September 14th 2023.
From Aladdin to Avengers: Endgame, Disney movies have been delighting us for decades. As part of its 100th anniversary, Disney has opened its vaults to reveal the secret locations across the world that have inspired its beloved films.
41% of 16 to 44-year-olds have said they would select their dream wedding destination based on these locations - so it's no surprise that almost half of Brits are desperate to experience the magic of these real life settings.
We've compiled a list of the top ten destinations, starting with France's Mont Saint-Michel, which inspired Rapunzel's castle in Tangled. Located in Normandy, the holy island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by 2.5 million people each year.
Croatia's Dubrovnik is another popular destination for Disney fans, as it served as the inspiration for the setting in The Little Mermaid. The city is renowned for its ancient city walls and forts, which overlook the Adriatic Sea.
Meanwhile, France's Chateau de Saumur was the inspiration for Princess Aurora's turreted castle in Sleeping Beauty. The castle was owned by the counts of Anjou and then the House of Plantagenet, and even served as a prison between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Alice in Wonderland fans may be interested to know that Great Fosters in Surrey served as the inspiration for the perfectly manicured hedges in the movie. Located just outside Windsor, it's home to a charming Tudor estate and offers 50 acres of gardens, listed parterres, a fountain and moat.
Ratatouille fans can visit Le Train Bleu in Gare de Lyon in Paris, which served as the inspiration for the fancy dinner restaurant in the movie. The iconic restaurant was built in 1900 and the station buffet opened in 1901, and its interior remains untouched with gorgeous paintings and chandeliers.
Pinocchio was inspired by Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber in Bavaria, a town renowned for its Christmas markets. The Avengers: Endgame scene featuring Thor in the fishing village was shot in St. Abbs in Scotland, which was named after a 7th-century Northumbrian princess.
Finally, Aladdin fans can explore the stunning scenery in Jordan, which served as the inspiration for the movie's setting.
So why not pick one of these amazing locations for your next holiday and experience the real-life magic of Disney!
Aladdin is the tale of a young man who ends up finding a magical lamp with a Genie inside who grants him three wishes.
The palace that Aladdin visits is based on the incredible Petra in Jordan.
Petra is an ancient city situated in the Jordanian desert and has been around since 300 BC.
It’s even been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural and natural heritage.
The city’s most iconic feature is the Treasury, a magnificent façade that was built using rose-red sandstone.
Disney has opened their vaults to reveal a list of 30 locations that have inspired some of their most beloved films. From France to Croatia, these destinations are perfect for Disney fanatics who want to experience the stories that have captivated the hearts of many.
Research by The Walt Disney Company has found that 41% of 16-44 year olds want to select their dream wedding destination based on these locations. Whether you’re planning your special day or just looking for a magical getaway, here are the top 10 locations to visit.
Tangled was a huge success in 2010, and fans of the retelling of the Brothers Grimms’ classic fairy tale Rapunzel can visit the castle she eventually gets to return home to. Mont Saint-Michel in France was the inspiration behind the castle and it is one of the most visited destinations in the country. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been a major pilgrimage destination for centuries.
The Little Mermaid was recently adapted again, but the original 1989 film takes us to the shores of Croatia, more specifically, the city of Dubrovnik. It’s known for its Old Town, ancient city walls and forts, all of which overlook the glistening Adriatic Sea.
Sleeping Beauty is the classic tale of Princess Aurora who had a curse placed on her by Maleficent, leaving her in a deep sleep only to be awoken by a true love’s kiss. The turreted castle was inspired by the Chateau De Saumur in France, which has been around since the 17th century and was even used as a prison at one point.
Alice in Wonderland is a personal favourite of many, and the manicured hedges that appear in the animated movie were taken from Great Fosters in the heart of Surrey, England. The Tudor estate is steeped in royal history and has 50 acres of gardens, listed parterres, a fountain and moat.
Ratatouille was mostly set in Paris, but the fancy dinner establishment was inspired by Le Train Bleu in Gare de Lyon. It was built in 1900 and the station buffet opened in 1901. The interior remains untouched with gorgeous paintings and chandeliers, making it feel straight out of a movie.
The tale of Pinocchio was taken from Carlo Collodi’s 1883 novel and was inspired by Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber – a town in norther Bavaria. It’s also the setting for the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and is a well-preserved medieval town with cobbled streets and Christmas markets.
Avengers: Endgame took the world by storm when it came out in theatres, and the quaint little village where Thor was moping was St. Abbs in Berwickshire, Scotland. It boasts 200 acres of rugged coastline and plenty of bird-watching opportunities.
Aladdin is the tale of a young man who finds a magical lamp with a Genie inside, and the palace he visits is based on the incredible Petra in Jordan. It’s an ancient city situated in the Jordanian desert and has been around since 300 BC. It’s been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural and natural heritage, featuring the iconic Treasury façade.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and explore these magical destinations that have been inspired by Disney films. With 13 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East to choose from, you’re sure to find something to surprise and delight you.
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