Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” Movie Review

I was invited as media to cover this event. All opinions are my own.

Earlier this week my family and I had the pleasure of visiting Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground to watch an early screening of Disney’s Pete’s Dragon, in theaters August 12th. The Disney Parks Blog hosted their first-ever “under the stars” movie screening, which seemed perfectly fitting for the film, considering the surroundings. It was our first time visiting the campgrounds at Fort Wilderness. As we made our way to Mickey’s Backyard BBQ Pavilion, we enjoyed the beautiful scenery including horse stables and ponies, and large trees at every turn. Continue reading to hear more about our adventure!

During our BBQ dinner we enjoyed meet and greet opportunities with Ranger Donald Duck, and surprise guest Oakes Fegley – who plays “Pete” in the film. Oakes is so well-spoken and friendly. I loved that my boys had the opportunity to meet “Pete” and experience some of the wonderful opportunities my job provides. They are really connected to this film after reading the chapter book earlier this summer, and couldn’t wait to see the film. Check out this short video interview with Oakes below:

About Pete’s Dragon:

For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted children in the sleepy town of Millhaven with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger in these very woods, his stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home to speak of, who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliot, and from his descriptions, Elliot seems remarkably similar to the fabled dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories.

When Pete’s idyllic life with Elliot in the forest is in danger, Grace, along with the help of Jack’s 11-year-old daughter Natalie (Oona Laurence), sets out to uncover the truth about this dragon and determine where Pete came from…and where he belongs.

Pete’s Dragon Movie Review

I remember seeing the original Pete’s Dragon film as a child and really enjoyed it. I couldn’t wait to introduce my boys to the latest version, and see what updates Disney had made to the film. Pete’s Dragon begins by showing how “Pete” is left alone in the forest and how he comes to meet the mysterious dragon, Elliot. Watching their bond unfold on the screen is truly heartwarming. While screening the film amongst the forest backdrop of Disney’s Wilderness Campground, we were lucky enough to sit directly behind Oakes and his family. As the film continued, Oakes would turn back when the boys laughed and share a smile, offer high-fives, and even asked if they liked the film at one point. It undoubtedly made my boys night!

Returning to the review, Pete is now 10 when he’s finally discovered in the forest. Elliot is fast asleep in what the two call their “home” and after an accident Pete is taken out of the forest. Will the two best friends find one another again? You’ll have to watch it and see!

The remake of Pete’s Dragon is beautifully done, and really touching. The entire family will fall in love with Pete and Elliot on the screen. I highly recommend seeing Pete’s Dragon in theaters, beginning August 12th. You won’t want to miss this wonderful story!

Have you seen the original Disney’s Pete’s Dragon film?