While the fairytale settings of the Disney and Pixar movies are generated by the amazing creative minds of the animators, many of them are inspired by real places around the world. Let's investigate shall we?
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1. Alsace, France
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They looked to the charming villages of France's smallest region for inspiration for Little Town in Beauty and The Beast.
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2. Forbidden City, Beijing, China
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3. Ashdown Forest, England
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Winnie the Pooh creator, A.A. Milne based his Hundred Acre Wood on Ashdown Forest near his home, so it was a natural progression for the movie
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4. Cotchford Farm, England
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And the "Pooh Sticks" bridge actually exists too.
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5. The French Laundry, USA
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Ratatouille may have been set in Paris but the inspiration for the restaurant came from as far away from the French capital as you can imagine. It was based on the highly respected restaurant of master chef Thomas Keller, which is in the Napa Valley, CA
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6. Machu Picchu, Peru
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Do the mountains of Pacha's village in the Emperor's New Groove look familiar to you? They should; they're based on one of the most famous sights in the world.
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7. New Orleans, USA
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There's simply no denying that The Princess and The Frog is set in The Big Easy.
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8. U-Drop Inn, USA
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In Cars, Ramone's House of Body Art in the fictional town of Radiator Springs is based on the U-Drop Inn, an Art Deco rest stop in Shamrock, Texas.
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9. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
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Merida’s DunBroch Castle was drawn from the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle on Scotland's west coast.
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10. Akershas Fortress, Norway
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Recognize Anna and Elsa's castle home in Frozen? That was just the outside ...
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11. Stiftsgården, Norway
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The interior of the castle was based on rooms inside Stiftsgården, in Trondheim. And ...
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Stiftsgården is a historic castle located in Trondheim, Norway. It was built in the 17th century as a residence for the Archbishop of Nidaros. The castle has a long and illustrious history, having been home to many prominent figures throughout the years. Today, Stiftsgården is a popular tourist attraction and is renowned for its beautiful architecture and interior design. Inside, guests can admire the intricate details of the castle’s woodwork, furniture, and paintings. Stiftsgården is also home to a number of historical artifacts, including a collection of old books and manuscripts. Visitors can also explore the castle’s gardens, which are filled with lush vegetation and a variety of flowers. Stiftsgården is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the beauty and grandeur of Norway’s past.
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12. Bryggen, Bergen, Norway
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... was the inspiration for the town of Arendelle. And lastly for Frozen ...
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13. Hôtel De Glace, Quebec, Canada
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The inspiration for Elsa's frozen palace.
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The Hôtel de Glace in Quebec, Canada is a unique and magical experience. Built entirely of snow and ice, the hotel features 44 rooms and suites, a chapel, an ice slide, and a bar. Every year, the hotel is completely rebuilt to ensure the highest quality of service. It is the only ice hotel in North America and is a popular destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities including snowshoeing, dogsledding, snowmobiling, and skiing. The hotel is open from mid-January to mid-March and is the perfect winter wonderland for those looking for a unique experience.
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14. Angel Falls, Venezuela
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Paradise Falls in Up! were modeled on The world's tallest waterfall, Angel Falls.
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15. Mont St. Michel, France
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Obvious yes? It's Rapunzel's parents' castle in Tangled.
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16. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
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Art Director for Atlantis has stated that the lost city of Atlantic is based loosely on the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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17. Chateau Du Chambord, France
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The Beast's castle in Beauty and the Beast.
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18. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, USA
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The side on silhouettes of the Cadillacs are echoed in Cars as the Cadillac Range of mountains.
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19. Château De Chillon, Veytaux, Switzerland
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Prince Eric’s castle in The Little Mermaid
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20. Alcázar De Segovia, Segovia, Spain
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The Queen's castle in Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.
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21. Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau, Germany
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Walt Disney visited this castle and it inspired both Sleeping Beauty's and Cinderella's castles with influences drawn from other castles too, including Schloss Hochenschwagenau.
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22. The Serengeti, Africa
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The obvious and natural setting for The Lion King.
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23. The Taj Mahal, Agra, India
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Although the movie is based in the Middle East, in Aladdin, the Sultan's palace is based in look on the famous Taj Mahal.
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24. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
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Finding Nemo starts in the waters of the reef
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25. The Harbor, Sydney, Australia
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And Nemo ends in Sydney's world famous harbor
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26. Kauaʻi, Hawaii, USA
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The stunning setting for Lilo and Stitch.
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27. Notre Dame, Paris, France
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The Hunchback of Notre Dame - the title kinda gives it away ^_^
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28. Bloomsbury, London, England
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The location of the Darling family home in Peter Pan
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29. Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park, USA
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The Grand Fusel Lodge, Piston Peak National Park in Planes: Fire and Rescue
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30. Theater of Epidaurus, Greece
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Proscineum in Hercules
Are you now going to rewatch the movies to match the real locations to the fairytale locations?
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