Disney Worlds That Are Real Places You Can Actually Visit
Disney has a long history of borrowing from the real world, and some of its most memorable animated settings are based on real-life locations. Castles, cities, ruins, and natural wonders often start as real locations before being filtered through animation. This results in a fun crossover where movie fans can visit spots that feel familiar. These Disney worlds may be animated, but their roots are planted firmly on Earth.
Up
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Paradise Falls in Up is inspired by Angel Falls in Venezuela, the world’s tallest waterfall at roughly 3,212 feet. Pixar artists traveled to the region and documented the area with photos and sketches. The towering cliffs and sheer drop became central to the story’s sense of adventure and isolation.
The Little Mermaid
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Prince Eric’s seaside castle in The Little Mermaid is inspired by Château de Chillon in Switzerland, which is located along Lake Geneva. The real castle dates back to the Bronze Age and has served as a fortress, prison, and noble residence. Its stone walls and waterfront position make it an easy fit for a fairy-tale royal home.
Hercules
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Ancient Greece is evident throughout Hercules, even if the story takes creative liberties. Several scenes reference the island of Rhodes, including visual hints of the Colossus of Rhodes in its ruined state. The background architecture is inspired by real-world structures, such as the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus.
Mulan
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The climactic scenes in Mulan take place in the Imperial City, which is modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Forbidden City, a complex of palaces, housed Chinese emperors from 1420 to 1912 and now operates as a museum. Its massive gates, symmetrical layout, and ceremonial courtyards were directly reflected in the animated version.
Sleeping Beauty
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The castle in Sleeping Beauty is based on Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. The Romanesque Revival structure was built in the 19th century and is located high above the Bavarian countryside. Walt Disney visited the castle before Disneyland opened, and its influence is still evident in both the film and the theme park icon.
Tangled
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Rapunzel’s tower and kingdom in Tangled draw heavily from Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy. The real site is a rocky island topped with medieval buildings that rise dramatically from the water. The film combines that inspiration with French Renaissance touches and subtle modern shapes.
Finding Nemo
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Finding Nemo spends a lot of time underwater, but it eventually surfaces in Sydney Harbour. The Sydney Opera House, skyline, and the Harbor Bridge are recreated with impressive accuracy. While scuba trips inspired the ocean scenes in Hawaii, the city itself is unmistakably Sydney, minus the fictional address of 42 Wallaby Way.
Brave
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The kingdom of DunBroch in Brave is closely tied to Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands. The real castle, built in the 13th century, is at the meeting point of three sea lochs. Its great hall, towers, and narrow stairways informed many of the film’s interior scenes.
The Emperor’s New Groove
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Pacha’s village in The Emperor’s New Groove takes its cues from Machu Picchu in Peru. The real Inca site is situated approximately 8,000 feet above sea level and features stone terraces, temples, and ceremonial spaces. The movie exaggerates the layout for comedy, but the influence is evident in the steep setting and stone architecture.
Moana
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The island of Motunui in Moana may be fictional, but its appearance and cultural details are primarily inspired by Samoa. Disney filmmakers traveled across Polynesia, with Samoa becoming the strongest influence thanks to its village layouts, shoreline geography, and traditions. The story is set approximately 2,000 years ago, and details such as tattoo styles, ocean voyaging canoes, and communal life were informed by real research rather than guesswork.