For many of us, Disney movies were a huge part of our childhood. They were magical, wonderful, and always left us wanting more. As we’ve grown older, we’ve come to appreciate them even more. Now, you can relive the magic of your favorite Disney movies by visiting the real life places that they were filmed in! From Sleeping Beauty’s castle to Cinderella’s ballroom, there are plenty of places to explore. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
What are the real life places that featured in Disney movies?
Disney movies are based on real life places for the most part. Here are some places that featured in Disney movies to make you feel nostalgic:
The Little Mermaid – Chateau De Chillon, Lake Geneva, Switzerland
The Little Mermaid is one of the most iconic and well-loved Disney movies of all time. The film tells the story of Ariel, a mermaid who dreams of becoming human and falling in love with Prince Eric.
One of the most memorable scenes from The Little Mermaid is when Ariel and Eric dance together in the ballroom at Chateau De Chillon, a real life castle located on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
Visiting Chateau De Chillon is like stepping back in time. The castle dates back to the 13th century and has been beautifully preserved. Visitors can explore the many rooms and chambers, including the Great Hall where Ariel and Eric danced in The Little Mermaid. Seeing the castle in person is sure to be a magical experience for any fan of the film.
Beauty and the Beast – Alsace, France
When it comes to Disney films, Alsace, France is best known for being the setting of Beauty and the Beast. The film's opening scene shows Belle's home village of Villeneuve surrounded by mountains, which were actually the Vosges Mountains in northeastern France.
If you're a fan of the film, you can visit many of the real-life places that served as inspiration for Disney's animators. For example, the castle that Belle visits in the film is based on the Château de Chillon in Montreux, Switzerland. And if you're looking for a place to stay that will make you feel like royalty, consider booking a room at the Grand Hotel du Parc in Strasbourg – it was used as a model for Beast's castle!
Tangled – Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
If you're a fan of Disney's 2010 movie Tangled, then a visit to Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France is a must. The stunning castle and island monastery served as the inspiration for the film's kingdom of Corona.
A visit to Mont Saint-Michel is like stepping into a fairytale. The island is home to a medieval abbey and castle that sits atop a rocky outcrop in the middle of a vast bay. It's surrounded by miles of sandy beaches and lush green countryside.
During high tide, the island is cut off from the mainland by a wall of water. But don't let that deter you from visiting – the causeway leading to the island is still accessible during high tide. Just be sure to check the tides before you go!
Once on the island, there are plenty of things to see and do. You can explore the abbey and castle, stroll through the quaint streets lined with shops and cafes, or simply enjoy the incredible views.
Whether you're a diehard Tangled fan or just looking for a unique travel destination, Mont Saint-Michel is sure to enchant you.
Aladdin – Taj Mahal, Agra, India
The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and it's easy to see why it was chosen as a setting for Disney's Aladdin. The opulent palace is a fitting backdrop for the film's magical story, and it's easy to imagine Jasmine and Aladdin strolling through its halls and gardens.
Located in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal was built in the early 1600s by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The palace is made of white marble and is decorated with intricate carvings and mosaics. Visitors can tour the Taj Mahal's main chamber, which houses Mumtaz Mahal's tomb, as well as the mosque and garden complex that surround it.
A visit to the Taj Mahal is a must-do for any fan of Aladdin. Seeing the real-life setting of one of Disney's most beloved films is an unforgettable experience.
Cars – U-Drop Inn, Shamrock, Texas
Cars is one of the most popular Disney movies of all time. The movie tells the story of Lightning McQueen, a hotshot racecar who gets stranded in the small town of Radiator Springs. While there, he learns the importance of friendship and family.
The U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas was used as the model for the film's Radiator Springs. The building was designed by J.C. Wyatt in 1936 and is a prime example of art deco architecture. It's now a museum that houses memorabilia from the movie.
Visiting the U-Drop Inn is like stepping into the world of Cars. You can almost imagine Lightning McQueen zooming around the town square. It's a great place to take photos and feel nostalgia for the movie.
Up – Angel Falls, Venezuela
If you’re a fan of the Disney movie Up, then you’ll want to add a visit to Angel Falls in Venezuela to your travel bucket list. This amazing natural wonder was the inspiration for the film’s Paradise Falls, and it’s easy to see why.
At 3,212 feet, Angel Falls is the world’s highest waterfall, and it cascades down from a sheer cliff into a jungle below. The best way to see it is by taking a helicopter tour from Canaima National Park, which is where most visitors to the falls stay.
During your helicopter ride, you’ll enjoy incredible views of not only the falls but also the surrounding jungle and mountains. It’s an unforgettable experience and one that will make you feel like you’ve stepped right into the world of Up.
Frozen – Hotel De Glace, Quebec City, Canada
Frozen is one of the most popular Disney movies of all time. The story follows sisters Elsa and Anna as they journey to find each other and save their kingdom from a never-ending winter.
One of the most iconic scenes in the movie is when Anna builds a snowman, Olaf, who comes to life and helps her on her quest. The scene was was inspired by Hotel De Glace in Quebec City, Canada. The hotel is made entirely of ice and snow and is open for just a few months each year.
Visiting the Hotel De Glace is like stepping into the world of Frozen. You can explore the different rooms and sculptures made from ice, or take a ride down the toboggan run. There's even an ice bar where you can enjoy a cocktail served in an icy glass.
If you're visiting Quebec City during winter, make sure to add a visit to Hotel De Glace to your itinerary. It's an unforgettable experience that will make you feel like you're part of your favorite Disney movie.
Cinderella – Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle, located in Bavaria, Germany, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The castle was the inspiration for the castle in Disney's Cinderella. Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The castle is located on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria. Construction began in 1869 and was completed in 1886.
Neuschwanstein Castle is open to the public year-round. Visitors can explore the castle's interior, including the king's bedroom and throne room. The castle also has a museum that contains original furniture and paintings from King Ludwig's time.
Mulan – Forbidden City, Beijing, China
Mulan is one of the most iconic Disney movies and its setting, the Forbidden City in Beijing, is just as impressive. The Forbidden City was the home of the Chinese emperors and their families for over 500 years and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the palaces, temples, and gardens of this imperial city and imagine what life was like for Mulan and her family.
Conclusion
There's nothing quite like visiting the real life places that featured in your favorite Disney movies. It's a great way to feel the nostalgia and see the movies come to life. If you're a diehard Disney fan, then be sure to add these places to your bucket list.
