15 Easy Disney Dinner and Movie Night Ideas for Magical Memories
Inside: Bring the Disney magic home with these enchanting Disney dinner and movie theme night ideas! Cute and clever meals and decor to get you ready to cozy up for viewing your favorite Disney movies. Guaranteed to create unforgettable family memories! ➡
If there’s something that takes us all to a happy place no matter our age, it’s the wonderful world of Disney. Is it because these family-friendly movies always have a happy ending? (We’ll just gloss over why the mom is usually a goner.)
That’s why I’m so enchanted with the Disney dinner and movie theme nights my niece has been creating for her two boys. Talk about memories in the making!
With two small kids and a full-time job, her ideas have to be easy and inexpensive, or these special times would never happen. So it is possible for all of us to add a little fun to what would otherwise be an unremarkable dinner and night in front of the TV.
She gives herself a $15 a week decor budget, and many times this is for two Disney nights! (See how she does it and tips for putting together your own themed movie nights at the bottom of this post.)
If you love Disney as much as my family does and you love a theme party, you’ll enjoy checking out these cute Disney movie night ideas even if you don’t have small children.
So without further ado, let’s start (dinner and) the show!
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The Little Mermaid Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Little Mermaid theme table was created with:
- Seashells and starfish in a wicker basket tray for a centerpiece, and also sprinkled across the table
- A coastal decor sign
- Fish figurine lights (Dollar Tree)
- Candleholders and lanterns
- Mermaid pattern fabric and a piece of burlap with a turquoise net pattern
- “Nautical garland” rope
- Plates and utensils in ocean pastels
Most people have a collection of seashells, and even if you don’t, you can buy them at your local craft store or even Walmart!
Other decor ideas:
- Mermaids and mermaid tails
- Fish net party decor
- Mermaid sequin fabric
- A chest brimming with Ariel’s treasure trove including pearls, antique silver, and forks (dinglehoppers)
- Crabs
- Coral
- Jellyfish paper lanterns
- Seahorses
- Fish tank decor accessories
- Ship’s wheel
- Clamshell bowl for centerpiece
- A fish bowl with sand and sea decor, or even real fish!
- Bubbles garland or clear balloon “bubbles”.
- Add purple to the ocean turquoise blues and greens to match the movie’s iconic color theme
Menu ideas.
On the Mermaid menu were: Octopus Hot Dogs and Shells & Cheese. How cute and easy is that?
Other Little Mermaid menu ideas:
Ariel’s Oyster Pearl Cookies
Nilla wafers are a perfect way to make a sweet oyster shell.
Crab Sandwiches
Fill croissants with simple meat and cheese, or your favorite filling, and pop in toothpicks with googly eyes.
Finding Nemo Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Finding Nemo theme table was created with:
- Sea green table runner
- Fish netting
- Seashells and starfish
- Coral
- Fish figurine lights
- Mother of pearl tray
- Mosaic glass candleholders
- Small tropical plant
Other Finding Nemo decor ideas:
Use many of the same ocean decor ideas from The Little Mermaid, with some special Nemo touches:
- Scuba mask
- Plastic bags with filled with water and fake fish
- Tropical fish, starfish, shark, whale, turtle, or pelican figurines or plushes
Menu ideas.
On the menu for this Nemo dinner were: “Bruce’s Sharkcuterie Board”, Octopus Hot Dogs, “Crustaceans and Sand” Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits, “Crush’s Wave Water” Blue Margaritas for the adults, and Jello Aquariums for the kids.
More Finding Nemo menu ideas:
Jello Aquarium Cups
Here’s a how-to for Nemo-orange Swedish fish swimming in a sea of blue Jello.
Mighty Mrs via Pinterest
Nemo Tangerines
Some googly eyes and orange construction paper fins (make one gimpy!) on toothpicks make a healthy Nemo treat.
via Pinterest
Watermelon Shark
See my easy how-to carve; because fish are friends, not food.
Moana Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Moana theme table was created with:
- Moana theme plastic table runner
- Tropical palm leaf party decor
- Colorful silk flowers
- Rope
- Tropical drink jars
- Candles
Other decor ideas:
- Bamboo tray
- A boat oar
- Flower leis
- Grass table skirts
- Decorative fish net
- Hawaiian straw hats
- Palm leaves
- Tropical flowers—hibiscus, orchids, ferns
- Paper fans
- Large paper flowers
- Colorful balloon garlands
- Rattan table runners
- Tropical fresh fruit
- Coconut shells
- Tiki torches (unlit)
How about an easy pineapple vase? See how in the post, “DIY Pineapple Vase for a Crazy Quick Stunning Centerpiece“.
Menu ideas.
On the Moana menu were: Hawaiian Chicken and Rice and “How Far I’ll Go Jello”.
Other Moana menu ideas:
How Far I’ll Go Jello
Here’s a how-to for Moana Jello Treats with blue jello in a clear plastic cup and a toothpick sail.
Lilo & Stitch Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Lilo & Stitch theme table was created with:
- Tropical silk flowers
- Party decor palm leaves
- Pineapple-shaped hurricane candle holder and colored lanterns
- Lilo & Stitch “Mohana” bowls
More Lilo & Stitch table decor ideas:
Reuse many of the same Hawaiian Moana decor ideas with the addition of:
- Ukelele or small guitar
- Elvis picture or album
- Stitch figurine or plush
Menu ideas.
On the Lilo & Stitch menu were: Hawaiian Chicken, Eggrolls, and “Stitch Sticks” (sweet potato fries).
More Lilo & Stitch menu ideas:
Pineapple and Ham Hawaiian Sliders
Shaved honey ham, melted mozzarella, and sweet pineapple on Hawaiian rolls brushed with a sweet butter sauce.
Flip Flop Nutter Butters
Pipe a colorful icing flip flop strap on a Nutter Butter cookie and add a cake decor flower.
via Pinterest
For lots of Hawaiian theme party ideas but with a Mexican twist, see the post “Throw the Ultimate Margaritaville Party“.
Coco Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Coco theme table was created with:
- Fabric in bright blue and pink
- Dia de los Muertos fabric from Walmart
- Black and white checkerboard fabric
- Bright, colorful flowers
- Silver candleholders and julep cups as vases
- Mini pinata
- Candy filled skulls
- Mexican fiesta theme paper plates
- Mexican fiesta party banner
Other decor ideas:
- Guitars
- Maracas
- Serape table runner
- Sombreros
- Brightly colored balloon garland
- Paper pom pom flowers
- Framed photos to honor family members who have passed on
Menu ideas.
This dinner was family fun for everyone including the adults. On the Coco menu were: Quesadillas, Beans, Rice, and Orange-Pineapple Homemade Ice Cream.
A Coco theme Disney dinner menu is easy to come up with if you like Mexican food!
Other Coco menu ideas:
Sugar Cookie Skull Fruit Pizza
Encanto Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Encanto theme table was created with:
- Colorful Mexican-inspired pattern fabric
- Basket tray with pompom ball trim
- Colorful flowers in a rustic pottery vase
- Candle holders and colored lanterns
- Custom DIY “doors” for each boy as a backdrop
More Encanto Mexican decor ideas:
Use many of the same Mexican decorations as the Coco theme, but add some butterflies!
Menu ideas.
On the Encanto menu were: Arepas Con Queso, Empanadas, Tacquitos, and Dulce le Leche Ice Cream.
More Encanto Menu Ideas:
Encanto’s Arepas Con Queso
Make the magic Colombian cornmeal cakes that heal Mirabel’s hand.
We Don’t Talk About Bruno Cupcakes
A nod to Bruno’s broken dream vision.
Pirates of the Caribbean Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Pirates of the Caribbean theme table was created with:
- Nautical theme fabric
- Simple DIY “treasure chest” made with construction paper and a cardboard box
- Rope
- Wicker tray with ball trim
- Theme food as part of the centerpiece: Pirates Booty and Golden Coins (Oreos)
- Candles and colored lanterns
- Personalized pirate hats made with construction paper
Other decor ideas:
- Skeletons and skulls
- Eye patches
- Red or black and white stripe head sashes
- Glass bottles with “poison” labels to drink out of
- Fish net party decor
- Ship wheel
- Pirate flag
- Parrot
- Beads and jewels in a treasure chest
- Shells and starfish
- Treasure map
- Messages in a bottle
- Draw “wanted” posters of the kids as pirates
Menu ideas.
On the Pirate menu were: BBQ Jerk Chicken Sliders, Macaroni Shells and Cheese, and the Pirates Booty and Gold Coins (Golden Oreos).
Other Pirates of the Caribbean menu ideas:
Pirate Ship Brownies
A lollipop stick and a piece of red and white stripe scrapbook paper make a brownie into an instant pirate ship.
Treasure Chest Rice Krispie Treats
These chests open up to be filled with more sweet treasures.
Hunchback of Notre Dame Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Hunchback of Notre Dame table theme was created with:
- French-inspired pattern tablecloth with lavender
- Decorative crown home decor as candle holders
- Vintage copy of “Les Miserables”
- Canvas mural of Paris as a backdrop
Other decor ideas:
- Purple gypsy scarf with coin trim
- Gargoyle statues
- Black and white checkerboard fabric
- Candelabras
Menu ideas.
On the Hunchback French menu were: Croque Monsieur Sliders, Creamed Spinach, and Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake.
Other Hunchback menu ideas.
Croque Monsieur Sliders
Here’s a yummy recipe for the sliders using Kings Hawaiian rolls.
Banana Nutella Crepes
A French twist on dessert using kid-approved Nutella.
Aladdin Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Aladdin theme table was created with:
- Toy genie lamp
- Gold sequin fabric
- Gold and purple metallic scarf as a table runner
- Moroccan-inspired lanterns and candleholders
- Gold pears
Other decor ideas:
- Gold Moroccan lanterns
- Brass teapots
- Paper lanterns
- Floor pillows, pillows with fringe or tassels in jewel tones
- Small birdcage painted gold
- Parrot, tiger, or elephant figurines or plushes
- Belly dancing scarves trimmed with coins
- Small “magic carpet” tapestries or rug
- Jewels, gold beads, gold coins
Menu ideas.
On the Aladdin menu were: Chicken Kebabs, Rice Pilaf, Hummus and Tzaziki with Pita Chips, and “Iago’s Cheese and Crackers”.
Other Aladdin menu ideas:
Sword in the Stone Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Sword in the Stone English theme table was created with:
- A plaid flannel blanket scarf
- Crown home decor candleholders
- Silver deer bowl
- Antlers
- Gold dinner bell, candlesticks, and chargers
- Yorkshire England banner backdrop
Other Sword in the Stone decor ideas:
- Toy swords
- Medieval and knight party decor
- Dragon or owl figurines or plushes
- Wizard hat and wand
- Stones, landscape rocks, river rocks
Menu ideas.
On the Sword in the Stone menu were: “Granny’s Squirrel Garden Chicken”, “Merlin’s Magical Roasted Potatoes”, and “Arthur’s Fresh Corn”.
Other Sword in the Stone menu ideas:
Chocolate Pretzel Swords
Pretzels dipped in chocolate make a sweet sword.
Dragon Flat Bread Sandwiches
Fire up their imagination with these dragon tail sandwiches.
Tarzan Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Tarzan theme table was created with:
- Leopard print fabric
- Tropical party leaf decor
- Wicker basket tray of flowers and clementines
- Lanterns
- Animal head wall decor (Hobby Lobby) as a backdrop
Other Tarzan decor ideas:
- Silk ivy vines
- Monkey, elephant, snake, and other jungle animal figurines or plushes
- Palm leaves
- Animal masks
- Binoculars
Menu ideas.
On the jungle menu were: Teriyaki Chicken and Rice, Banana Nutella Crepes, and Clementine Cuties. (See a Banana Nutella Crepe recipe in the Hunchback menu ideas.)
Other Tarzan menu ideas:
Banana Pudding Parfaits
These individual servings of banana pudding are more fun than a barrel of monkeys.
Jungle Cruise Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Jungle Cruise theme table was created with:
- Pineapple-shaped hurricane candle holder
- Tropical leaves party decor
- Rope
- Colored lanterns
- Jungle animal paper plates
- Jungle drink jars
- Animal head wall decor
More Jungle Cruise decor ideas:
Reuse many of the same ideas as Tarzan, but add a safari hat, canteen, and a vintage leather suitcase.
Menu ideas.
On the Jungle Cruise menu were: “Snake Subs” for the kids, Brazilian Steak Sandwiches for the adults, Animal Crackers, and “Amazonian Fish” (Goldfish crackers).
More Jungle Party menu ideas:
Snakewich with Venom Sauce
Bring the python to the party with this entree.
Giraffe Bread
A soft chocolate bread with a delightful giraffe pattern.
Tangled Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Tangled theme table was created with:
- Soft blue gingham fabric
- Gold sequin fabric
- Silk daisies
- Lanterns and candleholders
- Daisy disposable plates
- DIY paper bag lanterns (Tangled sun symbol printed and glued on a white paper bag with a battery-operated candle inside) as a backdrop
More Tangled decor ideas:
- Make a large braid out of yellow yarn
- Crowns or tiaras
- Yellow lily flowers (you may have to add your own touch of purple to make the Sundrop Tangled flower)
- Make a tower out of a paper towel tube and construction paper
- Green chameleon figurine or plush
Menu ideas.
On the Tangled menu were: Angel Hair Pasta, Cast Iron Cookie Cake, “Pascal’s Fruit Cup”, and for the adults, “Rapunzel in Her Castle Cocktail”.
More Tangled menu ideas:
Chicken Broccoli Braid
A stuffed braided crescent roll makes a main dish as stunning as Rapunzel’s braid.
Rapunzel’s Lavender Lemonade Cocktail
A treat just for the adults in Disney princess purple.
Tangled Donut Tower
Build a tower of donuts using skewers topped with a purple icing-covered ice cream cone, or a purple party hat.
via Pinterest
Dinosaur Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Dinosaur theme table was created with:
- Toy dinosaurs from the boys’ toy box
- Dinosaur fabric
- Candles and lanterns
This theme is a no-brainer to decorate for kids that are really into dinosaurs like my grand nephews!
Menu ideas.
On the Dinosaur menu were Dino chicken nuggets, “Dinosaur Eggs” (Baked Potatoes), and “Brachiosaurus Leaves” (Salad).
Other Dinosaur menu ideas:
Dinosaur Footprint Cookies
Have a dinosaur toy “walk” across the cookie dough before baking.
Dino DNA Jurassic Amber
Dried fruit “fossils” trapped in orange jello made in an ice cube tray.
Brave Dinner and Movie Night.
Theme decoration ideas.
This Brave theme table was created with:
- Plaid flannel blanket scarf
- Woodland pattern dishes
- Stoneware crocks
- Copper mugs
- Goblet shaped vase
- Candles
More Brave decor ideas:
- Toy bow
- Arrows
- Wood slices
- Medieval decor
Menu ideas.
On the Brave menu was a Scottish breakfast: Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Biscuits, Hash Browns, and Raspberry Danishes.
More Brave menu ideas:
Brave Iced Rolls
Sweet bread drizzled with orange icing with a cherry on top.
Arrow Fruit Skewers
Spear up some fruit or other tidbits onto a DIY arrow made from a wood skewer and some fabric or scrapbook paper.
via Pinterest
Disney Dinner Toolkit and Tips.
With only a few basic simple elements, you can create endless fun Disney dinner tables. And many of the items can be used in different ways again and again!
- Table overlays and table runners. Use small pieces of inexpensive fabric or fabric remnants, wrapping paper, scarves, and blankets. My niece found most of her fabric at Walmart, where they have a great selection of Disney prints and cheap quilting quarters.
- Lights. You’ll be able to use the same stash of table lighting for multiple tables.
- Lanterns. She uses these black lanterns and colored mini lanterns from Walmart on almost every table.
- Candles. Unless your kids are older, use battery-operated candles. They come in an assortment of pillars, tapers, and tealights.
- Twinkle lights always add a magical touch.
- Candleholders and Candlesticks. Use what you have and keep an eye out while thrifting.
- Vases and trays. Shop your house for trays, bowls, vases, and vessels to fit the centerpiece. No money needs to be spent here.
- Theme table decor touches. My niece always shops her home decor first. If she needs to buy something, it’s usually from Amazon, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Walmart, or Hobby Lobby, and her rule is to never spend more than $15 on decorations. If it’s a movie your kids are really into, you’re sure to already have some perfect centerpiece candidates with toys and plushes!
- Banner or backdrop. To really set the mood, she sometimes makes a backdrop—like hanging the sheet with twinkle lights behind for Encanto, or the Yorkshire, England banner for The Sword in the Stone.
Tips
Ways to raise the fun and lower the time and cost.
- Make the family members part of the story. Like with the Encanto door banners and Pirates of the Caribbean pirate hats.
- DIY the decorative touches. Some are as simple as using a cardboard box, construction paper, wrapping paper, or scrapbook paper, and a marker—like the Pirate treasure chest.
- Add an activity. Have everyone play a theme related game, do a coloring page, or help with cooking or crafting decorations.
- Only decorate the kid’s table. A great way to save a ton of time and money!
- Don’t make a special meal. Just have fun naming the dishes after things and favorite characters from the movie and the kids will see the food in a whole new light.
My niece’s Disney movie nights started as a fun way to get the boys ready for our family trip to Disneyworld next summer. I can’t wait to see all the movie themes she’ll choose over the next year because there are so many!
I’m hoping for some of my personal favorite classic Disney movies—Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. And if I had to choose a favorite Pixar movie, it would be Toy Story, with The Incredibles running in second.
What are your Disney faves? And if you have any fun dinner ideas, share them in the comments!
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Great tips and ideas. Your niece has done an outstanding job with these! Thanks so much for sharing
Kate, thanks for featuring Candice’s Disney and a movie night in your blog. The boys are loving it! What a Mom! Geaux Candice!
Our girl is so creative! I’m amazed that she gets it done at the end of the work day when she should be exhausted!
I almost wish my kids were little again. LOL! Maybe my future grandkids will enjoy these great ideas. Love them all.
I get it—I don’t have anyone to do them for either, but I just love the cute ideas!
These ideas are amazing!!! Adorable!
Thanks Susan! I’ve really enjoyed her creativity and she’s still got a whole list of Disney movies upcoming.