe, and the Disney Skyliner provides direct service to Epcot. I also love watching the fireworks from the rooftop lounge attached to Topolino's Terrace.

A few new attractions at Disney World, like Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot, use virtual queues.

I always try to make reservations for these two attractions during the 7 a.m. drop on the day I want to visit the park. If I'm unsuccessful during the morning drop, I try again at 1 p.m. after I've checked into the park.

The virtual-queue option is free, so I'd much rather wake up early to use it than pay extra for a Lightning Lane line-expediting pass.

If I can't get a virtual queue spot, for some reason, I skip the attraction. I visit often enough that the extra cost isn't worth it to me — I'll be able to try again soon.

Click to keep reading Disney diaries like this one.

It's taken as a given in the industry that Paramount will pare down, as it's tried to do for years, now that its Skydance merger is imminent and the company is poised to install former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell at the helm.

Co-CEO George Cheeks has said the company is evaluating sales of assets to shave $500 million in costs, which could include BET Media and the Paramount Pictures lot. (It's already been in talks to sell BET to a group led by CEO Scott Mills.) Leaders have insisted they're keeping CBS. But Paramount's networks face the same tough market as the rest of the linear landscape.

Some see Showtime as a prime target for Starz, the cable network that's shifting to streaming with its imminent spinoff from studio Lionsgate. Starz could be on the hunt for assets to help it bulk up.

NBCU executive Mark Lazarus, who will be SpinCo's CEO, has talked it up as a buyer. It certainly has options. It could look no further than Paramount, which has already hung a for-sale sign on assets, or Warner's grab bag of channels like TBS or TLC. Another potential target is AMC Networks, the prestigious but sub-scale network and streamer (though it specializes in the type of TV dramas that have largely migrated to streaming).

SpinCo could also be a seller. Some also think SpinCo could be bought entirely by a private-equity firm further down the road. SpinCo may have to wait a couple of years to sell itself to avoid a tax liability anyway.

Warner Bros. Discovery recently announced that it would split into two divisions in 2025, signaling M&A options are on the table. One will house the growing digital streaming and studio businesses, and the other will consist of its declining legacy television networks. WBD needs the cash from its linear channels to pay down its still-considerable debt, but separating the good from the bad could help it sell some assets.

Industry insiders have predicted WBD could do anything from adding Paramount's linear channels or Comcast's SpinCo — considering Warners' debt, it could happen in a stock-for-stock swap — to selling properties like CNN that aren't core to its streaming business. And depending on how the Murdoch succession plays out, a longer-term play could be to buy Fox assets. With scale still the coin of the realm, Warners has to eat or be eaten.

Now that Lionsgate is separated from Starz, it's widely seen as a candidate for sale, something Anson Funds Management, an activist investor, is pushing for.

"I don't think they'll be independent in 2026," one banker said.

There'd be no shortage of buyers for Lionsgate, as it's one of the last independent Hollywood studios out there. Its massive library includes "John Wick," "The Hunger Games," and "Twilight."

Paramount or WBD could snap it up for its library, though they wouldn't necessarily want its distribution or management business. Legendary Entertainment (home to "Dune" and "Godzilla") and its major investor Apollo Global Management, as well as Sony, were previously said to all be interested in Paramount, so they could be potential buyers for Lionsgate. Some also see Fox in the market for a studio, as it sold its TV and movie studios to Disney in 2019.

And while Big Tech has generally preferred to build than buy, Amazon has shown an openness to acquiring, having put down $8.5 billion for MGM Studios three years ago.

That leaves the other legacy media giant: Disney.

About a year ago, CEO Bob Iger floated the idea of selling Disney's TV and cable properties like ABC, but he's since retreated from it. The company line was that Disney wouldn't get the price it wanted and that it'd be too complex to separate them from the rest of the company. Iger and Trump have also sparred in the past, and Disney could look to avoid deals that need government approval.

That said, Iger could change his mind, and now that its streaming business sees a path to ongoing profitability, he seems to have more options. Disney could entertain selling its TV networks like ABC, which it doesn't need to fuel its streaming business. And Disney, without its linear TV business, could be more valuable to a potential buyer, should it decide it's better off selling itself.

One industry player mused that Disney could sell Hulu+ Live TV, its cable-like TV package, and exit the distribution business.

Roku has been a beneficiary of the continued shift of viewers to streaming, with smart TVs in 85 million homes. Needham recently got Roku in the conversation again with a note predicting it could be sold in 2025, now that Walmart has closed its sale of TV maker Vizio. Needham analysts think anyone from Netflix to The Trade Desk could be interested in Roku as a way to build their streaming ad business, while a retailer like Target could see Roku as a way to use TV ads to drive shopping.

Lara O'Reilly contributed reporting.

Disney World is known for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a ticketed event at Magic Kingdom, but this is the second year for Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.

The after-hours event runs for five hours on select nights and includes perks like short ride times, party-exclusive food, and the opportunity to meet rare Disney characters.

It also requires a separate ticket, but it can be slightly more affordable — Magic Kingdom's event costs between $180 and $220 for adults, and Jollywood Nights goes for $160 to $180.

This is all separate from daytime park admission. One-day, single-park tickets for this month start at about $150.

Universal's holiday tour is a must-do for me every season.

My $100 ticket included five hours with a tour guide, special meet-and-greets, dinner, dessert, and more. It's the only way to meet Santa at Universal Orlando, although he does appear nightly in a holiday parade.

The tour is less expensive than the Disney events, but unlike those, it requires a park ticket — a one-day, single-park ticket costs about $120 right now. Luckily, I have an annual pass, so I was able to use that and skip this added cost.

I also spent time at Universal before check-in to explore some of the holiday offerings on my own.

Getting photos with characters is one of my favorite parts of visiting theme parks, so I was sure to line up for some of the party-exclusive meet-and-greets at Jollywood Nights, like Disney's Duffy Bear dressed as Santa.

However, you don't have to have an event ticket to meet holiday-themed characters. Some characters, like Chip and Dale and Woody, are out in their holiday best all day at Hollywood Studios.

Universal goes full Grinch during the holiday season, with offerings like a Grinch meet-and-greet, a character breakfast with the mean one himself, and the "Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular" show.

From sweet treats to merchandise, you'll see the green guy all over the park.

Earl the Squirrel, a Universal character inspired by a real-life squirrel who used to live in the park's Christmas tree, is also a main figure of the season.

There were Jollywood Nights-specific entertainment offerings at my event — like a "Nightmare Before Christmas" sing-along — there are also holiday happenings for daytime park guests.

The popular "Frozen Sing-a-long Celebration" show gets a special holiday revamp, and Santa also greets guests at It's A Wonderful Shop.

There's no greater holiday joy for me than watching the "Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular" show, starring the Grinch, every Who down in Whoville, and a real-life version of Max (the dog).

Anyone with a regular park admission can see the Broadway-quality performance, which features songs by Mannheim Steamroller. It runs several times every day throughout the holiday season.

The park also has a special holiday parade that features Dreamworks characters, floats, entertainers, and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons.

The holiday food at Disney truly can't be rivaled.

I noshed on lots of things you can only get during Jollywood Nights, like kimchi-pimento-cheese dip and tot poutine, but festive foods are available at the park during the day as well.

From a red-velvet holiday shake to a winter-spiced whoopie pie, Disney has plenty of only-seen-at-Christmas foods to try.

Universal has some holiday-themed treats, like Max-shaped cookies and a roasted-turkey-dinner crepe, but I didn't think there were too many options.

If you're looking to really experience delicious festival food at Universal, you'll want to visit during Mardi Gras or Halloween Horror Nights, when the park is filled with stands selling tasty themed bites.

Choosing a theme-park souvenir is tough on any vacation, but it's even harder for me during the holidays.

Almost every Hollywood Studios' giftshop was taken over by Mickey ornaments and cozy holiday sweatshirts. There were also special pop-up areas selling even more festive items.

Like Disney World, Universal goes all out with holiday-themed merch.

This is especially true for the themed lands, like Seuss Landing and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Both "Grinchmas" and "Holidays at Hogsmeade" release fun limited-time offerings this time of year.

Disney goes all out, adorning Hollywood Studios with vintage Hollywood-glam decorations like star-lit lamp posts and sparkly ornaments and lights.

You'll even find fake snow made of soap, dubbed "snoap." It's really beautiful to watch it fall over the decorated theme park without having to feel freezing cold — a win-win.

From the 80-foot tree in the New York area to its Holiday Tribute Store filled with limited-time merchandise, Universal's Christmas decor is truly something to behold.

It also produces plenty of snoap, so you don't have to worry about missing out on that magic.

Disney and Universal hold special places in my heart after years of building family memories in both.

Still, I think Universal is a better value during the holidays since a regular park ticket gets guests way more seasonal activities for their money.

Although I added on the VIP tour and recommend it, it's not actually necessary. Everyone can meet characters like the Grinch and Earl the Squirrel, watch the "Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular," and catch the parade.

Disney keeps many of its best holiday activities in its separate, ticketed events, which can be costly, especially if you're also planning on spending the day at the parks.

Plaza de Coco's dining tables surround a stage, creating a dinner-and-a-show experience.

The venue hosts two different performances depending on the day, so there is no need to fear repeating a show if you go twice.

(BI previewed one of the shows and can confirm it's pretty entertaining for kids and adults.)

If you've seen "Zootopia," you might remember store owner Jerry Jumbeaux Jr. and his Jumbeaux Cafe.

On Disney Treasure, the talking elephant's ice cream parlor comes to life with Jumbeaux's Sweets, a dessert shop with various treats and more than 31 ice cream and gelato flavors.

Disney is best known for being a family-friendly brand. That doesn't mean adults must be surrounded by children throughout their vacation.

For example, "The Lion King"-inspired Sarabi lounge has a variety of family activities during the day. At night, it becomes an adult-only venue with live shows.

Palo Steakhouse, also available on Disney Wish, features Italian fare and a design inspired by "Beauty and the Beast"'s Cogsworth.

Disney bills the Enchanté, a "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired French restaurant, as the most luxurious dining experience on board. Its menu was created by Arnaud Lallement, the chef and owner of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant L'Assiette Champenoise in Paris.

The two restaurants meet at The Rose, another adult-only lounge.

The thematic lounge serves light snacks and beverages. Foliage hangs from the ceiling, and themed drinks (like the non-alcoholic Jungle Juice or the boozy Piranha Punch) can be enjoyed at the bar or private booths.

The watering hole is a first for the cruise line, inspired by the 1954 Disney flick "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" and the Disney Parks ride that shut down in 1994.

Here, guests can again eat, drink, and catch up on the news and sports.

The full menu includes burgers and wings, specialty cocktails, and several beers on tap.

Interior staterooms make up more than 120 of these accommodations.

For a more luxurious option, pick one of the 76 premium concierge cabins, which includes access to an exclusive sun deck.

The ultra-luxe Tomorrow Tower Suite sleeps up to eight people across its four bedrooms, one of which has a specialty bunk bed designed for children.

The atrium has its own stage. For a mid-show pick-me-up, head to the Heihei or Jade Cricket cafés.

The former is inspired by "Moana's" fictional island of Montuni, named after the title character's rooster sidekick, while the latter is a callback to "Mulan."

The two-person AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg water ride brings travelers through 760 feet of tubes on a quest to follow Mickey and Minnie Mouse into an "ancient temple."

Both vessels offer Worlds of Marvel, an interactive Marvel-themed restaurant, and Wonderland and Never Land Cinemas, a luxurious theater where guests can watch recently released movies.

Like other Disney cruises, travelers on Treasure can see their favorite movies adapted in live theater.

Other Disney ships feature a live production of "Beauty and the Beast" — Treasure's new show is based on "Moana."

If life at sea with Disney is calling out to you, sailings on the Treasure start at $3,931 for its seven-night itineraries in 2025.