Many of us go to Disney to see the faces and places from our favorite movies recreated before us, but have you ever considered visiting the places that actually inspired those movies? Wouldn’t it be incredible to see the locations of our beloved Disney Movies In Real Life? It would be more than incredible, it would be Magical, as Disney always is.
Each location on the following List of 32 Destinations has served as inspiration for the setting of at least one Disney movie, from the earliest films, like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to the latest hits, such as Encanto. There are even a few bonus locations at the end that inspired non-Disney movies that many Disney fans also love (I see you Harry Potter fans).
Let’s Go Travel the World Finding Disney Movie Locations In Real Life!
France
I must confess, after my latest trip to Disney, I came home and decided my new form of self care would be listening to French music while drinking something bubbly (usually seltzer, but always in fun flavors and in a fancy glass), which intrigued me, because I had only spent a short bit of time at the France Pavilion in EPCOT, and I’ve been to the country of France without returning so inspired. And then I realized: Disney LOVES France. There are more Disney movies set in, and inspired by, France than any other country. So with my daily bubbles and French tunes, I’m actually channeling Double Disney!
With all the Disney movies influenced by France, it only makes sense to start our list in this beautiful European country, home to a number of cities that have inspired Disney artists.
1. Paris, France
The City of Light, one of the world’s most famous and beloved cities, and the location of multiple Disney movies.
Ratatouille
Image Copyright Disney
French cuisine is celebrated by the film (and the new immersive ride) Ratatouille, in which the gorgeous city is showcased again and again, almost becoming a character itself. With so much of this fun film revolving around food, the best way to experience Paris like Remy is to taste-test your way through the city, or even better, really immerse yourself in French culture by taking a cooking class!
Cars 2
Image Copyright Disney
While the original Cars movie mostly takes place in a sleepy State-side town (more on that later), Cars 2 offers an action-packed adventure across multiple countries throughout Europe, including, of course, France. Our favorite Cars characters are seen not just racing, but also exploring some of the most popular sights of the city, such as The Louvre Museum, as pictured above. Whether you explore the courtyard like Mater, or venture inside to pay a visit to the famed Mona Lisa, The Louvre should definitely have a place on your Parisian list.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Image Copyright Disney
Another Must-See location in Paris is the Cathedral of Notre Dame, which is obviously showcased in the movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame. As one of the world’s most famous and most visited cathedrals, Notre Dame certainly lives up to its legend, even more grandiose in person than any picture or movie can adequately convey.
Beauty and the Beast (live action)
Image Copyright Disney
Stay with me on this one. When the Beast takes Belle back to the “Paris of (Her) Childhood,” they arrive in a tiny, worn-down apartment perched inside a windmill (reminiscent of the music-box model Belle’s father creates at the beginning of the movie). Details in the movie make it seem like their Paris home was located in Montmartre, which could offer fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower. Why not channel your inner Belle (not by staying in a dilapidated windmill, but) by staying in a quintessentially Parisian room with a view? That’s something we can all say “Oui” to!
2. Alsace, France
Beauty and the Beast
Image Copyright Disney
And speaking of Beauty and the Beast, have you ever wondered what more Belle could be asking for when she sings, “I want much more than this Provincial life?” Her picture-perfect town with freshly baked bread at the daily farmer’s market, complete with open fields overlooking miles of vineyards and countryside, and a town tavern where everybody knows your name is exactly what so many of us wish for, not what we’re trying to get away from! And, that dream-town really does exist in real life! Alsace is famous for its Provincial charm and beauty, for its exquisite cuisine, for the miles of vineyards nearby, and even for its holiday markets. If I were Belle, I’d be perfectly happy with that kind of Provincial life!
3. Chateau de Chambord in Chambord, Centre-Val de Loire, France
Beauty and the Beast
Image Copyright Disney
Apparently, quaint small-town life wasn’t for Belle because she’s more of a grandiose castle kind of girl. She certainly found that “much more” she was looking for in the Beast’s castle, and so can you, when you visit Chateau de Chambord in the famed Loire Valley of France. The turrets and spires of this enormous castle are especially reminiscent of those the Beast climbs and clings to in the movie, so when you visit, keep your eyes peeled as you gaze upward…sure that could have been a large bird you just saw flying between the spires, but maybe it was something, or someone, else…
4. Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France
Tangled
Image Copyright Disney
The picturesque kingdom of Corona, home to Rapunzel and her real parents, matches almost exactly to the commune of Mont Saint-Michel, just off the coast of Normandy. Though annual floating lights may be a tall order for the few residents of this tiny town, you can recreate some other movie moments, like poring over books in the famous library of the Abbey, eating delicious pastries in the nooks and crannies of the small streets, and looking up in awe at the architecture, the way Rapunzel does when she first steps foot in the town she doesn’t even realize is her home. With all its quaint, breathtaking beauty, you may wish you could call this place home, too.
Germany
Yes, there are more places to visit than France to see what inspired Disney Movies in Real Life! If castles are your thing, Germany should be high on your list!
5. Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany
Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella
Image Copyright Disney
Image Copyright Disney
Though it’s likely that Disney artists drew inspiration from a number of castles throughout Europe for those featured in Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, the Neuschwanstein Castle seems to stand out from the rest in similarity and spectacle. A visit to the castle makes an enchanting day trip from Munich, and the legends of the King who had the castle built seem like fairy tales themselves, and you get to decide which to believe! France may outnumber Germany for locations of Disney Movies in Real Life, but the Neuschwanstein Castle served, not only as inspiration for two of the most beloved princess movies, but also became the blueprint for the iconic castles of both princesses, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disneyland, and Cinderella’s Castle in Disney World, so it definitely deserves a spot near the top of the list!
Norway
6. St. Olaf’s Church in the village of Balestrand, Norway
Frozen
Image Copyright Disney
With Norwegian influences prominent in all Frozen full length and short films, it’s no surprise that a visit to Norway will transport you to the magical world of Frozen. Just as EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion is full of architecture, design, and yes, merchandise that you’ll recognize from the films, the country of Norway is full of many of the exact same things, except of course, all the merchandise is authentic to the country, instead of the movie. And you can even visit the very church (St. Olaf’s! Coincidence? I think not!) that inspired the chapel where Elsa’s coronation was held. Don’t forget to bring your own crown to ceremoniously place on your own head for the occasion!
Austria
7. Halsatt, Austria
Frozen
Image Copyright Disney
Although Anna and Elsa’s fictional kingdom of Arendelle has clear ties to Norway, there is more than one country that seems to have served as inspiration for the world of our favorite snowflake-loving sisters. The mountainside town of Halsatt, Austria is similar not just from the outside, but the inside as well, with ice caves available to tour, just stick to the pathways, so you don’t slip on the ice as you sing, “Show Yourself, Step into your power!”
Sweden
8. IceHotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden
Frozen
Image Copyright Disney
What better way to channel your inner Elsa than by staying in an actual Ice Hotel? Not only are the walls made of ice, but so are the bars, beds and of course, sculptures, too, but don’t worry, there are fur blankets and down jackets aplenty. Although Sweden is not the only country where you can stay in an ice hotel (there are others in Norway, Canada and other locales, as well), as of now, Sweden does have the only IceHotel open 365 days a year. Talk about a palace fit for a Snow Queen!
Switzerland
9. Château de Chillon in Veytaux, Switzerland
The Little Mermaid
Image Copyright Disney
Continuing with the castles of princesses, the Chateau de Chillon in Switzerland is spot on as the Real Life castle from The Little Mermaid. Located on Lake Geneva, you could even dip your toes into the water just to see if there’s any bit of magic around that would give you fins instead of legs! Or, assuming your very own Prince Eric is waiting inside, you could belt out “Part of Your World” in hopes of snagging a prince with the power of your voice…one never knows, the voice is a powerful thing after all!
Spain
10. Alcazar of Segovia (Castle of Segovia) in Segovia, Spain
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Image Copyright Disney
Disney’s first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, debuted in 1937, presenting Disney’s first princess in a feature film, Snow White, including, of course, her castle. With the similarities in structure evident between the Castle of Segovia and the castle in Snow White, the famous fortress/palace/castle in Spain seems to be the original inspiration for the very first Disney castle. Definitely a sight worth seeing for any Disney fan!
11. Palacio De Cristal, located in El Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain
Walt Disney World Crystal Palace Restaurant
Although not featured in a movie, The Crystal Palace Restaurant at Walt Disney World was clearly designed to emulate the Palacio De Cristal from El Retiro Park, in Madrid. The restaurant features Victorian Era details and styling, mirroring that of the original in Spain, and while the Disney World version offers a character dining experience with Winnie the Pooh characters, the original Palace in Madrid is now part of a museum, which uses the venue to showcase varying temporary exhibitions.
Scotland
12. Eilean Donan Castle on the island of Eilean Donan, Scotland
Brave
Image Copyright Disney
Located at the intersection of three sea lochs amid the Scottish Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle is widely known to be the most famous castle in Scotland. It’s been featured in a number of films, including Disney’s own animated film, Brave. The whole castle is available for visits and tours, just watch out for any queens that may have been turned into bears lurking around the stone hallways!
13. Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis, Scotland
Brave
Image Copyright Disney
Much like the more well-known and famous site of Stonehenge in England, the Calanais Standing Stones are rich in both history and mystery. And just like the Standing Stones in Brave seem to evoke a certain magic to anyone who enters their circle, the real life Standing Stones perched above the village of Calanais have their own mystical quality felt by anyone who visits the sacred site.
England
14. London, England
Peter Pan and Cars 2
Image Copyright Disney
Image Copyright Disney
With everything there is to do and see in London, it’s a great destination for anyone to visit, and Disney fans traveling to London get the extra bonus of checking off another Real Life Disney Location! Plus, if you want to get super specific, be sure to snap a selfie with Big Ben in the background, to emulate not just Peter Pan, but also Cars 2! Big Ben also plays a part in Mary Poppins Returns, which, unlike the original, actually filmed some scenes throughout London, instead of fully being filmed on a set.
Italy
15. Cinque Terre, Italy
Luca and Cars 2
Image Copyright Disney
Image Copyright Disney
Although the seaside town of Portorosso in the movie Luca is fictional, the real life version is one of the most famous Italian vacation destinations. Cinque Terre is a string of five towns along the Italian Riviera, known for its colorful buildings nestled into the cliffs of the rugged coast. And not only will the buildings be familiar, but the cultural elements included in the movie, such as the love of pasta, the reverence for Vespas, the town squares centered around fountains and full of gelaterias are all prominent in Cinque Terre, as well as throughout the rest of Italy, too. Cinque Terre is also featured in Cars 2, with the race location of another fictional town, Porto Corso. Portorosso and Porto Corso are obviously similar not only in name, but in Real Life Location, as well!
China
16. The Forbidden City, Beijing, China
Mulan
Image Copyright Disney
The Forbidden City was once, as its name suggests, forbidden for commoners to enter, but the Imperial Palace in Beijing is now a hugely popular destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. So while there is no need to channel your inner warrior, like Mulan, to gain entrance to the Palace, summoning your fiercest Disney Princess vibes are highly recommended to get the full Forbidden City experience.
Japan
17. Tokyo, Japan
Cars 2
Image Copyright Disney
As the location for the first race in the World Grand Prix in Cars 2, Tokyo, Japan, left Mater awestruck with its neon signs and bustling city life. Even if you’ve been to Times Square in New York City, or Piccadilly Circus in London, the streets and signs of Tokyo are something else entirely! Might even be a good idea to wear sunglasses at night with all that neon!
India
17. The Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Aladdin
Image Copyright Disney
Known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Taj Mahal is one of the most famous structures ever created. It is of course, no wonder then, that Disney used it as inspiration for the Sultan’s Palace in the movie, Aladdin, set in India. It is also not surprising that the Taj Mahal is one of the most visited places in the world, hosting millions upon millions of tourists every year, who travel to see the grandeur and architectural mastery on display at the magnificent mausoleum.
Australia
18. Sydney, Australia
Finding Nemo
Image Copyright Disney
Even if you’re not trying to find Nemo at “P Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sydney,” making the journey to this buzzing Australian city is well worth it. From the instantly recognizable Opera House and Harbor Bridge, to a thriving foodie scene, you might even start to wonder why Marlin, Dory and Nemo rushed back home so fast…that is, until you visit where home is for them at the next location.
19. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Finding Nemo
Image Copyright Disney
Lining a majority of Australia’s East Coast is the Great Barrier Reef, home to over 1,600 marine life species, including our favorite fish family, Marlin, Nemo, and Dory. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, the Great Barrier Reef has something to offer for everyone, whether you dive, snorkel, or even want to help conserve while staying above water, there is a way for everyone to experience the Reef.
Venezuela
20. Angel Falls in Canaima National Park, Venezuela
Up
Image Copyright Disney
At 3,212 feet tall with a 2,648 foot drop, Angel Falls is the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall, cascading over the edge of the Auyan-tepui mountain in Canaima National Park in Venezuela. Although the movie refers to it as Paradise Falls, it’s easy to see how just the real life name of Angel Falls fits right into the storyline of Disney’s Up, which plucks at just the right heartstrings to make tissues a necessity.
Peru
21. Machu Picchu, Peru
The Emperor’s New Groove
Image Copyright Disney
Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Incan citadel located high in the Andes Mountains, was the inspiration, and also basically the setting, for Disney’s turn-of-the-century movie, The Emperor’s New Groove. To Disney’s credit, not only did they feature the location, but also many of the traditions and cultural details of Incan life throughout the movie. As one of the world’s most breathtaking sites, Machu Picchu definitely deserves a spot on the Disney Movies in Real Life list, as well as any Travel Bucket List.
Colombia
22. Salento, Colombia
Encanto
Image Copyright Disney
Disney is well known for showcasing different cultures through its movies, including specific details that celebrate the region and the people, and one the the latest hits, Encanto, does just that for Colombia. Salento, a colorful town in the Cocora Valley, with bright buildings and shops, and surrounded by the mountains and palm trees of the Los Nevados National Natural Park, was definitely at least one of the sites that inspired the village of Encanto. Besides the beautiful landscapes, Salento is also famous for its coffee, which is even mentioned in the movie’s opening song.
Mexico
23. Guanajuato, Mexico
Coco
Image Copyright Disney
As with Encanto, the Disney artists working on Coco likely drew inspiration from a number of different locations to arrive at the final design for Miguel’s town of Santa Cecilia. Perhaps one of the clearest ties to a Real Life Location is the town of Guanajuato, with a church tower very similar to the one in Santa Cecilia, and even a musical legend that the town pays homage to, not unlike Ernesto de la Cruz. For a true Disney Movie in Real Life Experience, try to plan your trip as close to the Day of the Dead as possible!
United States
Not all Disney movies are set so far away. There are a bunch of films that take their inspiration from right here in the United States, allowing you to check off some Disney Movie Locations in Real Life without even leaving the country, and depending where you live, maybe even by taking a fun road trip!
24. Hawaii/American Samoa/Tahiti (though obviously this destination is outside the US)
Moana
Image Copyright Disney
Although you can find the character Moana in Real Life at Aulani, Disney’s Resort on the Hawaiian Island, Oahu, Hawaii wasn’t the only inspiration used to create the world of Moana. Disney used the lands and cultures of Hawaii, Samoa and French Polynesia, including Tahiti, for the locations and details throughout Moana. This allows visiting a Moana-specific Disney Location in Real Life to be up to you! For the most Disney-esque experience, definitely head to Aulani, where you’ll find lots of characters in addition to Moana, and for a more traditional Pacific Islands vibe, try Tahiti, pictured above!
25. Kauai, Hawaii
Lilo and Stitch
Image Copyright Disney
Another Disney movie that doesn’t just draw inspiration from Hawaii, but is clearly set on the island of Kauai, is Lilo and Stitch. Kauai is famous for its lush vegetation, so it’s easy to find markets selling fresh fruits just like in the movie, even with the architectural style featured in the film as well. And although Kokaua Town in the movie is fictional, it closely resembles the real town of Hanapepe, where you can find the Aloha Spice Company, as pictured, and get a taste of authentic day-to-day Hawaiian life.
26. San Francisco, California
Inside Out
Image Copyright Disney
Although the main character of Inside Out, Riley, doesn’t immediately love her new hometown, San Francisco is a super fun place to visit, and live too (as Riley finds out in the end). Pictured in the movie are famous sites, like the Golden Gate Bridge, and Lombard Street (the World’s Most Crooked/Twisty-Turn-y Street), but San Francisco has a plethora of well known places to visit, and family friendly activities, too.
27. Monument Valley on the Utah/Arizona Border
Cars
Image Copyright Disney
For all the European cities that make an appearance in Cars 2, it’s the American West that’s featured in the original Cars movie. Although Monument Valley is about a 400 mile detour from Route 66, which is a bit different than the afternoon drive Lightning McQueen and Sally take together, both drives, one through Monument Valley, and one along Route 66, are worthy destinations in themselves. Plus, both are so scenic that they’ve been featured in dozens of movies besides Disney films, as well.
28. St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Princess and the Frog
Image Copyright Disney
It’s hard to find a more spot-on replication of a Real Life Location than that of the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, as depicted in the wedding scene of The Princess and the Frog. As the oldest cathedral continually in use in the United States, the St. Louis Cathedral is well worth a visit, as is New Orleans itself, not just to see the Disney Movie Location in Real Life, but for the food, of course, as Tiana herself would tell you! For a real party, Mardi Gras would be the time to visit, and for a more tame experience of the culture-steeped city, basically any time besides Mardi Gras!
29. The Bayou of Louisiana
The Princess and the Frog
Image Copyright Disney
Louisiana has more to offer than the storied streets of New Orleans. Famous for their beauty and wildlife, the Bayous of Louisiana, where our favorite frogs frolic throughout the movie, is actually a place you can visit as a human, too! There are many boat tours that will guide you through the dense trees and waters, but as the Genie says, “Keep your hands and arms inside the carpet,” to be safe from any of the less friendly animals swimming around nearby.
30. New York City, New York
Soul
Image Copyright Disney
The city streets of the recent Disney movie Soul are instantly recognizable as New York City, even before we learn the main character, Joe Gardner, is an aspiring musician trying to break through the West Village Jazz scene. And it’s not just the city streets that the Disney artists of Soul got right, they also offer an accurate representation of the people walking those streets, too, from the blank faces of commuters on the subway, to the sign-toting weirdo (who of course winds up being very wise), to the underground music culture.
31. Grand Central Station, New York City, New York
Wreck-It Ralph
Image Copyright Disney
Game Central Station of Wreck-It Ralph is similar not just in name to Grand Central Station in New York City, but also in architecture. The animated location is a clear homage to the famous train station in Midtown Manhattan. It’s worth visiting Grand Central Station even if you don’t have a train to catch there to see the magnificent architecture from the early 1900s, and also to sample the array of food and stroll the shops housed under the grandiose roof, as well.
32. Salem, Massachusetts
Hocus Pocus
Max and Dani’s House
Image Copyright Disney
Allison’s House
Image Copyright Disney
Salem, Massachusetts, is one of the top Halloween destinations in the country to begin with, but for Disney, and especially Hocus Pocus, fans, Salem is THE ultimate place to get your spook on! From the park where Max and Allison first talk after school, to the cemetery where Max gets his sneakers stolen, to the Town Hall where the Sanderson Sisters put a spell on everyone, to the historical village where Thackery Binx lived, to the houses used as Max and Dani’s, and Allison’s homes, everything is all right there for you to see on your own Hocus Pocus walking tour of the city.
If you thought 32 flavors of ice cream was a treat, these 32 Disney Movie Locations to Visit in Real Life is for sure a wide enough array for everyone to find a destination that fits their fancy!
But, wait! There’s more!
For all those Disney fans who are also fans of some other hugely popular series, like Harry Potter and Despicable Me, here are a few Bonus destinations to add to your list!
Bonus Locations of non-Disney Movies in Real Life
33. London, England
Harry Potter
Although London made an appearance on the Disney Movie Locations in Real Life List, it’s worth noting that there are a bunch of Harry Potter destinations throughout the city that will delight any book and movie fans. There are even walking tours of the city dedicated to showing visitors locations they will recognize from the movies (and while they really are a lot of walking, everything you get to see is totally worth it, speaking from personal experience).
34. Hebridean Isles, Scotland
How to Train Your Dragon
Again, another repeat country, Scotland, but this time a different area. The Hebrides, an archipelago of hundreds of islands off the northwest coast of Scotland, are rugged, yet beautiful, and served as the inspiration for the village of Berk, home of Hiccup and friends, and eventually all of their pet dragons. The Isle of Skye is especially picturesque, and worth visiting, just be sure to watch the skies for flying dragons!
35. The Pyramids of Egypt
Despicable Me
While one of Gru’s greatest accomplishments was stealing an Egyptian Pyramid in Despicable Me, you can be sure that a real life visit to Egypt will allow you to see the very real and original pyramids up close and personal without any of them deflating like they do in the movie. Checking off yet another Seven Wonders location, the Pyramids top the list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
36. Swedish Lapland, Sweden
The Polar Express/Elf/generally any Christmas movie featuring Santa
For any child (or adult) who has ever wanted to visit the North Pole to see Santa, Swedish Lapland is the place to go. There are towns that look just like The North Pole in The Polar Express, reindeer you can visit, and of course, a number of opportunities to see the main man himself, Santa, so you can tell him your Christmas list. And, the IceHotel mentioned as a Frozen location is also in Sweden, so you can belt your best “Let It Go!” and then Jingle All the Way Home at the same time!
37. Soarin’ and World Showcase Locations
While not specifically one last location, it’s worth noting that you can visit almost all of the locations you see on the Soarin’ ride in EPCOT, as well as all of the Real Life Locations that the World Showcase Pavilions are based on. Places like Venice, Italy, the German town square, and the Mesoamerican pyramid from World Showcase, and the Ice Fjords of Greenland, the Fiji Islands, and of course the Eiffel Tower from the Soarin’ ride, among the many other locations featured, are all real places that exist and can be visited!
So, whether you fancy yourself a princess in need of finding your castle, like Belle, or a chef looking for inspiration in the City of Lights like Remy, or a wild spirit who blazes her own path, like Merida, or even just a wanderer in search of Magic, you are sure to find whatever you are looking for, and maybe even something unexpected when you visit any, or all, of these Disney Movie Locations in Real Life.
Ready to Plan?
Now, with over 35 places to choose from, the only question I have for you is, where do you want to go first? I would love to help you plan your next vacation to see as many, or as few, Disney Movie Locations in Real Life as you would like! Click here for your free quote from me, Gina Pantina, a proud member of the Love of the Magic Vacations Travel Agent team!
