Results: Real-Life Locations That Inspired Disney Movies
Published on 02/13/2018
The beautiful worlds found in our favorite Disney movies are works of imagination, but even they are rooted in real-life. 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 or locations were all the more appropriate.

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1.
1.
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. Have you seen the movie Sleeping Beauty, and/or the real life castle it is based on?

Seen the movie Sleeping Beauty
56%
1327 votes
Seen the real-life castle it is based on
4%
100 votes
Both
8%
186 votes
Neither
32%
751 votes
2.
2.
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. Have you seen the movie Beauty And The Beast, and/or the real-life town square it is based on?

I've seen Beauty And The Beast
57%
1350 votes
I've been to the real-life town square it is based on
4%
85 votes
Both
4%
102 votes
Neither
35%
827 votes
3.
3.
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. Have you seen Tangled and/or the real-life island it is based on?

I've seen Tangled
27%
644 votes
I've seen the island
5%
121 votes
Both
4%
92 votes
Neither
64%
1507 votes
4.
4.
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. Have you seen Aladdin and/or the Taj Mahal the palace was based on?

I've seen Aladdin
52%
1228 votes
I've seen the Taj Mahal
4%
92 votes
Both
6%
146 votes
Neither
38%
898 votes
5.
5.
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. Have you seen The Little Mermaid and/or the chateau that inspired the movie?

I've seen The Little Mermaid
49%
1160 votes
I've seen the chateau
4%
91 votes
Both
4%
100 votes
Neither
43%
1013 votes
6.
6.
The Chapel in Frozen was inspired by St. Olaf's Church in Balestrand, Norway. It was also known as the English church because its construction was begun by Margaret Green, an Englishwoman who lived in the nearby mountains with Knut Kvikne, the man she fell in love with. Though she stayed there with him, she was also very pious, and began building the church with him to be able to practice her Anglican faith. Unfortunately, she died before it was completed. Have you seen the movie Frozen and/or this church in Norway?

I've seen Frozen
39%
926 votes
I have seen this church
3%
78 votes
Both
3%
74 votes
Neither
54%
1286 votes
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