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?
1 Alsace, France
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
3 Ashdown Forest, England
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
4 Cotchford Farm, England
And the "Pooh Sticks" bridge actually exists too.
5 The French Laundry, USA
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
6 Machu Picchu, Peru
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.
7 New Orleans, USA
There's simply no denying that The Princess and The Frog is set in The Big Easy.
8 U-Drop Inn, USA
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.
9 Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Merida’s DunBroch Castle was drawn from the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle on Scotland's west coast.
10 Akershas Fortress, Norway
Recognize Anna and Elsa's castle home in Frozen? That was just the outside ...
11 Stiftsgården, Norway
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.
12 Bryggen, Bergen, Norway
... was the inspiration for the town of Arendelle. And lastly for Frozen ...
13 Hôtel De Glace, Quebec, Canada
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.
14 Angel Falls, Venezuela
Paradise Falls in Up! were modeled on The world's tallest waterfall, Angel Falls.
15 Mont St. Michel, France
Obvious yes? It's Rapunzel's parents' castle in Tangled.
16 Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Art Director for Atlantis has stated that the lost city of Atlantic is based loosely on the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site.
17 Chateau Du Chambord, France
The Beast's castle in Beauty and the Beast.
18 Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, USA
The side on silhouettes of the Cadillacs are echoed in Cars as the Cadillac Range of mountains.
19 Château De Chillon, Veytaux, Switzerland
Prince Eric’s castle in The Little Mermaid
20 Alcázar De Segovia, Segovia, Spain
The Queen's castle in Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.
21 Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau, Germany
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.
22 The Serengeti, Africa
The obvious and natural setting for The Lion King.
23 The Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Although the movie is based in the Middle East, in Aladdin, the Sultan's palace is based in look on the famous Taj Mahal.
24 Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Finding Nemo starts in the waters of the reef
25 The Harbor, Sydney, Australia
And Nemo ends in Sydney's world famous harbor
26 Kauaʻi, Hawaii, USA
The stunning setting for Lilo and Stitch.
27 Notre Dame, Paris, France
The Hunchback of Notre Dame - the title kinda gives it away ^_^
28 Bloomsbury, London, England
The location of the Darling family home in Peter Pan
29 Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park, USA
The Grand Fusel Lodge, Piston Peak National Park in Planes: Fire and Rescue
30 Theater of Epidaurus, Greece
Proscineum in Hercules
Are you now going to rewatch the movies to match the real locations to the fairytale locations?
