18 Real-Life Locations That Inspired Disney (Part 1)

The beautiful worlds found in our favorite Disney movies are works of imagination, but even they are rooted in real-life locations. These images comparing some of Disney’s most iconic locations with their real-life counterparts will make you believe in magic!

The degrees to which Disney’s artists borrowed on these real-life sources can vary, but for most, the link is obvious. A number of Disney’s classics were also based on existing traditional fairy tales, meaning that the references to real-life castles were all the more appropriate.

Sleeping Beauty – Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Image credits: Disney

Image credits: paparountas

The Royal Castle in Sleeping Beauty was inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany. This castle was built by Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1892 as a personal retreat and a tribute to Richard Wagner, his favorite composer. Ludwig II, known by some as the Swan King, was an enthusiastic art patron, leaving beautiful structures throughout Bavaria.

Beauty and the Beast – Alsace, France

Image credits: Disney

Image credits: Tambako The Jaguar

This small village square in Beauty And The Beast was inspired by Alsace, a picturesque region in North-West France that, throughout most of Europe’s history, was politically German. As such, it has a blend of these two cultures, which can be found in the names of various locations and especially in the region’s beautiful pastoral architecture.

Tangled – Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, France

Image credits: Disney

Image credits: PEC Photo

The Kingdom of Corona in Tangled was inspired by Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France. This unique island commune is periodically cut off from the mainland by tidal waters. This made it an easily defensible position that was ideal for a fortified cloister. Today, its striking appearance makes it a popular attraction for tourists.

Up – Angel Falls, Venezuela

Image credits: Pixar

Image credits: Alice Nerr

Paradise Falls in Up was inspired by Angel Falls (also known as Kerepakupai Vena in the indigenous Pemon language) in Venezuela. With an uninterrupted fall of 979m (3,212ft), it is the world’s highest waterfall. It falls from a mountain called Auyantepui, which is one of several table-topped “tepui” mountains in Venezuela.

Aladdin – Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Image credits: Razvan Ciuca

The Sultan’s Palace in Aladdin was inspired by the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Thought by many to be a palace, the Taj Mahal is actually a magnificent tomb that Emperor Shah Jahan began building in 1632 for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The iconic tomb is is encased in white marble and surrounded by lush gardens.

Mulan – Forbidden City, Beijing, China

Image credits: Disney

Image credits: Makenzie & Shakyston & Abigail

The Emperor’s home in Mulan was inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. Though it is now open to tourists, it was once home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The expansive palace was considered “Forbidden” because it was the residence of the emperor, and no one could enter or leave without his permission.

The Little Mermaid – Chateau De Chillon, Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Image credits: Elfi Kluck

Prince Eric’s castle in The Little Mermaid was inspired by Chateau De Chillon on Lake Geneva in Switzerland. The chateau dates back to the Roman empire, when it was used to guard a road through the Alps. Not only is the since-updated castle itself beautiful, but its position directly on the shores of Lake Geneva makes it the perfect fairytale setting.